Sales of single-family existing homes rose nearly 12 percent in December, compared with the same month last year. The Maine Association of Realtors says the median sales price also rose in December by more than 6 percent, to $170,000.
The median price indicates that half the homes sold for more and half sold for less.
The figures are on par with home sales nationally, which jumped 11.5 percent in December, compared with December 2011. Nationally, the median sales price increased nearly 11 percent, to $180,300.
Home sales for the year in Maine indicate that the housing market here is picking up speed. In 2012, realtors sold just over 17 percent more homes than they did in 2011.
Maine Association of Realtors President Bart Stevens cites declining inventory and "historically low interest rates and reasonable home prices" for the increase in sales.