Winter real estate sales numbers picked up in the Phoenix metro area over last year as reflected in number of sales as well as pricing, according to the latest data from the Phoenix-based Arizona Association of Realtors.

With sales tallying 14 percent higher for the months of January and February than in 2016, the first months of this year also showed promise in the price point realm, with average sales prices 5 percent higher and median sales prices 7.5 percent greater than last year’s same time period, according to the organization’s President Paula Monthofer.

In addition to positive trends, more than 300 Realtors have engaged with their legislators to deter a potential tax on their business.

The association has maintained a high profile with the state government by actively reviewing pending laws, has surpassed half of its current fundraising goal and recently released revised contract and form documents with the intention of extending forms licensing to brokers later this year.

In mid-March Arizona Realtors participated in the National Association of Realtors exhibit at MIPIM, an annual global industry event, sponsoring the Scottsdale Area Association’s booth in Cannes, France.

Monthofer also said that 501 members attended the Arizona Realtors State Convention in Prescott on March 28-31. 

Finally, the association launched a new email welcome packet for incoming members and continues to offer professional development events for its members.