Home sales up in S.W. Florida

Figures released by the Florida Association of Realtors on November 2008 sales of existing homes indicate that home sales were up overall statewide and existing condominium sales were down overall statewide, with median prices overall showing a downward trend.

Existing home sales in Florida for November 2008 versus November 2007 were up 4 percent statewide with median sales prices down 27 percent, although some areas experienced significant differences. Existing home sales on Marco Island were up 79 percent with median sales price down 48 percent and home sales in Fort Myers were up 64 percent with median sales price down 53 percent, while existing home sales in Gainesville were down 41 percent with median sales price down 21 percent.

Existing condo sales in Florida for November 2008 were down 8 percent statewide compared to November 2007, with median prices down 30 percent statewide, although Ocala showed existing condo sales up 50 percent with median prices down 12 percent. Tallahassee showed condo sales down 86 percent and Gainesville showed sales down 61 percent.