Baltimore-area home sales, prices rise in October

Baltimore-area home sales and prices increased in October, signaling strength in the local market.

During the month, 1,967 homes sold in the region, according to data released Monday by Rockville market research firm Metropolitan Regional Information Systems. That’s a 22 percent increase over October 2011, when 1,611 homes sold.

Townhome sales increased 23 percent year-over-year and single-family rose nearly 18 percent.

Despite the increase, sales remain 480 units below the 10-year average for…