Home sales continued to climb in the Wilmington area in May, according to the latest statistics from the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors.

The number of homes sold in New Hanover, Pender and northern Brunswick counties in May this year increased by nearly 19 percent, WRAR reported Friday.

"The Wilmington area real estate market continues to show overall robust activity," said Don Harris, president of WRAR, in a news release Friday afternoon.  

He said the total number of units sold has increased more than 20 percent from January through May 2016 compared to the same period last year. The median sales price increased a modest 3.62 percent over the same time, Harris said.

"One important statistic to note during this same time period is that our Days On Market (DOM) have decreased almost 14 percent," he said. 

In May this year, compared to last May, DOM decreased by nearly 17 percent, from 118 to 98.
 
May 2016 compared to April 2016 saw a slight drop in total sales, but all other categories showed a positive trend, Harris said.

He said in New Hanover County homes priced at $280,000 and below are showing the most active sales and prices between $350,000 and $499,000 are seeing good sales activity, while the luxury market is remaining a buyer’s market, with homes priced at more than $1 million having a 20-month supply.
 

	May 2015	May 2016	May % Change
Total Units Sold	659	783	18.82%
Avg. Sales Price	$249,948	$260,104	4.06%
Median Sales Price	$199,900	$214,500	7.30%
Days on Market	118	98	-16.95%
New Listings	1026	1098	7.02%