Sales of existing homes in the Northeast surged nearly 27 percent in March compared to the previous year, continuing to outpace other regions in what promises to be at least a temporary rebound in the housing market.

Nationally, March sales of previously occupied homes rose nearly 20 percent from last year, the National Association of Realtors said yesterday. The median sales price was flat at $170,700.

Median home prices in the Northeast climbed nearly 9 percent to $249,800.