By Jim Weiker
Central Ohio home sales continue to climb compared to last year’s dismal performance.
In September, 1,719 homes changed hands in the Columbus area, up nearly 17 percent from the same month last year. September’s sales were down 12 percent from August, the last month of the summer sales season.
The figures offer more evidence that the market is normalizing, following a roller-coaster 2010. Sales boomed during the first half of the year, driven by a federal tax incentive, but collapsed during the second half, when the incentive ended.
For the year through September, central Ohio home sales totals are still slightly behind last year’s sales, but are expected to catch up in the next few months. The number of homes placed in contract during September – but have yet to close – rose 58 percent over last September, suggesting robust sales during the next month or two.
“As home sales for the last three months have surpassed 2010, the year-to-date sales statistics continue to narrow the gap between this year and last year when the home-buyer tax credits were in effect,” said Rick Benjamin, president of the Columbus Board of Realtors. “Although many agents are reporting increased activity, time will tell whether that activity translates into actual home sales.”
Across Ohio, home sales rose more than 14 percent over last September, led by big jumps in some smaller cities such as Athens, Lancaster and Mansfield.
Statewide sales are down 3.4 percent so far for the year.
“In all corners of Ohio, we’ve experienced a significant uptick in activity in recent months, a hopeful sign of an improving and stable marketplace,” said Meg Hudson, president of the Ohio Association of Realtors.
jweiker@dispatch.com
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