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Image Courtesy of Photo Dean

Recently, I had a number of clients who were looking for a Craftsman bungalow in Altadore. It’s a pretty interesting architectural style, so I figured I’d dig up some info on it and share it with you. Who knows, it might catch your fancy too.

Historical treasures

The Altadore area of Calgary was established in 1945, when the classic Craftsman bungalow was at the height of its popularity. Many of these original bungalows have been restored to their classic style, and others have been torn down to make way for more spacious contemporary living. Some of these original homes were actually sold from the Sears catalog and came as a kit to assemble on-site. The design was typically one or one-and-a-half stories, with a long and low profile characterized by a large front porch beneath an extension of the main roof, also referred to as a “veranda.” These houses are usually small, with some having less than 1,000 square feet of living space.  

The Charm of Bungalows

Bungalows in Calgary are becoming increasingly popular options for empty nesters and downsizing seniors who prefer not to constantly navigate up and down stairs. Most of the living space is on one floor that offers convenience with a very comfortable style and layout. Features often include a single bathroom, two or three bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a living room. Some have a detached garage, which is a real plus in an in-town setting. These homes are also a good option for first-time home buyers who want to get into a neighborhood that might otherwise be out of their price range. In some houses, there is the opportunity to expand the second floor living area by taking in the large eave spaces. Every once in a while, an original bungalow will come out on the market as a “fixer upper” for people who want to build equity over time. These can be real gems in the rough.

Because the style has a lot of contemporary appeal, in-town builders often use the  bungalow style but break with the traditional layout to offer a separate dining room, up to six bedrooms with a large garage, and the luxury of higher-end homes. You will also see the style out in suburb communities, in houses that have a hint of bungalow but with much more contemporary space.

I enjoy showing this style to my real estate clients because it is so unique to Altadore. If ever you’ll find yourself here, give me a call and I’ll take you to see one!

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 one home a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 8% 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 New Year is on — goals are set, and for me, that means it is time to get things done. I’m busy with real estate; of course, my family; and the outdoor winter sports I love. I love to operate at 100%, which means being efficient and thorough. Here’s how I do it. Maybe this will give you some ideas for setting your goals and getting them done. 

Focus on the right skills and best practices.

In real estate, it is important to be analytical. The market is defined by numbers — for example, prices, inventory, finance, trends, and economics. Clients look to me for expertise on what is happening in the real estate market. I know the market and use what I know to help my clients achieve their goals. In this business, best practices mean really knowing the real estate statistics, and your clients.

Always be ready to learn something new.

Technology advances everyday. In real estate, it improves client communications. Important information about the market is at my fingertips. That means my clients know when something is happening that’s important to them. Technology helps me reach more people with the right information. But it’s not just about work. My wife and I make sure our kids have new experiences that expand their view of the world. With our two kids, we are constantly learning through their eyes. There’s always something new.

Work with competent people.

I’ve always found that teamwork produces a better product. When teams really click, you are more efficient and new ideas are always in the air. Good team members challenge each other to bring the best they have to offer. Team work is very rewarding for everyone. It’s not just a job well done by me, but a job well done by the team. Everyone benefits.

Keep it positive.

Everybody gets more done in a positive atmosphere. Even when things go wrong or just not the way you wanted, a positive attitude will bring better solutions. A positive attitude really makes a difference with clients. I’m confident that they are working with the best real estate team. We all hear about having a positive attitude in sports. It does make a difference. If I know I can take that difficult ski run, I will. If you know you have the right approach, you probably do.

It’s a new year, so let’s get things done!

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 one home a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 8% 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.

I came across this recent study by finance and real estate professor Bennie Waller of Longwood University, Virginia, published on the Journal of Housing Research in 2012, stating that experienced realtors sell 12% more homes and 32% more quickly, on the average, than inexperienced agents.

I was happy to get confirmation!

It seems that the adage practice makes perfect is true even in the real estate industry. According to Prof. Waller, “The more experience you have, the more likely you are to sell the properties that you list, the more likely you are to sell (them) at a higher price, and the less time (they stay) on the market.”

I believe experienced real estate agents have these three advantages.

Experienced agents generally know more.

Veteran agents tend to know more about the neighborhood, the market, what buyers and sellers typically need and want, and the entire selling and buying process. For example, veteran seller agents know what buyers are looking for and are aware of the competition, and they use what they know to stage, price and promote the seller’s house to sell fastest and at the best price. Veteran buyer agents know what’s a good buy and how to structure the purchase offer in terms of price, condition dates, closing dates, and even the length of time an offer should be left open, ultimately helping the buyer acquire the property for less money and under the terms and conditions that the buyer wants. A lot of this information cannot be had in a real estate course or from books, but is experiential and intuitive. In addition, veteran agents generally know more buyers and sellers, as well as good and reputable home inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers, and other key members of the real estate team.

Experienced agents are more confident about what they know.

 As veteran agents’ knowledge of their business comes not just from books or from other people but from their own firsthand experience over many years, they can hold their own in transactions. They can tell a seller who wants to sell his house at a ridiculously high price that it won’t work, and convince him to go with a more realistic price. He can tell a buyer if a crack on the wall is not a major issue and can be easily repaired, and is in fact a good thing because it will pull down the price.

Experienced agents can advise you through the many changes in your housing needs.

 Veteran agents are of course older and have gone through many changes in their lives and seen the same changes in the lives of others that impact their housing needs. As such, they can be a valuable resource for you as you go through your own life changes and even those of your family.

Everything has its season, though, and the rookies today will be the veterans of tomorrow. So I advise the rookies to go beyond seeing the veterans as the competition, to learning from them so that they could take over when the time is right.

Image Courtesy of Calgary Herald

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 2% 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.

After 20 wonderful years of marriage last month, my wife Shirley and I wanted to skip our usual dinner-and-a-movie celebration for something different, fun and memorable. Suddenly I remembered the Couples Bike Tour of my good friend Joel Goralski’s Bici Bucerias bike tour business in Mexico. I thought it would be a great way to celebrate! While Shirley is active and loves being in the outdoors, she does not consider herself a cyclist, so I was a bit anxious when I told her my idea. I was thrilled when she agreed that it would be a great way to celebrate our 20th anniversary.  Shirley is very supportive of me, and that’s one of the many reasons why I fall in love with her over and over again.

The tour of the ocean town of Bucerias in Mexico was clearly heaven-sent; the weather was perfect, we had great accommodation with our very own private pool, we were biking, and Shirley and I were together and with friends. What more could a guy ask for? And what better way to prepare for the tour, than with a massage by the beach on Day 1? That got us off to a great start. The first day of cycling was on flat roads; and later on in the week, we moved to more challenging terrain. On the last leg, we had a VERY LONG uphill climb. I was happy to assist my wife by placing my hand on the small of her back, and with a straight arm, pushing her up the Sierra Madres! (I enjoyed the extra work  out… and she enjoyed the help!)  And you know what? That’s our first secret to a happy marriage: We got each other’s back — especially on the mountains!

We did a lot more than just bike during the tour, though. We passed by a Mariachi band, and my wife, who’s a musician (read about her Christmas concert), happily jumped off her bike and played with them. As Joel and his wife are foodies, the dining was as much a part of the tour as the actual biking. We enjoyed delicious, healthy food as we relaxed in the local romantic restaurants, and we even took back to the hotel with us some great organic food from the La Cruz Market, a weekly farmers’ market at a nearby marina. We also sampled the food at the restaurants on Bucerias Beach, in between snorkeling and simply strolling and watching the sunset. We saw a couple getting married by the beach on a beautiful night, and it brought us back to when my wife and I were exchanging vows. There were fireworks — it was magic! That reminds me of our second secret to a happy marriage: Have fun and focus on the beautiful!

Overall, the experience was nothing short of unforgettable for Shirley and me. My friend Joel couldn’t have chosen a better motto for Bici Bucerias: Ride. Eat. Relax. Repeat.

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 2% 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.

Image courtesy of _neurotik

The holiday season is here, and fewer people are listing their homes for sale, as they prepare to entertain family and friends, get caught up with a hundred and one Christmas chores, travel, or just take a much-awaited hiatus; or else they think buyers are too preoccupied, unavailable, or unwilling to brave the snow. But someone told me recently to give him 3 good reasons why he should sell his house over the holidays. I’ll do better than that – I’ll share 11 reasons why!

 1. People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers.

Most home buyers shop around in the spring when most sellers put their house on the market. But if someone takes the time and the effort to look at your house over the holidays, he really needs to buy soon. For you, the seller, that’s gold. So listing your house at this time lets you catch the best buyers and save your own time and energy in selling your house by eliminating buyers who are “just looking around” or aren’t in a hurry.

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays.

By selling your house over the holidays, you’ll not only get serious buyers, but you’ll also find it easier to sell to them because there’s less competition.

3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in the spring, there will be less demand for your particular home then.

You’ve heard the old adage: “The early bird catches the worm.” You can up your chances of selling your home if you get a headstart in the market. You just may catch the early buyers, who want to get a headstart themselves in looking at homes.

4. Houses show better when decorated for the holidays.

Homes are preened and lit up during the holidays, so they’ll look better at less cost to you and will thus be easier to sell.

5. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays, so are easier to please.

Buyers may be drawn to your house just because it reminds them of their childhood home at Christmas and all the good times they had there, or they may just be generally in a better mood that makes them easier to talk to.

 6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during a working week.

Not all people are busy at Christmas, and those who really need to buy a house soon can find the extra time now to look at what’s on the market.

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.

There are people who are determined to buy at year-end so that they could deduct the property taxes, mortgage interest, and loan points from their tax return that year.

8. January is traditionally the month when employees start in their new jobs.

Many people start the year with brand new jobs for which they have to relocate, which they do over the holidays.

 9. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings for six or seven days during the holidays.

You need not be available for home showings the whole time over the holidays. You can arrange to take a break over Christmas and New Year week, when you and home buyers would most likely be busiest.

10. You can sell now and arrange for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.

If you don’t want to sell your home over the holidays because you won’t be able to move at Christmas, take heart because you can sell your home now and come to an agreement with the buyer to set the occupancy date at up to 120 days later.

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money.

 You can time your purchase of that new home that you’ll be moving to in the spring, when there are more houses to choose from and prices are more competitive, if you sell your home now.

These should give you more than enough reasons to decide to sell your house over the holidays. If you decide to sell, better act fast. But if you just want to take it slow and have all the fun you can get this Christmas, you won’t be making a bad decision at all. Whichever way you go, have a merry Christmas!

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 2% 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.

Image courtesy of top10things

It’s a month before Christmas! In case you are still looking for the gift to give the menfolk in your life, I’d stick my neck out and say don’t spend too much time on it. It’s easy to find thoughtful gifts. I love getting clothing accessories. As a Realtor, I like to look my best always, top to bottom. I once read this story of a couple who were meeting a prospective agent, when they looked down and noticed a hole in his sock, they were turned off and chose another agent! It’s a good thing I like nice socks. I have at least 24 pairs now! I love socks that are comfortable and keep my feet warm, like smart wool socks. Ties, good quality leather belts, and skin care products are always appreciated.

Other great Christmas gifts I’ve received are sports accessories. My family once gave me an aero bike helmet!  It’s my good-luck charm when I’m in a race. Many men enjoy sports, having the right equipment makes all sports more enjoyable. Find out what might improve the sporting experience for  the men on your list.

Men who travel a lot may enjoy travel-related gifts. Toys for the big boys are great ideas; electronic gadgets, car accessories, tools for tinkering around at home. If you are gifting someone special and want something unique and personal, go ahead and make it sentimental. A poster or card with a collage of your great photos together would mean a lot to any man!

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 2% 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 holidays is a great time to sell (photo courtesy of davedehetre)

The Christmas season is here, and people typically take a break from buying or selling real estate at this time with all the distractions of the holidays. But I always tell sellers this is actually a great time to sell, mainly because there’s less competition. Now if you’re a buyer and you either need to move this season for a new job after the holidays or just want to take advantage of the lower prices and your free time, you surely have a good idea already as to what to look for in your home. If not, you may want to check out my house-hunting guide. But let me just quickly caution you on what to watch out for when buying a house over the holidays, so you won’t end up regretting your purchase after all the Christmas cheer.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Better of You.

It’s easy to see everything with rose-colored glasses during this happy season, so it’s more important than ever to focus on the basics. Those basics are a good location and amenities, plus the house features you’ll need. It’s easy to think, though, that at this busy time, any place is a good place, with all the lively activity going on. So investigate more closely on the real score when all the bustle of the season dies down. Three good things to note at this time, though, are the community spirit, how bad the traffic goes, and whether or not the crime rate goes up and if it does, how the residents are protected.

Look Beneath the Trimmings and the Snow.

Some sellers choose to sell over the holidays because it’s easier to stage a home then with all nice and colorful Christmas decors, and where there’s a white Christmas, it’s easier to hide imperfections with the thick layer of snow. So if you’re the buyer, you might need to have X-ray vision, or the ability to make sure you can strip down a house in your mind to its barest. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller if you can look beneath the trimmings – it’s your right as the buyer – and to ask to see any pictures of the house before it was decorated for the holidays. You may also want to ask for your agent’s help to negotiate a home warranty with your seller to protect yourself from unexpected defects after the sale. And just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to forego the home inspection; it could be your best bet for a peaceful new year. I’ve been dealing with Joel Rollefstad’s Canadian Residential Inspection Services for a long time now; they have a good, professional team and they could generate an impressive home inspection report on-site.

Don’t Set Your Expectations Too High.

This may be good advice for setting your new year goals, but it’s just as good advice for buying a house over the holidays, if only because you won’t have a lot of inventory to choose from. But that’s not to say that finding your dream home over the holidays can’t happen; remember that the best gifts can come in the most unlikely packages. And if you’re willing to balance your home expectations with your desire for a bargain price, this is the best time to act; who knows, some low-cost repairs may yet transform your steal of a house into a customized home that could be your best gift ever for the new year!

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 2% 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.

Thanksgiving gifts (photo courtesy of stevendepolo)

Thanksgiving Day is here again; where will you be? I hope by the time you’re reading this, I’ll know where my family and I will be. We all have special traditions on this special day, and ours is spending it with my sister Peggy Perry and her family.

You see, Peggy’s what’s called a “sommelier” — an expert in wine tastings and pairings – and a well-known foodie here in Altadore and greater Calgary. She helps people eat and drink really well. She lives in a spectacular home near River Park here in Altadore, just four blocks from ours. We always count on her to invite us for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with her family, but last year, she was away so it really felt odd for us not to have had Thanksgiving with them.

Not sure that we’d get invited this year, I brainstormed on how to wangle that invite out of her. Should I bring her flowers? A bottle of wine with an exotic-sounding name that’s not on sommeliers’ lists? Or give her a massage? I ended up googling it and I found this great website  with out-of-the-box ideas that will surely keep your hostess guessing what new and exciting thing you’ll bring her next year. Here are my picks.

Not flowers but a potted plant

You can break tradition by, instead of giving your hostess flowers, gifting her with a nice-looking potted plant that can perk her up as it grows and help cleanse the air in her home, plus – my sister will love this – that she can even cook with (like herbs such as mint, thyme and oregano).

Not just any wine but organic wine

Instead of giving your hostess the customary bottle of wine, why not initiate her into the “Love the earth and love yourself” movement (if she’s not yet in it) by bringing her organic wine? That’s wine made from grapes grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, and that doesn’t have preservatives. That’s a great way to tell your hostess you hope she’ll live longer, but with my sister already being a wine afficionado, she may see through my veiled attempt.

Not just any cookbook but one where guests can write their Thanksgiving greetings to the hostess after dinner.

A book that generates all-around good vibes is a cookbook with a message, like Denis Gingras and Richard Béliveau’s Eating Well, Living Well. Scribble your special greeting for your hostess on the inside front cover, and urge her to pass the book around after dinner so the other guests could write their greetings too. That’s something that will not only keep her healthy and pretty, but that she’ll also want to go back to again and again and that will give her many happy memories!

I’m sure Peggy will love any one of these gifts so much that she’ll never miss another Thanksgiving feast at home just so she could invite my family and me! Happy Thanksgiving, sis, and to you all! Peggy, in case you need it, my number is 403-589-0004….

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 2% 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.

It’s the last quarter of the year, and by now, many of us are pushing hard as we cover the last mile to the finish line. If the thought of unreached targets is making your heart pump double-time, relax – you’ll make it yet with a burst of second wind, as I’ve found by following these simple steps.

I refocus on the finish line.

I’ve covered many miles and finished pretty decently in many races on my bike, and when I felt exhaustion creeping in before I reached my destination, I just refocused on my goal. I get a fresh spurt of energy whenever I do that. I guess that shows my body that my mind is the boss – and what the boss wants is to get to that finish line, fast. In the race of life, the bumps I meet along the way sometimes wear me out, but when that happens, I just refocus on my goals. I’m a goal-oriented guy, and I set my goals far in advance. There are lots of things I want to achieve for myself and my family, and there are lots of people counting on me to help them find their dream homes or sell their homes, so I need to stay strong and focused.

I breathe deeply.

Of course I can’t ignore my body, though. When pedaling hard to gain speed finally takes its toll on my body and I begin to gasp for breath, I do what every long-time biker does: I take rapid deep breaths. Soon I make up for my body’s oxygen deficit, and have enough to finish the race. In my work, when my target is almost within my reach, I muster all my resources, including spurring and strategizing with my team, to cover that last stretch.

I picture the medal on me.

One last thing that gives me that much-needed burst of energy for the final run is – you guessed it — the prize! When I’m close to a home run, I pump myself up by letting loose my excitement over my reward: a nice vacation with my family! There’s no way I’m not going to take that — so off I go to the finish!

There you have it, the three ways by which I get my second wind to reach my targets. This last quarter, don’t think “Oh, no… I won’t have enough time to reach my target….” Instead, think “Oh, yes… just one more quarter and I’ll be there!” See you at the finish line!

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 2% 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.