Mass. home sales fall

Massachusetts home sales fell for the sixth consecutive month in September, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported today.

Sales of detached single-family homes fell 24 percent from September 2005 to 3,435, and median selling price declined 5 percent to $341,000, the group said.

September condo sales fell 28 percent to 1,546 units, and the median selling price was unchanged at $270,000.

"Today's market reflects the more relaxed, even guarded, approach adopted by many buyers who are waiting to see if prices have bottomed out," said David Wluka, the group's president, and president of Wluka Real Estate in Sharon, in a statement. "Sellers have also become more cautious, with many opting to delay their home search until they've reached an agreement on the sale of their own home."
(Chris Reidy, Globe staff)