Home sales skyrocketing in midstate

(Harrisburg) — If you’re looking for a house in the midstate, you may be facing a bidding war for some properties.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors says April, May and June made up the best second quarter in more than a decade.

Home sales jumped nearly 14 percent over the same time last year – and median and average sales prices both increased.

It’s just as hot in York County, where more than 600 homes sold in June – the most in 10 years.

Tony Thomas, president of the Realtors Association of York and Adams County, says if people are considering putting their houses on the market, now is the time to do it.

“Despite record highs in sales, we do suffer from low inventory. There are not enough homes on the markets to meet the demands of the buyers,” says Thomas.

Thomas says it may be worth it to get an assessment, because some people may be surprised they have equity in their house.

Buyers also have to do more work.

Adds Thomas: “Sometimes, you have to dig a little bit deeper. You may have to fix a couple things to get in. It doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect home, it’s just not in the perfect condition right now. Either wait for it, or dig a little bit deeper.”

He says for some properties, offers are coming in at asking price, leading to bidding wars.

Thomas notes the hot market is not a bubble because prices have steadily increased in line with historical trends.