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.
The home buying process can be very exciting…choosing the neighbourhood you want to live in, scouring through listings and checking out weekend open houses to find the home of your dreams. I enjoy helping my clients through this process – it’s one of the many reasons I became a Realtor. My job is to give my clients the tools to buy with confidence, which is why I work with specialists and ensure that I am keenly up to date during the many ebbs and flows that is the real estate industry. If you are thinking of buying your first home, or ready to get back into the market after several years of home ownership, a licensed Realtor is essential to help you understand all your options.
Once my client has made the decision to purchase a new home, I help them to weigh their options. These options can be anything from location to budget restrictions – but whatever they are I use my years of experience to help guide them in the right direction. Providing them with a good understanding of what their desired locations means for their budget and lifestyle, as well as ensuring that they are making a good long term investment that will help secure their future golden years.
I also work alongside accredited mortgage brokers who are experienced and knowledgeable. Having them as part of my team allows my clients to secure their financing in the early stages of the process. This relationship bodes well especially when a client is self-employed or has a non-traditional source of income. A mortgage professional can help to easily navigate home buyers through the labyrinth by assisting in getting the required documentation and advising on what type of mortgage and payment plan suits their financial needs.
Whether you are a typical buyer looking for your next place to call home or an investor who would like some assistance in buying additional properties, my team and I have the qualifications you need to make the process a seamless one.
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.
The stars are historically aligning in Calgary to create near-perfect conditions for certain sectors of the real estate investment market. Anyone still hesitant about owning investment property should realize that conditions may never again be as favorable as they are right now. Several economic and social trends are combining to create optimum conditions for the perfect storm!
Economic Uncertainty– The free fall in gas and oil prices has contributed to an atmosphere of economic uncertainty. A good number of jobs were lost in Western Canada and throughout the nation. As a result, many workers are reluctant to buy a home and plant roots right now. They want to maintain the flexibility to relocate quickly if a job opportunity demands that. Renting remains their best option.
Low Interest Rates– What is there to not like about today’s historically low-interest rates? 2015 witnessed not one but two quarter-point Bank Rate drops by the Bank of Canada. The cost of money is as low now as it has been at any point in history. The forecast for 2016 is for minor increases if any.
Lower Construction Costs – Purpose-built housing and secondary suites cost only a fraction of what it takes to build a single-family detached home. Lower costs equal higher returns.
Liberal Party Platform – Prime Minster-elect Justin Trudeau and his victorious Liberal party have proposed $125 million in tax incentives designed to add to Canada’s stock of rental housing and promote the renovation of existing housing stock. The incentives will come in the form of the elimination of all GST on investment in affordable rental housing.
Everybody is Renting – The shift toward renting vs. owning is not confined only to those uncertain about employment prospects. Everybody is doing it, including retirees! The millennial generation may be igniting the fuel, but the trend is visible across all demographic groups, including the wealthy. For many people, renting is simply the more attractive option for a myriad of reasons. There should be no shortage of renters in the Calgary market for years to come.
Rarely, forces come together so forcefully in favor of investment in one sector of the market. Those who wish to share in the profits are well-advised to speak to a reputable Realtor with a solid background in representing investors.
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.
Despite the undeniable impact of energy industry woes on Canada’s real estate market, overall property values in Calgary have not suffered any significant impact. Even more importantly, consumer confidence remains high.
In the Calgary Real Estate Board’s (CREB) August 4, 2015 report entitled Calgary Regional Housing Market Statistics, Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie reports, “Despite weaker absorption rates, market conditions remain relatively balanced and helped maintain month-over-month stability in benchmark prices, which remained unchanged from the previous month at $455,400….And despite the recent retraction, we have not seen all those previous gains eroded.”
In a city as diverse as Calgary, market conditions will, of course, vary in different market sectors and neighbourhoods. CREB President Corinne Lyall notes, “…it’s important to stay current and become educated with the market dynamics in the communities where they may be making real estate decisions.” For instance, despite the overall steady numbers in residential sales, the apartment sector has experienced a slight but noticeable dip in value (1.61%) from the beginning of the year, due to decreased demand and expanding inventory.
Another important economic indicator to focus on is new home starts. Applications to pull permits for single and multi-family dwellings plummeted in July and are down by 31% and 24%, respectively, since the start of the year. While the pullback will help to maintain market balance by limiting the pool of available housing inventory, it also reflects the overall uncertainty with the economy and unemployment.
In CREB’s Mid-Year Update to its 2015 Economic Outlook and Regional Housing Forecast, the editors stress the fact that despite the cloud of economic uncertainty hanging over Calgary, consumer confidence in the prospects for real estate investment remain high. “Positive long-term prospects and reduced concerns about the bottom falling out in the near term could minimize the pullback in demand, keeping market conditions in relatively balanced territory and preventing further aggregate price declines.”
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.
The spring market is already in full swing in Calgary. There is no doubt that our real estate climate is quite a bit different during the same time last year. Although we’ve had a bit of a slow start, it’s important to remember that we are constantly comparing the market to 2014, which was a record-setting time. If you are seriously considering making a move, the changes in the economy have made it essential to have a smart plan in place.
As a buyer, you are in an excellent position to find exactly what you are looking for, without finding yourself in a bidding war over and over again. First-time buyers need to take advantage of the current market conditions while they last. The interest rates are unbelievably low and entry-level homes are in abundance. Still, many like to exercise caution in the market – values may decrease or a better deal maybe just around the corner. The key is to not wait too long. We have seen similar states in Calgary in the past, so there is really no guarantee that this buyer’s market is here to stay for the long haul.
As a seller, recognize that buyers are still seeing the value in the real estate market. They may be a little more cautious than they were in 2014, but they certainly know good value when they see it. Homes are taking a little longer to sell simply because there is no shortage of inventory. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to have a strong pricing strategy and go the extra mile to make sure your home shows a 10+. There are plenty of resources available, and home stagers, in particular, can make an ordinary home look quite exceptional for a reasonable investment.
If you are finding yourself on both sides of the transaction, be sure to work with an experienced Realtor who can help you create the right strategy to accomplish your real estate goals. Should you buy first then, put your house on the market? Should you set out to find your ideal home after selling? The right answer varies depending on the type of property you have and are seeking to upgrade to. In a buyer’s market, it is advisable to sell your home first. This will allow you to move forward knowing exactly how much equity you’d be able to bring into your new purchase.
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.
What do buyers really want? Achieving a quick and stress-free sale requires a unique strategy for each home. The Calgary real estate market is in a much different place than it was last spring, but that doesn’t mean you should put your real estate goals on hold. These four smart tips will help your property stand out and appeal to the right kind of buyers:
Know how your property compares to the competition. It’s important to understand what buyers are looking for. Check out some of the listings nearby, and work with your Realtor for an honest evaluation on how your home stacks up. Does your home have certain features such as a larger yard or updated finishes that others might be lacking? Be sure to showcase the details that make your property stand out from the rest.
Take the time to make a great impression. Getting your home prepared for the market is hard work, but it will be well worth the effort. Whether it’s a professional staging or deep cleaning, give your place the TLC it needs to look its best. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of competent people just a phone call away.
Price it right. Price is the number one driving factor for a quick sale. Particularly in a challenging market, it’s important to fine-tune your strategy. Buyers are highly educated, so they won’t be willing to pay more than the market value in today’s economy. Take a look at recent sales in the area, and determine an asking price that will motivate buyers to check out your listing as soon as it hits the market.
Anticipate deal breakers before they happen. Ordering a home inspection ahead of time is a great way to avoid potential problems during the sale process. This will give you the opportunity to fix any problems with the home or detect some of the bigger issues that might scare buyers away. Some buyers try to use the details of a home inspection as a bargaining tool, which is why the home should be presented with no surprises. This will help you finalize the negotiations on the spot.
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.
There is no doubt that this year is much different than the last. As we head into the spring market, many home owners are wondering how the recent changes in Calgary’s economy will affect their real estate decisions. Here are a few things worth noting:
Homes may take a little longer to sell. According to CREB, homes are taking an average of 38 days to sell. This is longer compared to the 33 days last year during the same period. Consequently, the number of sales transactions has dropped significantly. This means that buyers would rather wait on the sidelines for a better deal to come along if they are skeptical of the value.
Values have dipped slightly, but there hasn’t been a dramatic drop. Does a challenging economy impact our real estate values? To a certain degree, yes, but it would seem that the headlines have a more significant effect on consumer behaviour. In fact, a recent article in the Calgary Herald explained that our city has actually been through a similar slump five different times in the last thirty years. Home values were only slightly affected in each case and always managed to bounce back eventually.
Buyers are out there; they are simply exercising caution. Have consumers lost interest in Calgary’s real estate? Are buyers unwilling to trade up to their next home? The truth is, buyers are still active in the market. Some are just holding off on making a purchase in case prices drop, while others are simply hoping for a little more clarity on what the future holds.
Buyers have far more to choose from this year. If you were house hunting last year, one thing was for certain – there was very little to choose from. Today’s market is quite the opposite. Inventory is plentiful, and there is less competition. If you are selling your home, but aren’t desperate, price it well and don’t feel pressured to sign the first offer that comes your way. Remember, this isn’t the first time Calgary has weathered a tough economy. Despite everything, this city remains a highly desirable place to live and own a home in.
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’s condo sectors continue to set the pace for the city’s residential resale housing market, which recorded 2,148 sales in September, nearly 12 per cent higher than the same period last year. “September’s sales growth was stronger than expected, due largely to a surge in condominium apartment and townhouse sales,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie, who credits Calgary’s strong economy and fewer options in the lower-priced single-family market behind the continued demand.
For the fifth consecutive month, year-over-year condominium apartment sales growth outpaced growth in the single-family sector. Year-to-date condominium apartment sales totaled 3,819, a 21 per cent increase over last year. This compares with a seven per cent increase to 13,842 units in the single-family market over the same time frame. Added supply in the condominium apartment sector, meanwhile, is providing more choices. New listings increased by 48 per cent in September over last year and nearly five per cent over last month, further improving inventory levels and pushing this market into balanced territory.
In the condominium townhouse market, sales and listings continued its year-to date trend, rising 20 and 21 per cent, respectively, compared to the same period a year ago. Over the first three quarters, 3,002 units have exchanged hands, relative to the 4,011 new listings. Despite an increase in new listings, the condominium townhouse market continues to be relatively tight, with absorption rates remaining below two months.
“While overall supply levels have improved, the condominium townhouse sector continues to reflect the tightest market conditions in Calgary,” said CREB® president Bill Kirk. New listings in the single-family market similarly increased in September, helping to improve inventory levels above two months. A total of 2,148 units entered the market during the month, a jump of nearly nine per cent compared to the same period last year.
“While conditions are now more balanced, the composition of the single-family market has changed,” said Lurie. “One-quarter of year-to-date sales in the sector has been for product priced below $400,000. Last year, it represented 35 per cent of the market share. Two years ago, it accounted for 44 per cent of all single-family sales.”
The single-family benchmark price topped $512,800 in September, similar to August, but a 10.6 per cent increase year-over-year. Condominium apartment and townhouse benchmark prices grew to a respective $298,800 and $330,200, reflecting gains of more than 9.5 per cent relative to last year.
“Calgary’s housing market throughout the spring favoured the seller, resulting in higher-than-expected price gains,” said Kirk. “Now, a more balanced market is relaxing some of that upward pressure on home prices, and prices are leveling off relative to the previous month. Year-over-year, however, gains are still in the double-digit range.”
Recent price gains have encouraged listings growth and, ultimately, supply in all sectors, said Lurie. “However, citywide inventory levels continue to remain below historical norms, and current demand levels continue to point toward healthy absorption rates,” she said.
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.
As part of my customer service to my sellers, we ask that our buyers are pre-qualified. We have made it easy for you to get pre-qualified by visiting https://www.mlenow.ca to get step #1 of our process started. In less than 3 clicks you will be on your way to pre-qualifying yourself … and will be closer to your new home!
I would consider it an honor and a privilege to work together with you to achieve your real estate goals! Please feel free to contact me on my cell at 403-589-0004, or visit my Web site at http://www.TheHowardTeam.net for more information.
