Mirroring state and national trends, the housing market across Southwest Florida continues to show signs of marked improvement, as prices edge steadily upward and inventory levels shrink, according to August housing reports.

Closed home-sales figures for Sarasota and Charlotte counties showed significant increases in the single-family and condo markets over last year’s numbers, with Sarasota reporting a
36 percent year-over-year increase in the total number of properties sold.