Saskatoon leads nation for increases in new house prices in 2007
The cost of building a new home in Canada increased 6.2%, year over year, according to the New House Price Index Report (no longer available) released today by Statistics Canada.
“Regionally, prices again rose at the fastest pace in Saskatoon, which led the nation with an annual price increase of 45.1%. On a month-over-month basis, housing prices rose 1.0% between November and December in Saskatoon. A number of factors were behind the gain, including increased costs for concrete and drywall, as well as higher land development costs reported by some builders,” says the Statscan report.
Windsor, where the cost to build a new home decreased by 1.1% from December 2006 was the only Canadian market to experience a decline over the last year.
Price increases across Canada came in as follows:
Regina – 25.9%
Calgary – 6%
Edmonton – 21.5%
Winnipeg – 15%
Vancouver – 6.4%
Victoria – 1.6%
Toronto – 3.4%
Thunder Bay – 5.9%
London – 3.1%
Hamilton – 2.8%
St. Catherines-Niagara – .3%
Montreal – 4.1%
Halifax – 10.4%
St. John’s – 7.9%
Thanks to Jedi who posted this link to the CBC coverage.
Thanks also to St. John’s blogger Stephen Winters for sending me this link to the Globe’s coverage.
I’m always happy to answer your Saskatoon real estate questions. All of my contact info is here. Please feel free to call or email.
Follow our daily updates on Twitter @SaskatoonHomes.
Norm Fisher
Royal LePage Saskatoon Real Estate
45 comments so far. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Ahh Norm, what’s to come?
I figured I could convince at least some that we’re look’n for trouble in all this last summer… now I just shake my head.
It terrifies me when the CMHC is the most accepted source for real estate market analysis and yet their profits depend on consumer spending. How does that make their analysis unbiased. Extend amortizations, promote the hell out of the market and suddenly you’ve doubled your consumer base… wait for the market to teeder on affordability and then extend amortizations again… repeat forever or hope that we eventually get the Trudeau nuts to jack interest rates… and we haven’t seen a leader with those nuts since. I was talking to a friend of mine who lends and he admitted that the CMHC doesn’t turn anything down. Which means they’re insuring risky loans with our tax money.
Real Estate is the easiest market to manipulate, the most demanding market to participate in, and the last market to react to economic changes… making it the most vulnerable for it’s participants. That just seems contradictory to a free market.
Honestly, have we seen anything concrete to support CMHC predictions other than the “red hot economy” buzzwords?
J.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Back to real estate (as opposed to mud slinging from others),
Good to hear from you again Johny. I can say from experience that I’ve been turned down on 3 seperate occasions by CMHC. 1 of those 3 times Genworth accepted, 1 of those 3 I found some other money, and the other time I lost a total of $10,000 in deposits. (oh well)
I remember talking with you about vegatation, rabbits, and foxes a while back
. I do agree with you that nothing significant has changed in this province to support “another” rapid growth this spring. I also think that a 250k avg house price is fair for this market. 180k a year ago was undervalued and as you are familiar with Elliot Wave principals, the market will push well past the fundamental value before correcting back to where it should be.
Intrest rates going down is a horrible idea and is why “stuff” will hit the fan big time in the future. I shake my head everytime a band-aid is put over this hemmoraging wound that is in essence the world economy. Some group of people “central banks” are defiantely ramping up for something big to change mass population mindsets for their benefit.
Can you say “depression”
Until then I’ll bet on a temporary bull market in the States starting the end of March. Still some down movement on the Dow until then.
Just my opinion.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Hi Johny,
I feel your frustration.
First of all, I have to say that I think that you have managed to “convince” and influence some, but as the saying goes, “a prophet is never welcome in his own hometown” and your message is one which people generally don’t understand and don’t want to hear. We are far more likely to accept the idea that we’re living in a time of prosperity with no end in sight. Tens of thousands of property owners in Saskatoon would rather believe that their new found wealth is safe and secure. I read something yesterday that said about 50% of Americans (not actually certain of the number but it was significant) believe that the value of their property has stayed the same, or increased over 2007. This is just one example of how people can ignore the truth even when it is confronting them in the most aggressive manner.
To be fair, Saskatchewan has led the nation through 2007 on almost every significant economic indicator from retail spending, job and income growth, etc. There is a pretty strong momentum right now. Add to that the fact that inventory remains low and you have a recipe for continued price growth. It’s almost unavoidable, and again, we’re dealing with such small numbers (transactions) that you don’t need a lot of interest from outside of the province to keep the demand side strong. Like it or not, it’s hard to take a look at the conditions right now and not predict an increase.
Clearly, the fundamentals are out the window in a market which seems to be propped up by equity. This is the only reasonable explanation that I can come up with for what’s happening. Migrants and investors continue to support the market but I suspect this is a party that will eventually come to an end. I think we probably could have found a way to work with a $250,000 average. We likely could have avoided the pain of a declining market. I am concerned about the impact that further increases will have and I’m hearing more real estate agents who feel that more appreciation would be unsustainable.
CMHC may be right, or somewhere near right on this year’s prediction. Personally, I see the heat coming off a lot quicker this year, and perhaps harder. Anyone who wants to place their complete faith in CMHC’s long-term predictions would be wise to flip through a few of their past “Outlooks” as they are often wide of the mark. They predicted a 7-8% price gain in 2007. Prior to the “boom” they vigorously fought the idea that we could possibly absorb the number of lots that builders were calling for. A quarter of the way through 2007, they seemed completely unaware of what was going on and predicted year end prices that had been surpassed in the first quarter. This is only the recent history.
Again, we should not forget that Americans were living high off of home equity until the very last moment when things turned rather suddenly and sharply.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Northstar,
“temporary bull market”
I assume you mean the stock market exclusively?
May 21st, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Well, I have no doubt that retail spending is up as people keep cashing in their equity-checks for hummers (there are now two parked in my office parking lot, truly disgusting). But I’m not sure I can agree on job and income growth. Haven’t those two been topic for discussion on this forum quite actively? I thought I’d read that saskatoon actually lost 100 jobs last month and income has grown at the same rate year over year… no real “boom” there…
Maybe I’m just not able to find the right stats.
J.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Jonny,
search saskatchewan wage at stats can and you will see the average wage growth was 6.3% from Jan07 to Jan08. It also gives a good breakdown for certain sectors. I was surprised to see jobs in health occupations, social science, education, government service and religion was around 0%. This could be attributed to the fact of so many newbies starting out in this occupations, which would lower the average growth increase. I am not sure. All the other sectors listed have seen around %8-10 increase.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:40 AM
It’s all very depressing. as a perspective first time home buyer making a modest salary with a young family, it’s like a kick in the face every time I look at the MLS. While I haven’t kept on top of all market related news items, I can’t see how this type of growth is sustainable, particularly in the long term. I haven’t made up my mind as to what I want to believe will happen in the next few years, but I can almost guarantee it won’t be me purchasing a house without buying a lottery ticket first. While Saskatchewan (and particularly my home town of Saskatoon) is seeing a drastic increase in property values that could be contributed to a “catching up”, I think affordability is completely out the window at this point. I don’t see a 50% increase in our median income year after year. At least if I were to move to Alberta (although in decline it seems) I could at least get a job that may be able to afford me a home.
Anyway, just started reading your blog, some interesting opinions here Norm, keep it up.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Johny,
You’re right, the stats aren’t stacking up in favour for a boom this year, what’s up with those job losses? This is why CMHC made their predictions, to try and restart the momentum.
Duly noted: hummer’s are a disgrace and all of them should be repossessed and destroyed! Afterall, look at how electric cars were taken from their owners, and those are much nicer to the environment! Absolute power corrupts absolutely…
May 21st, 2009 at 9:43 AM
Johny,
Don’t even bother trying to bring up the income issue. People in Saskatoon just don’t care. The vast majority of the employers already owned their homes pre-boom and haven’t been affected at all financially by the rising cost of living expenses. So when an employee asks for a raise increase to help cover the rising expenses, they shrug it off as from their own perspective they haven’t been affected as they owned pre-boom. It is interesting to note that the despite moderate growth over the past years, the average Saskatoon household income is still 2% less than it was back in 1990. Yes, thats right, 18 years, and incomes are 2% LESS.
My advice to any young individual looking to stay in Saskatoon. DON’T. While the city has some great things going for it, the businesses and employers just don’t want to pay fair wages to go along with this so-called boom. They would be far better off to move to a place where their skills would be better appreciated and compensated. I said in a previous posting, when I proposed a modest rate increase to my clients to make up for the higher operating and cost of living expenses I was greeted with many frustrated phone calls from past clients, whom I have in the past gone out of my way to please, telling me that they would be looking out of province for cheaper services. As is, I find myself doing more and more work for out of province clients who consider my rates an absolute bargain. I just can’t help but feel dissapointed seeing all these businesses in Saskatoon benefitting from the boom strutting around saying that our city is the next big thing, while at the same time paying their employees next to peanuts. It just doesn’t make any sense. If they are going to talk the talk, why don’t they walk the walk as well and share with their employees some of the fruits of their economic success?
May 21st, 2009 at 9:54 AM
I forgot to post the Saskatoon Housing Plan to my last post with the dissapointing income statistics for our city.
http://saskatoon.ca/org/city_planning/resources/publications/Housing%20Business%20Plan%202006.pdf
May 21st, 2009 at 10:04 AM
George,
I only saw 1/5 of that increase! Oh wait, I’m in health/science field! Crap, should have gone into construction instead… maybe there’s still time? LoL
Bergo,
I feel for you. I’m pretty much in the same boat but have saved a sizable downpayment and have decided to build instead of buying resale. I don’t think you should feel hopeless. If you have 1 year to wait, stay in Saskatoon and see what happens. (Of course saving money every month if you can is a must) If you’re eager to get into real estate you should consider moving to Regina or Winnipeg, their wages are about the same as ours but their property is still affordable. As you had also mentioned AB is in a decline, and their wages won’t decline so that might give you some leverage.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Northstar,
Agreed. Although I think something a little south of 250K is sustainable. The affordability calculations don’t take into account a lot of additional expenses that residents of saskatchewan incur including, higher income tax, PST, gas prices, etc. I’m concerned that deterioration in affordability is going to force us right back to square one with out migration and corporate investment.
Agreed on the markets as well. I see a slight turnaround in american fundamental markets (energy, metals, etc). I am concerned for Canadian markets and don’t think our current government is focusing on economic growth so much as they’re focusing on their own longevity… I think they’ll most likely ignore the issue long enough to get past an election which will definitely be too late. Keeping interest rates low is a recipe for disaster… especially for saskatchewan, the last boomer to the table.
At a broader scope, yes, indentured Canadians is what every developed consumer nation (primarily the US) wants. The more debt our population takes on, the more dependent we’ll be on economic stability rather than inflation control. And the more indentured Canadians are, the more likely we’ll be to roll over and accept Americanization of our resources… because by then it’ll be simply “good for the economy”.
J.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Thanks for the positive comments Heather. Jason: the link provided was an interesting read.
I am fortunate to be renting a house for a fairly reasonable rate, in a great neighborhood, from a landlord who I consider very fair taking into consideration the actions of others that I know of. (rent went up $100 this month, but I still can’t complain). One of the most interesting things that I have noted in looking at housing over the past year or so is the escalating prices of homes in Saskatoon bedroom communities, and as the months pass, the escalation in prices reaches further, emminating from large urban centers. It seems that families working in Saskatoon are now considering hour long commutes to the city limits acceptable and therefore housing prices in small rural centers are rapidly increasing to the point where it makes no sense to pay $200 000 for an 1100 square foot bungalow in the middle of nowhere.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Jason,
that report was from Oct 19,2005 which provided stats from 1990-2000. This was 8 years ago! The statement you quoted was the average median income adjusted for the CPI. Using 2000 numbers the average median income adjusted for the CPI the average median income in 1990 was 44,193 in 2000 it was 43,184.
I am not surprised because for a whole decade the provincial economy was spinning its wheels going nowhere, now it is taking off.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Johny,
Your last paragraph is my worst nightmare! I don’t know how Canada is going to protect itself from the US, especially since we’re already becoming “one of them” with our out of control consumerism! Perhaps the government should consider allocating our funds to start building the Great Wall of Canada! ;’)
Bergo,
The buying out-of-town trend has certainly grown, and this has led to dramatic price jumps. I had considered moving to Martensville or Warmen but I can’t be bothered with driving more than 15 minutes one way, it’s a waste of time. This one reason why I like/d Saskatoon. What if 5 years from now oil is well over $100/barrel? If there’s one thing in our society that’s guaranteed not to errode, it’s oil prices. These middle-of-nowhere properties in smaller towns are going to be extremely vulnerable once SK’s economy cools.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:03 AM
P.S. I may not have been clear, Martensville/Warmen are not small towns, they aren’t vulnerable. The problem is their real estate is priced comparably with Saskatoon’s, this leaves zero incentive for me to move out there.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Johny and Heather,
With all due respect, and consideration for those who have clearly been left behind, the “what’s up with the 100 job losses?” question is a bit of a grasping at straws kind of argument that just takes the steam out of effective arguments. Anyone who follows the news knows that Saskatchewan saw positive net migration of about 14,000 people in 2007, that approximately 6600 full time jobs were created in Saskatoon, and that incomes were up on average. I believe that the median income was reported to have increased from $52,100 in 2006 to $60,900 in 2007. George points to the changes in the “average” from Statscan.
It’s fair to say, “it’s not enough” and I certainly agree with that but it’s almost embarrassing when people try to argue that there’s nothing but housing that’s performing well in Saskatchewan. I so want to be onside with you but I won’t stand in fantasyland. I know that you know better. Let’s not deny the truth at the expense of our credibility like the “pumpers” are accused of doing. There are so many fact based arguments which can be made regarding “out of whack” housing prices and deteriorating affordability.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:04 AM
“PRICES ARE ON THE WAY UP, IF BUYING IT’S WORTH LOOKING AT.”
http://www.saskhouses.com/listing/detail/?listing_id=12005
Steal of a deal.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Norm or Northstar,
Is there any comparison on year over year increases in each neighborhood? It seems to me, that the area 3,4, 5 have really had significant percent price appreciation relative to the area 1 and 2.
I think that what really bothered me in Saskatoon is the whole “eastside” vs “westside” component. I also read an average of 250 for SFH is reasonable. I would agree with that – BUT, this is a big but, you have to look at SFH on their own, not including the condo’s and townhomes. I don’t think for a second that the townhome is marketable as a SFH, for many reasons, although that is arguably happening.
When you see the single homes at over 250 for just townhomes or places that wouldnt fit a familly of 3, look out below!
May 21st, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Sorry Norm, I’d repeated the 100 job loss from a previous post on here not a stats can report, I should’ve clarified when I said “I read somewhere”. Now, the 6600 jobs created, was that a significant increase from the years prior? Can someone send me a link to the stats can report that this info is coming from? Sorry guys, I just don’t have the time that I had last year to do significant research to understand where things are going. I’ve really been out of touch with the baseline but am nonetheless concerned.
J.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Norm,
I agree that the fundamentals have not lined up with respect to housing price increase. But I believe every market corrects itself, just like this one will.
My feeling is that there may be a silver lining on this boom with respect to wages. Last year Saskatchewan saw an increase of 6.3% wage growth, I would expect an even higher increase this year. Driving by Denny’s yesterday was a sign that said “earn up to $16 an hour. I am guessing this is a supervisor position, only a few years ago, a job like this was $9-10/hr. This is not uncommon.
I sometimes look to Alberta for the weather to expect what we will have the next day. I also look at RE the same. In Calgarys housing boom from 2004-spring of 07, there were quite a few people who were pushed out of the market after the first year. The fundamentals did not justify the increases in RE. But prices kept going up until the spring of 07 when a SFH reached 505k.(crazy!) Prices then scaled back to 440k in Dec. They have slowly inched up to 455k this year but with loads of inventory. I would expect a bump this spring and then a decline . Throughout these past few years, wages have gone up substantionally there. With a RE decline and wage growth, eventually those people who could not get into a house in the last few years will get in.
I believe the same will happen here( not as high prices) with interest rates staying relative and the economic boom continueing for years. There will be an increase this year and possibly next year in RE here. But with economic growth this will lead to better wages. Eventually RE will see a leveling plateau, even a decline. With the better wages I expect eventually the people shut out right now will be able to enter the market once again. It just may take a few years for the market to correct.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Norm,
No I wasn’t grasping at straws pointing out the job losses, I am just pondering the reason behind it? It’s odd that this happened right after such a hot year, and I wonder what sectors these losses occurred in. I’m not inferring we’re on the brink of collapse because of some lost jobs. I wanted to open up a discussion, that’s why I have a ‘?’ on the end. :’)
This year is already feeling different than last, my predictions could be wrong but I think the hype on SK is cooling. I’m pointing out little things that come up in the news, just as pro-boom people are pointing out their things.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:10 AM
George, one thing I do know (and I believe I noted way back, with stats can references) was the fact that prior to the RE boom of 2004 there was record job and income growth in calgary. That’s not something we’re seeing here. We’re seeing moderate growth in jobs/income which are both fundamental to sustainability of our RE boom… that’s a big IF to be depending on. As I’ve said before, we HAVE to boom now to sustain these prices.
J.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Heather,
I accept what you’re saying. I am desperate for the return of a stable market. I just really believe that the “unbuzz” campaign is most effectively waged with facts, and not propaganda. Clearly I misunderstood where you were going with the “100 jobs” comment. To be more specific, there is an occasional effort to spin a story that nothing but housing is really performing in Saskatchewan. One could take that position a year ago but it can’t be sold today.
Captcha: bell unnecessary
May 21st, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Thanks for giving me a taste of my own medicine Norm
Now how’s about some links on job/income stats for review.
J.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Johny,
I’m working on it. You’ll have to excuse me. I start to get a bit of a pissy attitude around this time of year lately.
Cindy,
We’re actually working on some trend charts today that show average selling prices by month for each of the five areas over 2007. We’ll post them when they’re completed.
We do have some ten year price trend graphs by neighbourhood at http://www.teamfisher.com/Neighbourhoods/page_1719893.html
May 21st, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Norm,
Definitely what you’re saying is true. Saskatoon’s boom was more than just our housing market, I’ve never tryed to deter that.
Those Captcha’s are a hoot!
May 21st, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Johny,
Here are stats from the 4th quarter for Saskatoon:
http://www.sreda.com/resources/pdfs/SREDA2007Q4Report.pdf
January ’08 stats should be posted on the SREDA website in a week. There’s some really weird numbers… F/T jobs declined but # of people employed is up. # of people in the labour force has also declined.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Income growth according to Statscan – here
Two new job records set in Sask – here
SREDA’s 4th Quarter Economic Report for Saskatoon at http://sreda.com/
Finding anything on Statscan is tough. Affordability advocate Demographia quotes the medians as provided by Statscan. Your can see the current report here and click back to the link in last year’s article to read the last one.
Sask. income growth leads nation – here
May 21st, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Heather,
“F/T jobs declined but # of people employed is up. # of people in the labour force has also declined.”
Is this comment related to the forthcoming January numbers? Thanks.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Norm,
something I wanted to comment on was the title of this blog, we all seem to get a bit off topic all the time:)
Only a couple of years ago, if one where to general contract your own home. You could get a house built in Willowgrove for just over 200k including the lot. Now with the same kind of house builders are charging 450-500k with that same house to build.
Has concrete gone up 45%?, how about hardwood, tile, paint, drywall, how about wages for electricians, plumbers,roofers? To get a 45% increase in building a home, the average increase of cost of everything should be 45%,right?I know that lot prices have gone up, materials and wages as well but not to justify a 45% in a year. The biggest gain is the profit for the contractors. That is why prices for new homes have gone up so much.
The kicker is, that you buy a 450k home and I consider it not finished. Basement is only roughed in, no driveway or sidewalk, no landscaping or sprinklers, garage is probably not insulated. Not to mention furnishing it
One day I will build, but I will contract it out in a few years when things are so frenzied. It will take more time and probably be a headache for a year or so. But to save up to 150k I’ll do it.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Norm,
Yes it is. I called the guy who writes up these stat reports for SREDA. I grabbed some stats from him comparing Dec/07 to Jan/08 regarding employment in Saskatoon. I didn’t want Johny thinking I made up that stuff on jobs. :’)
May 21st, 2009 at 11:46 AM
George,
An excellent point. I suspect that prices are up in Saskatoon a helluva lot more than costs are. Remember, the average price of a new home only increased 6.2% nationally.
I’m going to guess that labour and land costs increased here more than in other areas but I can’t imagine buidling materials increased much beyond the national average.
Of course, new homes are suject to the principle of supply and demand as well. Builders, like practically all home sellers in Saskatchewan hit the jackpot in 2007 and put a big chunk more in their pockets.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Norm,
Yes, I was talking about the stock market only. Although, with the slash in rates it wouldn’t suprise me to see some stablization in real estate down there as well. There’s still a ton of inventory that’s not moving yet though.
Johny,
Before I address the topics, I’d like to say that even though we share some different views and have some heated debates on occasion… I appreciate them as debates. They don’t turn in to personal insults like some people do. ( No names mentioned )
I do agree that another drastic increase will definately be unsustainable. Your last paragraph in your address to me is so bang on it’s not funny. There is definately a “one world government” taking shape here. Look what’s happened in Europe with the Euro. Question? If the States is so concerned about security, why are their boarders a complete joke? Answers… The war on terror is a farse to manipulate the masses, and America needs the influx of mexicans to eventually start the process of a Euro type system here in North America. Thus gaining control over our assets,(resources).
All the stats being posted are great. Even though the stats don’t seems to support a boom the truth is that psychologically they do. People will see “Saskatoon and Saskatchewan leading the nation” and they will flock. Despite what the stats say. The other problems with stats is that they show what has happened in the past rather than what is taking place at this moment in time. I did however present a lot of these exact type of stats 6 months ago and bought here using these stats 12 months ago.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Northstar,
Sorry for the delay!
“Back to real estate (as opposed to mud slinging from others),
Good to hear from you again Johny.”
!
That’s fit for the schoolyard. A curtsy and a twinkle in your smile couldn’t buy more.
When you want to actually defend greed properly instead of attacking me generally I’m more than happy to hear. But so far you have followed the poster child right wing argument tactic: Talk about everything except the points made and hope to drown those you disagree with out with irrelevant nonsense.
To keep it on topic Northstar, the other thread (and here?) are both waiting for you to re-educate me as to why a healthy and considerate approach to society with a focus on people is so bad…
(Save the quips though, you do show a lack of maturity with your sardonic misdirections.)
May 21st, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Alex,
“To keep it on topic Northstar, the other thread (and here?) are both waiting for you to re-educate me as to why a healthy and considerate approach to society with a focus on people is so bad…”
Why are you looking for an argument on this. I agree with you.
“But so far you have followed the poster child right wing argument tactic: Talk about everything except the points made and hope to drown those you disagree with out with irrelevant nonsense.”
This is exactly what you are doing right now!!! I’ve asked to meet in person and you dance around it slinging everything but, “sure, let’s meet”
“When you want to actually defend greed properly instead of attacking me generally I’m more than happy to hear.”
Show me where I’ve said greed is good. Once again why are you trying to start arguments that I agree with you about? As far as attacking people, you’re the king of the castle on that topic.
The real question here is why don’t you want to meet face to face? It’s because you know I’ll expose you for being completely attached to money. Until you prove to me otherwise you’re just a hypacrite in my books.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Doug,
You couldn’t be more right. I’ve stated before that I respect others opinions even if they are the exact opposite of mine. What I don’t respect are bullies that name call and sling mud because you don’t agree with them. In the end those people have a lack of respect in a lot of areas of their lives.
The great thing about this world is supposed to be freedom. Freedom to think and do what you want, when you want to (with the exception of things that everyone agrees on. Ex, Murder). Right now that freedom is an illusion. You have to get permission to do nearly everything in life. I can’t legaly build a deck off the back of my house “On my property” without getting permission from the government first. 50 years ago, you could do what you wanted with your property because you owned it. Everyday, more and more freedom is being taken away from each and everyone of us. I find that to be extremely dangerous.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:53 AM
So when are we going to get together?
May 21st, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Northstar,
Why are you wanting to meet with Alex face-to-face? You two are very different people, what would possibly be accomplished? It’s a bit strange if you ask me. (but then you didn’t) It comes across like you’re challenging him to a school yard fight during recess sort of thing. The testosterone level needs to be brought down. When there’s an audience (Norm, myself, other bloggers) it becomes a show. If you guys were messaging privately back and forth I don’t think you’d be behaving like this.
Anyway it’s getting a bit tense in here, that’s why I butted in, that and it’s been over 24 hours since my last post and I’m going into withdrawal! :’P
May 21st, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Heather,
I know if we met, he would be proven a hypocrite. Plain and simple. I would make the same challange regardless the circumstances, (say if we met at a social gathering). The reason for it is because he personally insults people and tries to make it like his opinion is right, and everyone who disagrees are greedy idiots. My gut tells me that he’s all talk and no action.
You are right that it does sound like a school yard fight. A kid can only be bullied for so long before he swings back. You don’t understand it because you are made up of estrogen. However, the testostorone thrives on challanges. It’s what makes us men.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Northstar
From what I have read, you seem to be the realest amongst the idealists that have infested this Blog lately. They discredit the majority of the reports from senior economists in the country and seem to make unsubstantiated claims of doom a gloom based on their own market preferences. I personally ignore them because they the want the change the system to something that will produce a vision of the world that suits their own wishes. Maybe they will get their way someday if they lobby hard for 10 or 20 years. That works too. I like you, will do the best I can with today system, and if and when the system changes I will re-evaluate it and than do the best I can with the new system. Don’t worry too much about those that are waiting for change, since they seem take the position that you are either with them or against them. It should not be our fault if they get left behind. We all win or lose base on our opinions and actions on the opportunities that we come across in life. I believe if I look at my opportunities realistically and objectively my actions turn out most of the time. Funny how people who miss their opportunities by their own inaction find a way to blame the rest of the world for there own loss.
MOMOD
May 21st, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Master,
You suck and Happy Valentine’s Day! There’s nothing wrong with idealism, if only realists “infested” this earth, the world would be a very drab place indeed.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Yeah, nothing wrong with idealism, I agree.
That is, as long as it isn’t wrapped in smug blog quality writing with no substance.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Thank you for providing us with these interesting statistics. It may be true that prices rose at the fastest pace in Saskatoon, but you have to take into consideration the situation in other regions too – prices, buying strenght, selling weakness etc. I work as a BC Realtor and I read the statistics where was written that the the difference in ratio of highest prices and lowest sallaries is highest in Richmond. Unfortunately there is no information about price increases in Richmond in your article, but it isn’t difficult to look it up.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the comment.
Yes, we’ve had many discussions about affordability and we do understand that while things often feel bad about the rapid deterioration we’ve experienced, most of us realize that things are worse elsewhere. The greater Vancouver area is certainly among the most “unaffordable” in Canada.