Raleigh, N.C. — Sales of existing homes in North Carolina dipped in January by about 37 percent. In 2008, 6,363 were sold in January. This year, 4,044 units sold.

In December, 5,100 existing homes sold, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.

The average closing price of a sale was $192,537, a decline of about 10 percent over this time last year.

Lawrence Yun, an economist for the group, said the hesitation by buyers was understandable.

“Given so much stimulus package discussion in January, some would-be buyers simply sat out for clarity and certainty on the nature of housing stimulus,” he said.