The number of homes sold during the first half of the year in Albert Lea has increased slightly compared to sales from the same time frame in 2012.

There were 100 homes sold through the end of June compared to 94 through June 2012, according to data released this week by the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors.

The data shows there were 19 homes sold in Albert Lea last month, the same as the number sold in June 2012.

Homes are also selling much quicker and for a higher price, the data shows. Houses that sold in June in Albert Lea were on the market an average of 112 days compared to the 170 days on the market for those that sold in June 2012. Houses sold for an average of $72,500 this year compared to $71,000 the same month in 2012, and there were 38 new listings last month.

“June turned out to be a healthy month, with a much-needed increase in new listing inventory,” said Shawn Buryska, president of the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors. “Prices are starting to rebound nicely and sales remain strong, despite a recent uptick in interest rates.”

The number of homes sold in Owatonna through the first of the year remained steady with 145 sold in 2013 compared to the 148 the first half of 2012. In Austin, there were 174 homes sold through June, compared to 191 sold in the same time frame in 2012.