According to data just released by RealtyTrac, institutional investors (defined as those purchasing 10 or more properties in the last 12 months) accounted for 13% of Chicago metro-area home sales in September. Cash purchases accounted for 49% of sales during the month. Short sales and sales of bank-owned properties were 20% and 14%, respectively.

The number of homes sold in the Chicago area in September was 4% higher than in August and 31% higher than in September of 2012. The median price of sold homes was unchanged from August at $190,000, but rose 12% from September 2012.

You can read the full report at RealtyTrac.