Two counties set home sales record

Sarasota and Manatee counties reported a record number of closed transactions in 2015. For the year, the two counties reported 20,691 closed transactions, up 1,302 transactions over 2014, according to a statement.

With the increase in sales came an increase in prices. The median sales price for single-family homes rose 22% to $239,900 in Sarasota County and 12% to $262,963 in Manatee County in December over December 2014. The median sales price for condo prices rose 22% and 6% in the respective counties, the statement adds, for the same time frame.

“These truly are exciting times for the real estate community and reflects the hard work and dedication of our Realtor members,” Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee President Linda Formella says in the release. “Our industry has been steadily and soundly rebuilding, and I am so proud of our professional Realtors and all the industries that support the real estate community.”