Home sales in Illinois were up in June over May, according to the latest report from the Illinois Association REALTORS. Low consumer confidence and a troubled economy, however, continue to strain the overall housing market, the report found. Total home sales (including single-family homes and condominiums) were up 3.6 percent in June to 11,643 sales compared to May’s 11,243 sales. Year-over-year sales were down 27 percent from June 2007’s 15,945 sales. Illinois’ June median price was $200,000, down 6.1 percent from $213,000 in June 2007.

“There continues to be large local market variations statewide,” said Kay Wirth, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS. “Economic factors have weighed heavily on home sales activity in Illinois this summer. Low consumer confidence, higher gas and good prices, plus turmoil in the financial markets and a tighter credit market have kept some would-be buyers on the sidelines despite the fact there are great deals to be had,”

The REALTORS’ group also reported that the monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central region was 6.38 percent in June 2008, up 0.34 points from the 6.04 average rate the previous month. Those stats are according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Last June the rate averaged 6.69 percent.