The residential real estate market in York and Adams counties is hot, even as the weather grows colder.

As expected, July home sales surged in the Central Pennsylvania region as houses that went under contract after the real estate industry reopened moved to settlement.

Data from the first half of 2020 shows a tale of two real estate markets, according to the Realtors Association of York & Adams Counties; one of a major drop in six-month home sales figures because of the COVID-19 shutdown, and the other of a level of recent activity that should mean strong numbers for July and August – and maybe beyond.

During the eight weeks of the pandemic prior to May 19, an average 79 homes per week sold in York Count.. From May 25-31, the total skyrocketed to 254 - an increase of 322%.

The number of available homes to buy in the Harrisburg area continues to fall, which has led to more competing offers and higher home prices. The median-sale price in May was up 12 percent from last year.

Homes listed for sale in York County are getting gobbled up fast and for more money. At the end of May, year-to-date county home sales were up 5 percent.

Citing a surge of buyers motivated by falling interest rates, the Realtors Association of York & Adams Counties said York County homes sales increased by 7 percent in the first quarter of the year. The association reported 1,253 home sales through March, up from 1,169 sales in the first three months of 2018. “With the ...