The National Association of Realtors (NAR) home price survey covers changes in 147 metropolitan statistical areas. The survey revealed that the average home nationwide appreciated by 14.7 percent since last year. Homes in only six metro areas lost value.

The strongest price increase in the nation was in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area of Arizona, where the third quarter price of $268,000 rose 55.2 percent from a year earlier. Next was Orlando, Fla., at $261,300, up 44.8 percent from the third quarter of 2004. Cape Coral-Fort Meyers, Fla., with a third quarter median price of $277,600, was up 42.5 percent in the last year.

Prices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach averaged $386,600 and rose 28.9 percent.