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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 25^th.

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.

 Click here to nominate The Howard Team

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.

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.

Since Tim Ferriss came out with his book, “The 4-hour Work Week”,    I’ve been following him.

He’s a fan of Seneca and Stoicism.

I like to bike. I don’t think I love to bike … but I love what biking brings me.

I suppose my favourite thing about cycling is experiencing the weather.

I love it all … too hot, too rainy, too windy and too cold. I can pretty much dress for whatever the weather and enjoy the ride.

Next up … I enjoy the elevated heart rate. Cycling is good for the body and the brain.
I prefer to ride with others who are of similar ability … I like to race. However, I also like to ride alone. I like leaving … and I like getting back home. I especially enjoy early morning rides when the sun is rising … or later evening rides when the sun is dropping. I like riding in mid-morning, mid-afternoon – or even high noon. I like exploring new routes, seeing new things … and when traveling – experiencing new cultures from a bike saddle.

In this brief blog, I want to explain that to travel on a bike, you will be much happier and more successful if you practice being Stoic.

I have many friends and acquaintances who are triathletes.

Many of my friends are Type “A” personality … and have done or are planning to do an Ironman.

In training, they will travel to Mallorca, Maui, and/or California and travel to races in Quebec, Arizona, Germany, and “God willing”, Kona.

For this group … you have no choice … you MUST pack and transport your bike. Your family understands this.

Being Stoic during the process will help you.

I’m currently travelling at 3,800 ft on West Jet to Calgary via Toronto from the Dominican Republic.

I spent a few days in Cabarette and about 10 days in Las Galeras, the Samana Peninsula. It was my Mom’s 80 birthday celebration. My 5 brothers and sisters were there, my wife and kids, and most of my nieces and nephews. We were 22 people – and it was great.

My Mom’s 80th Birthday

However, I wasn’t going on a cycling trip.

The priorities were clearly: family, hopefully, some kite surfing with my son, perhaps some cycling … ‘God willing’.

If you fancy yourself a cycling enthusiast … a cyclist … then you may wish to bring your bike on your next travel.

Your next travel could be for work, it could be for a one-week vacation with your sweetheart, or it could be a 3-month bike touring trip.

If you plan to be successful in actually ‘getting out the door’ and bringing your bike, you should practice being Stoic.

You see, nearly everyone will try to convince you not to take your bike. Your friends and family love you.

They think that you will die.

People fear the unknown. I fear the unknown.

It is much much easier NOT to bring your bike. Your spouse will be happier. Your kids will be happier. Your Mom will be happier. They think you will live … and be safe.

However, if you are like me … you will be much happier to have your bike along … and sneak out for at least one ride. When your spouse, kids, and Mom see your smile after your ride, or from your selfie on Facebook or Instagram … they will smile too.

When you need to be Stoic:

• Announcing to your family a few weeks prior … I’m going to x and I’m taking my bike; (Actually, I suggest you say … “I’d like to take my bike”. At this point it is kind of far into the future … and they will not normally object … yet.)
• Googling bike routes near x place. If you are like me … you won’t find any … and begin to question if you should bring your bike; (While googling x place, you will learn about why it’s dangerous to bike here.)
• A week to a few days prior to departure. If you are like me … you have not organized a bike box. You need to either: find your bike box which is back far in the garage behind many things; go to a bike store and ask for a used cardboard box; buy a proper bike box, or borrow a bike box. This is the most important place to be stoic.
• The day prior to travel. You will be too busy to pack your bike. If you tell your spouse or your Mom … they will emphasize with you … and remind you about all the reasons why you should not take your bike anyway. I suggest waking up really early prior to your spouse and “Just Do It” … pack your bike while they are sleeping. When they wake, act as if it was no big deal.

It gets easier from here … but you must still practice Stoicism.

• Driving to the Airport:  Which car will we bring. Will the bike fit in?
• Checking in at the Airport:  You Made it! Now the surprises begin. Keep a straight face … don’t let the surprises bug you. Expect to pay $100 for your bike at check-in. Always say Thank You no matter what they charge you … it’s never the same. You get to travel with your bike!!!
• Security: checking your bike bag at Oversized security. You are committed at this point … and will be taking your bike. It is here that you must remain stoic to enjoy yourself. If you are traveling with your non-cycling spouse, they will be watching over you … possibly adding to the stress .. and huffing and puffing. About 80% of the time, I will have to unpack my bike for security. (Really … it’s no big deal.) Just unpack it. Note: when packing at home … don’t use a lot of tapes.
• Some tips: Don’t deflate your tires too much (80psi is fine for tires that can run 110); don’t take CO2 cartridges; bring a pump that fits in your jersey (try using it at home); you can pack a lot of stuff in the bike bag (your cycling gear, kite surfer, etc. However, be sure to keep it under 50lbs … and lighter is better.
  This morning when checking in my oversized baggage in Toronto … I had the very worst ‘duck’ like person. She was a real cow. For the first time ever, I had to take everything out of my bike bag … place it in tubs, and run it through the scanner. She was rude, spoke like a squirrel, and was really unpleasant.

A 75 km ride to El Catey Airport in the Dominican Republic. It took 18 min to back the bike & kite surfer.

• Traveling with a bike has gotten tricker in the 15 years since I started doing it. I expect it will continue to be even more unpleasant and difficult at the airport – as our ‘officers’ become more like robots and less like people. You see, we slow things down with our bikes … and their bosses are watching … and there are people lined up behind us … who get cranky as well.

Screw them- You Got Your Bike.

I need to practice being stoic.

Related & Recommended Posts:Is cycling in Dominican Republic Safe.
How to unpack your bike in 11 min -Just Do it.

Why I like to lend my bike box.

Laos Getting a Flat

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.

This year Valentine’s Day falls on the first long weekend of the year, Family Day! So why not combine a bit of romance with some family fun time? Here are just a few of the amazing events happening in Calgary that can satisfy the need for romance and good old family fun!

Take the Family on a Bike Scavenger Hunt

Every year, Calgary hosts an annual bike festival called Winterpalooza. This year’s event kicks off on February 10 and runs until Valentine’s Day. Some of the cool events happening this year include the Annual Polar Run, the Winter Bike Scavenger Hunt and the Winterpalooza photo booth. For more information about Winterpalooza and the events that lead up to it, visit cyclepalooza.ca

Check out a winter music festival

For the music lovers, start your weekend at one of Calgary’s newest music festivals, the Block Heater Festival. Organized by the Calgary Folk Music Festival, the three day event is hosting twenty different folk and roots musical acts. A few of the performers at the inaugural festival include The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer and Elliott Brood. Tickets start low at $15. For more information, visit calgaryfolkfest.com

Spend the day at the market

One of the best things about the Calgary Farmers Market is that it’s opened year round. And if you love the market, you can get a taste of it at the Market Eatery, a satellite retail location of the restaurant. At the eatery you can buy the Market’s chocolate treats, sauces and condiments here.

On Valentine’s Day the actual market will be transformed into a romantic destination with live music and entertainment. Open for brunch and lunch, visitors can enjoy a roaming musical quartet, make fruit flower Valentine’s with Poppy Innovations, and capture your love in their romantic photo booth. Check out calgaryfarmersmarket.ca for more details.

Celebrate all things winter in Canmore

The Canmore Winter Carnival has been happening for more than two decades and returns on February 1. Plan a weekend getaway to enjoy all the different carnival events such as the World Cup Biathlon event, cooking classes, art workshops and mutt races that take place until the end of March.

Go shopping at a new Italian market

Sauce Italian Market is a bakery, a deli, a market and a restaurant. With specials every day of the week you can stop by for a coffee or lunch to enjoy some of the spectacular food or one of their daily specials. (The two-for-one pizza deal on Tuesdays is hard to pass up.) After you eat, check out the grocery store where you’ll find signature sauces, house-made pasta, salad dressings and plenty of imported cheeses and charcuterie.

There are so many other amazing events happening in the city on Valentine’s/Family Day weekend. And with a wide variety of great restaurants in the neighbourhood your choices are endless! Enjoy the weekend!

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 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.   

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.