GREENSBORO, N.C. – The bad news in the housing market across much of the United States in 2006 did not hold true for the Triangle.

Sales of new and existing homes across the Triangle increased 5 percent in 2006, and the average price of a home also increased by 5 percent, according to statistics from the North Carolina Association of REALTORS.

The number of existing and new homes increased to 36,409 last year, up from 34,718 in 2005.

The average selling price increased to $227,155 from $215,880.

Statewide, housing sales increased 3 percent with the average price climbing 2 percent to $214,952.

In Fayetteville, housing sales increased 8 percent to 5,168 units. The average price increased at an even higher rate, climbing 11 percent to $118,592.

In terms of percentages, Wilson reported the biggest increase of the year - 19 percent to 1,080 units. The average price was up 5 percent to $136,031.

However, housing sales declined 2 percent in Goldsboro, 2 percent in Rocky Mount and 3 percent in Pinehurst.

For statistics by market, see the N.C. REATLORS web site.