The Baltimore real estate market, including Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Harford counties and the city of Baltimore, saw some positive trends in the month of August, according to The Long & Foster Market Minute reports. Homes are selling at a solid pace and some areas are seeing improvements in median sale price and number of homes sold.

The Long & Foster Market Minute reports are compiled from data from residential real estate transactions within specific geographic regions, not just Long & Foster sales.

Median sale prices varied throughout the region when compared to the same month last year. Harford County experienced an 18 percent jump, while Howard County saw a 1 percent increase. Baltimore County experienced no change in median sale price. Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City saw decreases of 2 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

The number of homes sold in the Baltimore region also varied compared to August 2013, with Baltimore County seeing a 3 percent increase, followed by Howard County with a 1 percent improvement. Other areas saw decreases that ranged from 1 percent to 12 percent.

Active inventory increased in the entire Baltimore region in August compared to year-ago levels. Baltimore City experienced a 1 percent increase, followed by Baltimore County with an increase of 8 percent. Inventory in the remaining areas of the region grew from 11 percent to 19 percent.

Many homes in the region are selling in about two months or less on average. Howard County experienced the lowest days on market (DOM) average at 36 days. Homes in Baltimore County experienced a DOM of 59 days, followed by Baltimore City at 60 days and Harford County at 61 days. Anne Arundel County saw a DOM average of 65 days.

“In many areas across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, we’re seeing increased inventory, which means more options for those looking to purchase a home,” said Jeffrey S. Detwiler, president and chief operating officer for The Long & Foster Companies. “Median sale prices have also remained strong, and we’re seeing homes moving off the market at a fairly steady pace. Overall, the real estate market is in a healthy place for continued improvement.”

The Long & Foster Market Minute is an overview of market statistics based on residential real estate transactions and presented at the county level. The easy-to-read and easy-to-share reports include information about each area’s units sold, active inventory, median sale prices, months of supply, new listings, new contracts, list to sold price ratio, and days on market. Featuring reports for more than 500 local areas and neighborhoods in addition to more than 100 counties in eight states, The Long & Foster Market Minute is offered to buyers and sellers as they aim to make well-informed real estate decisions.

The Long & Foster Market Minute reports are available at www.LongandFoster.com, and you can subscribe to free updates for the reports in which you’re interested.