Home sales activity in the Granite State saw a February increase of 7.4 percent compared to February 2010, according to data released recently by the New Hampshire Association of Realtors (NHAR). The median price for statewide home sales, meanwhile, fell 7.5 percent for the month, from $200,000 in February 2010 to $185,000 in February 2011. Year to date (January and February), unit sales are ahead of last year’s pace by 5 percent, while median price for that period is down almost 4 percent. “We’re not ready to jump to the conclusion that this is a trend,” said NHAR President Tom Riley, a 35‐year veteran of the real estate industry and president of Riley Enterprises in Bedford. “But I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the housing market appears to be stabilizing, and that’s great news.” Riley pointed to the fact that despite a difficult winter for home sales, this is the second consecutive year that both January and February activity has increased. The last time both January and February showed unit sales gains for two straight years was 2000‐01 and 2001‐02. In terms of local markets, seven of the state’s 10 counties saw unit sales increases in February compared to a year ago, including a 61 percent jump in Carroll County, 42 percent in Coos County and 38 percent in Belknap County. The state’s largest county, Hillsborough, witnessed a 3.6 percent unit sales increase.  Median price, meanwhile, saw increases in four of 10 counties. Click here for February 2011 data residentialClick here for February 2011 data condo With inventory still relatively high, interest rates low and prices competitive, Riley said the market remains ripe for strong sales activity. “There are incredible opportunities for buyers right now,” he said. “It wouldn’t surprise me to see activity continue at a strong pace.” Source:  Press Release from Dave Cummings, NHAR Director of Communications