Housing sales & prices jump in Central Ohio, statewide

The Columbus REALTORS monthly Central Ohio Housing report showed July home sales of 2,825-the third-highest on record since August of 2005 (2,875) and June 2006 (2,872). Year-to-date sales of 15,988 are the highest ever recorded by the Central Ohio non-profit trade group.

Median sale prices in the Columbus region have increased 4.4% ($145,000) from 2012 year-to-date prices. Homes listed for sale decreased 7% from June 2013 listings, though they were 16.6% higher than July of 2012 according to yesterday's report.

The Ohio Association of Realtors reported a year-to-year increase in home sales statewide in its July housing report. July sales reached their highest point since July 2005 at 13,354, a 25.8% increase from July 2012. Year-to-date sales statewide of 74,666 were 17.5% higher than in 2012.

Statewide, the average sale price for July ($156,738) is a 7.2% increase from July 2012 prices. Total sales volume at the seven-month mark approaches $10.7 billion, 25.4% higher than last year.