Leading into 2014, we had predicted the first and second quarters to exceed 2013's pace. We were right, however, only by a slim margin. January 1 to June 30, 2014, only exceeded that same time frame in 2013 for closed MLS transactions by about 5%. Our expectations were for stronger first and second quarters, however, some factors adversely affected our market, such as the colder winter, a late Easter and a continuing good stock market, which has kept some investors' money in the market and out of diversifying back into investment real estate.
However, there are more positive signs for our market for the second half of the year. First, the number of Kiawah MLS properties that are currently under contract and set to close in the next 60 days is at a three year high. July should be the best closing month in several years, and many of the properties under contract have been on the market for several years. Second, people starting to invest in rental properties are looking to buy again. Many of these people believe the stock market has some fluff in it and cannot maintain its current levels. With our prices still well under peak levels and with 2014 being the best rental year that we can remember, investors are finally starting to seriously think about diversifying back into investment real estate.
Also, it is encouraging to see more MLS agents and other MLS companies successfully working the Kiawah market. The number of MLS agents who have sold on the island has continued to increase over the past few years. More agents equals more buyers and more competition, which is healthy for the island.