Inman

Florida real estate sales bloom

Sales of single-family existing homes in Florida rose 4 percent in second-quarter 2005 compared to the same time last year, according to the Florida Association of Realtors, with Realtors reporting 74,317 sales, up from 71,724 homes sold in second-quarter 2004.

The statewide median sales price for the second quarter rose 29 percent to $233,600; a year ago, it was $180,700, according to FAR. In June, the national median price of an existing single-family home was $218,600, up 14.5 percent from a year ago. The median is a typical market price where half of the units sold for more and half sold for less.

Among the state’s larger markets, the Miami metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had a total of 3,721 homes sold during second-quarter 2005, compared with 3,702 homes during the same period a year ago for a 1 percent increase. The median sales price rose 29 percent to $351,000; a year ago, it was $271,900.

Also reporting robust sales among the state’s larger markets during the second quarter compared to the same time last year were: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, where 15,817 homes changed hands for a 24 percent gain; and Jacksonville, where 5,022 homes sold for a 6 percent increase. The median sales price also rose in those markets compared to a year ago: in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, up 27 percent to $195,300; and in Jacksonville, up 14 percent to $187,300.

Tallahassee, one of the state’s smaller markets, reported a double-digit increase in existing-home sales during the second quarter, with a total of 1,480 homes sold compared with 1,244 homes a year ago for a 19 percent gain. The median sales price of those homes rose 9 percent to $163,300; a year ago, it was $150,200.

Other smaller markets showing strong resales activity during the second quarter of this year compared to a year ago include: Gainesville, where 1,297 homes sold for a 26 percent boost; and Ocala, where 1,743 homes changed hands for a 9 percent gain. The median sales price also rose in those markets: in Ocala, up 21 percent to $135,600; and in Gainesville, up 7 percent to $176,400.

The Florida Association of Realtors has more than 130,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

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