South Florida Homes Sales Fall 7.3 Percent Despite Low Mortgage Rates.(Originated from The Miami Herald)

Jan. 31--Home sales in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties declined in 1995 for the first time in four years, signaling an end to the surge in post-hurricane demand and reflecting a nationwide sluggishness in the market.

Sales of new and existing homes in the tri-county area dropped 7.3 percent in 1995 compared to 1994, a national real estate information company reported Tuesday. TRW REDI Property Data's figures, based on recorded deeds, showed that new home sales decreased more dramatically, by 14.7 percent, compared to the previous year.

The South Florida numbers mirror a downward trend unfolding throughout the country, demonstrating that sales are not as …