Sales of existing homes increased 13.9 percent nationwide in Q4 Sales of existing homes, including single-family and condos, increased 13.9 percent to 6.03 million units in the fourth quarter, compared with 5.29 million units in the third quarter, according to a report by NAR. Sales also were 27.2 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed properties accounted for 32 percent of fourth quarter transactions, a decline from 37 percent a year earlier.