GRAYSON CO., TEXAS -- The National Association of Realtors says sales of previously owned homes are at a five year high. Here in Texoma, Grayson County realtors are also selling more homes.

Builders and buyers alike are finding success in the Grayson County housing market.

Nationally, sales of previously owned homes rose in 2012 to their highest level in five years.

Grayson County is experiencing positive trends -- home sales increased by about 9 percent from 2011 to 2012.

"2011 was better than 2010, 2012 was better than 11, and we expect 2013 to be better yet," Ron Schildknecht with Greater Texoma Association of Realtors said.

Before the mortgage bubble burst a few years ago, Grayson County realtors were selling about 1,500 homes a year.

After the housing market crash, they hit a low point -- selling a thousand homes a year.

Now, they're back up to selling 1,200 homes annually. The driving factor -- low mortgage rates.

"Mortgage companies are practically giving away money. If you have a job and you pay your bills on time and you're realistic on what you're buying, you can buy a house today," Schildknecht said.

Those low mortgage rates are driving up the cost of homes.

Homes in Grayson County are selling for more money. On average, they're going for $128,000.

Homes at Sherman's new Austin Landing neighborhood go for $140,000 and up.

Ron Barton with Cupid Homes builds some of these houses.

He used to build houses that sold for $100,000 dollars and less. Now, they're building more custom homes that go for $140,000 plus.

"More and more people are being attracted to this area and the people that are used to living here are getting more interested in building new houses or are upgrading to a new house," Barton said.

Barton says last year, Cupid Homes had its best year building houses, meaning that both new and existing home sales are doing well in the local market.