June 2009 Real Estate Sales Report Up 20%

June sales and price report

For release:Monday, July 27, 2009C.A.R. reports June home sales increased 20.1 percent, median home price declined 26.4 percent

Quick Facts:· Existing, single-family home sales increased 20.1 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted rate of 514,110 on an annualized basis.· The statewide median price of an existing single-family home increased 4.2 percent in June to $274,740, compared with May 2009.· C.A.R.’s Unsold Inventory Index fell to 4.1 months in June, compared with 7.6 months in June 2008.

LOS ANGELES (July 27) – Home sales increased 20.1 percent in June in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home declined 26.4 percent, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported today.

“Many first-time buyers, especially those who were previously priced out of certain areas, are realizing that tax credits from both the state and federal governments, increased affordability, and low interest rates are creating a prime time to purchase a home,” said C.A.R. President James Liptak.

“June marked the 10th consecutive month of positive sales gains, and the fourth month of rising median home prices.“The statewide median price for existing condos increased for the third consecutive month in June, while sales climbed 27 percent compared with last year," Liptak said.

"Both of these trends are indicative of increased interest in condos on the part of first-time and other buyers.”Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled 514,110 in June at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations statewide. Statewide home resale activity increased 20.1 percent from the revised 427,910 sales pace recorded in June 2008.

Sales in June 2009 decreased 6 percent compared with the previous month.The statewide sales figure represents what the total number of homes sold during 2009 would be if sales maintained the June pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during June 2009 was $274,740, a 26.4 percent decrease from the revised $373,100 median for June 2008, C.A.R. reported. The June 2009 median price rose 4.2 percent compared with May’s $263,600 median price.“Shrinking inventory in the lower end of the market is impacting prices, as many distressed properties are receiving multiple bids,” said C.A.R. Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.

“The year-to-year price declines are diminishing, and are at the lowest level since March 2008.