The Ohio Association of Realtors has reported that the state’s realty agents sold 13,737 single-family homes or condominiums in July, down 0.1 percent from last July’s record-setting pace of 13,747.

The average price of homes jumped 1.1 percent to $157,658 for the month, from $155,974 in July of 2003.

“Fluctuations in mortgage interest rates and an uncertain economic environment may have an effect on sales as we move into the second half of 2004,” Barbara Lach, an Upper Arlington Realtor who serves as president of the association, said in a press release. She also said the solid start to the year ensures that it will rank among the best in terms of sales.

For the first seven months of the year, home sales were up 9.3 percent to $79,585, from $72,835 in the first seven months of 2003. The average home price hit $150,818 in the first seven months of 2004, up 1.7 percent from $148,246 in the same period of 2003.

The Columbus Board of Realtors reported last week that home sales rose 3.5 percent in July and 12.7 percent in the first seven months of the year.

The Ohio association gathers its transaction totals from multiple listing services across the state and includes the sale of new and existing houses and condos. The tally includes only transactions reported to the listing services and doesn’t include residences sold by their owners and homes sold by builders.

Ohio’s state capital is Columbus, which has grown to the largest city in the state, according to local Realtors, with modest appreciation in home values.

“The city has gradually grown into the most populous and exciting metro city in the State of Ohio,” says Realtor Andrew Show, “while still maintaining its mid-western roots and excellent transportation system.”

Show advises, “Lower-priced homes in the metro Columbus area (under $225,000), if in good condition, are selling quickly, but higher-priced home sales are still soft.”

Say Realtors Gina Myers and Jill Fergus, “Columbus has a great central and north-east locations with easy access to I-270, I-71 and 315. A broad range of housing exists in these areas. There’s something for everyone!”

Myers and Fergus say, “Columbus is in a time of market appreciation. Most of the city is appreciating at a steady but modest rate of two to three percent per year. While this is not a dramatic rise, it is consistant. This makes real estate a good, solid investment in Columbus.”

“According to information from the Columbus Board of REALTORS,” says Realtor Raju Mahone, “April home sales this year saw a 15 percent increase over last year. Over 2,286 homes were sold compared to the 1,988 homes sold in April of 2003. Year-to-date, home sales are 16.3 percent ahead the same period last year. The average home sale price in April was $170,986 – a 5.1 percent spike over the sales price in April 2003 which was $162,653. Year to date, Central Ohio homes have sold for an average of $162,975.”