Sarasota County median sale prices for single family homes and condos in December 2013 were up double figures over last December as the real estate market ended the year on another high note. Single family home prices were at $189,950 in December, compared to $165,000 last year at this time for a 15.1 percent increase. Condos also saw a big rise, hitting $182,000 in December 2013 compared to $165,100 last year for a 10.2 percent increase.
The 12-month rolling median, which moderates monthly swings, for single family homes was $184,900 in December 2013, up nearly 20 percent from last year at this time ($155,000). For condos the rolling median was $164,900, up 10.1 percent over last year’s figure at this time ($150,000).
Total property sales in Sarasota County in December 2013 stood at 920, with 621 single family homes and 299 condominiums changing hands. This compares to 906 for last December. December 2013 sales bested November’s 787 sales by 16.9 percent. For the full year 2013, Sarasota County had the second highest number of sales ever tracked in the MLS system at 11,184.
“Overall, December 2013 was a great month for real estate in our market,” said SAR President Peter Crowley. “Many of our winter residents and visitors seem to have turned their attention to buying and selling homes. This could be partially attributed to the recent news that predicts increases in mortgage interest rates in 2014. Also, as homeowners see their properties appreciating in value, many are no longer under water and are now able to put their homes on the market.”
