Values increased by an average of 0.7% per month between January 1 and June 30, 2011. Farmland values in Alberta have been rising since 1993.

Strong demand for good cultivated farmland was observed in southern Alberta. Large producers were competing for land, which pushed demand upward. Irrigated land suitable for specialty crops continued to be in high demand, with associated significant increases in value. Marginal land suitable for hay and cattle production also saw an increase in demand. Farmland was generally considered to be a sound investment.

Producers were optimistic about the growing season, given the above-average moisture levels. However, in many areas, excess moisture during planting delayed seeding.

Strong demand for good cultivated land continued in central Alberta. Increases in cattle prices improved the demand for pasture land. Above-average moisture levels and the cool spring delayed crops, which reduced producers’ disposable income, and weakened demand for land. A softening of the provincial economy over the past couple of years levelled off previously fast-paced increases in land values around the Highway 2 corridor from Edmonton to Calgary. Land values in most areas of central Alberta plateaued or increased slightly this reporting period.

A portion of the Peace region of northern Alberta experienced severe drought in 2008 and 2009. In certain areas, drought continued in 2010. This affected income levels and reduced demand for land. The spring of 2011 brought good moisture levels back to the region. Most areas saw modest increases in land prices throughout the past six months, perhaps due to renewed optimism driven by better growing conditions after several years of drought.

Source: FCC Website

(Source: Realtor Association of South Central Alberta)

(Source: Realtor Association of South Central Alberta)

Market information has come from Realtors Association of South Alberta

Myth: The appraised value of a property will vary, depending upon whether the appraisal is conducted for the buyer or the seller.
Reality: The appraiser has no vested interest in the outcome of the appraisal and should render services with independence, objectivity and impartiality – no matter for whom the appraisal is conducted.

Myth: Market value should approximate replacement cost.
Reality: Market value is based on what a willing buyer likely would pay a willing seller for a particular property, with neither being under pressure to buy or sell. Replacement cost is the dollar amount required to reconstruct a property in-kind.

Myth: Appraisers use a formula, such as a specific price per square foot, to figure out the value of a home.
Reality: Appraisers make a detailed analysis of all factors pertaining to the value of a home including its location, condition, size, proximity to facilities and recent sale prices of comparable properties.

Myth: In a robust economy – when the sales prices of homes in a given area are reported to be rising by a particular percentage – the value of individual properties in the area can be expected to appreciate by that same percentage.
Reality: Value appreciation of a specific property must be determined on an individualized basis, factoring in data on comparable properties and other relevant considerations. This is true in good times as well as bad.

Myth: You generally can tell what a property is worth simply by looking at the outside.
Reality: Property value is determined by a number of factors, including location, condition, improvements, amenities, and market trends.

Myth: An Appraisal is the same as a building inspection.
Reality: An Appraisal does not serve the same purpose as an inspection. The Appraiser forms an opinion of value in the Appraisal process and resulting report. An inspector determines the condition of the home and its major components and reports these findings.

Values increased by an average of 0.4 per cent per month between January 1 and June 30, 2010, which mirrored the same average monthly increase during 2009. Farmland values in Alberta have been rising since 1993.

The more modest increase during the first six months of 2010 compared with the last six months of 2009 was due in large part to slowing urban sprawl, coupled with a decrease in the amount of land purchased by speculative interests.

Southern Alberta experienced steady demand from large landholders looking to expand operations in traditional dry land areas. Irrigation land remained in high demand, with land suitable for specialty crops driving the market.

In central Alberta, the transfer of family farms between generations was a main driver of land values. A decrease in the expansion of large land holdings and continuing challenges in the beef and hog industries contributed to a more moderate increase in land values compared to the previous period.

Source: Farm Credit Corporation Website

In 2010 there were 176 home sales and 20 mobile home sales that went through the Brooks MLS system. This does not include any private sales. This is up from 2009 where there were 151 homes sold and 27 mobile homes.

The average price of homes dropped from 249,766 in 2009 to $241,074 in 2010. The average price slipped by 3.5%. Please note that this 3.5% reduction is in average price only and can not necessary be applied to every property. Different properties reduce or increase in value at different rates.

There were 37 sales over $300,000, 3 sales over $400,000 and one sale over half a million for 2010. In 2009 the average price for half duplexes, condo units and townhouses was $175,300, in 2010 this dropped to $154,681.

As of January 25th, 2011 there are currently 84 properties active on the MLS system for the City of Brooks. There are 105 properties active in the County of Newell. This includes Bassano, Duchess and all the small communities in the County.