The Baltimore real estate market, including Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Harford counties and the city of Baltimore, saw some positive changes in the month of April, according to The Long & Foster Market Minute reports. Some areas of the region saw increases in the median sale price and sellers were receiving close to asking price.

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

The median sale price increased in a few areas of the Baltimore region compared to April 2013. In Howard County the median sale price increased by 9 percent last month, while Baltimore County saw an increase of 5 percent. Anne Arundel County experienced a 2 percent decrease, followed by a 5 percent decrease in Baltimore City and a 7 percent decrease in Harford County.

The number of homes sold in the region decreased in most areas, though Baltimore City experienced an 8 percent increase. Other areas experienced decreases from 1 percent to 13 percent.

Active inventory remained somewhat low in much of the region in April compared to year-ago levels. Baltimore City experienced a 4 percent decrease, while Baltimore County saw a 1 percent increase. Harford and Anne Arundel counties experienced increases of 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively, and Howard County saw a 9 percent increase in active inventory.

Many homes in the region are selling in about two to three months on average. Howard County experienced the lowest days on market (DOM) average at 52 days. Homes in Baltimore County experienced a DOM of 71 days, while Baltimore City saw a DOM of 72 days. Other areas experienced DOMs from 79 to 94 days.

“The spring housing market is beginning to bounce back, and we’re seeing many positive trends happening in the real estate market in the Mid-Atlantic, including in the Baltimore region,” said Jeffrey S. Detwiler, president and chief operating officer for The Long & Foster Companies. “In many places, median sale prices are increasing and homes are selling at a faster pace than in previous months. We anticipate these developments will continue, and we’ll see more great happenings in the real estate market throughout the spring.”

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.