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Tom Ikonomou, Kamloops B.C Real Estate (250-318-0479)

"Fortune Teller wins the Lottery"

Has anyone ever seen this headline? I can't say that I have. I can tell you one thing for sure, I have about five buyers that are sitting on the fence right now waiting for the front page headline's to say "Now is the Time to Buy"

Correct me if I'm wrong but by the time that anouncement hits the papers, it's too late! The ship has sailed because the media is re-active not pro-active. Things have to happen before they can report.

If you are in the market for a home whether buying or selling, we need to talk. There are great opportunities in the real estate market today however it is only for those that are buying and selling for the right reasons.

Did somebody say Market Slump?

Driving around Kamloops today I could not help but notice all the new construction. From the airport expansion to the new best western to the new highrise to the new holiday inn to the new... wow there is so many to mention I just realized how many new projects are curently in the works. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I could not find any evidence of a recession in Kamloops. I can only relate all the hype about the market being in a slump to an old restaurantuer who when asked by others on how is business in his little community, he would lower his head and say it's pretty slow with an inner fear of not letting the cat out of the bag.

Who is going to win?

I have just spent three days looking through all the dealerships to compare prices on my next car purchase. I know what price range I need so that makes it easy for me to find the best value. As I zipped through all the lots looking for (my car) I realized there were five cars (same year, same model) with a price difference of nearly five thousand dollars.

Was my time worth that much over three days? you bet it is. You can also bet that buyers looking at your home have viewed other homes in your price range and will view any others available at the time. Even if you are priced 2% over market value you run the risk of not selling within your time frame.

SELLERS - As a real estate professional, I am able to place your home at the right price range so you can sell fast and for top dollar without any stress. If the price range is not in your best interest then you will know before you put your home on the market.

BUYERS - As your representative, after we find your perfect home I will make sure you do not pay more than market value (unless you want to) and help make your purchase as smooth as possible.

Market kinda slow??

Since I get asked this on a regular basis, I wrote this blog.

Market slowed down now Huh? Well that depends on what you intentions are. As a seller you may have to lower your price however you will gain the difference when buy you next home. If you are upgrading, the 10% price drop could cost you $30,000 on your $300,000 dollar home but if you buy a $500,000 dollar home you gain $50,000 If you downgrade you might not save as much since there is always the land value which holds it's own. In which case you can always rent it untill the market turns around.

On the flip side, if you are renting now is the time to buy and enjoy the pride of home ownership. With rates as low as they are, it does not make sense to be at your landlords mercy.

Like any investment, you have to analyze your reasons and decisions when it comes a time to buy and/or sell. If you are looking to make $50,000 in equity in six months, I don't think now is the time to buy. It is dangerous to time the market. I have heard many buyers say they are waiting for prices to drop more. True, they can drop more but interest rates can rise making the same house less affordable.

Call me anytime, I welcome the opportunity to talk about your goals when it comes to buying or selling real estate. You'll be glad you did, I guarantee it!

Kamloops is NOW FREE!

It took 22 years but it has finally happened. The freeway between Kamloops and Vancouver is now Toll Free! Will that help the Kamloops market?. From the lower mainland, Kamloops is only an hour and a half drive and paying $10 each way spoils that sunday drive. Kamloops has come along way from that 'little mill town" and I think Kamloops will benefit when more and more Vancouverites discover just how much Kamloops has to offer.