Sales of single-family existing homes increased by double digits last month. According to Maine Listings, Realtors across the state sold 1,576 homes during November, which represents an increase of 11.46 percent from a year ago. The median sales price (MSP) for those homes rose 4.24 percent to $200,000. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

“The slightly slower pace of winter is a great time to sell and buy real estate,” says Greg Gosselin, broker/owner of Gosselin Realty Group in York and 2017 President of the Maine Association of REALTORS®. “Buyers tend to be serious and pre-qualified for mortgage financing. Since fewer homes are coming onto the market during the holidays, sellers who list their homes for sale get added attention for their properties. Homes that are properly prepared, positioned, and priced will sell whether it snows or not.

“Through November, the number of home sales statewide in 2017 has exceeded the best-ever 2016 by 0.6 percent. We’re hoping that strong sales activity in December will push 2017 to claim the number one all-time ranking,” added Gosselin.

The National Association of Realtors reported a 3.2 percent national increase in sales of single-family existing homes across the country. The national MSP rose 5.4 percent to $248,800. Regionally, sales in the Northeast were up 6.7 percent and the regional MSP rose 4.0 percent to $273,600.