It drives me nuts (well, more nuts) when economists and pundits try to treat and analyze the housing market as if it were the stock market.

Of course, that’s how they make their living — not just by making comments on events, but by creating ‘events’ on which to comment.

True, there are cycles of price and of demand. But housing, over time, consistently appreciates in value. Furthermore, housing — in comparison to the stock market — has incomparable daily practical value.

Perhaps the only sure fire way to lose money on housing is to apply ‘day trading principles.’

“Important economic information” is readily, and constantly, available.

Housing starts go up in a particular month, given the launch of one large subdivision and a high-rise tower, both of which have been in the works for years. Average prices are down 2.3 per cent compared to the same month last year, in a specific region. The rate of decline in the ratio of listings to sales is not as bad as it was in the previous six-month period, seasonally adjusted.

The more attention one pays to experts and statistics, the more confusing it gets.

In the Information Age, especially “Twitter Time,” speed and volume of communication has overwhelmed quality of content.
 

Harry Stinson was one of the first Toronto developers to recognize the potential for urban condominiums, to develop residential lofts, and to convert old office and warehouse buildings into residential spaces. His current project is the Stinson School Lofts, an 1894 heritage building in Hamilton, Ont., that he is converting into stylish and affordable lofts.