WASHINGTON (AP) — Midwestern homebuyers helped spark a national increase in real estate sales during April, a sign that demand for housing remains steady despite rising prices and tight inventories.

The National Association of Realtors says sales of existing homes rose 1.7 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.45 million. Sales jumped 12.1 percent in the Midwest, the most affordable region for housing. Purchases increased slightly in the Northeast but fell in the South and West.

A shortage of sales listings are pushing up home values, creating affordability pressures for some potential buyers. The number of listings has fallen 3.6 percent over the past 12 months.

The median home sales price was $232,500 in April, a 6.3 percent increase from a year ago.

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