The number of lived-in single family homes sold in Merced County this January was down 42 percent over the number of homes sold in the same period last year, according to a new report.
A mere 251 single-family, detached houses were resold in Merced County in January 2010, compared to 430 homes sold in January 2009. The statistic could be a simple numerical blip though: 412 homes were sold in December 2009 and a decrease in sales from December to January is normal for the season, according to the DataQuick information released Thursday.
Throughout California, home sales fell 28 percent in January, the firm said.
The company's report also shows that the median sales price for Merced County homes had decreased to $112,000, down 2.6 percent from the $115,000 price point last year.
Sales of new homes were down as well, by half.
In January 2009, 14 new homes were sold, compared to the seven sold here last month. The median sales price of new homes dropped as well to $180,000 from $181,250.
California home sales dipped 33.4 percent in January from December, and 5.4 percent compared to January 2009.
The statewide median sales price for a home last month was $247,000, according to DataQuick. That's down 6.4 percent from $264,000 in December but up 10.3 percent from January 2009, when the median was $224,000.
The January figures show that the market has lost some of the energy it gained when home buyers rushed to ensure they could take advantage of a tax credit, ultra-low mortgage rates and lower prices, said John Walsh, DataQuick president.
First American CoreLogic, another real estate tracking firm, issued a report Thursday that forecasted continued declines in home sales prices.
Their national home price index is expected to continue to fall through April 2010, as high levels of unemployment, housing inventories and foreclosures continue to drive prices downward.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reporter Danielle E. Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.
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