BOSTON – Rhode Island single-family home sales rose in January to 12.8 percent above the year-ago level, according to The Warren Group, which tracks real estate data across New England.
The statewide total, boosted by gains in Washington and Kent counties, rose to 590 homes from the 523 sold in January 2006. But the median sale price slipped 2.6 percent to $256,500 from $264,000 a year earlier.
Condominium sales statewide edged up to 175 in January from 174 in the same month in 2006. But condo prices also declined, falling 2.2 percent to $235,250.
“After the second half of last year, in which single-family home sales most months fell under year-before numbers, Rhode Island’s housing market appears to be getting more active,” said Timothy Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group.
“One month does not make a trend, but the increase in sales is certainly a hopeful sign. Median prices in the state have stayed remarkably steady, especially considering the large drop in prices seen in neighboring states, like Massachusetts. If sales continue to rise, January’s slight drop in median price will probably be a blip.”
