According to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) the forecast for buyers in the Calgary market for 2012 is blue skies — with an estimated slight jump in condo sales and more affordable options for single-family dwellings.

This forecast lends itself to the Cochrane market, and 35-year real estate veteran, Mike Borody of Cochrane Homelife Country Realty said now is an excellent time to buy.

“People are starting to look more at housing as a shelter again, rather than as an investment,” said Borody, summing up the current market as a healthy one.

“We have an ample and good choice of listings — the pricing has levelled off,” said the broker-realtor.

“Sellers are getting closer to their listing prices and with interest rates the way they are, it’s a good time to buy.”

Borody said there are plenty of options for those in both the starter and retirement markets — including a good selection of single-family homes under $350,000 in the Cochrane area.

Joe Latremouille, branch manager with Cochrane and Canmore Scotiabank locations said that as far as the mighty dollar is concerned, investing in the real estate market might be a good investment in 2012.

“Money is historically cheap,” said Latre-mouille, who has been with Scotiabank for 32 years. “This is a good time (to buy) as far as the money is concerned — but nobody knows what’s going to happen, so caution is the word.”

Latremouille said locking into a variable or fixed-rate mortgage really depends on worst-case scenario risk assessment; rates are in favour of buyers right now (with Scotiabank variable, closed five-year mortgage rates as low as 3.1 per cent), but the key, according to Latre-mouille, is to sit down with a financial advisor before making any big decisions.

“Where the smart money is going right now is in advice and planning,” he said. “Get a plan and review it every year.”

There is a broad selection of competitive mortgage rates available on the websites of financial lenders; buyers are advised to seek out the option that works best for them.

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