There is more good news to report about the Jacksonville housing market – home sales are up!

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, home sales in the Jacksonville area rose 16 percent in June over the same month last year. Realtors sold 1,180 homes in June, up from 1,013 in June 2008 and up 18 percent from 1,002 in May. Additionally, housing starts in June rose to their highest level since September 2008 with 300, according to the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, is reporting an increase in traffic and sales at its two St. Johns County communities, Coastal Oaks at Nocatee and Durbin Crossing North.

“We are very encouraged by our success and have seen an increase in traffic and interest the last several weeks,” said Toll Brothers North Florida Division Vice President Jim McDade. “Prices for our exceptional homes have never been better, and several buyers are taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers and low mortgage rates.”

Nationally, housing starts also jumped. New residential construction rose 3.6 percent in June from the previous month. This is great news for everyone in the industry!