Alabama Real Estate Optimistic in 2012
This article from the Alabama Center for Real Estate reports on an optimistic 2012:The Alabama real estate community is more optimistic as the industry transitions into the 1st quarter of 2012 according to the Alabama Center for Real Estate's Alabama Real Estate Confidence Index (ARECI).
The survey projects expectations for the 1st quarter of 2012. The scale ranges from 0-100 with 0 being much worse, 100 being much better, and 50 indicating no change expected.
The outlook for sales (yellow) for the 1st quarter is back up into the expected expansion area at 56, a full ten point improvement from last quarter. This is approximately even with the score for the last two years at this time, it appears that there is some seasonality built into the expectations.
The national score at 48, up from 38 last quarter, indicates that respondents are fairly neutral on the overall economic picture. The participants moved to positive sentiment on the statewide conditions at 54 up 9 points from last quarter. The statewide overall score declined (see green line above). Sales expectations are more positive at 56 again up 10 points from last quarter. Inventory, price and credit indications are all below the 50 mark, indicating continued pressure on these metrics, but markedly improved from last quarter. Sellers are likely to be frustrated by competition and pricing, and buyers will continue to have challenges getting financing.
Commercial market participants (the majority of the respondents are from the Birmingham market area) moved to projecting an improving market this quarter at 54 this quarter vs. 47 last for sales expectations. Price expectations remain weak, at 45 vs 41 last quarter indicating continued pricing pressure in all markets. The score for credit availability is neutral, at 48 up 7 points from last quarter.
Results by Region
North Alabama (Huntsville, Shoals area) experienced a consistent improvement in all scores. The total score of 51, up from 42, a 9 point improvement from last quarter. Improvement was particularly noticeable in the Rural markets, where the overall score improved to 51 from 39 last quarter
The North Central Region (Bham, Tuscaloosa, Annistion) overall score improved to 50 from 43 last quarter, The sales score improved 8 points to 55. Inventory is roughly neutral at 51 with, pricing, and credit are below the 50 mark at 43, and 46 respectively.
The South Central Region (Montgomery, Lee County) participants outlook for sales improved 13 points to 55. Rural participants sales expectations improved 15 points to 50.
The Southern Region (Gulf Coast & Wiregrass area) sales score improved 9 points to 56. Rural participants sales expectations improved 11 points to 50.
Click here to view the full report.
About the Alabama Real Estate Confidence Index and Survey:
Close to 600 professionals responded to the 1st quarter 2012 survey which was conducted during the month of December 2011. The survey, conducted by the Alabama Center For Real Estate, now has the largest participation of any Real Estate Survey and provides important market trends and insights.
The ACRE Leadership Council determined the need for a statewide industry confidence index. Tom Brander, Senior Council Member, was selected by the Council and Grayson Glaze, ACRE Executive Director, to spearhead and work with the Center to conduct and produce its Alabama Real Estate Confidence Index (ARECI). The Council appreciates everyone who participated.
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