Home sales in southeastern Wisconsin were down again in April, compared to a year ago, according to the latest statistics from Metro MLS Inc.
In the four county (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties) area there were 1,140 homes sold in April, down 2 percent from 1,163 in April of 2008 and 23.6 percent behind April of 2007 sales of 1,493 homes.
The buyers market is keeping many homeowners from putting their properties on the market. New homes for sale listings in the four-county area are down for the 21st consecutive month. There were 3,182 new listings in April, down 13.1 percent from 3,661 in April of 2008 and down 20.7 percent from 4,014 in April of 2007.
Milwaukee County was the only county in southeastern Wisconsin that had an increase in home sales during April. The reason, according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors (GMAR), is that price increases in Milwaukee County, and particularly in the city of Milwaukee, has prompted first-time home buyers to "jump in."
April homes sales in each county:
- Milwaukee, 728, up 12.7 percent compared to 646 in April of 2008.
- Waukesha, 253, down 25.4 percent, compared to 339.
- Ozaukee, 59, down 9.2 percent compared to 65.
- Washington, 100, down 11.5 percent compared to 113.
- Racine, 136, down 18.1 percent compared to 166.
- Kenosha, 105, down 27.1 percent compared to 144.
- Walworth, 75, down 26.5 percent compared to 102.
