Alastair Birt Re/Max Niagara Realty Ltd.

08/18/2026

This week’s numbers tell me the market isn’t quiet, it’s negotiating.
We logged 2,911 appointments and 292 sales last week. That works out to roughly 10 showings for every property sold, which is actually a little more efficient than our 30-day average.
That’s an interesting market.
Buyers aren’t rushing through the door, but they are making decisions. And with RE/MAX Escarpment & Niagara recording a 97.3% sales-to-new-listings ratio, there isn’t as much fresh inventory replacing what’s selling as you might expect in the middle of August.
My read heading into the next couple of weeks: watch inventory, not just showing activity. If new listings remain tight while buyers continue converting at this pace, we could enter the fall market with less choice than buyers are expecting.
For sellers considering September, that may be an opportunity worth discussing now.

08/14/2026

08/12/2026

2026 is holding its ground — and that’s a positive signal as we move through August.
This week, 2,922 appointments were booked, up 0.5% from the previous week and virtually even with the same period last year. We also saw 266 properties sold, producing an Appointment/Sold Index of 11.0.
What stands out is the recent momentum. At this point in August, appointment activity declined week-over-week in both 2024 (-0.9%) and 2025 (-2.6%). This year, we’re moving in the opposite direction with a 0.5% increase.
Looking further back, the comparable historical data also gives us reason for cautious optimism. In 5 of the past 8 years (62.5%), appointment activity increased in the following week.
What could come next? If 2026 continues to hold its current momentum and follows the more common historical pattern, we could see appointment activity push back toward — or above — 3,000 appointments next week.

08/06/2026

Congratulations to my Seller on a quick sale!

08/06/2026

The latest Appointment Centre results for July 26–August 1 show that the market continues to build on a solid summer. While 2,907 appointments represented a modest week-over-week adjustment, buyer activity remains stronger than the comparable weeks in 2022, 2024 and 2025, demonstrating that demand continues to trend in the right direction despite the typical seasonal slowdown heading into August.
Perhaps the strongest signal comes from the broader monthly picture. July finished with 14,107 appointments, a 1.5% increase over July 2025, confirming that buyer engagement continues to improve year over year. RE/MAX Escarpment & Niagara also delivered an outstanding 102.6% sales-to-new-listings ratio, outperforming the regional average of 85.2% and highlighting the continued strength of well-priced homes in our market.
As August begins, the market's fundamentals remain encouraging. Consistent buyer activity, improving year-over-year performance, and strong absorption rates suggest that momentum is carrying forward. If current trends continue, the summer market is on track to finish stronger than many initially predicted, setting the stage for a healthy and active fall market built on confidence rather than urgency.

08/04/2026

🏡 PRICE IMPROVEMENT | NORTH END CHARACTER HOME WITH BACKYARD OASIS! 🌳
📍 82 Lakeshore Road, St. Catharines
💰 Now $749,000
🛏️ 4 Bedrooms | 🛁 3.5 Bathrooms
📞 905-380-4393 for details or to book your private showing

Welcome to this charming 2-storey character home located in one of St. Catharines’ most desirable North End neighbourhoods. Situated close to Lake access, parks, shopping, and everyday amenities, this unique home offers over 1,900 sq. ft. of above-ground living space, a spacious layout, and a large two-car garage.

✨ Features You'll Love:
🏡 Spacious foyer with formal living room featuring a bay window
🍽️ Separate dining room perfect for family gatherings and entertaining
🔥 Cozy family room with gas fireplace and French doors leading to the backyard
🍳 Custom kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cabinetry overlooking the family room
🚗 Main-floor powder room and convenient garage access
🛏️ Three bedrooms upstairs, including a large primary suite with walk-in closet and private 3-piece ensuite featuring heated floors
🛁 Additional 4-piece bathroom on the second level
🎬 Fully finished basement with rec room, additional bedroom, 3-piece bathroom, and ample storage
🍷 Potential for a custom wine cellar or additional storage space

🌿 Step outside to your own private backyard retreat featuring a large covered entertaining area, plenty of space to relax with family and friends, and a private inground pool — perfect for enjoying summer days at home.

With its character, spacious design, and sought-after North End location, this home offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle.

📲 Contact us today to schedule your private showing!