Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Alan graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Economics. Alan, a member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada since 1979, has his designation as a Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA).

Alan has been involved in residential real estate since 1975, having been an associate real estate broker and also an area manager of mortgages for a national trust company. This practical experience has been applied, since 1986, in completing appraisals for mortgage purposes for potential purchasers and also existing owners of residential and smaller income-producing properties. Appraisals have also been completed for power-of-sale and foreclosure purposes as well as litigation support in the area of family law and assessment appeal. Extensive work has been performed in the area of relocation appraisals for both corporate clients and individuals.