PRESS RELEASE: In a press release to the Maine media today, MREIS reports single-family real estate sales decreased over 28% during January 2008, compared with January 2007, with a total of 495 homes being sold. Statewide median sales prices for those homes dipped just over 2% to a median sales price of $185,000. The median sales price indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. While prices decreased overall, several Maine Counties experienced double-digit price gains during the month of January. Nationwide, real estate sales were down 22.4% from January 2007. According to NAR, the median existing single-family home price dipped 5.1% to $198,700. The Northeastern United States experienced a 25.7% regional decrease in sales. However, NAR reported that prices rose 3.1% to $270,800 in the past year.