Median Price Rises for West County Homes

Although fewer homes were sold, the median price of single-family homes in the western portion of Ventura County increased 13.6% in December compared to the same month in 1996, according to the Ventura County Coastal Assn. of Realtors.

Home sales totaled 214 last month, compared with 236 a year earlier. The median price of a house was $192,000, up from $169,000 in December 1996. The median price is the point at which half the homes sold for more and half for less.

The median price of condominiums dropped 6%, to $115,000 from $122,000 in December 1996.

Both homes and condos sold in less time than a year ago, the association reported. Homes on the market averaged 89 days before closing escrow, compared with 111 days in December 1996. Sales of condominiums took an average of 64 days last month, down from an 89-day average a year earlier.

Total listings last month included 946 houses on the market and 311 condos. The median price of all houses for sale was $200,000, and the average price was $327,018.

Sales figures represent homes sold in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Fillmore and parts of Ojai.