Area realtors report dramatically increased home sales in May.

The St. Joseph Regional Association of Realtors says May home sales totaled $21.6 million, up nearly 50% from May figures last year.

So far this year realtors have sold 549 residences for $67 million. That compares to nearly $62 million in total sales by May of last year. Total sales in the association’s nine-county area are up 8.11% in dollars and up 7.44% in units sold.