Housing sales are not as high as they’ve been in the past, and the slumping economy is not making things any better.

Dan Smith, president of Source One Mortgage Inc., 1430 DeKalb Ave., in Sycamore, said buyers are being more patient when looking for houses.

“There have been less buyers in recent years which is due to uncertainty in the economy,” he said. “People are waiting for the other shoe to drop. Buyers are sitting on the fence and are waiting for the best deal to come around.”

Marketing instructor Edward Brata said sellers are having the same problem.

“People are selling less because the market value is less and times are tough,” he said.

Smith said houses sold faster a few years ago compared to the present.

“Back in 2006, houses could be sold around 90 days, but now some have to wait up to a year before their house is sold,” Brata said.

Todd Burghardt, president of the DeKalb Area Association of Realtors, sees the economy as the main reason that sales are down.

“The overall financial problems in the U.S. and the credit crisis has been a reason why housing sales are low right now,” he said.

Another problem to add to the situation is that lenders are being strict with potential homeowners.

“Lenders are tightening restrictions for people purchasing homes and are requiring a higher down payment,” Burghardt said.

Burghardt is optimistic that sales will take a turn for the better.

“Within 12 to 15 months I expect to see an increase in housing sales,” he said.