Archive for the ‘Altadore Real Estate’ Category

Are you a Seller or Buyer of Calgary Real Estate? It is more fun to be an optimist – but …

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020

Bryon Howard Calgary Real Estate

 

While it is more fun to be an optimist, one must consider the time we are in, and one’s individual circumstances and plan appropriately.

What do you think is hurting YYC real estate numbers more, our Energy Sector or Covid-19?

Our Energy Sector.

In Feb, 20,000 jobs were taken out of Calgary due to Energy Prices. In March, our start into Covid19, another 40K jobs were lost. Many of the job losses were highly paid professional and scientific in the oil industry.

Sales dropped 63% in April and 43% in May. Of course, new listings also dropped, and we now see that our prices from the same months in 2019 dropped just 4%. (Higher priced homes decreased more than lower priced.)

RBC reported The Canada economy will retract by 8% and Alberta will experience the most pain. Furthermore, we have still not recovered from the 2015 recession.

Alberta is likely in the worst recession it has ever experienced. While in-migration levels should increase this year, this in-migration to our province is international. These are “newcomers” to Canada – establishing in their new home. We are expecting to have the most job losses in recorded history of approximately 250,000. Unemployment in 2021 is expected to be in the double digits.

A colleague of mine, Keith Braun, has prepared a very good analysis. You may see it here.

Have you got real estate decisions to make? Each region of Calgary is different, and every community is different. Depending on your circumstances, and area, it may make sense to continue on your plan to be a seller or a buyer. All the variables must be considered in your life’s situation, and your goals.

If you are attempting to navigate the Calgary Real Estate Market, please reach out. I would love to share what I know, and assist in your ‘best decision making’, based on your lifestyle and future goals.

This is part of a series of pieces, written in about twelve minutes, proof read once with tiny edits and then posted online.

Someday, probably not, I may publish a book entitled: Bryon Wrote This Book in 12 Minutes. 

You can learn more about me and my real estate business at www.TheHowardTeam.net.

Friends, Family, Business Colleagues – Making a Real Estate Decision? Three Reasons Why You Should Call me, even though we don’t live in the same city

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020

Bryon Howard Calgary Realtor

 

In the past 30 days, in separate provinces and states than where I live, my sister bought a house, my brother sold a house, my cousin sold a house, and my niece had a question regarding her investment property and best ways not to renew a lease for tenants. In the end, they all did very well with their decisions, however, they all had some frustrations and unanswered questions that I was able to assist with. I was very happy to help.

Real Estate decisions are some of the largest financial decisions a person will make in life. Stats show that most people choose the first realtor they come across, often selected from a Bus Bench or Internet Search. Even more than most industries, the difference between a professional and an amateur is huge. Selecting the right realtor and plan to sell or buy your home, could save you tens of thousands of dollars, possibly hundreds of thousands. In the very least, buying or selling a home can be a very positive experience, or a negative. Don’t you deserve a positive experience?

During my entire career, I have networked with North America’s Top Producers. Quite possibly I know a very good realtor in your market, or at least know how find and vet a good fit for you.

Here are three reasons you should ask for my help:

1. The cost and ‘pain’ of becoming a realtor is relatively low. There are more inexperienced and unprofessional industry members in the real estate business than most businesses. You may as well have the best. Let me vet your real estate professional.

2. In North America, they typical agent sells 4 homes per year, and only ‘lasts’ in the industry for 3 years. I’ve been selling real estate since since 2002, and since that time have averaged selling a house a week! You want a professional who does the job everyday, over and over again. You want someone who has experience working in boom and bust markets, and have seen the myriad of issues we see in the home selling and buying process. Allow me to ensure the realtor you end up with, has the experience in the kind of market you are living in.

3. I would really appreciate your help in growing my business. You are my friend, my relative, my business associate. We have similar interests and values.  Allowing me to help you with this important real estate decision keeps me connected to other professional industry members over the world.

Icing On The Cake: Did you know it is common practice in the real estate industry to provide a 25% referral fee? Did you know that country wide, the average commission on the purchase or sale of a home is approximately $10,000? If I provide you a Realtor referral for your real estate purchase or sale, I could potentially earn $2,500.

It is worth ‘my effort’ to ensure you have a positive experience with your home selling or buying. While we do not live in the same place, the next time you are making a real estate decision, find me with a quick search on the internet – I will ensure the chance of you having a positive experience is much greater than otherwise!

 

This is part of a series of pieces, written in about twelve minutes, proof read once with tiny edits and then posted online.

Someday, probably not, I may publish a book entitled: Bryon Wrote This Book in 12 Minutes. 

You can learn more about me and my real estate business at www.TheHowardTeam.net.

Tips for Avoiding Nightmare Tenants

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Success in real estate investment is totally dependent on the property owner’s ability to find and lease space to qualified, dependable tenants.  Good tenants are building blocks for a solid investment.  Each turnover in tenancy involves costs – in lost rent and the cost to prepare space for a new occupancy.  There can also be substantial legal costs involved in removing problem tenants.  While a certain amount of turnover is both inevitable and manageable, the goal must be to keep turnover to a minimum.  Turnover is a landlord’s greatest enemy.

Here are a few valuable tips for pulling in quality tenants and avoiding every landlord’s worst nightmare – the deadbeat tenant from hell who does not pay rent and destroys your property.

Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to tenant screening. – Order background and credit checks on every tenant applicant you consider and have them provide proof of income, such as a current pay stub.  Also, ask for landlord references and make every effort to contact those references.  It is also fair game to check out the social media pages of prospective tenants.  Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram are home to treasure troves of information when you are trying to find out more about a person.  Just because one report or reference comes back looking good, don’t neglect to follow-up with the other checks.

Try a little patience! – Yes, we have established that turnover costs money, but do not lease to the first tenant who comes knocking just to avoid a short-term vacancy.  The costs associated with evicting a tenant will far exceed the costs of a brief vacancy.  Develop patience and wait, if necessary, for the right tenant to come along.

Look for obvious red flags that may signal a problem tenant. – There are signs that alert landlords to tenants that are best avoided.  Anyone who is in a big hurry to move in immediately should cause you to slow down and ask a few questions.  What is the big hurry?  Were they evicted by another landlord or thrown out by their parents?  Also, beware when throngs of friends and family show up to look at a simple one-bedroom apartment.  An excessive number of people living under one roof will result in increased wear & tear and higher utility costs and may even violate the rules of your condo or homeowner’s association.  Finally, watch out for applicants who have multiple addresses over a short period.  This means they move all the time.  Before you know it, they will be moving from your property and you will be back at the drawing board in search of a steady, long-term tenant.

Consider employing a professional property manager. – If your budget has some wiggle room, you may want to opt for the services of a professional property manager.  They have websites designed to attract tenants and are already set up to screen prospective tenants in assembly line fashion.  Best of all, many investors report that property management pros can negotiate better rents than they were getting on their own.

Another way to avoid bad tenants is to be a good landlord.  Honor your own obligations under your rental agreement, respect your tenant’s privacy and your good tenants will be more inclined to renew the lease.  You may even persuade them to accept a little bump in rent to sweeten the deal!

 

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.

Does Your Realtor Have What It Takes?

Tuesday, February 14th, 2017

Does Your Realtor Have What It Takes

Successful Realtors are skilled at wearing multiple hats.  The “best of the best” are not only knowledgeable and experienced in the nuances of their market, but they also have good business sense, fine-tuned instincts and the ability to lead a team of professionals working on behalf of the buyer or seller.   They have the ability to utilize their knowledge and experience to solve problems.  When there is a hiccup in your pending transaction or a delay in financing, you need to know that the Realtor quarterbacking the deal will have the right set of skills and know-how to get everything back on track.

A good business person utilizes a proven system based on “best practices” and ensures that all professionals and staff under their wing do the same.  At the same time, they need to stay flexible and adapt to changes when needed. The real estate industry is always evolving, especially in a fast-paced market such as Calgary.  The digital age has revolutionized the way we do business. In order to best serve our clients, all Realtors need to stay on top of the latest tools and trends.

Successful business people invariably understand the value of teamwork and they surround themselves with talented, hard-working team players.    When choosing a Realtor to represent your interests, look for someone who can lead a team and is confident enough to surround themselves with proven winners.  Look for signs of a cooperative work environment where individual strengths and skills are nurtured and utilized – where everyone is working together toward a common goal.

Finally, in deciding if a Realtor has the leadership qualities and good business sense to get the job done, do not forget the importance of good instincts and the ability to read and handle all kinds of people.  No matter how many deals a Realtor has closed, there are always new twists, turns and unforeseen circumstances.  The ability to anticipate the unknown and adjust accordingly is another mark of a good leader.

When choosing a Realtor, look for the “best of the best” – proven winners with in-depth knowledge of the local market and digital marketing, as well as the ability to motivate people, lead a team of professionals and anticipate problems before they arise.

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.

Calgary Home Buyers and Sellers : Moving Made Easy

Sunday, January 29th, 2017

Woman with box moving, looking up

For many Calgary home buyers and sellers, the prospect of packing up to move is the least enjoyable part of the process. While it certainly does involve a good deal of hard work, moving does not have to be so painful. Follow these simple tips to ensure a smooth, stress-free moving experience.

Get an early start. – It is never too early to start planning for the big move. Whether you are a seller preparing to list your property or a buyer looking to upsize, downsize or relocate, the time to start packing is when you first decide to make a move. Seize the opportunity and begin by decluttering and disposing of items you have not used in years. Consider yard sales and charitable donations as ways to lighten your load as you move forward to the next exciting chapter in your life. Next, focus on packing non-essential items that you do not need every day such as books, photo albums, seasonal decorations, fine china and collectibles. Aim to have the bulk of your belongings wrapped, boxed and ready to go well in advance of moving day.

Keep moving supplies handy. – There are websites that can help you estimate the number of boxes you will need along with rolls of masking tape, bubble wrap and markers for labeling contents. Order your supplies in bulk and remember to label boxes by room and contents. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you will remember what is in each box. You will not!

Stay away from oversized boxes. – Unless you a professional weight lifter, steer away from oversized boxes that are cumbersome to lift and often end up breaking under the weight of their contents. Stick to small and medium-sized boxes and reserve a few large ones for lightweight pillows and comforters. Your back will thank you for this wise decision.

Invite friends and family to help. – Who says moving can’t be fun? Chances are you have helped someone move over the years. Give your friends and family an opportunity to return the favour. Crank up some music, supply food and drinks, and enjoy the company of your favourite people as you pack your belongings.

Buying and selling property and uprooting your life to a new home can be a complicated affair. Regardless of you are in the Calgary area moving to another city, there will be countless dates and tasks to monitor and coordinate. On the business front, let a trusted Calgary Realtor guide you through the process and keep the stress meter as low as possible. On the home front, stay organized and follow these tips to stay on track for a smooth move.

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.

Five Reasons to Hire a Realtor

Sunday, January 15th, 2017

Forget what you think you may have learned from watching HGTV.  There is nothing simple or routine about most real estate transactions.  Almost every home sale or purchase is accompanied by some complication that requires the knowledge, guidance and oversight of a trained, experienced professional.  So, before you consider going the FSBO route, consider these five top reasons for hiring a Realtor.

Realtors have access to all sectors of the local MLS data. – The general public can only access a small portion of the MLS information that is available to licensed Realtors who subscribe to the local MLS service.  Realtors, on the other hand, can view current and historical sales information and comparable sales data to measure market trends. This information is critical when it comes to pricing your home to sell for top dollar and finding the best home for you in the right neighbourhood.

It takes time to sell a house – lots of time. – Be honest.  Do you really have the time it takes to conduct open houses and arrange for showings on short notice?  Interested buyers will be put off if they cannot visit a home when it is convenient for them.  Today’s homes are marketed across multiple media platforms.  In order to compete with other buyers and sellers, you will need to utilize all available forums.  A professional Realtor is familiar with the process and prepared to market your home in the most efficient and effective manner.

Selling real property requires the services of a trained real estate professional. – Calgary is a volatile, fast-moving market.   Sometimes it seems that the rules and regulations governing our industry change as quickly as the market sometimes swings.  The paperwork alone is enough to drown a layman without proper training.  Think twice before treating the sale and purchase of your home – your most valuable asset – as a DIY project.  You would not try to take apart the engine on your new sports car without any mechanical training, would you?  Treat your home as the valuable asset it is and hire a professional to run the show.

It is very difficult to represent yourself. – The best negotiators are able to maintain complete objectivity at the bargaining table.  It is almost impossible to remain objective when emotion is involved and buying and selling homes triggers all kinds of emotions in buyers and sellers.  That is why you need a Realtor to represent you and defend your interests.

Successful Realtors work with a dependable network of professionals. – When you buy or sell a home, you will also be working with a small army of other real estate professionals – lawyers, mortgage loan representatives, home inspectors, appraisers and contractors – to name a few.  An experienced Realtor will have relationships with a network of proven professionals you can rely upon.  Even more importantly, your Realtor will serve as the team leader – pushing, prodding and cajoling when necessary to make sure your transaction receives the full attention it deserves from everyone involved.

In the final analysis, you are unlikely to save any money by foregoing the services of a Realtor.  Savvy buyers who do stumble upon your listing often feel entitled to deduct the cost of a commission from their offer.  Even worse, properties that languish on the market for too long become stale and subject to speculation about hidden defects.  In the end, sellers are forced to drop their price and accept less than the home is really worth.  Save yourself time, stress, and money and work with an experienced Realtor to achieve your real estate goals.

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.

Do-It-Yourself Home Staging

Friday, December 16th, 2016

Home staging is a powerful tool in pulling in buyers and selling a home for the highest possible price.  It is all about creating a memorable first impression that will stay with homebuyers when they sit down to think about the homes they have visited. Professional home stagers do an excellent job in preparing properties to show, the added expense often brings a stronger offer.

Professional stagers may replace your furniture with updated trendy pieces that catch the eye of buyers. That being said… Here are a few do-it-yourself tips for effective staging – guaranteed to make your house stand out!

Let Your Light Shine

Buyers love homes that permit generous flow of natural light.  Pull back all curtains and window coverings and update light fixtures and lamps with newer, brighter, more energy-efficient bulbs.  Turn on all the lights for open houses and showings.  You don’t want buyers to think you are trying to hide anything.

Clean and De-Clutter

After a thorough cleaning of the house (inside and out) including closets, garages and storage spaces, conduct an exhaustive de-cluttering of the entire home.  This does not only mean putting away personal items, memorabilia and photos. All extraneous furnishings should be removed also.   The furniture that remains should be arranged in groupings to permit easy flow of traffic through the home.  Remember that the goal is to create a blank palate so would-be buyers can envision the home as their own.  Arrange for off-site storage of the extra belongings with a friend or at a storage facility.  Although it is a lot of work, the good news is that you will already be half packed when your house sells and it is time to move.

Send Your Pets on a Much-Needed Vacation

We know that you love your pets and think of them as members of the family, but the cold, hard truth is that everyone does not love them the same way you do.  If possible, make arrangements for pets to be out of the home during open houses and showings.  Many potential buyers are allergic or uncomfortable around animals and there is no bigger turn-off to buyers than unpleasant pet odors.

Focus on Curb Appeal

Make sure the lawn is cut and the bushes are trimmed.  Remove all dead flowers and then focus on the front entryway.  A fresh coat of paint on the front door framed with potted plants and flowers will impress buyers right away.   Do everything you can to make the home seem warm and welcoming.

Accentuate the Positive

Choose a room or focal point in your home that ranks among its best features and spend a little extra time and energy in staging that area.  It may be a fireplace or a state-of-the-art kitchen or an enchanting outdoor living space.  Remember what it was that made you fall in love with your home and then do everything you can to make sure buyers notice.

Home staging is all about taking control of that all-important first impression that buyers have upon walking into your home.  Follow these tips, take control and stage your home to sell!

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.

First Time Investors in Calgary Real Estate: 3 Keypoints to Remember

Wednesday, September 14th, 2016

Strategies for First-Time Investors

Real estate investing can be a highly-rewarding enterprise for those who are willing to hang in through the inevitable ups and downs of the market.  As in any investment, there are certain risks involved.  The most successful players manage to mitigate the risks and maintain a steady course and “eye on the prize” mentality through down cycles.  Are you one of those people with fairly low-risk tolerance who wants to reap the benefits of real estate investing, but you are hesitant to dive in? If you are, here are a few strategies for dipping your toes into the market.

1. Buy a Condo to Rent Out

Calgary real estate has a large inventory of condominiums and a steady stream of qualified renters.  The condo sector of the market witnessed a noticeable price decline in recent months, following years of frenzied appreciation.  With the region’s economic forecast looking brighter, now might be the perfect time for a newbie investor to enter the market.

2. Build a Legal Secondary Suite in Your Home

Recent changes to Calgary real estate’s zoning by-laws have made it much easier for homeowners to create legal secondary suites within the existing footprint of their homes. Check with your Realtor or consult the city’s website to see if your property is eligible for a legal rental suite.  Then start planning your next investment with all the extra income you will derive from your new rental stream.

3.  Keep the old home for potential rental investment

New investors quickly learn that three-bedroom, two-bath starter homes make perfect rental properties.  So, instead of selling your beloved first home when it is time to move up, why not take advantage of the next big market upswing and hold on to it for a while in the hope of seeing some appreciation?  With the right tenant leasing the property for a few years, you can potentially generate income and equity.  This is a smart strategy for novice investors.

Real estate investing requires a goal-oriented strategy plus a little bit of patience.  If you provide the patience, Calgary Real Estate-by The Howard Team can help you overcome the first-time jitters and craft a strategy to launch your career as a real estate investor.

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.

How to Choose the Right Realtor

Sunday, August 28th, 2016

How to Choose the Right Realtor

Finding the right Realtor to work with is a key component of success in the real estate world. Whether you are looking to purchase your first home or expand an investment portfolio, you need to find an experienced professional with expert knowledge of the local market who will listen – really listen to your wants, needs and goals. Choosing the right Realtor will not only help you achieve the short-term goal of buying or selling real estate, but it will leave you more knowledgeable and better positioned for your next foray into the market. The wrong choice will leave you frustrated and regretful over wasted time and opportunity.

For some, it is an easy task to choose an agent, particularly if they act upon the referral of a trusted friend or family member. If you do not have anyone specific in mind and are searching for a trustworthy real estate professional, here are a few pointers to help you select a Realtor with the right skills, experience, competence and reliability to get the job done.

Interview prospective Realtors.Increasingly people interview a number of agents to determine if the “chemistry” works. At the Howard Team, we are happy to sit down with prospective clients and share with them the reasons others have chosen our team to represent them in buying and selling real estate. During the interview, clients inquire about our qualifications, experience and knowledge of the local real estate market. We encourage them to ask as many questions as they can to determine if we are the right fit for them. Here are a few basic questions to start the dialogue:

• How long have you been a full-time Realtor?
• How many transactions have you been involved with over the course of your career?
• Do you work primarily with buyers, sellers or both?
• What price range do you generally work in?
• Do you work with an experienced network of other real estate pros? Mortgage loan reps? Appraisers? Home inspectors?
• What is your advertising strategy? Do you have a marketing plan for my home?

If you are a seller and a Realtor recommends an asking price for your home, ask to review the recent neighbourhood comparable sales or other data upon which the asking price is based. Beware of red flags – such as an agent who is quick to overvalue your home.

Be forthcoming about your own goals. – Remember that we cannot properly represent your interests unless we are familiar with your long and short-term goals, likes and dislikes. Be prepared to answer a few questions about yourself, your plans and your lifestyle. We are not prying; we simply need to get to know you in order to help make your dream a reality.

Ask for testimonials.Any agent who has been working for a while should have a list of satisfied customers. Don’t be afraid to request references and follow-up to see what they have to say.

Most of our clients at the Howard Team tell us that they chose to work with us because we provide the mix of expertise and experience that makes them comfortable. Most importantly, we listen to our clients, share our knowledge and craft a plan to help them achieve their goals.

Choosing a Realtor is an important decision. Hopefully, the person you select will be a good fit and end up being your Realtor for life. Among other things, your Realtor should be someone you enjoy conversing with and spending time with, especially if you will be house hunting. Like any relationship, successful business relationships require an investment on everyone’s part. It takes time to build a mutually-beneficial relationship based on trust.

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.

Why Location Matters

Sunday, July 31st, 2016

Why Location Matters

Too many novice homebuyers and investors still make the rookie mistake of buying the right house in the wrong neighbourhood.  While most people are familiar with the real estate mantra – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION – some buyers fall in love with the look, feel and features of a particular home and, as we all know, love is blind.  Location ends up getting trumped by the hard-to-resist lure of a pretty façade.  In truth, buyers are better off buying a home in the right neighbourhood that has only half the amenities on their wish list than buying their perfect dream home in the wrong neighbourhood.

Narrowing a property search to the right neighbourhoods requires the guidance and assistance of a professional Realtor who has a clear understanding of your purpose in buying and your short and long-term real estate goals.  Your Realtor also needs to get to know you a little on a personal level to help in targeting the neighbourhoods that will offer the best fit for your personality and lifestyle.  The right neighbourhood for an investor will not necessarily be the right neighbourhood for a young couple with school age children or a single person seeking access to downtown amenities.

In order to maximize short-term cash flow and long-term equity growth, investors need to search for properties in up-and-coming communities that attract quality tenants.  If you are intending to be a landlord near a university, access to public transit is a critical element since many students and faculty members do not own their own vehicles.  Homebuyers with children need family-friendly neighbourhoods with proximity to good schools, parks and recreational facilities.

There are a myriad of factors to consider when buying a home.  Pinpointing the right location is a function of all of these considerations.  Do you work?  Where do you work?  Do you have children?  How do you feel about commuting?   How do you spend your leisure time?  Are you a condo or a house buyer?  If you are an investor, what are you hoping to achieve?  Is this your first investment or part of a larger portfolio?  These are only a few of the questions to consider before launching a property search.  The answers to these questions, in the hands of a knowledgeable Realtor, will help determine the locations to focus on in your search.

Even though all clients come to the table with wildly-differing goals and expectations, everyone is looking to achieve a positive return on investment (ROI) and location has a huge influence on ROI. At the same time, if you are going to be living in the home, you want to be in a neighbourhood that will accommodate your needs and complement your lifestyle.  The suburban home you fell in love with at first sight may start to wear on your nerves if it involves a long commute.  And the downtown condo that is close to work may leave you disenchanted if you have always harboured dreams of large backyard barbecues and an expansive garden.

Pinpointing the right location with strong potential for both long term ROI and short-term comfort and satisfaction involves a delicate analysis that is best conducted with the help of an experienced and objective Realtor.  You will need a pro to help you weigh all factors and choose the right property in the right neighbourhood for you and your family.

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.


Bryon Howard, RE/MAX House of Real Estate
20, 2439 54 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 1M4
Tel: 403-287-3880 (Re/Max) or 403-475-7368 (office) Fax: 403-287-3876 or 403-276-8049 (office)
The data included on this website is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate by the Calgary Real Estate Board
MLS® MLS REALTOR® Realtor
Trademarks used under license from CREA