Closed house sales in the Lehigh Valley again rose by double digits: 13.8 percent to 774 in July, up from 680 in July 2014.

This continues the upward trend midway through 2015, according to the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR) monthly report.

Closed sales are up 14.3 percent for 2015 year-to-date to 4,041, compared to 3,536 year-to-date for 2014.

This year, closed sales were down in May, but were up in June, April, March, February and January.

Pending sales increased 17.5 percent in July to 778, compared to 662 in July 2014.

Pending sales are up 19.6 percent year-to-date to 4,783, up from 3,999 year-to-date for 2014.

The GLVR report speculates that since trends continue to reveal a stable housing market, it is widely believed that interest rates will go up before the end of the year.

"Since the recession ended in 2009, the housing market has continued to strengthen, and it's back to being a solid cornerstone of the economy," said GLVR Chief Executive Officer Ryan Conrad.

New listings were down 5.4 percent in July to 1,143, down from 1,208 in July 2014.

Inventory was down 23.1 percent in July to 4,090, down from 5,316 in July 2014.

The Months Supply was down 32.7 percent in July to 6.6 percent, down from 9.8 percent in July 2014.

Days on Market was flat at .0 percent in July to 61 days, the same as 61 days in July 2014.

The median sales price was down 3.2 percent in July to $182,000, down from $188,000 in July 2014.

The average sales price was down 1 percent in July to $214,699, down from $216,827 in July 2014.

The percentage of list price received increased .1 percent in July, to 96.9 percent, an increase from 96.8 percent in July 2014.

The affordability index increased 7.6 percent in July from July 2014.

"Summer is traditionally a good time for market activity," said GLVR President Chris Raad. "Better lending practices, lower oil prices, and higher wages have contributed to positive change."

Closed housing sales in June increased 15.6 percent to 779, up from 674 in June 2014.

Closed sales in May declined 2.8 percent to 596, down from 613 in May 2014.

Closed sales in April increased 10.5 percent to 507 houses, up from 459 houses in April 2014.

Closed sales in March increased 19 percent to 514 houses, up from 432 houses in March 2014.

Closed sales in February increased 4.3 percent to 339 houses, up from 325 houses in February 2014.

Closed sales in January increased 5.7 percent to 373 houses, up from 353 houses in January 2014.

The Carbon County data showed a 6.1 percent drop in closed sales, and a 37.5 percent increase in pending sales. New listings dropped 19.0 percent to 81 and the average sales price dropped 11.0 percent to $91,463.

The monthly housing data is collected by the GLVR from its Multiple Listing Service, a comprehensive and nonbiased database that includes housing market information from its more than 2,000 Realtor members.

The GLVR 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.

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