Housing Market Slows Down Nationally

A total of 59,150 new and resale houses and condominiums were sold in California last month, a 7.1% decline from 63,700 in July and down 6.9% from 63,500 in August 2003, DataQuick Information Systems said.

Prices showed no signs of easing in August, which saw the statewide median sale price hit $386,000. That figure, which represents a record, was essentially flat over July and up 18.8% over the same month last year -- the lowest appreciation rate seen this year.