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Sales of homes in the Roanoke Valley largely were flat in August, compared with 2008.

The Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors reported that 370 homes were sold last month, down slightly from 372 sales in August 2008. Also, last month, 387 homes were placed under contract, compared with 376 at the same time last year.

The association tracks home sales in Roanoke, Salem and Vinton and in Roanoke, Botetourt and Craig counties and portions of Bedford and Franklin counties.

The association reported that 3,871 houses were on the market in August, down from 4,097 in August 2008.

Still, the average price of a Roanoke Valley home dropped to $199,753 during the month, from $205,434 last year.

-- Jenny Kincaid Boone