SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) — The number of existing single-family homes sold in Maine last month jumped almost 13 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.

Maine Listings, a subsidiary of the Maine Association of Realtors, said 892 homes changed hands in March, compared with 792 homes in March 2013.

Statewide, the number of transactions has increased every month since February 2013.

The median price, however, dropped almost 5 percent when compared to the year-ago month, to $162,000 from $170,000.

Bart Stevens of Century 21 Nason Realty Inc. in Winslow said that some people in the market for a home are still cautious about overpaying.

Maine’s sales gains last month bucked a drop in home sales nationally and the Northeast.

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