PITTSBURGH — Homebuyers in the region are paying more for houses this year compared to a year ago, according to RealSTATs.

In the first three months of 2013, the five county region recorded $792.7 million in home sales compared to $697.4 million last year, a jump of over $95 million or 13.7 percent.

The region’s average home price rose 5.4 percent from $146,812 to $154,741 and median home price increased 5.6 percent from $115,500 to $122,000.

Butler County continued its reign as the region’s highest priced county averaging $189,105, followed by Washington County at $158,755, Allegheny $138,179, Westmoreland $128,358, and Beaver $100,630.

Butler also claimed the highest average new home price of $354,682 followed closely by Washington County where new homes averaged $348,752.

The region netted a 7.9 percent increase of 373 homes sold compared to the first three months of 2012. All told, 5,123 homes changed hands in the region compared to 4,750 i n 2012.

PERSONNEL FILE• First National Bank of Pennsylvania of Hermitage announced the promotion of Tamara Welker, vice president, to market manager. She will oversee the operations for 15 branches, including those in Butler County.• Pamela Howryl, vice president of NexTier Wealth Management of NexTier Bank, has completed the chartered retirement planning counselor professional designation program offered by the College for Financial Planning in Denver.