Montreal’s real estate market is entering a period of adjustment in 2026, due to changing demand, economic uncertainty, and evolving buyer behaviour in Canada. Within this environment, Joelle Bitar, a Montreal-based real estate broker and team leader at RE/MAX Action in Westmount, has gained industry attention following a series of recent achievements.
She recently received the RE/MAX Pinnacle Trophy for her performance in 2025, a high distinction within the RE/MAX network. Her team also ranked 16th in Canada and 21st worldwide in the 2025 RE/MAX LLC rankings (Medium Team, Residential), reflecting sustained production at both the national and global levels.
These accomplishments arrive at a time when Canada’s housing market is showing mixed signals. National home sales are set to rise by about 5.1% in 2026, while average home prices are expected to increase modestly by roughly 2.8%. At the same time, recent data shows softer activity in early 2026, with home sales declining month over month and inventory levels sitting near long-term averages.
Industry analysts describe 2026 as a year of stabilization rather than rapid growth. Sales activity is below historical highs, and many buyers are cautious amid affordability concerns and economic uncertainties.
Housing supply has also been a big factor. Canada saw a 6% increase in housing starts in 2025, driven largely by rental construction, yet challenges still exist in ownership-focused housing and long-term affordability.
Against this backdrop, experienced brokers are becoming more important for handling local market conditions.
Joelle Bitar’s recent recognition highlights her ability to operate consistently within this changing industry. Her portfolio includes Montreal neighbourhoods such as Westmount, Downtown, and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, where demand patterns can change drastically by property type and price point.
“Markets like Montreal require constant attention to data and timing,” she says. “Clients are more informed than ever, and they expect guidance that reflects real conditions, not assumptions.”
Joelle Bitar focuses on combining market data with negotiation strategy, especially in situations where pricing and inventory levels fluctuate.
With nearly 500,000 residential transactions across Canada in 2026, competition between buyers and sellers remains active, even in a more balanced market.
Joelle Bitar notes that success in this environment depends on adapting to both macro trends and neighbourhood-level dynamics.
“Every transaction has its own context,” she says. “Knowing the micro-market helps buyers and sellers make confident decisions, especially when conditions are changing.”
Her background in law and real estate taxation also supports clients through complex transactions, including contract structures and financial considerations.
Awards like the RE/MAX Pinnacle Trophy are used within the industry as performance benchmarks, particularly in years where market activity is less predictable. Joelle Bitar’s inclusion in this category recognizes her high transaction volume and consistent performance over multiple years.
In Montreal, where supply, pricing, and demand can change quickly, this kind of recognition is associated with adaptability and long-term client relationships.
Forecasts suggest that Canada’s housing market will rebalance through 2026, with moderate sales growth and relatively stable pricing in many areas. Economic factors, including interest rates and employment trends, are expected to impact buyer confidence for the next few months.
For brokers operating in major urban markets like Montreal, the ability to interpret these changes is critical.
Joelle Bitar’s recent rankings and awards place her among a group of real estate brokers performing at high levels despite uncertainty. As the market evolves, her results reflect a model built on consistency, local expertise, and responsiveness to changing conditions.
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