Long & Foster Cos. reported total sales of $2.8 billion and home sales of $1.9 billion for last month, the best September in the company's 34-year history.

Long & Foster's real estate sales have been up consistently in the first nine months of this year, and they are up 24 percent year-to-date over last year's record levels.

"Thanks to the lowest mortgage rates in over 40 years, we continue to experience a very strong housing market and what will be, at year end, the best year ever for Long & Foster," said Wes Foster, president of Long & Foster.

"With decreasing inventory and low interest rates, it remains very much a seller's market, and homes remain a very sound investment."