Then two years ago, the Realtors association found what it thought was a better solution.

That is the best level reached this decade, and one not seen since 1987 when 158,400 homes were sold, according to the state's realtors association.

The Realtors association reported 4.2 million existing homes on the market at the end of April.

Prices are continuing to climb at nearly the same rate so far this year, according to figures released yesterday by the realtors association.

The lower rates also improved sales of existing homes, which, according to the realtors association, rose 3.3 percent in August, to 3.44 million units.

The realtors association said there were 1.86 million homes available for sale in October, representing a 5.5-month supply at that month's sales rate.

Overall sales for 2001 exceeded sales in 2000 by 2.7 percent, the realtors association said.

The realtors association reported that the majority of people who entered the business switched from another line of work.

Families spend about six years in a house, on average, according to the National Association of Realtors.

During the same period last year, prices fell 1.6 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors.