The sales of existing homes rose during the month of December by 4% in an annual comparison, according data released by Florida Realtors. 15,550 single family homes sold across the state compared to the 14,923 homes that sold in December of 2009.

The median sales price dropped a bit during the month, however, from $139,800 to $133,100, showing a 5% decrease from 2009 to 2010. In a monthly comparison, the median sales price rose from November to December from $132,700. The median sales price is determined by finding the average, half of the homes sold for more than $133,100 and half of the homes sold for less.

According to Florida Realtors President, Patricia Fitzerald, Its encouraging to close out the year for Floridas housing market with increased sales activity, the homebuyer tax credits helped to fuel home and condo sales during the first half of 2010, while favorable affordability conditions and historically low mortgage rates continued to bring buyers into the market in the waning months of the year.