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The decision to downsize to a new living arrangement may be one of the best decisions you ever make. The advantages are numerous and you do not have to wait for years to reap the benefits. As a hedge against the impact of inevitable economic cycles, downsizing is a housing option that makes sense for young and old alike. There are, of course, certain fears associated with a move that also heralds a major lifestyle change. The best advice I can anyone contemplating a downsizing move is to summon the courage to make the move that makes the most sense for you. If you are nervous, start by turning perceived negatives into positives.

While expansive homes with plenty of space are a nice luxury, many modern homeowners find that the extras space ends up costing more than it is worth and does not always mesh well with their lifestyle. Young families today are less interested in extra square footage and acreage than they are in proximity to the workplace, urban amenities, transportation and good schools. Downsizing to a smaller home frees up cash each month to spend on family activities or redirect into savings. Families in Toronto, Vancouver and other thriving cities have long embraced the exchange of smaller space for bigger lifestyle and the trend seems to be catching on throughout Canada.

Anyone who has lived in a home for a long period of time will tend to have an emotional attachment to the property – particularly if it was a family home where you raised your children. The attachment is inevitable and understandable. In many instances, the decision to downsize will involve getting rid of a lot of “stuff” that you have accumulated over the years. Rather than viewing the need to rid yourself of belongings as a sad, anxiety-inducing task, think of it as a chance to lighten your load and free yourself of unnecessary clutter. With the right mindset, ridding yourself of extra belongings can actually be a very liberating experience. Do not be afraid to ask friends and family to lend a hand in designating items for gifting, donating, storing or disposing. If you prefer, you can always hire a professional to help organize and sort, or perhaps a moving company to help with the process entirely.

Downsizing will not only lighten your load in terms of clutter, it will also gift you with the one thing we all have too little of – time! By moving to a condo or smaller home, you will free up hours each week to invest in the things that matter most in life. Instead of shoveling snow and cutting grass on weekends, you will be free to travel and pursue your favourite leisure time activities with loved ones. And for many downsizers, the move will result in more disposable income to pursue those passions.

Keep in mind that the memories of life in your old home will remain in your heart forever. In choosing a new home and neighbourhood for the next exciting chapter in your life, make sure to work closely with your Realtor to ensure that the new living arrangement reflects the new you.

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 a Realtor, my clients are always asking me which home improvements tend to attract buyers and bring the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. In Calgary, homeowners cannot go wrong in replacing dated, worn-out windows with attractive, energy-efficient replacement windows. The return on investment will be realized immediately in the form of reduced heating and air conditioning bills and will continue down the road in the form of appreciation. Replacement windows are also one of the few upgrades that will please nearly all buyers.

Many home improvements are more about livability than adding value to your asset. By all means, if you are planning on staying for a while and have the means to do so, go ahead and make any and all improvements that make you happy. If, however, you are planning on listing your home for sale in the not too distant future, think twice before making certain improvements that are not likely to add value to the property and may even impede sales. Very high-end kitchen remodels, over-the-top renovations and highly personal décor affixed to the home will not bring much of a return on investment and may put off buyers who do not share your decorating aesthetic.

Replacement windows are such a sensible investment because they tend to bring a return whether the homeowner stays for five years or thirty. Draft-free rooms reduce energy bills considerably and make the home more comfortable and livable for its occupants. It is a simple and cost-effective improvement that any homeowner with cold spots and leaking windowsills can appreciate. The selection of materials and styles available to buyers is endless. Owners of older homes interested in preserving the appearance of their home should have no trouble finding suitable replacements that will make the home energy-efficient while preserving the architectural integrity at the same time.

If you are living in a drafty home with leaking windows and rotting window sills, you should definitely consider installing replacement windows to enhance the beauty, energy-efficiency and overall value of your home. In some areas, tax credits and utility company rebates are available to homeowners looking to update their windows and doors. Lenders may also sponsor special loan programs to finance the initial cost.

Stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer and confident year round knowing you have made an excellent investment in your home when you install replacement windows.

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.

Potential buyers may be visiting numerous properties on a Saturday afternoon. As a seller, your first priority is to get them in the door. If your house’s curb appeal is not eye catching, they may simply decide not to stop at all. Your home’s curb appeal will always set the tone for what potential buyers expect when they first walk inside.

Most people’s buying decisions are based on emotional responses and the curb appeal starts the love affair or will end it before they even walk in. This doesn’t mean you have to completely overhaul the outside of your home for it to sell. Just pick a few exterior home improvements that will have the most impact and go from there.

Here are a few tips to add some curb appeal for your home to achieve a higher market value.

1. Add planters

Adding planters can go a long way toward creating the perception of a well-kept home. Planters can add colour to a porch or patio and are quit eye-catching.

2. Spruce up your driveway

The driveway is one of the first things a buyer will see, so it’s a good idea to freshen it up. Adding a sealer can refresh a tired driveway and is an inexpensive makeover that can be accomplished in a short time by almost anyone.

3. Create a welcoming porch

An empty porch can look stark and cold. If you have a porch large enough to accommodate furniture, set up a nice table or a bistro set for dining and lounging. It’s also a good idea to add some colour with plants in containers.

4. Repaint

Giving the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for curb appeal. Try painting your house in the colour of homes in a more expensive neighbourhood. It’s a great way to create the perception of quality while doing something you probably already should have done.

5. Spring for new accent pieces

Adding a new mailbox, house light or house number is a cheap and cheerful way of updating your home’s exterior. Shops like Walmart and Canadian Tire usually stock simple yet stylish, well-priced options for these items.

Other simple things you can do are putting a fresh coat of paint on the front door, mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, cleaning the windows, sidings and gutters, and add a wreath to the door to enhance that welcoming feeling.

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.

One of the secrets of successful investing is the ability to identify market trends well in advance of the curve to maintain a competitive position. Here is one historical trend that perceptive real estate investors have been following for some time now. Those who have been paying attention realize that the cult of homeownership no longer rules the real estate landscape. Gone are the days when renters can be ignored. There are far too many of them to ignore.

All across North America, the millennial generation is changing the face of the game when it comes to homeownership. For the most part, it simply does not interest them. Many cannot afford to buy in Calgary, and others who can afford to purchase a home are instead choosing to rent to maintain mobility and free up disposable income for travel and recreational pursuits. They do not wish to be tied down to the responsibilities associated with mortgages and homeownership.

These young millennial workers, along with their baby boomer parents, continue to question the suburban lifestyle and flock toward urban centers like Calgary. The trend is led by millennials but reaches across all demographic lines.   In response to this repositioning, developers and investors need to shift some focus away from condos and single-family homes and move toward purpose-built, multi-family rental housing.

Given today’s low mortgage interest rates and Calgary’s real estate market’s high-rental rates, the time is perfect for investors to capitalize on properties that offer positive cash flow and return on investment. Calgary’s residential rental properties are the ideal investment vehicle for anyone seeking immediate returns in an uncertain economic environment. Even those who already own home might wish to consider investing in a two-family home with sufficient rental income to help pay down the mortgage on their own home.

Former single-family homes converted into two legal dwellings make for attractive investments in Calgary where the average rental on a two-bedroom apartment rose nearly 6% last year. Remember also that a developer or owner profits on the sale of a condo or detached home only once while they hold the potential to profit on the rental of the same property for perpetuity.

The trends sparked by the millennial generation will influence the real estate industry for many years to come and continue to reposition rental properties in the real estate hierarchy. Work with your Realtor to see if investment in purpose-built rental housing makes sense for you.

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.

When you’re ready to buy a home, there is definitely something very appealing about choosing a brand new home. With a new home you get to pick out the countertops, finishes and so much more – basically have it designed just the way you like it. New houses often come with more space and better appliances, require less immediate renovation work, and are more energy-efficient than older ones — and all at a competitive price.

New developments are continuing to pop up all over the city, so buying a new construction home in Calgary is fast becoming a great option for prospective home buyers. Before undergoing the process you should be aware of the how buying a new construction home is different from buying a resale home. First of all, you typically won’t have the opportunity to walk through the home before you sign on the dotted line.  Most brand new homes are purchased using specs and a floor plan, the house won’t be built for a few months or more.

In Calgary, new homes are covered by the Alberta’s New Home Warranty Act.  The warranty will protect new home owners if upon completion, your new home has any deficiencies with the workmanship or materials.  It also applies to both houses and condominiums, and typically the standard coverage lasts for up to five years after you take possession.  The foundation of the home needs a year or two to settle so structural issues may not be discovered early on. As the foundation of your new home settles, you will be able to tell if there are any issues that need to be addressed, and have them dealt with at no additional cost as it is covered under warranty.

With a new home comes the ability to purchase upgrades such as top of the line appliances or better finishes. This is a great opportunity for buyers to get what they want while working within their budget. Upgrades can become costly, so it’s a great idea to work with an experienced Realtor to negotiate your behalf.

It’s my role to help buyers make sure they are getting the best value for every dollar they spend. If buying pre-construction is something you’ve been thinking about make sure you and your realtor do your research on potential builders and developers. Basically, don’t buy a house — buy its builder. As an expert in the Calgary real estate market, I have the knowledge and the negotiating skills to help you find the home of your dreams.

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.

Calgary is a big city made up of dozens of individual vibrant communities.  Even though Calgarians enjoy the benefits of everything that a major city can offer, many people live in the suburbs and enjoy a tight knit community within their own neighbourhood.

Establishing self-contained communities in one of the many important initiatives that has become a priority to manage Calgary’s rapid growth.  As the neighbourhoods around the city expand, it is important from a strategic planning perspective that the residents have access to all of their essential amenities close to home.  City planners want to make sure that people can live, go to school and access essential services within a close proximity to home.

If you live within one of these communities, there is no better opportunity to meet your neighbours than participating in one of the local events.  The Community of Huntington Hills has a enough sports and recreation to keep even the most active family on the go.  Figure skating, minor hockey, slo-pitch and lacross are just a few of the sports that are available for a variety of age groups. There are also plans in place to build an outdoor skate park at 64th Ave and Centre St. N.W..

The community lifestyle is appealing for families because it gives them a sense of security.  They have more opportunities to get to know their neighbours then they would in a traditional urban setting.  They are more likely to be actively involved in their kids’ school and everyone is always looking out for each other.

Living in a tightknit community is also appealing for seniors.  The organized events provide many opportunities to socialize and they can volunteer at local events if they are looking to get involved with their community.  The Woodland Creek Community Association offers a bridge club, knitting group, and a senior’s social night every month.  Making friends close by is helpful for whenever they need an extra hand.

The best way to enjoy the community where you live is to become involved with it.  Whether your neighbourhood has an organized board or not, you will always be able to find like-minded people who take an interest in their surroundings and want to collaborate to make it better.

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 do you define luxury?  Home buyers may have a variety of different ideas in mind.  Many of my clients value their outdoor space just as much as the interior of their home.  The property and surrounding area give the home its curb appeal and provide the homeowner their own private place to enjoy the outdoors.  For most, a luxury home needs to offer something unique.  There are several features that are becoming must-haves on the luxury home buyer’s list of requirements.

A designated wine cellar is the entertainer’s dream.  These rooms are being designed to showcase a collection of wines and allow the homeowner to control the temperature separately from the rest of the house.  In the past, wine cellars were often built into the basement of the home, but modern designers are finding a way to incorporate them into the main level which provides easy access for entertaining.

The finishes in a home are what truly separate an average house from a luxury home.  Natural finishes like hardwood, granite, and travertine add that extra wow factor to a house.  In real estate, you will often hear the phrase “kitchens and bathrooms sell homes”.  This is especially true in the luxury home market.  Buyers are looking for beautiful custom kitchens and bathrooms that are both functional and stylish.

Because many areas in Calgary sit on a higher elevation, home buyers are looking for a house with a view.  The surrounding areas provide a stunning backdrop with views of the city or mountains.  Unlike the cosmetic features of a home, the view is something that you cannot change and will never go out of style.  Homes with a view hold their value and are highly desirable for prospective buyers.

Love to enjoy a movie or game on the big screen?  Media rooms have come a long way and are a must-have in a luxury home.  The ideal media room features comfortable seating, surround sound, and a high quality projector system.  Media rooms are perfect for entertaining friends or spending a relaxing weekend at home.

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 is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.