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Home sale values hit four year high
Home sale values in Carstairs hit their highest level in four years in 2011, buoying realtors’ predictions for 2012.
“We had a bit of a surprise for 2011,” said Mel Crothers, associate broker with Royal LePage Wild Rose.
“We had 80 houses that sold for a total sales value of $25,003,760. The average selling price was $312,547 and that’s the best it’s been since 2007.”
In 2010, 62 houses sold in Carstairs, for a total value of $18,071,577 at an average price of $291,477.
He explained that part of the reason for the positive growth is economic recovery. “And it’s also partly because of the mix,” he said. “There is less older housing on the market and more newer housing.
“It’s very encouraging and I think Carstairs has a really good year ahead.”
House sales remained very consistent throughout 2011, said Chez Peters, realtor with RE/MAX Rocky View Real Estate.
“We experienced the expected short periods of slowed activity due to external factors such as summer holidays and Christmas, but all in all, I would say the year for real estate kept pace and in some ways, exceeded the early projections.”
Greater buyer confidence was seen during 2011 in the Carstairs real estate market, with buyers acknowledging that prices were most likely as low as they’re going to get, Peters added.
“This spurred activity for those wanting to get into the market before another economic boom happens,” she said. “Many of our clients bought real estate in 2011 due to increased job security or promotions, which in turn increases the confidence in the real estate market for other buyers or sellers.”
She noted that Carstairs is a desirable community because it has “a lot of new residential construction and reasonable prices when compared to other neighbouring communities.”
“The town is family-friendly and those moving from other communities can see that it is well maintained,” Peters said. “The proximity to Calgary is always one of the most attractive features to buyers, whether they’re young families or retirees, as they’re able to experience the pace of small-town living, while still being able to keep ties to the city, either for work or family.”
From a value perspective, Carstairs offers good value, said Crothers.
“A detached single family home in Airdrie ranges from $380,000 to $420,000,” Crothers said. “An Airdrie townhouse starts at $280,000.
“In Carstairs, you can get a single, detached house for $280,000.”
He noted that the strength in the local real estate market was seen in the last quarter of 2011. “Carstairs smoked,” Crothers said. “Hats off to the builders, town council and the planning department. Carstairs has some great innovations, like the 10-year real property reports.
“Carstairs is doing a lot of things right.”
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