Realtors group reports sales increases in Oldham, Bullitt counties also were comparable from 2014 to 2015

SHELDON S. SHAFER

The sale of single-family homes and condominiums in Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties rose 12 percent in 2015, the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors reported Monday.

Last year, 16,279 homes and condos were sold in Louisville-area counties compared to 14,540 in 2014.

Sales in the three counties were also up 12.5 percent in December 2015 versus Dece! mber 2014.

The median price for single-family homes and condos in all areas in 2015 increased 5.8 percent compared to 2014. The average price for a single-family home or condo also increased 6.2%.

In Jefferson County, the average price in 2015 per unit was $190,764 and the median was $152,500. In Jefferson County last year, 11,258 homes changed ownership, a 13.1 percent gain over the 9,950 sold in 2014.

In Oldham County, 1,051 homes sold at an average price of $291,467 in 2015. Similarly, 1,095 homes sold were sold in Bullitt County at an average price of $167,393. Sales numbers from 2014 were comparable.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, said that while buyer interest remains heavy, available listings that a! re movein ready and are in affordable price ranges remain har! d to come by for many would-be buyers.

Tony Lindauer, Jefferson County property valuation administrator, said recently that homes for sale in Jefferson County are now staying on the market for only about three months, compared with around five months a year ago. He said the demand for homes is great and the supply is limited. That trend demonstrates that investment in homes is in great shape.

The Greater Louisville agency releases monthly statistics on residential home sales. The association represents more than 4,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at (502) 582-7089, or via email at sshafer@courier-journal.com.