Surry Business

Defying both statewide and national trends, Triad-area Realtors sold more existing homes in July 2007 than in the same month a year ago. On average, the homes also sold for higher prices, according to statistics compiled by the North Carolina Association of Realtors.

In the 11-county Triad MLS region, which includes the Surry County Board of Realtors, the Multiple-Listing Service reported 1,621 existing homes sold in July — 14 percent more than in July 2006 — at an average cost of about $192,000 or 8 percent more than in the previous year. Total sales were nearly $274 million, also a 14 percent increase from July 2006. The detailed Triad MLS report is here.

Statewide, North Carolina’s existing-home sales reflected the national housing market recession in July 2007 with a 13 percent decrease in unit sales when compared to the same time period a year ago. About 12,006 units were sold in July. The average existing-home sales price was up 3 percent to $227,700. Total sales dollars for the month were $2.73 billion.

Statewide, year-to-date, existing-home sales are down 8 percent compared to the first seven months of 2006. The average price, year-to-date, is up 4 percent.

All figures are based on information provided by participating Multiple Listing Services, which include Carolina Multiple Listing Service (Charlotte), Triad Multiple Listing Service and the Triangle Multiple Listing Service.

With more than 43,000 members, the North Carolina Association of Realtors^® is the voice of the real estate profession and one of the largest, most influential associations in North Carolina.