The National Association of Realtors reported that previously-owned homes sold at an annual pace of 4.92 million homes, 9% higher than this time last year.
Home prices were up 12.3%, taking the median to $173,600. That marked the biggest percentage gain since January 2005.
The price rise is being driven by tight inventories, increased demand from buyers, and a drop in sales of distressed homes, such as those in foreclosure.
Related: Playing the housing rebound
There were 1.74 million previously-owned homes on the market , equal to only about a four-month supply at current sales levels. It's the tightest inventory of homes on the market since 1999.
And distressed home sales made up only 23% of January sales, compared to 35% of sales a year ago.
The housing market has been helped by a number of factors in recent months, including near record low mortgage rates and a drop in the nation's unemployment rate.
Home construction has also been improving -- builders filed for the greatest number of building permits in more than four years in January.
Even if you're not trying to sell your home, the improvement is good news: It is an important driver of overall economic growth. 
| Overnight Avg Rate | Latest | Change | Last Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 yr fixed | 3.66% | 3.58% | |
| 15 yr fixed | 2.79% | 2.72% | |
| 5/1 ARM | 2.59% | 2.57% | |
| 30 yr refi | 3.64% | 3.57% | |
| 15 yr refi | 2.79% | 2.72% |
Today's featured rates:
| Latest Report | Next Update |
|---|---|
| Inflation (CPI) | May 16 |
| Home prices | May 28 |
| Consumer confidence | May 28 |
| GDP | May 30 |
| Manufacturing (ISM) | June 3 |
| Jobs | June 7 |
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