Archive for the ‘Calgary Real Estate’ Category
Sunday, May 1st, 2016
Despite the economic downturn triggered by the precipitous fall in crude oil prices, Calgary’s population continues to grow and outpace projections made just a few years ago. According to the City’s 2015 Census, the 1.2 million people currently residing in Calgary represent a 3% increase from the prior year. 2015 witnessed the third largest influx of new residents in Calgary’s history. Despite economic concerns that are affecting all but a few areas of the country, Calgary remains Canada’s fastest growing city.
The unemployment rate in Calgary right now is hovering around 7% – similar to most of the country. The newcomers still flocking to the City are putting their faith in the belief that Calgary’s diversified economy will enable it to weather the storm and handle the seemingly random spins of economic cycles. The manufacturing, finance, construction and transportation sectors remain viable sources of employment for Calgary’s growing population.
While the promise of good jobs may have been a driving force during the city’s exponential growth over the past twenty years, there were other factors at work that caused the newcomers to stay and make Calgary their permanent home. The City consistently ranks high in MoneySense magazine’s annual list of “best places to live” in Canada. The MoneySense editors understand what Calgary residents already know – the weather, spectacular scenery, emphasis on active lifestyle and strong sense of community combine to make Calgary a very livable city. In fact, The Economist has declared Calgary to be in the top five “most livable cities” in the world and awarded the City perfect or near perfect scores in the categories of “stability”, “education”, “healthcare” and “infrastructure”. Residents, visitors and pundits the world over agree that Calgary is a very good place to live.
When it comes to urban planning, cities throughout North America and the world look to Calgary as a model in the ongoing fight to balance growth and development with environmental concerns. Many residents choose to bicycle to work and even more enjoy the City’s vast network of hiking trails and paths on a daily basis.
Even in the face of economic uncertainty fueled by energy industry woes, Calgary’s diversified employment opportunities and high wages keep workers coming. Our healthy, active lifestyle, incredible natural beauty and intact pioneer spirit compel them to stay.
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Real Estate, Neighbourhood, Personal Message, Shirley Wright, Shirley Wright Calgary, Shirley Wright Realtor, The Howard Team
Posted in Altadore Community, Altadore Real Estate, Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, real estate, Real Estate Advice, Shirley Wright, Shirley Wright Calgary, Shirley Wright Realtor, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Why Calgary is Still Canada’s Fastest Growing City
Sunday, April 17th, 2016
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Real Estate, Neighbourhood, Personal Message, Shirley Wright, Shirley Wright Calgary, Shirley Wright Realtor, The Howard Team
Posted in Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Buying Altadore Real Estate, Buying Condominiums, Calgary Luxury Homes, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, Condo Living, Home Staging, Luxury Homes, Luxury Houses, Mortgage, Neighbourhood, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Calgary Real Estate: 5 Top Reasons To Invest Now!
Sunday, April 3rd, 2016
For years now, economists and social scientists have been warning us that the millennial generation holds the power to transform society’s values and political base in ways we have not yet even imagined. This demographic group can exert inordinate influence through the sheer power of their educated numbers combined with their familiarity and comfort with the use of digital media and technology. Generation Y is already recognized as a force to be reckoned with in the workplace and in consumer marketing. When it comes to lifestyle choices and real estate, the millennials are already beginning to flex their collective muscle.
For as long as most of us can remember, it was the dream of every Canadian to own their own home. After school, you rented with room mates for a while before graduating to your own apartment or condo and eventually moving up to a single family home in the suburbs with a partner or spouse. Millennials are taking this well-worn paradigm and turning it over onto its head.
After being forced to rent under the weight of crippling student debt and wildly-inflated housing prices, this diverse demographic sector of our society is now embracing the hand that was dealt them and choosing to rent rather than own a home. In their trend-setting migration back to downtown rentals in city centres, the millennials are not alone. They are joined by a vast cross section of the population, including their baby boomer relatives who are following the same path in droves.
The new renters are embracing the flexibility and mobility that renting offers. In addition to making it easier to pull up stakes and accept a job opportunity across the country, renting affords apartment dwellers the luxury of knowing exactly how much they will need for housing costs each month. Leaking pipes and broken furnaces are the landlord’s headache – not theirs. Today’s urban renters want a comfortable and safe home with nice amenities but they are willing to sacrifice square footage and potential equity to free up money for travel and recreation.
For property owners, investors and real estate professionals, it is time to take notice of the millennial driven movement toward renting vs. owning. It is a trend that appears to have staying power and may revolutionize the residential real estate market.
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Real Estate, Neighbourhood, Personal Message, Shirley Wright, Shirley Wright Calgary, Shirley Wright Realtor, The Howard Team
Posted in Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Real Estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Are Millennials Leading a Revolution in Housing Trends?
Sunday, March 20th, 2016
My team and I are proud to announce that The Howard Team/ReMax House of Real Estate and I have both been selected as possible finalists for 2016 Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards. In order to be nominated and included in the final voting, we need our clients, colleagues, fellow real estate professionals, old friends and new friends to click on the link below to nominate us both in the categories of “Realtors” and “Real Estate Companies.” Voters are free to nominate their favourite business and business people once every 24 hours now through May 25th.
The Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards provides an opportunity for the citizens of Calgary to vote for their favourite Calgary businesses in many categories – everything from hair stylists to auto mechanics to Realtors! My team of top producers and I have worked hard for years to earn the respect of our clients and peers through exceptional service and it is always satisfying to be recognized for a job well done.
We love the fact that the Community Choice Awards allow the residents of Calgary to shine a spotlight on their favourite Calgary businesses and then vote those businesses to the top. The list of the top ten nominees in each category serves as an excellent source for anyone looking for business and service provider referrals.
Perhaps we represented you in the purchase or sale of your home or both. Maybe you are a mortgage loan officer, home inspector or appraiser who has worked with us on many occasions. Anyone who has worked closely with my team and I understands that our clients come first and we receive highly positive feedback from everyone in our network of clients and contacts on a daily basis. The Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards and its easy to use portal will permit us to share with Calgary readers what we already know – that our clients respect and appreciate our representation and continue to hold us in high regard.
It only takes a few seconds to vote! Thank you for taking the time.
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Events, Community, Community Choice, Personal Message, Shirley Wright, Shirley Wright Calgary, Shirley Wright Realtor, The Howard Team
Posted in Altadore Community, Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Events, Calgary Real Estate, Neighbourhood, Personal Message, Shirley Wright, Shirley Wright Calgary, Shirley Wright Realtor, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Nominate Bryon Howard and The Howard Team for the Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards
Sunday, March 6th, 2016
With tremendous pride and gratitude, The Howard Team would like to thank Houzz for honoring us with their “Best of Houzz” award for 2016 in the category of customer service. Like all users of Houzz, we enjoy getting home decorating and remodeling ideas from the website and are thrilled to be chosen “Best of Houzz.” The Houzz award means so much to us because this particular honor reflects the sentiments of the members of the Houzz online community – 35 million strong and growing at last count! It is a great feeling to be recognized for our team’s customer service achievements since we strive to keep our clients and their needs as our central focus every day
The “Best of Houzz” prizes are awarded annually in the categories of Design, Customer Service and Photography. Houzz is the “go to” site for homeowners looking for home improvement ideas, inspiration and up-to-date reviews on remodeling professionals and Realtors in their area. According to Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing for Houzz, “Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented, competent and service-oriented professionals. We’re delighted to join our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts in recognizing our “Best of Houzz” professionals around the world.”
In a real estate market as active as Calgary’s with thousands of Realtors competing for clients, it is not enough to simply offer a good product and assemble a talented team of agents. In order to succeed in this market, you have to employ the customer service skills that our clients rightfully demand. In addition to having a genuine fondness and respect for people, you need to have patience and attentiveness and exhibit the attention to detail that real estate transactions require. You need to be an expert listener while also knowing how to “read” clients who may have trouble articulating their goals. Every client brings their own unique personality, wants, needs and circumstances to the table and it is a Realtor’s job to sort through these sometimes competing interests to help a client achieve their real estate goals.
The real estate industry is ultimately more about people than bricks and mortar. Our clients are the lifeblood of our business and our greatest resource. We thank the Houzz community for recognizing the Howard Team’s commitment to top-notch customer service and to the clients that we serve.
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, building, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team
Posted in Altadore Real Estate, Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Events, Calgary Real Estate, Neighbourhood, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Howard Team Wins “Best of Houzz 2016”
Sunday, February 21st, 2016
The real estate landscape in North America is in the midst of an historical shift. The era of the coveted McMansion is quickly coming to an end. Today’s pool of home buyers have an entirely different set of priorities than their parents when it comes to housing – with the most notable difference being that many are not buyers at all and they will probably not become buyers in the foreseeable future. They are renters and they are here to stay!
The Calgary real estate market serves as a perfect backdrop for the shifting landscape. Canada’s young population includes 7-9 million residents classified as millennials. While they are by no means the only demographic group turning their back on home ownership, they are definitely the most influential.
Perceptive buyers looking to build wealth for their own retirement know that investment in purpose built revenue property stands out as one of the safest and most lucrative vehicles available to investors in today’s volatile world. In addition to the social and economic trends fueling the shift, recent changes to Calgary’s by-laws have further served to fan the flames by making it easier and more cost-effective to construct a purpose built revenue property.
While the nation’s Liberal Party platform embraces purpose built rental housing as a means to provide all Canadians with access to affordable housing, low-income residents are not the only sector of the population in search of a good rental. Large groups of residents from all income strata are moving toward renting as a lifestyle choice and investors looking for the best returns are wise to target housing geared toward the upper middle layers of the rental market. The best rental property to invest in is priced to attract this group, located in a desirable neighbourhood and constructed of good materials with low maintenance and durability in mind.
Investing in a purpose built revenue property in Calgary, as opposed to condominium or a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), affords the individual investor direct control of the asset, low maintenance, freedom from condo fees and bothersome boards, monthly residual income and the opportunity to realize appreciation in Canada’s strongest real estate market.
My advice for any serious real estate investor in Calgary is to start crunching numbers with a knowledgeable Realtor and do not miss the opportunity to profit from this seismic shift in the real estate landscape.
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, building, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team
Posted in Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Building, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team | Comments Off on The Rise of Purpose Built Revenue Properties
Sunday, January 24th, 2016
What do you think of an investment that comes with the promise of long-term appreciation plus an immediate return?
It sounds like it may be worth looking into – right?
With interest rates at an all-time low and stocks and bonds seesawing between volatility and the doldrums, real estate investment has emerged once again as a reliable vehicle for those seeking to build wealth. It is the rental market in specific that is enjoying a renaissance of sorts. For a number of reasons, urban dwellers are drifting away from homeownership and toward the rental market.
For the first time in several decades, investors in Calgary real estate with a focus on the rental segment are realizing an immediate income stream while building equity at the same time. This is due largely to the low cost of borrowing money combined with high rental rates, low vacancy rates, and societal changes that are pulling people back toward city centers. The result is that thousands of renters are now living in single-family homes or owner-occupied single-family homes with brand new secondary suites.
On top of the economic and social conditions that favor the growth of the rental market, the City of Calgary has recently enacted building code changes that make it easier to create a secondary suite or legalize an existing suite. Many homeowners are using income from secondary suites to pay down their mortgage, supplement monthly income, and help elderly relatives and young adults in need of a private, but affordable space.
In doing so, they are also building equity and adding to the value of their property at the same time. Others are purchasing a second investment property and using the revenue from the investment property to pay down the mortgage on their residence.
To illustrate how this works, let us take the real-life example of a brand new Highland Park property valued at $750,000 with a $562,500 mortgage balance to see how the presence of a walkout rental suite together with the main house rental generates immediate value for the property owner.
Building Summary:
Completed Value of Home $750,000
Deposit $187,500
Mortgage Balance $562,500
Rental Summary:
Main House Rental (3 bedrooms 2.5 bath with garage) $2400/mo
Walkout Rental (2 bedrooms, 1 bath with garage) $1600/mo.
Expense Summary: |
|
|
Mortgage @2.8% |
|
$2,808/mo. |
Taxes |
|
$360/mo |
Management Fee |
|
$100/mo |
TOTALS: |
$4,000/mo |
$3,268/mo |
Net to Owner |
$732/mo |
$8,788/year |
Combine this $8788 annual income stream with a mortgage principal pay down equal to $16,000 and a modest assumption of 1.5% annual appreciation and this property owner can boast of an investment yielding a 19% annual return – a healthy number by any standard!
If you are interested in becoming a real estate investor or if you are already an investor looking to enhance the value of your existing assets, work with an experienced Calgary Realtor. Returns like this sometimes only around only once in a lifetime. Do not wait too long.
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.
Tags: Altadore Real Estate, bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, real estate, Real Estate Advice, Sales, The Howard Team
Posted in Altadore Real Estate, Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, real estate, Real Estate Advice, Sales, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Explore Calgary Rental Segment: How It Works as Long-Term Investment
Sunday, January 10th, 2016
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, building, Calgary Luxury Homes, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, Condo Living, Home staging, Marketing, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team
Posted in Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Building, Calgary Luxury Homes, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, Home Staging, Marketing, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team | Comments Off on The Importance of Curb Appeal
Sunday, December 27th, 2015
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.
Tags: bryon howard, Bryon Howard Calgary, Bryon Howard Realtor, calgary, Calgary Realtor, The Howard Team, yyc
Posted in Bryon Howard, Bryon Howard Realtor, Calgary Luxury Homes, Calgary Market, Calgary Real Estate, Condo Living, real estate, Real Estate Advice, The Howard Team | Comments Off on Calgary’s Purpose-Built Rental Properties & The Ever-Changing Real Estate Landscape
Sunday, November 22nd, 2015
Before you list a property for sale in Alberta, it is important to understand that you are going to need an RPR. What exactly is an RPR? An RPR or Real Property Report is a plan or survey of the property that shows the location of all improvements on the property as they are situated in relation to the property’s boundary lines. The Alberta Land Surveyors Association states that the RPR should include a “written statement detailing the surveyor’s opinions and concerns” and “can be relied upon by the buyer, the seller, the lender and the municipality as an accurate representation of the improvements on your property.”
An RPR is required upon the sale of real property to ensure that the land and improvements comply with all municipal by-laws. In Calgary, upon receipt of an updated RPR, the city will review its records and, if everything is in order, issue a Certificate of Compliance stating that all improvements, including the house, sheds, decks and fences, are in compliance with all municipal regulations, including local setback requirements.
The Alberta Real Estate Association’s standard form of purchase contract states that a RPR is the obligation of the seller and should reflect the “current state of improvements on the property.” Municipalities and attorneys throughout Alberta tend to differ in their interpretation of this obligation. Everyone, however, seems to agree that the failure to provide an up-to-date RPR in a timely manner is a leading cause of closing delays.
To avoid this scenario, it is good practice to order an updated RPR as soon as the property is listed for sale. If there have been no changes to the property since the date of the original RPR, then the old one may suffice. If updates and modifications to the property need to be reflected, it makes sense to save time and money by contacting the land surveyor who prepared the original RPR to handle the update. The important thing is to make sure all sides are in agreement and advance the process as soon as possible to avoid costly, stress-inducing delays.
RPRs have been in use in Alberta since 1987. Any homeowner who purchased property after that date should have one in their files. If you are having trouble locating an old RPR, you can try to obtain a copy through the current lender on the property or through the lawyer’s offices that represented the buyer and seller in the original transaction.
An RPR is a visual snapshot in time of a particular property and it provides everyone involved in the conveyance with valuable knowledge regarding encroachments, setback violations, chain of title issues, mislocated fencing and a myriad of other possible concerns. If you are a seller, make sure your RPR is up-to-date and reflects the current state of affairs on your property. If you are a buyer, rely upon your Realtor and lawyer to interpret the RPR and advise you of potential issues that might impact your closing and use and enjoyment of the property.
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.
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