Business briefing: Illinois home sales up

Homes sales across Illinois have surged over the past year.

The latest statistics from the Illinois Association of Realtors revealed a 12.5 percent gain in overall sales last month compared to last year. A total of 17,972 single-family homes and condominiums were sold last month, up from the 15,982 homes sold in June 2014.

The median price for homes sold across the state has also increased. The median price — the typical market price where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less — rose last month to $194,243. That is an 8.5 percent gain over June 2014’s statewide median price of $179,000.

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Home Depot Inc. is buying a national distributor and direct marketer of maintenance and repair products. The home improvement chain has announced the $1.6 billion acquisition of Interline Brands Inc. The sale is expected to be completed by November. Learn more here.

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Coca-Cola recorded higher profits during the second quarter after raising prices and cutting costs. The Atlanta-based company reported a 2 percent gain in beverage volume and also saw healthy return from its purchase of a stake in energy drink maker Monster Beverage. Read more here.

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Six Flags’ stock has been rising but were short of Wall Street forecasts. Six Flags Entertainment Corp. reported second-quarter net income of $65.5 million and posted revenue of $386.1 million during the quarter, but analysts expected $396.8 million during the period. The amusement park chain’s stock has risen 12 percent in the past 12 months. Find out more here.

-Will Buss, BND business writer

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 9:10 AM with the headline "Business briefing: Illinois home sales up."