Florida Resales Dip, but Prices Rise

Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida totaled 21,669 in July, down 8% from the level recorded a year earlier, but median prices were up significantly, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.The median sales price of homes sold in July climbed to $252,300, up 33% from $190,300 in July 2004, FAR said. Among the state's larger markets, resales increased 7% in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area and 1% in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA, while the Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota-Bradenton MSAs led the declines at 28%, FAR reported.