The Austin housing market continues to be a mixed bag.

There were 31 homes sold in Austin last month, compared to 32 in July 2011, but the 222 sold this year is still 9.4 percent better than the 203 at that point last year, according to data from the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors.

“The market seems to be holding steady in the month of July for home sales,” SEMAR President Angie Schott said.

Schott cites a drop in Austin homes’ days on the market from last year, at an average of 122 this year compared to 135 in 2011, as reason for optimism.

“This is following a strong spring market and a more rapid turnover in housing inventory compared to last year,” she said.

There were 48 homes sold in Austin in June, compared to 33 in June 2011.

The median sales price remains slightly below last year’s, at $75,000 compared to $76,450.

The 222 homes sold this year is higher than Owatonna, at 171, and Albert Lea, at 108. SEMAR did not have data available for the Winona/Goodview market.