Home Sales Down in May for State and Dover

Dover saw a decrease in May home sales, according to data released today.

The data, compiled by real estate information firm The Warren Group, showed sales dropped by 20 percent, from five last May to four last month. Year to date sales are also down, from 21 to 13. 

The state had declines in both year-over-year and year-to-date homes sold. There were 3,263 homes sold last month, down more than 25 percent from last year's 4,375 total.

Year-to-date sales decline from 15,683 to 12,731, which represents a near-19 percent drop.

Group CEO Timothy Warren said in a statement that the decline may be related to the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit.

"It's been a tough start to the year, as we've been comparing sales volume against the height of the homebuyer tax credit," he said in a statement. "However, lending standards have also become more stringent, which is slowing the recovery in the real estate market."

Warren said he expects the second half of the year will see improved sales.

Here are the home sales numbers for area towns:

• Easton saw its May home sales fall by 60 percent year-over-year, from 15 to 6. Year to date sales fell from 63 to 38.
• Foxborough had a slight increase in May home sales, going from 12 to 13. For the year, sales are down a bit, from 44 to 42.
• Home sales in Mansfield declined from 12 last May to seven last month. Year to date sales have also fallen, from 46 to 31.
• Medfield's May home sales saw a slight fall, from 11 to 10. For the year, sales have dropped by more than 20 percent, from 44 to 35.
• Norfolk saw its May home sales fall by two, from 11 to nine. Year to date sales have declined from 30 to 26.
• Norton's May home sales fell by 25 percent, from 12 to nine, and its year-to-date sales dropped from 43 to 32.
• Norwood's home sales declined 35 percent, from 20 to 13, and are down 15 percent for the year, dropping from 58 to 49.
• Plainville's May home sales were cut by two-thirds, from six to two. For the year to date, sales are down from 23 to 15.
• Sharon's home sales were up substantially in May, from nine to 15. Year to date sales have also climbed, going from 49 to 51.
• Stoughton home sales were down 40 percent for May, falling from 15 to nine. For the year, sales have fallen from 66 to 53.