Luxury home sales rise 25%

Home sales year-over-year for Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties were down slightly in March, according to a new industry report, though other data is more positive.

The report, from Sacramento-based TrendGraphix, shows that total home sales for the three counties were down 2.6% in March over the same month in 2011. But total sales were up 25.4% over February, the report states.

More positive data lies in pending sales. That figure is up 16.3% over March 2011, and 16.2% over February. Moreover, March's inventory of total listings dropped 23.4% since March 2011 and 5% since February.

Another strong sign, according to the report, is from luxury sales. That market, properties sold for at least $1 million, was up 11.1% over March 2011 and 25% since February.

Sarasota-based Michael Saunders & Co. provided the March TrendGraphix report, which is only available to Realtors and brokers.