Southern California home prices ticked up in February, the first increase in seven months. The average home price in the six-county region rose 0.3% from January to $874,382 in February, according to Zillow. Home prices had declined each month since August, which economists said was a reflection of tapped-out consumers and seasonal factors.

Homes in the city of Los Angeles sold for slightly higher prices in February compared with the previous month, and were higher than housing prices a year ago, the California Association of Realtors reported Tuesday.