Where have all the buyers gone?

Well actually they never really left. We are selling just as many properties on a month to month basis as anytime over the past couple of years. The problem is, we have four times the inventory as we had last spring, meaning 75% of the listed properties since spring '07 did not sell. Likewise, it is my guess that 75% of sellers did not need to sell. This has a heavy impact on sellers that do need to sell. (Please do not go and burn your neighbours "For Sale" sign because you know he's only "fishing" for an outrageous price). In the first couple of weeks of 2008 we are again listing at an overwhelming pace. Zone 91 for example (Spruce Grove & Stony Plain) have over 80 new listings against 13 sales. How many even get showings? How am I supposed to sell my clients homes? hmmm... I think I've got some gasoline in the garage.