Officials with the Iowa Association of Realtors (IAR) said today (Wednesday) home prices rose slightly and sales decreased in February. IAR’s March 2014 Housing Trends Report shows that the average sale price of homes across Iowa was $141,489, up .5 percent from last February. The average sale price in February 2013 was $140,751.

Home sales decreased by 5.1 percent from last year. The realtor’s group reports 1,792 homes sold in February 2014, while 1,889 homes sold in February 2013. Twenty-six of Iowa’s 44 local boards reported increases in average sale price, while 16 boards had increases in the number of sales.

The statewide average number of days on the market last month was 103 days, up 1 day or 1 percent from last February. Twenty-three boards showed a decrease in days on the market. Kathy Miller, IAR 2014 President, says “The extreme cold, snow, and wind that we’ve experienced this winter, has definitely influenced buyers and sellers across the state. Sellers are inclined to wait for warmer weather to list, and buyers are reluctant to move in the inclement weather we’ve experienced.”

Miller expressed optimism by saying, “However, spring is in the air; and we’re sure to see an increase in activity in March. Interest rates remain low, which should bring buyers to the table and help sellers get their properties sold.”