During the past two years, there has been a steady increase in the number and value of single-family homes sold in Cayuga County. The trend mirrors what is going on across most of the state

Locally, there was a 13.3 percent increase in housing sales from 2003 to 2004, according to the New York Association of Realtors monthly housing survey. The increase wasn't quite as good as between 2002 and 2003, when the numbers showed a 30-percent increase.

Still, Auburn Realtor John Bouck said two years of steady growth is indicative that the housing market, particularly for single-family homes, continues to rebound.

"I think it's something this market will sustain for quite awhile," Bouck said. "Up until 2 1/2 to three years ago, the market wasn't good. Interest rates were high, there was high unemployment. People waited to buy a house. Prices in this area are good. This is an inexpensive market for now, but I think you will see us playing catch-up, maybe not to New York City, but prices will go up."

That's already occurring. The annual median sale price for a Cayuga County single family home in 2004 was $83,400, compared to $74,600 in 2002. The state median sales price in 2004 was $232,000, compared to $168,500 in 2002.

Sales of existing family homes in the state surpassed 103.000 in 2004 to set a new annual record. Sales gains were reported in 40 counties. In Cayuga County, Realtors sold 613 existing family homes in 2004, compared to 541 in 2003 and 416 in 2002.

In December 2004, there were 64 homes sold, compared to 62 sold the month before. In December 2003, there were 58 homes sold and in December 2002, 42 homes sold.

Staff writer Louise Hoffman Broach can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or louise.hoffman@lee.net.