The real estate market is strengthening in Kansas City, and a recent report shares that the market is going to continue to experience positive growth in the next year. Data compiled by Zillow Real Estate Research showed that the median home value in the metropolitan area reached $144,200 at the end of the first quarter. That means half the values were above that number, and half were below. Home values in the Kansas City area are expected to rise 2 percent over the next year as the market continues to strengthen, Zillow forecasts.

The first quarter number was up 0.1 percent from a year ago, but home values fell 1.2 percent from the fourth quarter last year. While there is certainly growth in sales, the home values still have a ways to go to edge closer back to the peak prices of November 2004. Buying a home in Kansas City is increasingly competitive as prices climb and supply runs out.

Home values nationally are projected to increase 3.3 percent over the next year, based on Zillow’s survey of more than 300 metropolitan areas. Kansas City’s growth is notable despite being predicted to jump at a rate below the national average.