The number of homes sold in much of the Cape Fear region so far this year is up 17 percent, according to October data published Friday by the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors.

The total sold during the month was up 4 percent from October 2015's figure, WRAR statistics show. 

“The Wilmington area real estate market from January 2016 to October 2016 continues to show overall outstanding sales growth," said Don Harris, president of WRAR and a Realtor on The Keith Beatty Team of Intracoastal Realty Corp. 

Total sales dollars are up to more than $1.8 billion, but Harris said he doesn't think that figure will pass the $2 billion mark this year.

"The only time home sales have breeched the $2 billion plateau was back in 2005 and 2006," Harris said Friday. "With less than two months remaining in 2016, I don't think we'll reach that ceiling this year."

But next year could be even more outstanding for home sales, he said.

After the election, there "seems to be a renewed sense of energy and optimism for the economy. 2017 may be a fantastic year for real estate," Harris said.
 
The median sales price increased 10.5 percent to $215,000 in October this year compared to the same month in 2015. The monthly sales volume rose by 3 percent, and the days on market measure is down to 88, a 9 percent drop, WRAR stats show.

The association's numbers are based on sales in New Hanover, Pender and northern Brunswick counties through the N.C. Regional MLS.
 

Home sales in New Hanover, Pender, northern Brunswick

	Jan.-Oct. 2015	Jan.-Oct. 2016	% change
Total units sold	6,325	7,412	17.19
Avg. sales price	$277,358	$275,316	-.74
Median sales price	$225,975	$229,900	1.78
Days on market	112	95	-14.53
New listings	9,625	10,055	4.47