Home sales in Florida are on the rise as the economic recovery continues. Sales are up 17.4% from last year, with the greatest surge in the Tallahassee and Panhandle areas of the state.

The recovery remains slower in South Florida, where the average home price is still the highest statewide.

John Sebree of the Florida Association of Realtors says now's the time to sell, since extra inventory is being bought up by savvy investors.

"If you have been sitting on the sidelines and maybe waiting to put your house on the market, there isn’t a lot of competition out there, so this is a good time to put your house on the market."

While sales are on the rise, home prices remain low. The average house in Florida sells for $165,000, which is ten percent below the national average.