Mass. Home Sales Jump In July

Sales of single-family homes in Massachusetts jumped at least 22 percent last month, compared to July 2011, according to two new reports out Wednesday.

Real estate publisher The Warren Group reported that sales rose almost 27 percent in July, compared to the same month last year. The group said it was the best July for sales volume since 2005.

Similarly, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported that sales of single-family homes statewide increased nearly 23 percent last month, compared to July 2011. MAR said July was the 13th straight month of year-over-year increases.

"There are a lot of good signs pointing toward a real estate recovery," Warren Group editorial director Cory Hopkins said in a statement. "But, we are comparing sales to a very depressed market last summer, so it's important to step back and realign expectations."

The statewide median home price was also higher, by about 2 percent, last month.

Both outlets also reported that condominium sales rose statewide in July, compared to the same month last year.