Condo sales rise in Florida, while home sales drop

Sales of existing condominiums in Florida rose 11% in November, but existing-home sales for the single-family market dipped 15%, according to Florida Realtors. The trade group for real estate agents said 5,411 condos sold, up from 4,860 units in November 2009. Thirteen of Florida’s metro areas reported higher existing condo sales in November. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $88,200; down 16% from $104,500 a year ago. A total of 11,900 single-family existing homes sold statewide last month compared to 13,961 homes sold in November 2009. Florida’s median existing-home sales price in November was $132,700; down 5% from $139,300 a year ago. The National Association of Realtors on Wednesday predicted a gradual improvement in home sales in upcoming months, but said a temporary halt to foreclosures in Florida and other states delayed closings and impacted sales activity. MacroMarkets, meanwhile, said housing prices won’t turn positive until 2012 while Veros said some 40% of major markets will see moderate rises in home prices next year. Florida Realtors’ sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. * Statewide figure includes data from the Naples Area Board of Realtors; it also includes data from the Marco Island Association of Realtors. Write to Kerry Curry.