The recurring theme across the US is an increase in the number of sales and sales prices. NAR’s existing home sale report saw a record pace in the number of sales. West Virginia drew top honors with the largest gain in sales activity over the past year.

In addition to volume, housing prices have been rising nationwide. [Condos seem to be leading the way in Massachusetts [Note: Subscription]](http://www.masslive.com/business/republican/index.ssf?/base/business-0/1124178866282500.xml&coll=1).

Around the country housing prices and exist-home sales are setting records or near record levels but the rate of appreciation seems to be easing across the country.

Regional articles:[Wisconsin](http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/index.php?ntid=50766&ntpid=1)[Minneapolis](http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2005/08/15/daily17.html?jst=b_ln_hl)[California](http://www.rednova.com/news/general/209083/southern_california_home_prices_rise_to_new_record/)[Southern California](http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-homes16aug16,0,762231.story?coll=la-home-business)[Wisconsin](http://www.jsonline.com/homes/buy/aug05/348904.asp)[Upstate New York](http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2005/08/17/news/7168.html)