Florida’s existing home, condo sales up in December and for 2010
Sales of existing homes and condominiums in Florida rose in December, a
positive trend also reported at the close of 2010 as statewide sales
activity posted gains over the previous year, according to the latest
housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
Existing single-family homes sold statewide in December were up 4
percent from December 2009. The statewide existing home median sales
price last month showed a 5 percent decrease, according to Florida
Realtors’ data. However, December’s statewide existing home median price
was higher than November 2010, according to the latest data available
from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). The median is the
midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.
Looking back on 2010, Florida’s existing home sales rose 5 percent for
the year. Statewide existing home sales activity in 2010 also was 37.5
percent higher than 2008 statewide sales, records show. The statewide
existing home median price for 2010 showed a 4 percent decrease.
“It’s encouraging to close out the year for Florida’s housing market
with increased sales activity,” said 2011 Florida Realtors President
Patricia “Pat” S. Fitzgerald.
“Looking to the future, 2011 is going to be a year of opportunity for
buyers and sellers,” Fitzgerald added. “Industry analysts report seeing
steady economic improvements, including more jobs and stronger consumer
confidence, which will have a positive, stabilizing impact on the
housing market.”
The latest industry outlook from NAR offers positive predictions for
2011. “
Continuing gains in home sales are encouraging, and the positive
impact of steady job creation will more than trump some negative impact
from a modest rise in mortgage interest rates, which remain historically
favourable,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “
All the indicator
trends are pointing to a gradual housing recovery.”
Posted: 20 January 2011
Source: Florida Realtors
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