Homeowners in Charlotte, North Carolina, and elsewhere across the nation, finally have some good news about their home values. The figures from the third quarter of 2012 reveal that Charlotte homes are now worth more money.

Average home values in the Charlotte metropolitan area were actually up by a modest 0.8 percent in the third quarter compared to the second quarter, according to online real estate database Zillow Inc.

Furthermore, the average value of a home in the Charlotte area rose to $135,200, which was up by 1.7 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

However, growth in home values for the Charlotte metropolitan area was not as robust as it was for the nation at large, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

The average value of homes rose nationwide by 1.3 percent from the previous quarter. In addition, the average value of homes nationwide was $153,800, which was an increase of 3.2 percent in the third quarter of 2012 compared to last year.

Furthermore, Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries in a statement cautioned that home values could fall slightly.

“We’re likely seeing home values fall back into the negative range in some markets due to the close of the traditional home-buying season,” Humphries said. “While that doesn’t mean the recovery has come off the rails — in fact, most markets have hit bottom — it does present a confusing environment for consumers.”

He added that home values might also stagnate for a while before improving again.

“Looking forward, we expect to see home values bump along the bottom for some time, before increasing at a slow and steady pace,” Humphries said.