Median home prices and sales in California both increased in November in year-to-year comparisons, according to a recent report released by the California Association of Realtors.

The median home price of an existing, single-family home rose 5.8 percent in November compared with a year ago, the first time the median home price has increased in year-to-year comparisons since August 2007.  In month-to-month comparisons, California’s median home price increased 2.4 percent.  The median home price in California has risen steadily each month beginning with February 2009.

Home sales also rose in November, increasing 4.7 percent compared with November 2008.  Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family homes totaled 536,720 units in November, on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, according to C.A.R.’s report.  The statewide sales figure represents what the total number of homes sold during 2009 would be if sales maintained the November pace throughout the year.