AUGUSTA (Nov. 21, 2018)— Statewide real estate sales were positive for the kick-off of the fourth quarter. The Maine Association of REALTORS® today reports a 3.44 percent increase in sales of single-family existing homes for October 2018 compared to October 2017. The median sales price for homes sold in October reached $215,000, a 4.88 percent increase compared to October 2017. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.
“The statewide sold statistics through October 2018 are 2.7% ahead of this same time period from 2017, the real estate industry’s strongest year ever,” says Kim Gleason, 2018
President of the Maine Association of REALTORS® and Broker/Owner of McAllister Real Estate in Hallowell.
“We expect a strong 2018 finish. Traditionally, the holiday season continues to be an active time to transact real estate because buyers and sellers are motivated for decision making before year’s end.”
“Overall, Maine home values continue to appreciate and it’s a good time to purchase real estate for your own use or for investment purposes. For many, owning a home is more affordable than renting due to the tax benefits and accumulation of equity over time.”
Nationally, single family sales eased 5.3 percent comparing October 2018 to October 2017. The National Association of REALTORS®’ statistics indicate a national MSP of $257,900—a 4.3 percent increase. October sales in the regional Northeast dipped 6.8 percent compared to a year ago, while the regional MSP of $280,900 represents a 3.0 percent rise.
Below are two charts showing statistics for Maine and its 16 counties. The first chart lists statistics for the month of October only, statewide. The second chart compares the number of existing, single-family homes sold (units) and volume (MSP) during the rolling quarter of August, September and October of 2017 and 2018.
