As seen in the Orange County Register 1/11/2010

As 2009 neared its end, MDA Data-Quick found Orange County home pricing at its highest in 17 months. For the 22 business days ending Dec. 16, DataQuick’s latest home buying report, Orange County real estate saw: A $441,000 median selling price, for single-family homes and condos combined. The last time it was higher? $461,000 in July 2008. The current price is up 10.3 percent vs. a year ago but 32 percent below June 2007’s peak of $645,000. The most recent median is 19 percent above the cyclical low hit in January 2009 at $370,000.

Prices fell on a year-over-year basis from September 2007 through August. The worst was minus 31.5 percent in August 2008.

Single-family homes resold for 31 percent less than their peak pricing, June 2007, while condos sold 36 percent below their peak in March 2006. Builder prices for new homes were 41 percent below their February 2005 top.

In this most recent period, Orange County shoppers bought 3,063 residences — that is up 11.5 percent vs. year-ago buying activity. (From 1997-2006, monthly sales averaged 4,304 per month.)

Your thoughts and feedback on this topic are greatly appreciated. Please feel free to post your comments.

Keeping you informed about the Orange County real estate market, economy and life in the OC is what I'm committed to doing.

For more great Orange County market insight and industry news visit Laguna Niguel Real Estate or view the Orange County Market Trends at Orange County Real Estate.

Listen to Zen's Laguna Niguel Real Estate Podcast available 24/7.

SEARCH ORANGE COUNTY'S BEST HOMES at Orange County MLS Home Search