Eric Putoto Personal Real Estate Corporation

Your Kamloops home has all the benefits: hardwood, fresh paint, a great security system, heated pool, and a built-in barbecue pit. But, why is your perfect home still on the market after 4 long months? In today’s buyers market, your home may be overpriced. That may be a tough pill to swallow after all of the hard work you put into your home, but the market just isn’t on your side right now. So, how can you tell if your home is priced to sell or priced to stay? Here are a few warning signs that you’ll be holding onto that mortgage for awhile:

1. No showings
   After two months, you’ve only has one prospective buyer through your Kamloops home. This is a huge red flag that something is wrong. If no one is bothering to view your home, you have no chance of selling it. Even if you are getting lots of hits online and the box of flyers out front keeps running empty, there is a reason no one is following through to see the home. Chances are it’s because your home may be priced too high.
2. No offers made
   So, you’ve made it over the first hurdle and people are coming to look at the home. But, there are no second looks and no offers coming in. While it may be due to poor design choices, wall and floor colors and outdated cabinets, much of that can be overcome if the price is right. Again, in today’s market, it all comes down to money.
3. You have the highest priced home on the block
   With the current market, many people are looking for a great deal….or even a steal. Homes that are priced higher than those around them are tougher to sell, even if they are worth it. First, be sure your home is worth the extra money –does it have more luxurious finishes or unique features that other homes lack? Is its curb appeal and condition significantly better than other homes in your neighborhood? If so, your home may be appropriately priced. Selling a higher priced home requires even more expertise and strategic planning than moderately priced homes for the obvious reason that you’re are selling to a much small market. Your Realtor® needs to be able to position and market your home in such a way that it will not only attract offers but the kind of offers you want!
4. Consistent criticism
   Hopefully, your Kamloops real estate agent is getting feedback from showings and is sharing that information with you. Are you seeing a trend in the feedback? Is there some aspect of your home that several potential buyers have disliked - maybe it’s the blue bathtub and toilet, or the worn-out carpet in the living room. In any case, your choices are to lower the price or fix the issues if you want to get the home sold.
5. Other homes in your neighborhood are selling
   It’s easy to blame the current market for our home not selling, but is that really the case? Are other homes in your neighborhood selling while yours is sitting there? If so, the problem is not with the market. Consult your real estate agent on which homes are selling and how they compare to yours—amenities, size, age, and price. Then, let your agent guide you in the best way to get the best possible price for your home.

No one wants to sell their home for less than they think it’s worth. However, in today’s market, home values are lower than they were 5 years ago. While small steps toward a market rebound have been made, there is still a large inventory of homes on the market - competing for the same buyers. In addition, this puts the buyers in the driver’s seat. In order for you to sell your Kamloops home quickly, you will need to listen to the advice of your realtor, look at the comparable sales around you, and price your home accordingly.

When you are ready to sell your Kamloops home or relocate to the area, call me, Eric Putoto! I am the ONLY Canadian Realtor to have been granted an exclusive license for the most advance home selling system ever developed: The “Maximum Value Home Selling Systems."^TM

Kamloops residents have long understood that they have a wonderful life. From skiing and hiking to fine arts and dining, there is something for everyone. Today, it is apparent that more and more people understand the great life Kamloops has to offer.

Canadian Real Estate Magazine recently named Kamloops as one of the top 5 investment towns in BC. Thanks to increasing home sales, a strong rental market, and less of an oversupply of condominiums in comparison to other town, Kamloops is making a name for itself. In addition, the $50M put into renovating and building additional sports facilities is quickly making Kamloops a destination of choice for tournaments, training camps, and tourism. Please follow this link to view the article in its entirety. http://www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/news/106693/details.aspx

When you are ready to sell your Kamloops home or relocate to the area, call me, Eric Putoto!

Eric Putoto is the ONLY Canadian Realtor and Brokerage owner to have been granted an exclusive license for the most advance home selling system ever developed: The "Maximum Value Home Selling Systems."^TM

For the last several decades, tile has been one of the most common choices for flooring in many Kamloops homes. It’s durable, comes in various sizes and colors, and has products to match most budgets. In recent years, however, many consumers have turned to polished concrete as a flooring alternative. Although it started as cost-effective flooring for commercial spaces, homeowners have started to discover this durable, cost-effective flooring option. However, which one is the right choice for you? Whether your choose tile and polished concrete, both are durable, have reasonable price options, and look great. Both can support radiant floor heating systems, are resistant to moisture damage, and are sustainable flooring alternatives. Whether you’re deciding on new flooring for your new house or renovating your existing Kamloops home, consider the pros and cons before choosing which product is best for your home.

· Do It Yourself: Laying tile is a common DIY project even though it requires some physicality and skills with basic tools (saw, trowel, measuring tape, level). In fact, many home improvement stores offer classes on how to complete such a project. Polishing concrete requires the ability to control and properly use a special polisher. Because of the smaller spaces in homes (and proximity of walls), this is not typically easily accomplished by the average homeowner. Advantage: Tile

· Cleaning and Maintenance: Both products are low maintenance easily cleaned with simple soap and water. However, tile will require occasional re-grouting as the grout in between tiles wear down. Advantage: Concrete

· Cost: While basic ceramic tile is relatively inexpensive, other tile materials (such as travertine and stone) and design elements can quickly cause the price to jump. Additionally, there is required upkeep in regards to periodically re-grouting tile, especially in the high-traffic areas of your Kamloops home. Polished concrete is also inexpensive in its basic form, but can become more expensive if decorative elements are added. Concrete, however, has virtually no lifecycle cost—unless you decide to occasionally buff high traffic areas to maintain a high shine. Advantage: Concrete

· Sound: One of the biggest problems with using hard flooring options is that they don’t absorb sound. In order to avoid the “echo” effect in tile or concrete flooring, be sure to add rugs and fabric accents. Disadvantage: Tile and Concrete

Both tile and polished concrete are great options for high-traffic areas of your home. Determining which flooring to use is a question of personal style, budget, and whether you wish to do the work yourself or hire a contractor. As with all major renovations, just be sure you take the time to research your options before making a choice.

When you are ready to sell your Kamloops home or relocate to the area, call me, Eric Putoto! I am the ONLY Canadian Realtor to have been granted an exclusive license for the most advance home selling system ever developed: The “Maximum Value Home Selling Systems."^TM

In today’s busy world, friendships have changed. We no longer live in a time where hand-written letters and cards are exchanged or weekly “social calls” are a way of life. Instead, we live in a world of cell phones, Skype, and text messaging. With all of these inventions, you would think that keeping up with long distance friends would be easy… somehow; we seem to be losing the battle of maintaining long distance friendships following a move. But, there are some easy ways to stay in touch with old friends when you move to Kamloops:

1. Set aside time: Remember, you are friends because you enjoy each other’s company. Make a plan and set specific times in your schedule to cultivate the relationship and share those things that kept you close before. Whether it is your favorite football team, television shows, or just family happenings, talk about those things that made your friends. While calls may be less frequent, take time to email once a week - set a reminder on your computer or phone if you tend to get busy.

2. Let them know where you are: Send “we’ve moved” cards to family, friends, and acquaintances and give them your new Kamloops address, email and new phone numbers! Remember, they can’t call you if they don’t know where you are.

3. Social Media: While much of the social media craze started with teenagers, many adults are finding Facebook and other social media platforms are a great way to keep in touch with old classmates, friends, and family around the world. Set up a profile and invite old friends to do the same - it’s a great way to keep old groups of friends together!

4. Video Conferencing: With today’s technology, webcams can enable you to talk and see each other over the computer. Video conferencing platforms such as Skype, Oovoo, and even Google make it possible to see and talk to friends through your computer. This is a great way for kids to communicate with grandparents in another state and actually show off their new haircut or baseball trophy.

5. Send Pictures: While handwritten notes may seem a little dated to some, they are still appreciated by many. Take time once in awhile to jot down a thank you, birthday wish, and get well sentiment and put it in the mail. A short handwritten card and a few photographs can go a long way in keeping friends and family close.

Good friends are hard to find, so it’s important to take the time and keep them close … even if they no longer live next door. While cultivating a friendship takes time, the benefits are worth every minute. In addition, with today’s technology, you can text, chat face-to-face, and share digital pictures instantly from your Kamloops home. So, don’t miss out on life’s greatest treasures because of a move!

When you are ready to sell your Kamloops home or relocate to the area, call me, Eric Putoto! I am the ONLY Canadian Realtor to have been granted an exclusive license for the most advance home selling system ever developed: The “Maximum Value Home Selling Systems."^TM

It’s hard to believe Halloween is just six weeks away! The weather is perfect for parties, ghost stories, and trick-or-treating in Kamloops. Whether you’re a resident, or looking for a great place for a weekend get-away, Kamloops has activities for every level of scare! So, pick out your costume, carve the pumpkin, and take advantage of the many spooky Halloween events Kamloops has to offer during October.

Pumpkin Picking: Kids of all ages will enjoy picking their own pumpkin at Tranquille Farms. In addition to a U-pick pumpkin patch, you can enjoy free tractor rides, animal encounters, and trampoline jumps. The farms are open daily starting in Early October. Carving the jack-o-lantern is much more fun when you’ve picked the pumpkin yourself!

BOO at the Zoo: This family friendly event at BC Wildlife Park includes a Kid’s haunted house, Spooky Lights, the Freaky Family Farm, and plenty of trick or treating! Uncle Chris the Clown will perform, and there is a contest for best costume. The evening culminates with fireworks at 8:30! The event runs Oct 28-31. Check the zoo website for details and tickets.

Kamloops Heritage Railway Ghost Train: Take this spooky hour-long ride and hear the story of the 1915 train that disappeared on a dark and stormy Halloween Night. With a little luck, you’ll even make it back alive! Tickets run $15-$20, and advance reservations are necessary. Don’t miss out—this annual event sells out fast!

Haunted Kamloops Tour: Did you ever wonder why the house on the corner looks so scary at night? Come and hear the stories of Kamloops scariest sites. Sponsored by the Kamloops Museum, this 2 ½ hour tour is not for the faint of heart! Explore the scary burial ground and visit various Kamloops locations where the memories and echoes of murders and hangings still reside.

Pumpkin Beer: There’s no better way to cap off a night of ghosts and goblins than sharing a cold brew with friends. Tell your own ghost stories or share your experiences after the Haunted Tour. And the best place to do this? The Noble Pig, which is featuring a very special pumpkin beer this time of year.

For those of you who aren’t into scares and screams, Kamloops also has a spooky skate at Valleyview Arena and a Spooky Swim at the Canada Games Aquatic Center. Details for all available events and accommodations can be found on the Kamloops Tourism Website.

When you are ready to sell your Kamloops home or relocate to the area, call me, Eric Putoto! I am the ONLY Canadian Realtor to have been granted an exclusive license for the most advance home selling system ever developed: The “Maximum Value Home Selling Systems."^TM