SCV HOME SALES IN HYPERDRIVE.

Byline: Daily News

SANTA CLARITA - The sale of existing homes in the Santa Clarita Valley jumped 12 percent in February, compared with a year ago, possibly setting the pace for a record-breaking spring, an industry group announced Monday.

A total of 269 properties sold in February, including 186 single-family homes and 83 condominiums, according to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors.

``Favorable interest rates and the appeal of the Santa Clarita Valley continue to attract home buyers in record numbers,'' Nancy Troxell, president of the association's Santa Clarita Valley Division, said in a statement. ``The local market has jumped into hyperdrive.''

Single-family homes sold more than 7 percent ahead of 2000 and 24 percent more than in January. The condominiums sold more than 25 percent higher than in 2000.

The average price was $247,000, which was up more than 6 percent from a year ago, but below the record of high median price of $249,000 set in December.

A total of 994 properties were listed for sale throughout Santa Clarita on the association's Multiple Listing Service, which was about 9 percent below last year.