NORTH SHORE MONTHLY REAL ESTATE UPDATE - MARCH 2000 Spring is arriving... and the two quieter months continue to be so. Ask any full time realtor in North or West Vancouver and they will tell you that activity is up. Busy it is! However total number of sales is down on the North Shore, year to date over last year (West Van had 17 more sales while North Van had 26 fewer). There is a high level of apparent demand and, other that a slight increase in numbers of N.Van and W.Van detached homes, (and an aberration in W.Van townhomes - up to 74 from 48 fast Feb) over ail inventories are down. This should lead to...? But it hasn’t yet. My assessment is that there is a significant amount of, yes, wait for it, “pent up demand” but that demand is not of the “anxious to buy” variety. More in the way of... “I'll do it if the ideal place appears at the right (read reasonable) price”. interest rates appear stable with even a minor decrease of late and this adds to the “no rush” attitude. A threat of escalation could lead to a flood of decisions. Suggestion: If you are a buyer, give some serious consideration to offering now on a property that works for you. You may in all likelihood be the only one who is (or has) and could take some advantage of the lack of other buyers’ competing. Those who don’t need to sell should likely hold off a little (unless !ocated in the hotter areas such as Ambleside, Dundarave and the Capilano Corridor) We still desperately need the condo owners to be able to sell, thereby allowing these foiks to be the buyers of higher priced townhomes and the “first time” detached houses. Roll on the more positive market, probably delayed until our beleaguered province is assured of a more citizen and enterprise friendly political climate. Should you wish to “just chat” about the market and your increasing or decreasing accommodation needs, feel free to call me for a general “no pressure” opinion. | am more and more inclined to believe that people have a greater need to discuss the “when?” rather than the easier and obvious “what is is worth?” question. | will also “bring you the market” so that you will be better informed on the likely cost of the next phase’ before you are expected to take the step out of this one. Give me a cal! or send me an e-mail now. BRIGHT “LAURA LYNN® GREAT FAMILY HOME “SPYGLASS HILL” ‘CENTRAL EDGENONT LOCATION 4/5 bedroom home with massive deck on quiet cul-de- sac..70' x 272’ private ravine lot. Custom remodelled- buildars own home. 3030 BROOKRIDGE DRIVE NOW $105,500 TOP FLOOR WITH SKYLIGHTS Nicely renovated 1 bedroom with large balcony. Well managed building in prime Central Lonsdale location. #319-206 E. 15TH STREET “Part of the Ozzie