2011 has come to a close. It’s time to take a look back at how sales faired in the Real Estate Market around Bozeman.

The good news is that the overall number of sales is on the rise and has been for the past two years. Sales began to slow in 2007, then continued to fall through 2009. They picked up somewhat in 2010, and continued to rise in 2011. Last year, more homes sold than any year out of the previous 4. While this increase in sales hasn’t yet caused prices to begin to rise, many are optimistic that 2012 will be the year that prices begin to inch back up.

An interesting note, the activity level in Bozeman remained unusually steady through the fall and into the winter in 2011. Total sales for the year were up 12% from 2010. However, during the last 3 months of the year, 131 homes sold in 2010, while 153 homes sold in 2011, a 17% increase for fourth quarter sales.

The level of optimism around town and throughout the country is at a high. The level of activity in the market place has stayed unseasonably steady through the holidays and into the New Year. Some of this may be due to the unseasonably warm weather, but much of it is due to good news in the National Economy. The recent good news is helping buyers off the fence and into new homes.

A drive around town through some of the newer neighborhoods will reveal the increased activity in new home construction as many new homes are popping up across town. I am very optimistic about the Real Estate market in 2012. I believe sales numbers will continue to increase and prices may even start to inch upwards in many segments of the market.

The included data reflects sales of homes in the greater Bozeman area, including Four Corners, Gallatin Gateway, Bridger Canyon, and Bozeman city limits. The data includes home sales reported through the local Southwest Montana MLS, and does not include private party sales.        

Tim Ford – REALTOR ©