The greater Fredericksburg, Va., real estate market, including Fredericksburg City and Spotsylvania, Stafford, Culpeper and Caroline counties, experienced positive trends in May compared to the same month in 2013, according to The Long & Foster Market Minute reports. Median sale price increased in nearly all areas of the region, and homes in the area are continuing to sell at a steady pace.

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

According to May data, the median sale price increased in much of the Fredericksburg area compared to the year before. Culpeper County experienced the largest increase in median sale price at 14 percent. Stafford County saw a 7 percent increase, while Caroline County saw a 4 percent increase. Spotsylvania County experienced a 3 percent increase, and Fredericksburg City saw the only decrease of 8 percent.

Homes in the Fredericksburg region are selling at a steady pace, with Stafford County experiencing the shortest marketing period at 44 days. Spotsylvania County followed at 48 days, and Fredericksburg City saw a DOM of 66 days. Other areas saw DOM averages of 71 to 78 days.

The number of homes sold in the Fredericksburg region decreased in most areas, though Culpeper County experienced a 12 percent increase compared to the same month in 2013. Active inventory levels increased throughout the region with increases ranging from 1 percent to 33 percent.

“Summer is fast approaching, yet across the Mid-Atlantic, the spring-selling season has yet to fully peak,” said Jeffrey S. Detwiler, president and chief operating officer for The Long & Foster Companies. “While median sale prices rose in many areas last month, the number of sales declined when compared to May 2013. However, homes are selling quicker than this time last year and inventory is increasing. What we’re seeing is a steadying of the market, which will position the housing industry for future growth.”

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 users can subscribe to free updates for the reports in which they’re interested.