INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana realtors are focusing on a few new bright spots in the state's housing market, including the decline of foreclosures.

Nationwide, home prices rose for the second quarter, with the median sales price increasing by 4 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors.

In Indianapolis, Metropolitan Board of Realtors numbers show home sales held steady from June to July in Indianapolis, while prices continue to level in the area, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

The median price of a single-family home is only off about a third of a percent from last year at this time, down from $123,900 to $123,430.

Realtors said they're seeing more first-time home buyers taking advantage of a federal tax credit of up to $8,000, along with fewer foreclosures.

"We're seeing that foreclosures only made up about 21 percent of sales in July, versus January, when it was a high of 46 percent of sales," said Eva Gribler with RE/MAX of Indiana.

John Pacilio, who sells homes in and around Marion County, said the competition is stiff, but that it's still possible to sell a home in 90 days or less.

"Basically, you can put it in a nutshell: We're in a price war and a beauty contest," Pacilio said. "If you're one of the top five properties in the area, and you win the price war, and the beauty contest, you're going to get picked."

He advises potential sellers be realistic about the value of their homes, and to realize that it's a buyer's market.