Ohio home sales rose 13.4 percent in July

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Home sales in Ohio increased 13.4 percent in July, marking the 13th-consecutive monthly sales gain, according to the state’s Multiple Listing Services.

Sales of new and existing homes are up 12.9 percent through July compared with the same period a year ago, reaching 63,519 sales versus the 2011 mark of 56,270.

“For the Ohio market- place to attain 13- consecutive monthly sales gains is a remarkable accomplishment, one that is even more notable when you consider the challenges wrought by the economic collapse of 2008,” said Robert U. Miller, president of the Ohio Association of Realtors. “With each passing month, it’s becoming evident that we’re establishing a solid foundation for having a sustainable, growing marketplace going forward.

In addition to the number of sales being ahead of the 2011 pace, the average price also increased. For the first seven months of 2012, the typical sales price is 4.2 percent higher at $133,550 versus the 2011 mark of $127,937.