The higher prices, along with any increase in mortgage rates, could make negotiations between buyers and sellers tougher this year.

I certainly hope that they're right because Cincinnati home prices just have not appreciated as fast as other parts of the country in the last five years.

The fact that home sales were up, while mortgage rates also climbed bodes well for the real estate community.

I'm pleasantly surprised with the current level of sales. We'll see if they continue.

Mortgage rates have crept up a bit, but not enough to dampen the enthusiasm for home-buying activity in Greater Cincinnati.

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