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In a strong real estate market, many people turn their attention to investment properties as a secure and profitable way to grow their money.  Unlike other means of investing, buying real estate allows you to secure your money in a profitable, tangible and desirable asset.  If you have considered investing in real estate as part of your overall financial plan, asking the right questions is a good place to start.

What is your long term plan?  Buying an investment property is not a one or two year strategy.  It requires patience for your investment to reach its full potential, but allowing the property to appreciate can be highly rewarding.  Whether you are considering purchasing a condo, house or multi-family dwelling, you need to evaluate your short term and long term expectations to choose the ideal property.

Are you looking for a property that will provide cash flow on a monthly basis?  The right property will bring in a few hundred dollars extra each month after the mortgage payment, property tax and any other fees.  If generating extra cash is your priority, you need to find a relatively inexpensive property that will bring in a higher monthly rent.

Are you looking for a property that will offer maximum appreciation over time?  Even if a rental property doesn’t provide a monthly cash flow, it can still be an incredibly lucrative investment.  Not only is someone else paying down most of your mortgage, but they are occupying the property as it goes up in value.  Once you decide to sell or refinance, you will have access to the return on your investment.

So why is Calgary a great place to buy a rental property? Over 43,000 people have moved into Alberta in the last twelve months.  This is the largest number in 23 years.  Most newcomers are looking to rent for the first few years that they are here, and this is putting a high demand on the Calgary rental market.  Worried about being a landlord?  There are many property management companies that will handle the responsibilities on your behalf.  Determine your expectations, find a great property, and let your money work 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.

Are you wondering how banks and lenders approve mortgages and loans? It’s not as complicated as you might think! You will need to be prepared to answer the banks questions, provide documentation, and finally prove out the math that indicates you are ready to be approved. These three simple steps can bring you one step closer to realizing your dreams http://ow.ly/A4Wcq

This video explains that you shouldn’t need to be creative when talking with a bank or lender. It is important to layout what it is you are looking for and ensure your math works to better your chances of receiving financing.

This video explains what mortgage insurance is and how it protects the lender. It explains that based on the amount of your down payment customers may need to purchase mortgage insurance. How this cost is determined is then further explained to give individuals a full understanding of how mortgage insurance works.

This video addresses lenders who are offering low interest rate mortgages. It explains that customers should be aware of other terms and conditions when agreeing to such mortgages to ensure they are receiving the same value. Examples of banks and lenders who have offered such deals are further investigated.

This video defines what a payout penalty is and the benefit it has for banks and lenders. The different types of payout penalties are covered and explained to ensure someone seeking a to pay off their mortgage early is aware of potential penalties and how much those will cost them.

This video outlines what a repayment privilege is and how it is used. It covers how repayment privileges differ for commercial mortgages and business loans versus residential mortgages. It also indicates that not every lender offers the same privileges so to be aware of what offer best suits the customer’s needs.

by Andy Dean Photography

If you have been paying attention to Calgary’s real estate trends, you are probably well aware that this year has been considered a strong seller’s market.  So what exactly does this mean?  Low inventory has reduced the number of properties available for purchase. 

This is causing buyers to become more competitive.

If houses are well priced, they are selling very quickly- usually with multiple offers.  As we head into the summer, we are expecting the number of listings to increase which will gradually shift us back to a balanced market.

If you are thinking of selling this year, you may have an advantage if you list sooner than later.  Listing your property at fair market value while the market is hot will almost guarantee you a quick and profitable sale. 

Some sellers are taking the approach of listing slightly higher than the current market value. 

If the demand in the area is high enough and the property shows well, they are walking away with top dollar for their homes.  In a city with such a rapidly growing population, real estate investment is a hot commodity and buyers recognize the value in owning their own home.

The challenge may arise when you start looking for your next property.  Buyers are having a tough time finding the right home with fewer properties to choose from.  Some are getting discouraged after losing a few bidding wars and have decided to shelf their property search until the market balances out. 

As we head into the summer, it’s safe to say that listing inventory will increase.

As always, it’s important to educate yourself throughout the process.  Ask plenty of questions, and align yourself with knowledgeable Calgary professionals who will represent your best interest along the way.  If it’s time for your next home, do your research and have a good idea of what you are looking for so when the right property comes up, you are ready to buy.

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.

In order to make your upcoming move easier on you and your whole family, you may want to consider
hiring a moving company to help with the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. In fact,
moving companies offer a range of other services designed to make your move a smooth transition from Point A to Point B. However, there are some things movers cannot do – and that’s transport certain
items.

It’s important to understand what your moving company can’t move so you can prepare by either
finding alternate transportation for or getting rid of those items in advance. Often there are two
categories of items you’ll want to pay attention to: items a company can’t move, and items it
recommends against moving.

Items a Moving Company Can’t Move
Almost all reputable moving companies will not move hazardous materials that would be dangerous to
their trucks, their drivers, and your other belongings. Since you don’t want to put anyone or anything in danger, it’s best to find other homes for these items or throw them out before movers arrive to pack up the truck on moving day. Items in this category include, but aren’t limited to the following:
• Matches
• Lighter fluid
• Fireworks
• Propane cylinders
• Gasoline
• Nail polish removers
• Paints and paint thinners
• Oxygen bottles

Items a Moving Company Recommends You Don’t Ask Them to Move
The biggest item in this category includes perishable food. Why pack up things that can grow mouldy or
stale and affect other materials packed nearby? Likewise, avoid packing anything in glass jars as they can leak or crack before arrival, creating a real mess among your belongings. While companies may agree to move these items, it’s far better to simply use them up before moving day. On the other hand, food that isn’t perishable or stored in glass jars – like boxed food, spices, dried fruits, and oils in plastic containers – are often just fine to move.

Another type of item that movers may recommend you don’t ask them to move is anything of great
value to you. This includes anything from heirlooms to jewellery, family photos, cash, important
documents like wills or deeds, collections, etc. The reason they recommend you move these items
yourself is because their reimbursement policies are often limited (unless you pay extra). For example,
the most basic valuation policies only require a moving company to partially reimburse you for an item
based on weight. Because valuables are often small and irreplaceable, this policy will never be satisfying should your valuables be lost or damaged. Solve this issue in advance by transporting anything valuable in your own vehicle.

For exact specifications on what your particular moving company will not move, browse its website or
contact your moving representative. Having that information on hand will guide you as you pack your
belongings in preparation for your move.
—
David Shapiro is a marketing specialist for moving companies such as North American Van Lines. In the little free time he has, he enjoys outdoor activities like biking, hiking, mountain climbing and swimming.

Peace Bridge
Courtesy of Jeff Whyte Photography

There is no doubt that 2014 has unfolded so far as a seller’s market in Calgary.  Here are the reasons why

• Inventory is low and homes are selling incredibly fast in Calgary Real Estate Market.
• The value of real estate continues to increase in major cities across Canada, and Calgary is certainly keeping up with the pack. People who are looking for homes need to be prepared to act quickly.
• With the reduced inventory of Calgary properties to choose from, it’s important to come forward with a serious offer to the seller; if you find the home that meets your needs and your budget.

Meanwhile, if the last few months have been any indication, it appears that inventory is slowly on the rise. Although it will take some time before we transition back into a buyer’s market, here are some tips to know:

• If you are thinking of buying this summer, mortgage rates are sitting at record lows for yet another season. This makes a tremendous difference in terms of affordability; it can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage.

• If you are thinking of buying in the next few months, it’s a good idea to speak to your Calgary mortgage broker and request a rate hold so you are ready to make a move when the right property comes on the market.

• Keep in mind, a rate hold doesn’t require any obligation on your part, but it does give you the ability to determine your monthly payments more accurately. Particularly if you are a first-time buyer, choosing a home that fits into a monthly budget that you are comfortable with is important to meet your short and long-term objectives.

• Whether you are planning on buying a home in Calgary, looking for your first investment property, or thinking of building the home of your dreams, you can make a decision with confidence. Calgary continues to a desirable and profitable place to invest.

This city has established itself on a strong foundation and the future is looking bright. So many people move to Calgary because they are looking for new opportunities.

Your next real estate opportunity could be just around the corner.

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.