WARWICK, R.I. -- The number of houses sold in Rhode Island increased throughout 2012, and despite gains in the fourth quarter, the median price fell 2.5 percent, to $190,000, compared to 2011, according to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.
Compared with 2011, house sales in 2012 increased by nearly 20 percent, the association said. Sales statistics for 2012 were released Friday.
Close to 26 percent of the 8,014 house sales were distressed, down slightly from 2011, when 27 percent of sales were foreclosures or short sales.
Rhode Island's performance in 2012 followed regional trends. In Connecticut, house sales were up by 14 percent, and the average house price fell 3 percent. In Massachusetts, sales jumped by 21 percent, and median price increased 1 percent.