The number of single-family homes put under agreement in February was down 17.6 percent compared to the same time last year, while pending sales of condominiums dropped 21 percent, according to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR).

Pending sales of single-family homes dropped to 2,874 in February, down from 3,489 in February 2010. On a month-to-month basis, single-family homes put under agreement were up 11.9 percent from 2,568 homes in January.

"While lingering weather kept pending home sales down in February, Realtors across the state did see the number of prospective buyers asking to see homes go up the last two weeks of the month," said 2011 MAR President Laurie Cadigan, broker/owner of Barrett & Co. in Concord. "Hopefully the momentum from interested buyers at the end of February will continue and result in signed offers through the entire month of March."

The number of condos put under agreement in February declined to 1,134, down from 1,434 in February 2010. This is the 10th straight month of year-over-year decreases. On a month-to-month basis, condos put under agreement were up 8.8 percent from 1,042 units in January.