Inman

Central Ohio posts record month in real estate

Home sales in Central Ohio set a record for the month of January, as closed transactions grew 7.5 percent from a year ago, the Columbus Board of Realtors reported.

January statistics indicate that 1,346 homes sold last month, up from 1,252 during the previous January, according to the board.

“There certainly is an excellent selection of homes available right now,” said Chris Reese, president of the Columbus Board of Realtors. “And we see from the increase in sales that smart buyers realize that the high inventory and low mortgage rates are a golden opportunity to get more house for their money.”

In keeping with the increased level of inventory over the last several months, listings are also higher than last year. The market is currently offering 14,532 single-family homes and condos for sale, which is 22 percent more than was on the market this time last year. Last month it took an average 102 days to sell a home, up 7.4 percent from a year ago when homes sold in 95 days.

The average sale price last month was $172,267, up 2.6 percent from last year. According to Reese, Central Ohio homes have appreciated about 4 percent per year over the last decade.

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.

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