While national economic numbers continue to be gloomy, there is some sunlight here in Milton. Specifically, Milton housing sales are strong and prices are edging up.

Earlier this week it was reported that housing sales were down nationally, and here in Massachusetts, by over 20% from a year ago; but not in Milton. The chart below outlines the real estate sales in Milton, comparing sales of last Juy (2009) with those of this past July and August’s month-to-date. Sales are slightly up. Note these are numbers from the Multi Listing Service (MLS). It is possible that numbers from Banker and Tradesman might be slightly higher as they include private sales.

Why is the Milton housing market so resilient? “It all goes back to the new schools. People want to live in this town because of the schools,” says Laura Cahill of Cahill Properties RE/MAX Landmark.

Cahill also noted that Milton housing prices are also strong. Realtors often look at 2005 as the benchmark. “That was when the market peaked,” according to Cahill. While she said that the sales are off from that, the average sale price is up. In ‘05 it was $465,000. Today it is $510,000. That is good news for Milton homeowners.

MILTON REAL ESTATE SALES

	July ‘09	July ‘10	Aug ‘10 (mtd)
Single family	25	26	16
Multi-family	1	1	1
Condo	0	3	0
Land	0	0	1
TOTAL	26	30	18

NOTE: These figures are from Multiple Listing service. Banker and Tradesman numbers if anything may be a bit higher at hey include private sales.