December Home Sales:

Total Birmingham area home sales decreased by 4 percent in December 2009 compared to December 2008. 

Total December sales were 765 compared to 798 in December 2008.

The average price in the Birmingham area increased by 7 percent in December 2009 compared to December 2008. 

The December average price was $187,689 compared to $174,968 in December 2008.

The median price in the Birmingham area increased by 8 percent in December 2009 compared to December 2008. 

The December median price was $150,500 compared to $139,900 in December 2008.

Residential inventory continues to drop. 

Current levels are 31 percent lower than the highest ever recorded back in August 2007. Also note current inventory of 9,325 properties is the lowest since March 2006.