Strong Year for Illinois Home Sales

CHICAGO—Statewide home sales ended what had already been a strong year on a high-note, according to data just published by the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. A total of 11,279 Illinois homes were sold during December, a 7.9% increase over the 10,454 sold in December 2012. Furthermore, year-end home sales totaled 153,492, up 18.9% from the 129,092 sold during 2012. And the statewide median price in December was $149,000, up 13.7% from December 2012 when the median price was $131,000.

“Since January, Illinois has seen a steady stream of positive data which included strong year-over-year sales and median price growth,” says Phil Chiles, president of the state association and broker-associate with The Real Estate Group in Springfield. “The numbers show that the housing market is a robust one heading into the new year, and consumer interest does not appear to be flagging even in the face of diminished inventories.”