The 2013 housing market in the Lehigh Valley showed significant growth over the previous year.

Closed sales increased 15.4 percent from 5,767 in 2012 to 6,655 in 2013 in the Lehigh Valley housing market, according to information gathered and released by the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors (LVAR).

Pending homes sales, which refers to homes that are under contract but have not yet closed, were up 17.3 percent from 5,928 in 2012 to 6,955 in 2013.

"When we examine historical data, it reinforces the upswing in the housing market," says Ryan Conrad, CEO of LVAR.

"Research from 2011 indicates that closed sales for the year were 5,045. The comparison from two years ago shows an increase of 32 percent.

"The pending sales numbers are up 36 percent from 2011 when it was recorded at 5,096," adds Conrad. "We are optimistic that 2014 will continue to remain a solid year for residential real estate."

Also, homes sold more quickly during 2013.

Homes for sale were on the market for an average of 70 days, compared to 82 days on the market in 2012. This is a 14.6 decrease in the amount of time a home was listed until it was sold.

The median sales price increased 1.4 percent to $170,000, compared to $167,700 in 2012. The average sales price rose slightly to $193,183, an increase of .6 percent over $192,060 in 2012.

"Our Realtor members are also reporting an increase in multiple offers on properties for sale," says Kimberly Lucas-Mantz, president of LVAR.

"That is great news for sellers and also an indication of a healthy residential real estate market in the Lehigh Valley," Kimberly Lucas-Mantz says.

"As we look to the new year, the Lehigh Valley should expect a steady rise in home sales and home prices," says Conrad.

Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors data was gleaned from its Multiple Listing Service that compiles data from more than 2,000 Realtor members.

Access to data may be found at LVAR.org in the consumer section.