YORK COUNTY — The median sale price of existing homes in York County are up by nearly 15 percent over the same three month timeframe in 2017. As well, more houses sold in the period from Feb. 1 through April 30 than a year ago, and continuing tight inventories in some locations means homes don’t stay on the market for long.

According to the Maine Association of Realtors, which provides statistics on home sales, the median sales price for a home in York County from Feb. 1 to April 30 was $279,999, up from $244,000 the prior year, or an increase of 14.71 percent.

The agency reported that there were 569 homes sold in the three-month period, up from 531 in 2017, a 7.16 percent increase.

“Our April statewide statistics show continued high volume and confidence in home ownership. With limited for-sale inventory and tight markets in many areas of Maine, we’re seeing increasing sales prices. As mortgage interest rates inch slightly upward, the best strategy is to stay informed,” said Kim Gleason, president of the Maine Association of Realtors.

Robert Letellier, with Re/Max Realty One in Biddeford, said inventory remains tight — and sales are brisk.

“I just closed on my 20th property this year,” he said. “We’re definitely ahead of last year.”

Letellier said he has two closings scheduled for next week and seven more in June.

“It’s been a great start of the year, I’m hoping the second half will be as strong as the first,” he said. Letellier said there are so many buyers in the $200,000 to $300,000 range that the few homes that are for sale often receive multiple offers, and don’t remain on the market for long.

Statewide, April-only figures show home sales were up by 8.59 percent — 1,201 homes sold across Maine in April 2018 over 1,106 sold in 2017. Median sales prices were up by 8.11 percent statewide, from $185,000 to $200,000. The agency does not provide monthly statistics for individual counties.

In nearby Cumberland County, 710 homes sold between Feb. 1 and April 30 this year, up by less than one percent over the 705 homes sold in the same period in 2017. Median sale prices were up by 5.45 percent, at $290,000 during the three month period this year , over $275,000 in 2017.

By contrast, in Lincoln County, in Maine’s midcoast region, homes sales were off by nearly 18 percent during the same period, when 87 homes sold between Feb. 1 and April 30 in 2018, down from 106 in 2017. Median sales prices were nearly stagnant, off  by less than 1 percent, at $195,000, as opposed to $196,900 in 2017, the realty association reported.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.