Mass. single-family home sales numbers on the rise

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) - The Massachusetts Association of Realtors says the number of single-family homes sold in the state in January jumped almost 14 percent when compared to the year-ago month, the 19th consecutive month of year-over year increases.

The Warren Group, which also tracks the state's real estate market, reported on Tuesday a 10 percent increase in year-over-year sales, and the most sales in January since 2007.

The organizations use slightly different methods to track the market.

The Realtors said the median price of a single-family home rose more than 5 percent, the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year increases.

The Warren Group reported a nearly 7 percent jump in median prices last month.

Both organizations say the January numbers are evidence of a recovering and strengthening real estate market.

Cox Media Group