Home sales activity throughout Ohio increased 23.1 percent in October, helping the marketplace record its 16th consecutive monthly sales gain, according to the statistics provided by the state’s Multiple Listing Services.

Sales of new and existing homes have posted a 13.1 percent increase during the first 10 months of 2012 compared to the same period a year ago, reaching 94,733 sales versus the 2011 mark of 83,728.

“It’s become increasingly evident that the Ohio housing market is making significant progress in its recovery from the economic downturn – achieving increased sales activity for 16th consecutive month and seeing a steady uptick in the average sales price,” said Robert U. Miller, president of the Ohio Association of REALTORS.

Miller noted that the Association began tracking sales data in 1998 and the current stretch of 16 straight monthly gains is the longest uninterrupted period of sales growth the Ohio market has ever recorded.