Central Ohio home sales rose 2.1 percent in August from their year-ago level, according to the Columbus Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.

Realtors reported 2,639 homes sold last month, compared to 2,584 sold during August 2003. Year-to-date home sales are now 10.6 percent ahead of the same period last year.

Homes on the market last month were more affordable than those available one year ago, the association reported. The average listing price of $173,708 was 2.2 percent less than the average sale price a year ago at $177,638.

“This is great news for first-time home buyers,” said Skip Weiler, president of the Columbus Board of Realtors. “More lower-priced homes combined with the low interest rates are allowing many more Central Ohio residents the opportunity to finally purchase a home.”

According to Weiler, the unemployment rate slid a notch to 5.4 percent, the national household employment rose by 650,000 in the past couple months, and the prediction is that we’ll see better than 250,000 net monthly job gains over the next three months. This improved employment situation and outlook are likely factors helping to fuel late-summer home sales.

The Columbus Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison and Morrow counties, and some of Licking, Fairfield, Knox, Logan, Marion and Pickaway counties.

***

What’s your opinion? Send your Letter to the Editor to newsroom@inman.com.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×