August 18, 2008 - Austin-area home prices continue their upward trend, according to the lastest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report from the Austin Board of REALTORS.  The median price for a single family home reached a record high for July, up three percent from one year ago to $195,000.

In July, 2,071 single-family homes were sold, down 21 percent from one year ago.  These sales contributed $534,206,166 to the local economy.  July saw active listings rise 15 percent from one year ago to 10,913, representing five-and-a-half months of housing inventory.

"Unlike many other areas of the country, Austin continues to enjoy increasing home values," says ABoR Chairman Socar Chatmon-Thomas.  "This, coupled with low unemployment rates and a steadily growing population, makes Central Texas a great choice for home buyers."

While housing sales relaxed, the leasing market remained strong.  the 1,469 properties leased in July reflect a 20 percent increase from the previous year, while the median price of these properties rose by two percent to $1,200.  The average number of days a lease property sat on the market totaled 37 in July, an eight percent decrease from July 2007.


RECAP:   July 2008 - Single-Family Homes

2,071 was the number of single-family homes sold, a 21 percent decrease from one year ago.

$195,000 was the median price for single-family homes, a three percent increase from one year ago and a record for July.

$534,206,166 was the total dollar volume of properties sold, a 21 percent decrease from 2007.



Information provided by The Austin Board of REALTORS and The Showcase USA - local, state and nationwide real estate news   www.TheShowCaseUSA.com