An article from the Associated press stated that home sales grew in the second quarter in 39 states. Again statistics state continual improvement for the housing market. Although numbers are not as high as they were a year ago. According to the National Association of Realtors the total quarterly sales rose 3.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.76 million, from 4.58 million in the first quarter, but were still about 3 percent below a year ago. Nationwide, foreclosures and distressed sales made up more than a third of all sales in the second quarter. Many economists now say that the worst of the housing recession is over, though foreclosures are expected to rise over the next year.
Statistics generated from the Southwestern Michigan Regional Information Center also show an improvement in the housing market. In Holland, Michigan in the past three months 463 homes and condos were sold. In Holland from May to August in 2008 there were 456 homes and condos sold. The average selling price of a home from May to August in 2009 was $143,644. The average amount of days on the market for these homes was 111 days. Compared to 2008 the average price of a home was $167,849. These homes were on the market an average of 123 days. Most of the homes sold in 2008 and 2009 were on the market for 120 or more days. In 2009 there were 190 homes sold after being on the market for over 120 days. This is 41% of the homes sold in 2009. The homes sold in this time period received 91% of the listing to selling price. In 2008 there were 204 homes sold after being on the market for over 120 days. This is 44.74% of the homes sold in 2009. The homes sold in this time period received 95% of the listing to selling price.