Even though most people start their New Year’s resolutions on January 1, some people add resolutions as the year progresses. For some, that goal is realizing the dream of homeownership. Beginning the process of buying a home can be daunting, but it is easy enough to begin working on the first step – saving for a down payment. According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 65 percent of home buyers utilize their savings account for a down payment; however, buyers find many other ways to finance a down payment, including selling stocks or bonds, relying on gifts from friends or relatives, retirement funds or using the proceeds from another home sale.

Beginning to build savings should be a priority for potential buyers because it can take some time. According to NAR’s report, it took half of buyers a year or less to save for a down payment, while another 19 percent said it took between one and two years to build their savings account. Additionally, 29 percent said they needed more than two years to save.

Take a look at January’s real estate sales statistics.

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2015

Orange County saw 181 more homes sold in Jan 2015 than Jan  2014, a 16.06% increase. The average sales price increased by 2.22% and the median sales price increased by 5.05% from Jan 2014.  Market times increased by 13 days or 18.84%.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2015

Osceola County home sales decreased by 22 homes, a 5.47% drop. Prices increased with the average sales price up 3.44% and the median price increased by 5.71%.  Market times increased by 6 days compared to Jan 2014.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2015

Seminole County residential sales increased 10.23% with 44 more homes sold in Jan 2015 compared to Jan 2014. The average sales price increased 2.82% and the median price increased by 4.79%. Market times increased by 5 days.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2015

Residential sales in Lake County decreased in Jan 2015 with 22 less homes sold, a 5.53% difference. The average sales price increased by 14.48%, and the median sales price increased by 13.87% for the month compared to Jan 2014.  Market times decreased by 6 days.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2015

Polk County saw 12 more homes sold in Jan 2015 compared to Jan 2014, a 2.07% increase.  The average sales price increased 5.84%, and the median sales price increased by 5.9%.  Market times increased by 9 days.

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