Utah home sales jump 'robust' 14%

Utah's housing market was "robust" in the second quarter of this year as sales rose 14 percent compared to the same period of 2004, according to the Utah Association of Realtors.

The group, which represents more than 12,000 Realtor members and is the official trade organization for real estate in Utah, also reported Tuesday that the average home price in the state increased about 13 percent from last year's second quarter to the same quarter this year.

During this year's quarter, Utah Realtors sold 12,529 homes and condominiums at an average price of $194,993. In 2004's second quarter, 10,959 homes and condos were sold at an average price of $172,939.

The average price does not include statistics from Park City, which tend to inflate the average. Including Park City, home prices hit an average of $213,685 in this year's second quarter.

"These statistics are showing that Utah has realized another strong quarter of real estate appreciation, which is continuing to allow for affordable housing in Utah and at the same time allowing gain for those who currently own real estate," said Jaren L. Davis, president of the UAR, in a prepared statement. "The 13 percent gain in housing prices is a good, stable number that shows we are enjoying a healthy, robust housing market in which we are not outpacing affordability."

In Salt Lake County, the report said, home sales increased 9 percent from last year, while condo sales jumped almost 36 percent. The average home price in Salt Lake County was $221,454, about 13 percent higher than last year.

Utah County reported a nearly 15 percent increase in the number of homes sold, while condo sales increased about 4 percent. Home prices rose about 9.5 percent to $207,897.

Home sales increased about 6 percent in Weber County, and the average home price there rose more than 8 percent to $151,056. In Davis County, home sales bumped up 15 percent and prices rose about 13 percent to $192,108.

Park City home sales skyrocketed 40 percent, and the average price rose about 18 percent to $659,000.

In Tooele County, the UAR report said, home sales rose 18.5 percent, while in Washington County they were up almost 11 percent. The average price in Washington County rose 30 percent to $270,078.

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E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com