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.
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.
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.
Canada’s low mortgage rates have been in the news for so long that they have essentially become the norm. The 18 percent plus rates of the 1980’s are ancient history. It seems that we have become so accustomed to cheap money, that we have forgotten that it might be temporary and just maybe, it may also become a thing of the past. Although the Bank of Canada hasn’t given us any indication of a rate increase in the immediate future, it’s still important to use our (borrowed) money wisely and plan for the future. After all, most of us are locked into 25-year mortgages, and we know just how much change can occur over two and half decades.
Be aware of how much a change in interest rates will affect your housing costs. To put things in perspective, a $350,000 mortgage would cost the average buyer $1570 per money at a borrowing rate of 2.5%. If rates went up just 1%, the same mortgage would cost $1750 per month. That’s a $180 difference. What’s even more significant is that same 1% increase would add an additional $54,600 to your cost of borrowing over the lifespan of your mortgage.
Take advantage without over extending yourself. It’s hard to predict what will happen to interest rates over the next few years. Even some of Canada’s most educated economists were surprised when the overnight rate went down instead of up. That being said, it’s a wise idea to be prepared for a rate increase. If your mortgage renews at a higher rate at the end of your current term, what will it mean for your household budget? Do you expect your income to be the same, or are you planning on starting a family? Talk to your mortgage professional about your long term plans so they can choose a financing option that meets your needs.
Take advantage of your pre-payment options. The best way to protect yourself against a future rate increase is to decrease the size of your mortgage. Some mortgages allow you to increase your payments each month, or make a lump sum payment up to a certain percentage of the balance. In most cases, it makes more sense to tackle your higher interest debt first, but if your credit cards are clear, you will never regret knocking a few thousand dollars off your mortgage. Remember, the quicker you pay it off, the more you will save in interest over the long haul, and that could amount to tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
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.
Although the average buyer may be feeling a little extra cautious in today’s market, investors are still seeing the unique possibilities that this type of economy presents. Investment opportunities are everywhere. So, despite the difficulty in anticipating when things will change, Calgary has always proven itself to be amazingly resilient.
Developers are used to market fluctuations and are optimistically pushing forward. While the average consumer may be holding back, large development firms see the big picture. They look past the headlines and short-term projections. So, since condo projects and subdivisions take years to complete, new developers continue to buy up land in and around Calgary. Positive net migration has maintained a steady trend this year, and buyers are seeing the value in the Calgary real estate market.
There will always be home owners who NEED to sell. For investors looking to scoop up a few rental properties, this market is immensely favorable. Inventory is much higher than it was last year, and sellers having a sense of urgency are more than happy to negotiate. Though this type of market can be very costly for the impatient, it’s precisely what the savvy investor is looking for.
An uncertain buyer’s market fuels rental demand. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. A shaky job market and the low cost of oil has undoubtedly kept buyers at bay since the beginning of 2015. As a result, rental vacancy remains quite low in Calgary and market rent is holding strong. Those who invested in condos or multi-unit rental properties are benefiting from the current climate and can expect a steady demand to carry on in the future.
The low cost of borrowing makes investing a no-brainer. Although today’s new home buyers are extremely rate-sensitive, seasoned investors still recognize our current mortgage rates as incredibly beneficial. Never before has it been so affordable to borrow money. Even though it’s unclear how long the low rates will last, locking into a 5- or 10-year term gives borrowers the stability they need to keep their overhead in check.
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.
