Sales of single-family existing homes in Maine increased 8.48 percent in September, while the median sales price rose 6.92 percent to $170,000 from a year ago, according to the Maine Real Estate Information System Inc.

The National Association of Realtors reported that U.S. sales increased 10.8 percent, while the median sales price rose 11.4 percent to $184,300. In the Northeast, sales rose 7.3 percent and the median sales price rose 4.1 percent to $238,700.

Tina Lucas, president of the Maine Associate of Realtors, said activity in the state has increased and the market has become more stable.

“We are beginning to experience, on occasion, multiple offer situations on well-priced, move-in ready homes in the right location,” Lucas said. “Sellers feel more confident about entering the market; they have a better sense of what level of value to expect now that the market has more stability.”

Meanwhile, buyers are taking action as they realize that an increase in activity may result in higher prices, Lucas said.

Statewide, 1,049 units were sold in September, up from 967 units a year ago, according to the Maine Real Estate Information System Inc.