Fourteen of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing-home sales in April and 11 MSAs also showed gains in condo sales. A majority of the state's MSAs have reported increased sales for 10 consecutive months. Florida's median sales price for existing homes last month was $138,500; a year ago, it was $199,500 for a 31 percent decrease. Housing industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) note, however, that a significant downward distortion in the current median price is due to many discounted sales, including a large number of foreclosures. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. According to NAR's latest housing industry outlook, it could take a few months for the housing market to gain momentum, though there are signs of stabilization. "The share of lower priced home sales has trended up, indicating a return of many first-time buyers," says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "Buyer traffic has been rising, and real estate offices are getting phone inquires about the tax credit. By early summer we should be seeing a positive impact on home sales from record-low mortgage interest rates in addition to the stimulus provisions."