Existing-home sales rise in Lucas County in July

8/8/2008

In an upbeat development for the struggling local housing industry, sales and prices of existing single-family homes rose in Lucas County last month.

Average prices jumped 11 percent from July, 2007, to $121,000, and the number of sales increased 2 percent to 431 from 423, the Toledo Board of Realtors said yesterday.

The picture was less bright in northwest Ohio overall. Sales for the month fell 5 percent to 655, and prices dropped 6 percent to $117,000. Through July 31, sales declined 12 percent in the county and 16 percent in northwest Ohio; prices are down 7 percent in the county and 6 percent in northwest Ohio.