There seems to be very little consensus on the state of the current market. Are we “going up”, “going down” or “flat lining” and is the situation stable or ready to fluctuate? Would you laugh if I said, “This is healthy”? Laugh if you wish, but I do believe it is in fact refreshing to witness this overall admission as to not knowing what is transpiring.

 We’re entitled to our individual opinions just as the group is entitled to its “non-consensus”. I’ll go further to reveal that this non-consensus extends to the Realtor community. Yes, gentle people, not every one of my peers agrees with me! Once again, a healthy state of affairs as we must all attempt to rationally defend our individual opinions.

I spoke at length, last Update, of the “distracted” marketplace as the prime contributing factor in the slowing down of sales and the leveling off of market values (plateauing). This August’s figures (YTD) vs. 2005 again bear out this sales slowdown. With the minor benefit of early September activity, I am still of the opinion that we will see a strengthening of demand by the time September moves offstage.

Could I go as far as suggesting that we will witness a small swell of “pent up demand”? There, I just have. Of this however, I am sure; demand is alive and well and building its strength even as we speak. Supply, as you will note below, is up overall from this time last year. Again, I believe that much of this supply will be spoken for before the end of the month. Will it be well supplemented during September? We’ll see?

A small aside here. Many will note I’ve alluded to this before, but a large number of the opinions of the market are strongly influenced by what the “opiner” wishes to see. E.g. I haven’t bought and I’m hoping for a drop in values …or, I want to sell in 2007/8 and therefore am hoping for price increases. If you hear an opinion from a friend or associate, try to divine the speaker’s personal wishes.

Enjoy the last few flashes of our glorious summer! 

Remember that OnTopOfTheMarket.ca is the place to visit for North Shore R/E information. This work in progress strives to be the “go to” site for North Shore Real Estate analysis. A jumping off point for FULL market listing information.  Please use it and continue your valuable feedback.

 To join the group subscribing to the e-mail version of this “update” - send a request now to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it and you’ll be assured receipt; phone me at (604) 988-7368 or visit www.OnTopOfTheMarket.ca  

Questions regarding the market, decisions, contemplations, opinions of my musings, are welcomed via e-mail (or phone) – hey, pop-in and say “Hi” to me at an open house –  I’d love to see you. 

Alan's Credentials

· Over 30 years in finance and real estate (Canada and internationally)

· Previously commercial banking manager - Bank of Montreal/Barclays Bank

· Alan brings an extensive educational background to his real estate  business including a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce,  Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate Agent's qualification (Agent 9:15), Canadian Securities Course, Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and Registered Relocation Specialist. He is a director-at-large of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. In addition he has been a director of the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) · Achievements include Master Member of the Vancouver Real Estate Board Medallion Club (top 10%), Re/Max President's, Executive and 100% clubs. In 2000, he was awarded the prestigious Re/Max Hall of Fame Award.