The housing market across the U.S. is showing improvement in the first month of the year and the same can be said here at home.

Sales were up close to 13-percent when you compare January of this year to January of 2011.

The Ohio Association of Relators reported 6,000 homes sold during the first month of 2012.

"Our market has now posted seven consecutive monthly sales gains, dating back to July 2011,” Association President Robert U. Miller said, in a press release.

"We're hopeful that the housing sector will continue to make progress throughout 2012 and build upon the solid foundation that has been established in recent months," he said.

The average price tag mirrors 2011 numbers at a little more than $115,000.

The association's most recent survey indicates real estate agents remain optimistic about the market in the coming months.

On the web: www.ohiorealtors.org