Sales of existing single-family homes in Maine eased slightly, although prices remained strong, rising 2.85% comparing February 2019 to February 2018.
Unit sales were down 0.49%, according to data released by the Maine Association of Realtors.
The median sales price for the 818 homes sold statewide reached $200,000. That price indicates that half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.
"We may be shifting to a more balanced real estate market," Peter Harrington, president of the Maine Association of Realtors, said in a statement. "Since 2011, Maine's real estate economy has been bullish with year-over-year increases in units sold and median sold prices."
Harrington said the sales volume over the past few months has decreased compared to figures from a year ago. Despite the slip, for-sale inventory continues to be tight and is 4% lower than in February 2018.
Even with the slight decrease, the February 2019 data was the third highest February sales volume since 2011.
By county, Somerset saw the largest gain in unit sales from December 2018 through February 2019 compared to the same three months a year ago. Sales rose 21.69%, although the median sales price was down 7.32%.
Aroostook saw the biggest percentage decline in the three months of 22.31%. The median sales price also was down 9.39%.
Sagadahoc saw the biggest percentage rise in median sales price of 15.1%. Unit sales were up 2.27%.
Franklin county had the largest decrease in the median sales price, down 12.24%. The number of units sold was down by 16.47%.
Cumberland saw unit sales fall by 14.21% and the median sales price nudge up a modest 0.61%.
Unit sales in Penobscot were down 4.61%, and the median sales price also was down by 0.37%.
Nationwide, sales were down 1.4% and the median sales price was up 3.6% to $251,400 over the previous February, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Sales in the northeast increased 1.5% and the median sales price rose 3.8% to $272,900.
"Traditionally, now is the time when we see a boost in the listing inventory numbers and a steady uptick in sales statewide for the second and third quarters. Mortgage interest rates are drifting lower, which will also be helpful for home sales," Harrington said.
