35 houses were sold

The number of homes sold this year continues to dangle below the total for the same time in 2012, but that could be a sign the market is recovering.

There were 35 homes sold in Austin last month, down 29 percent from the 49 sold in June 2012, according to data released this week by the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors. For the first six months of 2013, there have been 174 homes sold, down 9 percent from the 191 through June 2012.

But homes are selling much quicker and at a higher cost. Homes sold last month were on the market for 77 days, a considerable drop from the 149 days for homes sold that month last year. Homes sold for an average of $93,876 this year, compared to $72,500 through six months of 2012.

There were also 57 new listings last month, compared to 35 in June 2012.

“June turned out to be a healthy month, with a much-needed increase in new listing inventory,” SEMAR President Shawn Buryska said. “Prices are starting to rebound nicely and sales remain strong, despite a recent uptick in interest rates.”

May was a good month for home sales in Austin, with 47 sold, compared to 32 in May 2012.

In Owatonna this year, sales are down 2 percent, and sales are down 4 percent in Winona/Goodview. Homes sales are up 6.4 percent in Albert Lea, and 4.6 percent in Rochester.

The 174 homes sold in Austin this year matches 174 in Winona/Goodview and surpasses the 145 in Owatonna, and the 100 in Albert Lea.