The statewide median sales price climbed 27 percent to $230,800; a year ago, it was $181,900. In May 2000, the statewide median sales price was $115,100. A dramatic increase of about 100 percent over the five-year period, according to FAR records. In comparison, in California, the statewide median resale's price in April was $509,230; in Maryland, it was $275,846; in New York, it was $242,000.

According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage was 5.72 percent last month, down from 6.27 percent in May 2004. FAR's sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Among the state's larger markets, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the largest number of resale's last month with 5,482 homes changing hands, a 27 percent increase over the 4,330 homes sold in May 2004. The market's median sales price rose 25 percent to $196,100; a year ago, it was $156,800.