Prices, transaction volume grew statewide in 2012

The volume of sales and median sale prices of townhouses and condominiums in Florida rose precipitously in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to a report released today by Florida Realtors, a statewide industry group. And in the past year, sales volume has increased slightly and median prices nearly 20 percent, said an annual report from the same organization, also released today.

Closed sales in Florida grew 14.3 percent, to 24,743 from 21,640 in the fourth quarter, the report said. The median sales price in the state jumped 24.3 percent — from $90,000 to $111,900.

Overall, 2012 saw more modest improvements, with the number of closed sales growing 2 percent, to 101,876 from 99, 894 last year. The median price climbed 17.8 percent, to $90,000 from $106,000, in the same period, per the report.

For traditional sales, the median price in the state jumped 14.6 percent, to $137,500, from $120,000, while for foreclosure/ REO sales the median price grew 12.2 percent, to $74,900 from $66,760 in the fourth quarter. The median for short sales grew 8 percent, to $81,000 from $75,000. –Guelda Voien