Multiple Listing Service sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board shows that 2012 began positively over much of Vancouver Island in terms of real estate sales activity.Across VIREB’s coverage area average prices edged up three per cent more than what they were in 2011. The average sales price for a home sold within VIREB’s zones in January was $332,270 — a modest rise from the January, 2011 average price of $321,489.“These are positive indicators for the year to come,” said VIREB president Guy Bezeau. “We are looking for stability and sustainability in real estate sales across the coverage area throughout the year and beyond.”MLS statistics for January, 2012 mirrors the numbers in terms of sales activity for the month. Across the VIREB area there were 216 single family units sold in January, an increase of five per cent compared to last January when 205 homes were sold. Statistics also show a slight increase in the number of listings on the market in VIREB’s coverage area compared to the same point a year ago. There are 2,173 single family homes listed, compared to 2,057 homes listed for sale at the end of January, 2011 – an increase of approximately two per cent.“There are areas on Vancouver Island that show more dramatic movement in activity than others. Port Alberni being a good example, where only three fewer homes were sold than a year ago, but that change generated an 18 per cent drop in unit sales,” Bezeau said. “Don’t get too distracted by fluctuations on a month-to-month basis in the smaller markets, as only a few sales can skew the picture. The real strength is with the local realtors who understand the marketplaces they serve, and work for their clients accordingly.”Comparing January, 2012 to January, 2011, the average sale prices across VIREB's six zones were as follows: Campbell River edge upward two per cent to $298,584, the Comox Valley rose by four per cent to $345,631, Nanaimo’s average sales price increased six per cent to $360,799, Parksville/Qualicum was down 12 per cent to $341,696, Port Alberni/West Coast increased four per cent to $208,033 and the Cowichan Valley rose a full nine per cent to $350,821.VIREB represents more than 1,000 realtor members in nearly 90 member offices north of Victoria.