During the month of June, closed sales of houses in the Lehigh Valley declined 9.3 percent, the sixth straight month for a decrease.

That's despite a pending sales increase of 11.6 percent in June compared to last year at the same time. Pending sales reflect homes that are under contract but have not yet closed.

Closed sales for June 2014 were 627, down from 691 in closed sales for June 2013.

During the month of June 2014, new listings increased 9 percent to 1,220, compared to 1,119 during the same month last year.

The figures were released by the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors (LVAR), collected from its Multiple Listing Service that compiles data from more than 2,000 Realtor members.

"The continued increase of new listings, from the same time last year and over the last four months, has us optimistic that this trend will continue and will increase the amount of housing inventory from which buyers may choose," said Ryan Conrad, CEO of LVAR.

Inventory levels increased 1.6 percent to 4,135 units.

The median sales price increased 7.7 percent to $185,000 in June. The median sales price reflects the median point at which half of the sales sold for more and half sold for less, not accounting for seller concessions, in a given month.

"The average sales price, year-to-date, also increased 2.3 percent to $190,173 [in June]," said Kim Lucas-Mantz, President of LVAR. "The increase in home prices may encourage people who were waiting to sell their homes to put them on the market."

Days on market was down 9 percent to 61 days in June, compared to 67 days in June 2013.

Absorption rates improved as the supply of inventory was down 3.9 percent to 7.4 months. Inventory of 4 - 7 months is typically regarded as constituting a balanced real estate market.

"The increase in new listings, inventory levels and pending sales proves the Lehigh Valley real estate market is growing healthier and stronger, for both buyers and sellers," said Lucas-Mantz. She said Realtor members continue to report multiple offers on properties for sale.

Closed sales of houses in the Lehigh Valley decreased 7.9 percent in May to 2,145, compared to 2,328 in May 2013.

Closed sales of houses in April decreased 11.3 percent to 1,524, compared to 1,719 in April 2013.

Closed sales of houses in March decreased 15.2 percent, 407 houses, down from 480 closed sales of houses in March 2013.

Closed sales of houses in February were down 10 percent, compared to February 2013.

Closed sales of houses in January were down 3.1 percent, compared to January 2013.

The six-month decline in closed sales of houses contrasts with month-to-month closed sales percentage increases and last year's overall yearly increases.

Closed sales of houses for 2013 were 15.5 percent higher than 2012 and 32 percent higher than in 2011.

Closed sales of houses data includes that for single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums.

The Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors is a not-for-profit trade association providing professional development and training resources, competitive market information, legislative advocacy, a peer review and mediation process for members, and a dispute resolution service for consumers.

LVAR owns and operates the Lehigh Valley Multiple Listing Service, the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy and is publisher of Lehigh Valley Real Estate Weekly.