March existing home sales in Marion County rose by more than 18 percent over the same month last year, according to a report the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors issued Tuesday morning.

Realtors posted 529 closed sales in Marion, a year-over-year improvement of 18.3 percent over the 447 sold in March 2013.

This the first time Realtors reported more than 500 sales in a month since July, when they posted 518.

“I think people are getting the deals closed now,” said association president Randall Alvord. “The short sales have been thinning out, and the process is getting better.

“There is a demand for homes right now in all categories, from small farms, like a few people I’m working with, to people looking for that traditional (three-bedroom/two bath) in Crestwood,” he said.  See the full article.

By Richard Anguiano

Business editor

Published: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 11:48 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 11:48 a.m.