Single-family home sales fell 23.5 percent in June, marking the fifth straight month year-over-year sales have fallen by double-digit percentages. Last month's 4,313 single-family home sales was the worst mark for June since 1991, when 4,243 homes sold.
"This year's sales slump is carrying on as we compare the level of home sales in 2011 to the inflated number of sales driven by last year's homebuyer tax credits," said Timothy Warren, The Warren Group CEO. "However, June is typically one of the busiest months of the year for real estate closings. It is disappointing to see such a steep decline."
Warren said he hopes to see more positive news in the months ahead because June was the last month in which year-over-year comparisons would have to factor in the homebuyer tax incentive.
Although year-over-year numbers indicate trouble for the state's housing market, the latest Case-Shiller Home Price Index showed a 2.7 percent increase in Boston home prices. The rise in home values may be be a positive signal for the state's real estate industry and may suggest more consumers are interested in moving to the Commonwealth.
More News