Thomas Dampsy

link 2 realty ltd. Real Estate Brokerage & Andrew Young, Scotiabank will be presenting Free Real Estate Seminars to London Ontario.

Admission is free and open to anyone interested. Seating is limited, so reserve yours today by calling 519-642-0619 or email andrewr.young@scotiabank.com

Home Buying Seminar
Date: December 9, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00pm
Location: Scotiabank 301 Oxford St. W, London

Thinking of buying a home or property? Come check out our Home Buying Seminar. Learn about: Renting vs. Buying, Legalities, the Real Estate Market, and more! Speakers will include a Real Estate Agent & Mortgage Specialist.

Mortgage/Investment Seminar
Date: December 19, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00pm
Location: Scotiabank 301 Oxford St. W, London

This seminar is two in one! For anyone who wants to learn more about mortgages, or if you are thinking about investing in real estate, come check out our Mortgage/Investment Seminar. Learn about: Types of Mortgages, Investment Analysis, Legalities, Financing, and more! Speakers will include a Real Estate Agent & Mortgage Specialist. Guest speaker, Sean Galloway, City of London, will also discuss where London is headed and how to invest in its future.

For more upcoming dates, visit http://www.link2realty.ca/seminars.html

Gas prices are falling! Do you remember the last time gas prices were in the 70s? Just a month ago, we were looking at gas prices at 101.405. One year ago, they were 106.808.

If you didn’t fill up your tank during the week, you will be paying more to do so this weekend. Gas prices are higher during weekends, than weekdays.

Save money. I have a great website for you. Visit www.londongasprices.com. This website compares all gas prices in the London Area, and it shows you where you can get the cheapest prices.

The December edition of my newsletter, 'Bricks & Mortar REAL ESTATE REPORTER' is now available. Visit http://dampsy.ca/December2008Newsletter.pdf to read the newsletter today. You'll find valuable real estate information & tips such as: "Selling NOW", "Bathroom Mould", "Consider Your Offer", and much more. This is your link to realty.

If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter, just send me an email tom@dampsy.ca, and the next edition will be emailed to you.

I'm running for the Board of Directors of the London St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® this year. I need your support please. Last year everyone was acclaimed, this year 10 people are running for 4 positions...something's up! Back in 1988-89 we had over 1,700 members at the board, by 1995 that numbered had dwindled to just over 1,100. Loss of membership, loss of income, we had to sharpen the pencil, make sure the members were getting incredible value for the $. We are now over 1,400 members however our market has changed...again. I hope we do not relive the downturn of the early 90's however we need to forecast fewer members which means less revenue for the board. Good news...fewer members more business for us.

From 1995 to 2001 I was heavily involved at the board. From President of the Marketing Division, Director and participated on several committees, task forces and focus groups. I took a break, I needed to, but I did not stop my journey. When RECO said I was grandfathered from taking more courses, they are going to hold the new REALTORS® to a higher standard; I said I am going back to school and take the same courses the "newbies" have to take. 6 courses over 3 years I achieved my Broker status, but I didn't stop I opened my own real estate company in 2005.

3 years under my belt it is now time to volunteer at the board once again, I have so much to give and so much to learn, but in order to do so I need your help. Please support me as your director.

What are the issues facing you today? What are the main issues facing the real estate industry in the next 5 years? What should we be fighting for? I can not represent you; I can not help you if you don't tell me. TELL ME please.

CMHC forecasted this slow down over a year ago, kudos to them! If you want more info click or paste http://www.charitylinkrealty.ca/cityprofiles/london/index.jsp. On the right hand side click on the CMHC links, lots of good valuable information.

The good news is we will continue to move to a balanced market, that’s right no buyers market in sight. That means an equal number of buyers and sellers out there. Yahoo the strong survive! Prices won’t increase as quickly as in the recent past and sellers might have to negotiate a few more extras (yeah) such as appliances. The forecast does call for a moderate price increase. All in all we are headed into a nice steady market. I love these markets.

Too bad the papers are reporting negative news, it hurts us all. Take Stirling in St. Thomas as an example. The papers reported a job loss at the plant of 2,300 +- when there are actually only 700 +- jobs. Yes Stirling at one time employed 2,300 but not for a long time now. The plant closing will have a slow down effect as St. Thomas and the surrounding businesses adjust but I don’t think it has to be the doom and gloom we hear about. A lot of people employed at Stirling don’t even live there!

The 10 year average for home sales in London/St. Thomas for the month of September is 6,597; 5 year average is 7,269; this year 7,113 sales. Not as bad as you think.

As we approach Christmas our market naturally slows year after year after year. Mortgage rates are still great. If you are thinking of buying now is a fantastic time especially if you find a motivated seller whose house meets your wants and needs. If you are serious about selling call me for up to date market info that will help you achieve your plans. If we know what the market is doing we know how to price to stay ahead of the market. More on pricing next week.