Illinois home sales increased 25.3 percent over previous-year levels in April and median prices increased 7.7 percent, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. Statewide home sales in April 2013 totaled 12,621 homes sold, up from 10,076 in April 2012. This was the best April performance since 2007. The statewide median price in April was $145,900.

“The spring numbers are very encouraging, especially as we see substantial tightening of the numbers of homes on the market,” said Michael D. Oldenettel, CRS, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and Managing Broker/Owner with RE/MAX Results Plus in Jacksonville, Ill. “While prices are inching up slightly due to strong demand, the interest rates continue to be a powerful lure for those who want to own a home and the spring housing market looks to be a strong one.”