April Illinois home sales were the strongest in two years and statewide median prices remained steady at $135,000 for the second straight month, according to April data released by the Illinois Association of REALTORS® today. Statewide April home sales (including single family homes and condominiums) totaled 9,961 homes sold, a 15.7 percent over last year.

“The fact that median prices remain steady and sales continue to outpace previous-year levels is a positive sign for the housing market,” said Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and Broker/Owner of Century 21 Alonzo & Associates in La Grange Park. “Despite the month-to-month increases in median prices, it’s clear that there still are very attractive deals out there.”

The April housing report garnered media coverage. Here are some of today’s early headlines: