This week the Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) took a look back at homes sales in Baldwin County throughout 2011 and made a few predictions for 2012. Overall, Baldwin County had a positive year compared to much of the country, despite a struggling market. One of the most positive stats from the report showed that the total number of transactions jumped 18.5% in 2011 compared to 2010. Total sales volume also closed over $1.9 billion, which is a 17% increase over 2010.

So how will Baldwin County’s residential sales do in 2012? ACRE’s has predicted even further volume and transaction growth throughout the year. The inventory will shrink as the foreclosure sales pick up, increasing demand and hopefully pushing prices upward. The current affordability of homes will most likely convince many families who have been renting for the last couple of years to jump back into home ownership. As long as the banks recognize that there is once again a growing market of people who are willing to take on new debt, the strict lending requirements may start to loosen as the industry shows steady growth.

Overall, the outlook for Baldwin County is as positive as it is anywhere else in the country, let alone the region. If ACRE’s predictions for 2012 are as accurate as they were for 2011, Baldwin County should certainly be looking at another positive year. To read more about ACRE’s outlook, click here.