While it may not seem like it based on the number of homes featuring “for sale” signs, but sales of single-family dwellings in Aroostook County had one of the largest jumps of any county in the state.
According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of real estate in Maine rose 20 percent for the month of August, while prices rose 7.06 percent.
“There’s a continued optimism in the market,” said Bart Stevens, president of the Maine Association of Realtors, in a press release. “It continues to be a great time to list and sell in Maine overall, and those thinking of doing so need to consult with a Realtor knowledgeable of the local area early in the game.”
Statewide, 1,506 homes were sold in August, compared to 1,255 for August 2012. The median sales price (MSP) for those 1,506 homes was $182,000 — an increase of 7.06 percent. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.
In Aroostook County, 122 homes were sold in August, compared to 103 a year ago (18.45 percent increase). The median sales price for homes sold was $95,000, compared to $80,000 last year (18.75 percent increase).
The median sales prices for Aroostook County, however, are among some of the lowest in the state, with only Washington ($85,000) and Piscataquis ($67,500) counties coming in lower.
The National Association of Realtors reported Friday that single-family existing home sales across the country rose 12.8 percent in August, and the national MSP of $212,200 represents a 14.4 percent price increase. Regionally, sales in the Northeast rose 12.7 percent and the regional MSP increased 7.6 percent to $268,800.
“Sellers understand the importance of staging their homes correctly, and those who prepare properly are selling faster,” Stevens said. “There are a lot of motivated buyers out there.”
