Statewide, when comparing January 2012 to January 2011:

• The number of closed home sales increased 13.9 percent to 3,458;

• The number of pending home sales increased 17.7 percent to 4,226;

• The median sale price of homes increased 1.0 percent to $101,000; and

• The average sale price of homes increased 0.2 percent to $122,209.

"Members have reported being genuinely busy since the beginning of the year and the numbers prove it," said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer. "Seems the pendulum is finally swinging back to the middle of the two extremes we’ve experienced the past several years.

"It goes without saying that Hoosiers must be working and confident in their prolonged employment for the statewide housing market to see major growth," continued Berron. "Two other factors impacting the market are strict mortgage lending standards, and price pressures brought on by foreclosures."

Those looking to monitor the progress of the statewide housing market can place these report release dates on their calendar:

• Monday, March 19

• Monday, April 23

• Monday, May 21

• Monday, June 25

• Monday, July 23

• Monday, August 20

• Monday, September 24

• Monday, October 22

• Monday, November 26

• Monday, December 31

"Regardless, it is difficult to ignore that home prices here in Indiana have historically held their ground and interest rates are at the lowest in most memories. Anyone looking to buy or invest should start with the sortable county tables of this report and then talk to a local REALTOR® who can give the most insight into what’s happening in a neighborhood, city or school district," concluded Berron.