Connecticut home sales rise

BOSTON – Sales of single-family homes in New London County, Conn., increased 43 percent in March in year-over-year comparisons, according to The Warren Group.
The real estate tracking firm said sales of homes increased to 166 in March, up from 116 in March 2009. The median sales price ticked up 8.7 percent to settle at $218,500, The Warren Group said.
Statewide, sales in Connecticut climbed 37 percent in March compared with the same point last year. The median price grew to $240,000 from $222,000, an 8.1 percent increase.
“Connecticut’s housing market has gained momentum over the last few months,” The Warren Group CEO Timothy M. Warren Jr. said. “The tax credits offered to first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners looking to move have aided the market tremendously.”
Warren cautioned though that stubbornly high unemployment and the end of federal homebuyers’ tax credit could affect sales activity throughout the rest of the year.
Like the single-family home market, the condominium market in New London County also showed gains in year-over-year comparisons. Sales in March rose to 26 from 21, a 23.8 percent increase, while the median price rose to $202,590, up from $168,000. Statewide, condo sales jumped 34.4 percent while the median price slipped 1 percent to settle at $178,450.