Alberta MLS sales decline in ‘most areas’

The decline in home sales in Alberta was across most of the province not just Calgary.

The decline in home sales in Alberta was across most of the province not just Calgary. The Calgary Herald says that it has data from real estate boards across Alberta that shows “steep year-over-year declines”. The weak start to the year hasn’t killed optimism of better times ahead. Mike Dewing, president of the Realtors Association of Lloydminster and District commented: “I expect the rest of the year to be stable, as activity is actually picking up, and we are never hit quite as hard as Edmonton and Calgary. Most of the region is cautious but optimistic.” However Nick Ford of ATB Financial warns that the effects of lower oil prices may be still to come especially if there are more lay-offs: “Ultimately, this could leave homebuyers and investors on edge which may cause a dreary real estate market.” Read the full story.