James Holcomb

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
Almost 5 years. I got into real estate in January 2010 as a mortgage lender when everyone else was leaving the biz due to the recession. My family thought I was nuts! I had just closed on my own home in 2009 and overall the transaction was very rough. I saw an opportunity and made the jump after 11 years at my old profession and haven’t regretted making the choice. I made the transition from mortgage lender to Realtor at Keller Williams in downtown Vancouver in November 2011.

What are the top three things that separate you from your competition?

1. I actually answer my phone and return calls.
2. I am single with no children so I can commit to working 12 days and showing you that really good deal at 7 pm.
3. I am passionate about real estate and work as a full time Realtor with no second jobs.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Buyers: First time homebuyer programs are back. There is a new loan program that just came out that gives First Time buyers up to $10,000 or free down payment money that does not need to be repaid. Many buyers, and Realtors, are not aware of this program.
Sellers: Not all Realtors are the same. Always get a second opinion so you can net the most money possible with the least amount of hassle. The family friend Realtor or work referral may only sell 4 homes a year (the national average for Realtors). 20% of the Realtors do 80% of the business. You need someone in the top 20%.

Why should someone select you as their real estate agent?
I have lived in Clark County my entire life (33 years) so I know the SW Washington market very well. I have sold over 65 homes in the last 36 months with no assistants. My company is also the #1 brokerage in Clark County and often homes are sold in the first 48 hours of being listed due to my pre-marketing plan here to other Keller Williams agents. I also focus heavily on tech marketing as 82% of new buyers find their new home online. My listings are marketed on 350+ websites.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
Challenging: Finding homes 10-15% under market value for my investor clients to flip for profit or hold.
Gratifying: Helping first time buyers purchase their home smoothly and easily with equity from day one.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
It is still a great time to buy with rates back down in the 3’s (historical average is 6%). Depending on budget and situation now is a great time to buy.

What do you like about living in this area?
I love living in SW Washington! I am 5 minutes from boating on the river, 10 minutes from PDX, 15 minutes from downtown Portland, 90 minutes from snowboarding Mt. Hood, without all the Oregon Taxes and lower cost of living. You can often catch me at McMenamins down on the river eating dinner, or hanging with friends in downtown Vancouver watching a Blazer or Seahawks game. SW Washington is a no brainer and this why my family has lived here for over 70 years.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
Feel free to call or text me anytime at 360-281-5611 to get a free market evaluation of your home. You can also search foreclosures at www.simplehomesearchnow.com.