The residential real estate market is on track for its best year since the peak of the housing bubble in 2006, notes realtor.com® Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. But as Smoke is quick to point out, this time it's not a housing bubble. That's because job growth is fueling the most recent climb in demand for homes.

As job growth increases, demand has followed. Homes are selling more quickly and median home prices are rising nationwide.

The Roanoke Valley MLS recently released its May home sales statistics, which reflect 456 homes closed in May -- the highest number of May closings since May, 2006. Click here for the May home sales statistics, including a four-year comparison.