Refer Tampa Bay Times June 12, 2016. Home prices increased 16.1 percent to a median of $180,000 in the Tampa metro area in February and even higher in Pinellas County, where prices soared 21.6 percent to a median of $189,700 for a single family home.

Prices in Hillsborough County rose 13 percent in February, with the median price of a house at $200,000, Florida Realtors reported in its latest research release.

Inventory of homes available for sale stayed low last month, continuing a sellers market. Sellers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area received 95.6 percent of their original asking price.

Overall, Florida’s housing market saw increased median sale prices and some new listings in February, with closed sales about the same level as a year ago.

The median sale price for homes in the state was $200,000, up 11.1 percent compared to February 2015.

Statewide, home sellers got 95.3 percent of their original asking price, up 1.1 percent year over year, Florida Realtors reported.

“Realtors across the state are reporting great interest from buyers, but with inventory levels still tight for single-family homes, the search can take some time,” said 2016 Florida Realtors President Matey H. Veissi, broker and co-owner of Veissi & Associates in Miami. “New listings increased in February, which is good news for would-be buyers; for existing single-family homes, new listings rose 12.1 percent compared to a year ago; new listings are up 15 percent for townhouse-condo units.”

Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis rolled out several changes to its housing market data report. The new calculation method for new listings does not include listings for properties that were on the market, then signed new contracts within a couple of months to go back on the market.

If you are considering purchasing a home, first contact Ruth Schoenheer to discuss the financing. Ruth Schoenherr is a mortgage broker who will help you find home loans in the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Safety Harbor, St Petersburg and Tampa Bay area. For more information, go to her web site at www.ClearwaterMortgageBroker.net.