Fewer existing homes sold compared to same quarter last year


By NADIA GERGIS nadia.gergis@scripps.com


VERO BEACH — Sales of existing Treasure Coast homes leveled off in the second quarter of the year while the median sale price stayed relatively unchanged.

A report released Tuesday by the Florida Association of Realtors showed 1,523 existing single-family homes sold during the second quarter of 2006, down 28 percent from the 2,110 sold during the same period last year.

In the Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Stuart, the median price was $254,500 during the second quarter, compared with $252,400 during the same period last year.

The downward trend is also evident in the local condominium market. The association said sales of Treasure Coast condos decreased 41 percent in the quarter, however the median price was $203,600, up 7 percent from the $190,300 during the same period last year.

Statewide, the median price of an existing home increased by 9 percent to $254,800, while sales were down 27 percent.

In the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area, sales were down 36 percent and the median price rose 1 percent to $394,100. Home sales in the Melbourne-Palm Bay area decreased 28 percent, while the median price remained relatively unchanged at $229,000.

source: TCPalm.com