The latest sale statistics from the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) show sales increased by 22 percent in January 2013, compared to January 2012. Pending sales, which predict future closings, were at the highest level in nine months at the same time as the available inventory remained near the lowest level in a decade. We see this high level of market activity continuing when now going into our peak season. Large numbers of visitors at open houses, multiple offers and competitive bidding for available homes are resulting in tremendous volume of sales. As a result prices continue to rise; the median sale price for single family homes was 14% higher than last January. The full year median price for 2012 was 13% higher than in 2011.
by Helena Nordstrom, sales associate, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Sarasota, FL
Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR)