Blog

by Andy Dean Photography

If you have been paying attention to Calgary’s real estate trends, you are probably well aware that this year has been considered a strong seller’s market.  So what exactly does this mean?  Low inventory has reduced the number of properties available for purchase. 

This is causing buyers to become more competitive.

If houses are well priced, they are selling very quickly- usually with multiple offers.  As we head into the summer, we are expecting the number of listings to increase which will gradually shift us back to a balanced market.

If you are thinking of selling this year, you may have an advantage if you list sooner than later.  Listing your property at fair market value while the market is hot will almost guarantee you a quick and profitable sale. 

Some sellers are taking the approach of listing slightly higher than the current market value. 

If the demand in the area is high enough and the property shows well, they are walking away with top dollar for their homes.  In a city with such a rapidly growing population, real estate investment is a hot commodity and buyers recognize the value in owning their own home.

The challenge may arise when you start looking for your next property.  Buyers are having a tough time finding the right home with fewer properties to choose from.  Some are getting discouraged after losing a few bidding wars and have decided to shelf their property search until the market balances out. 

As we head into the summer, it’s safe to say that listing inventory will increase.

As always, it’s important to educate yourself throughout the process.  Ask plenty of questions, and align yourself with knowledgeable Calgary professionals who will represent your best interest along the way.  If it’s time for your next home, do your research and have a good idea of what you are looking for so when the right property comes up, you are ready to buy.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

In order to make your upcoming move easier on you and your whole family, you may want to consider
hiring a moving company to help with the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. In fact,
moving companies offer a range of other services designed to make your move a smooth transition from Point A to Point B. However, there are some things movers cannot do – and that’s transport certain
items.

It’s important to understand what your moving company can’t move so you can prepare by either
finding alternate transportation for or getting rid of those items in advance. Often there are two
categories of items you’ll want to pay attention to: items a company can’t move, and items it
recommends against moving.

Items a Moving Company Can’t Move
Almost all reputable moving companies will not move hazardous materials that would be dangerous to
their trucks, their drivers, and your other belongings. Since you don’t want to put anyone or anything in danger, it’s best to find other homes for these items or throw them out before movers arrive to pack up the truck on moving day. Items in this category include, but aren’t limited to the following:
• Matches
• Lighter fluid
• Fireworks
• Propane cylinders
• Gasoline
• Nail polish removers
• Paints and paint thinners
• Oxygen bottles

Items a Moving Company Recommends You Don’t Ask Them to Move
The biggest item in this category includes perishable food. Why pack up things that can grow mouldy or
stale and affect other materials packed nearby? Likewise, avoid packing anything in glass jars as they can leak or crack before arrival, creating a real mess among your belongings. While companies may agree to move these items, it’s far better to simply use them up before moving day. On the other hand, food that isn’t perishable or stored in glass jars – like boxed food, spices, dried fruits, and oils in plastic containers – are often just fine to move.

Another type of item that movers may recommend you don’t ask them to move is anything of great
value to you. This includes anything from heirlooms to jewellery, family photos, cash, important
documents like wills or deeds, collections, etc. The reason they recommend you move these items
yourself is because their reimbursement policies are often limited (unless you pay extra). For example,
the most basic valuation policies only require a moving company to partially reimburse you for an item
based on weight. Because valuables are often small and irreplaceable, this policy will never be satisfying should your valuables be lost or damaged. Solve this issue in advance by transporting anything valuable in your own vehicle.

For exact specifications on what your particular moving company will not move, browse its website or
contact your moving representative. Having that information on hand will guide you as you pack your
belongings in preparation for your move.
—
David Shapiro is a marketing specialist for moving companies such as North American Van Lines. In the little free time he has, he enjoys outdoor activities like biking, hiking, mountain climbing and swimming.

Minnewanka Lake. Banff National Park. Alberta. Canada. by Breev Sergey

With so many beautiful parks, trails and hidden gems around Calgary, there is hardly enough weekends in the summer to visit all of the outdoor destinations that we would like to explore.  My family and I are always looking for new places that we haven’t yet discovered, but there are several favorites that keep us coming back every year. 

The hiking trails in the Bragg Creek area are one of our favorite places to enjoy nature and the outdoors.  The Elbow River and Elbow Falls are just a short distance away.  Although most of the picnic and camping areas were damaged during the flood, the river is still accessible, and the spring water flow has transformed the falls into a spectacular sight,

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is located about 90 kilometers west of Calgary along the Kananaskis Trail.  This is one of the largest provincial parks in Alberta and there are about a dozen regular and back country campgrounds to choose from.  This park is a great place to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.  Grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep and cougars are just some of the animals that roam around in this area.  If you are feeling really adventurous, you can plan a 3-4 day backpacking trip exploring the Northover Ridge and the Kananaskis Pass.

Of course, no summer would be complete without a trip to Banff.  One of our favorite activities in canoeing on Lake Minnewanka.  This glacial lake is located on the east side of Banff National Park.  There are several glacial streams that feed into Lake Minnewanka. Although there are hiking trails that surround the lake, exploring the shore in a canoe gives you a unique perspective and allows you to enjoy the landscape from a different point of view. Riding bikes on the fantastic trails between Canmore and Banff is also something many families enjoy.

Taking a break from our busy lives to enjoy the great outdoors leaves us feeling energized, relaxed and recharged.  We are looking forward to another busy and adventurous summer this year.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Peace Bridge
Courtesy of Jeff Whyte Photography

There is no doubt that 2014 has unfolded so far as a seller’s market in Calgary.  Here are the reasons why

• Inventory is low and homes are selling incredibly fast in Calgary Real Estate Market.
• The value of real estate continues to increase in major cities across Canada, and Calgary is certainly keeping up with the pack. People who are looking for homes need to be prepared to act quickly.
• With the reduced inventory of Calgary properties to choose from, it’s important to come forward with a serious offer to the seller; if you find the home that meets your needs and your budget.

Meanwhile, if the last few months have been any indication, it appears that inventory is slowly on the rise. Although it will take some time before we transition back into a buyer’s market, here are some tips to know:

• If you are thinking of buying this summer, mortgage rates are sitting at record lows for yet another season. This makes a tremendous difference in terms of affordability; it can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage.

• If you are thinking of buying in the next few months, it’s a good idea to speak to your Calgary mortgage broker and request a rate hold so you are ready to make a move when the right property comes on the market.

• Keep in mind, a rate hold doesn’t require any obligation on your part, but it does give you the ability to determine your monthly payments more accurately. Particularly if you are a first-time buyer, choosing a home that fits into a monthly budget that you are comfortable with is important to meet your short and long-term objectives.

• Whether you are planning on buying a home in Calgary, looking for your first investment property, or thinking of building the home of your dreams, you can make a decision with confidence. Calgary continues to a desirable and profitable place to invest.

This city has established itself on a strong foundation and the future is looking bright. So many people move to Calgary because they are looking for new opportunities.

Your next real estate opportunity could be just around the corner.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.