Posts Tagged ‘Altadore homes for sale’

Best Schools In Altadore

Sunday, May 25th, 2014



St Mary's High School.jpg
St Mary’s High School” by User:Thivierr – Photo taken with digital camera by User:Thivierr, who uploaded to English Wikipedia first, and then later to Commons.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Families with young kids are drawn to the Altadore neighbourhood because there are a variety of great schools nearby.  The Altadore School is a public elementary school that accommodates kids from kindergarten to grade 6.  There are approximately 240 students and this school features an award winning naturalization area called “The Owl’s Nest”.  Students will go on to attend Mt Royal Junior High School for grades 7-9.  Central Memorial High School is the designated public high school for the area.  This school boasts an excellent theater program.  They are also affiliated with the National Sport Academy which provides additional training and resources for athletic students.

The St. James Elementary and Junior High School is the designated school in the Catholic stream.  Students will go on to attend St. Mary’s High School or Bishop Carroll High School.  Bishop Carroll differentials itself with a self-directed learning program.  Students who attend Bishop Carroll have the freedom to customize their curriculum to accommodate their personal goals, learning objectives and future plans.

There is an international French school as well as five other private schools in the Altadore area.  Rundle Academy is the leader in individualized learning for students with learning disabilities.  This school offers additional support and creative learning techniques to help students overcome difficulties with reading, writing or mathematical learning challenges.

Post-secondary students living in the Altadore area, who are planning on attending Mt Royal University, will be able to take advantage of the convenient 10 minute drive to school.  Mt Royal University provides applied degrees, career diplomas, as well as certificate programs.  The University of Calgary, which is about 15 minutes away, is another highly sought after institution.  They offer over 200 programs and are considered to be one of Canada’s top research universities.  The engineering and geoscience programs are constantly raising the bar for Calgary’s petroleum and geoscience industries.

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

 is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Tips For Buying Altadore Real Estate Infills

Sunday, April 13th, 2014

 

Tips For Buying Altadore Real Estate Infills

 

If you are a buyer in the Altadore real estate market, you have probably considered purchasing what we call an infill home. Traditionally, homes in Calgary were built on 50′ lots. As the demand for downtown living has increased in the past 10 years , many of these original bungalows have been torn down and are being replaced by two smaller homes. Although infill homes are narrow, most less than 25′ wide, builders are finding creative ways to maximize the living space. Many of these homes feature three bedrooms and three bathrooms above grade. We are also seeing more three story infills. Infills are a great option for home buyers who are looking for a modern home that is close to the inner city.

I recently helped some clients purchase an infill. They are a young family who was looking for a home that allowed them to be close to everything that the city has to offer. The infill that they chose was close to parks and schools, and this type of home met their needs and their budget.

 

If you are considering this type of home, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

Pay attention the street. Many of these homes are built on busy through streets. Familiarize yourself with the transit system if you will be using it, and visit the area during rush hour to see how busy the area can be. Time your drive to work to make sure this property is right for you.

Get to know your builder. If you are buying a brand new infill, it is important to understand that you may be in contact with your builder for several months after you move in. Do some research to make sure the builder has a good reputation. I recommend that my clients do a walk-though with the builder prior to closing.

Find out what is included. If this is your first time buying a new build in the Altadore real estate market, there are many details to consider. Find out if appliances are included, and make sure you are aware of the finishes that will be used to complete your new home. If the builder makes any verbal commitment for upgrades or additional modifications, make sure to get it in writing. Once the home is built, it’s always a good idea to get another professional opinion. Bring in a home inspector to point out any potential deficiencies and help you address the issues ahead of time.

 

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

 is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

 
 

Altadore Real Estate: Highest Price Hike In Calgary Since 2005

Monday, March 10th, 2014

Altadore real estate: Highest price hike in Calgary since 2005

In a city that is experiencing tremendous growth, the Altadore-River Park area is establishing itself as a highly desirable neighbourhood for home buyers. The Altadore neighbourhood is an older community in Calgary that is going through an exciting revitalization.  Altadore has been named one of Calgary’s best neighbourhoods for the last few years in a row.  Trendy young professionals and growing families are attracted to this neighbourhood because of new luxury homes and its convenient proximity to parks and the Marda Loop shopping district.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average sale price in the Altadore-River Park community was approximately $826,000 for a single family home in 2012.  The year-end data for 2013 reported that the average sale price had increased to $912,000.  That is an increase of 10% in just one year.  Compared to the Calgary-wide increase of 4%, Altadore is establishing itself as an excellent place for home buyers to invest.

If you are thinking of selling your home in this community, this is a great time to list your property.  The area is in high demand, and many of listings sell with competing offers.  This is the perfect time to capitalize on the equity in your home.  The number of available listings in this area has decreased, and buyers are eagerly waiting for the opportunity to become part of this vibrant community.

If you are looking to buy a beautiful home in an up-and-coming neighbourhood, Altadore has everything that you are looking for.  This neighbourhood needs to be seen to be appreciated.  Many of the developers in this area have built homes with unique, yet classic designs.  Most of the homes feature modern finishes, vaulted ceilings, and open concept living areas.  As prices continue to rise, buyers can purchase a home in this community with confidence knowing that their investment is secure in a home that will continue to increase in value.

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

 is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

New Homes In Alberta Soon To Come With Mandatory Protection

Sunday, January 12th, 2014

 

The new year brings good tidings for Albertans, like projections of sustained economic and housing market growth. But for those who are building a new home in this booming city, there’s more great news. In case you didn’t know it yet, hopefully by next month, home builders will already be mandated by law (specifically by the Government of Alberta’s New Home Buyer Protection Act) to provide warranty protection for new homes, so all new home buyers and investors in Alberta will soon enjoy protection for their investment! That should give you peace of mind like no other.

Here’s a quick look at the coverage:

• one year for labor and materials;

• two years for defects in labor and materials related to delivery and distribution systems;

• five years building envelope protection (protection for the building’s exterior shell, including its roof and walls), with a requirement for the warranty provider to offer the consumer the option to purchase additional years of coverage; and

• 10 years for major structural components.

Covered are single-family homes, condominiums, modular homes, mobile homes, and dwellings on recreational properties, but not dorms, work camps, hotels, and rental apartments.

Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs Doug Griffiths described the warranty program as “one of the strongest warranty programs in the country.”

When the Act takes effect, the Alberta government will require builders to show proof of home warranty coverage to obtain building permits for all new homes constructed in the province.

Currently, new homes in Alberta are not legally protected by warranties, but people are encouraged to choose builders who offer such protection.

I just wanted to quickly share with you the good news, but if you need more information on this exciting development, you can visit the Government of Alberta website. Now you have all the more reason to choose Alberta for your new home!

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

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.

Altadore Real Estate Update: See you at the 2013 Marda Gras Festival!

Saturday, August 10th, 2013
Altadore real estate,Altadore homes for sale,Altadore houses for sale

Image resource: www.unprofound.com

I’m finding it a bit difficult to talk about Altadore real estate now with all this commotion going on around here about this year’s Marda Gras Street Festival that’s happening tomorrow, so heck, I’ll just join the fun! For those of you who are wondering what this festival is all about, it’s a free one-day public event every second week of August at Marda Loop, the premier shopping center in Altadore, that’s patterned after the famous Mardi Gras street festival in New Orleans. That means Marda Loop’s streets will be filled with the sights and sounds of New Orleans, from the purple, green and gold colors to the jazz and R&B music! Oh, good – I can wear my purple socks!

There’s actually a long list of activities that will start at 10 a.m. (check them out here: http://www.mardaloop.org/html.php?action=Anchor&anchor=MardaGras), but here’s my pick of those that I think I’ll take my family to:

Street shows

This is a street festival, right? So bring on the street shows! There’ll be a magician, and someone who’ll walk with a nine-foot-tall free-standing ladder and juggle knives up there! (You won’t want to get anywhere near him, of course, but don’t worry – he’s been doing this stunt for eight years!) And there’ll be a group that will put on their unique open-air aerial art, comedy and street theater show with which they’ve been amazing audiences all over the world. Watch out too for strolling music from the Dixie Knights and the Sweet Adelines! And for art lovers, don’t miss the inflatable Art Tent where you’ll see lots of masterpieces.

On the main stage

Expect great street dancing with band music, hot swing and gypsy jazz, blues and swing from the 1920s to the 1950s, plus belly dancing and some new moves! There’ll also be the yearly popular Pet Pageant, with prizes for the Most Unique, the dog with the Best Costume, and the Crowd Favorite!

Kids Quarter

Hey, this is for kids of all ages! There’ll be face painting, a bouncy castle, crafts, games, sports and entertainment. And the organizers say all the funds that will be raised here will be used to support the projects of the Marda Loop Communities Association, so you bet we’ll be there!

Kudos to Marda Loop for putting together such a great event each year. This is one of the areas we’re very proud of here in Altadore, as it offers first-class shopping, professional services and dining, and as you can see, fantastic events!

So again, I’ll be taking a break from selling Altadore real estate (and will hop onto my trusty bike, as there’ll be an Open Streets Area for us bikers and parking would be next to impossible). And for those of you who want to catch the fun, you have until 5 p.m. tomorrow….

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

How far would you go to give your child a great education?

Sunday, August 4th, 2013
Altadore real estate,Altadore homes for sale,Altadore houses for sale

Image resource: commons.wikimedia.org

Schools are set to open again in a month’s time, which puts the spotlight at this time of the year on our children’s education.

 

If you’re a parent like me, you’ve probably given a lot of thought to what school to send your kids to in order to give them the best education.

 

You know, though, sometimes I think we look too much at the school and too little at our children.

 

Maybe if we looked at our children more and at what they need so that they would learn best, they’d be happier in school and later in life.

 

I found that out firsthand from my own children.

 

I have two: a 19-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy.

 

They’re the reasons why I think the way I do about education.

 

You see, they’re out-of-the-box learners. That is, they learn differently from most.

 

I say that because when my daughter was already in Grade 2 in the small community in Prince Edward Island where we first lived, she still couldn’t read or do math despite my wife’s and my efforts. So in 2003, we moved to Calgary, where we thought some of the best schools in Canada were. We chose a private school for her called Calgary Academy that was just a 20-minute ride from our home in Altadore. That school took a good look at her and then taught her based on her strengths and weaknesses. It did wonders for her. Last year, she graduated from high school with high marks, and she’s now doing well in a university.

 

As for my son, he was in Grade 4 when we moved to Altadore. He had wanted to go to Calgary Academy too because it’s a beautiful school, but it was expensive, so we sent him to a public school instead: Altadore Elementary School. But when he was in Grade 7, he wanted to go to an inquiry-based school, a sort of public science school. Well, things didn’t work out for him there. I guess it was because the school still focused on a particular learning technique, no matter how different it was from the conventional instructional method – a technique that was good only for a specific type of learners: super-inquisitive and aggressive learners, which my son was not. So when my son was in Grade 8, we finally gave in and sent him to Calgary Academy. He did very well there and has learned so much that he has since moved back to a public school.

 

It surely wasn’t an easy journey for our whole family, but I believe that when you’re a parent, you shouldn’t ask yourself how far you’ll go to give your children a great education. We went cross-country, and we shelled out a lot more money than we had first planned, but we can’t be happier because our children are happy and they’re now well on their way to creating whatever future they want.

 

If you’re looking for information on Calgary and area schools for your children, check out http://www.calgaryarea.com/schools/private_

schools.htm,

http://www.cbe.ab.ca/ and http://www.cssd.ab.ca/.

 

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

 

About the author:

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

 

All done cleaning up after the flood? Here’s what you might have missed…

Sunday, July 28th, 2013
Altadore real estate,Altadore homes for sale,Altadore houses for sale

Image resource:
www.flickr.com

Has it been almost six weeks since the biggest flood in Calgary’s history made all the headlines? If your house was swamped, you’ve probably done enough mud cleaning you could write a book on it. But before you move on, are you sure you’ve done everything you should? I helped haul off a lot of mud from my friends’ houses myself and have since learned some new things that could perhaps spare you a lot of headache and heartache.

 

Contact your utility company to make sure your appliances and electrical installations are safe to use.

Just because your appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes, and fuse/breaker panels are dry and working now doesn’t mean they’re fine and dandy. You don’t want a fire next time, or an electrocution, or your other appliances to conk out due to a short circuit. So it’s best to do your due diligence now for your peace of mind.

 

Beware of mold and mildew.

A long-term effect of flooding is the growth of mold and mildew. Your wallpaper, carpet, wood walls and floorboards, ceiling tiles, and mattresses, your kids’ stuffed toys, and your books and valuable papers may seem to have dried up, but mold and mildew starts growing as fast as 24 to 48 hours after a flood and may already be growing where you can’t see it. Experts say breathing in mold spores may cause anything from mere allergic reactions to asthma attacks and deadly brain, lung, nervous and immune system conditions. So check everything very closely and think hard if those stuffed toys and books are worth keeping. Ask a lawyer if you still need to keep your original damaged documents or if you can just jot down the information written on them. And consider hiring a professional mold inspection and home restoration company just to make sure your home has no lurking health and even structural dangers. Check out www.chbacalgary.com and www.renomark.ca for reputable contractors.

 

Get ready!

We were all caught with our pants down during that flood, and we’d certainly want to be more prepared just in case there’ll be a next time. So clean all your drainages regularly, put all your electricals on higher ground, secure your valuables, prepare emergency supplies, and know your community’s flood warning and evacuation plans.

 

You can’t be too careful after a flood. After all that upheaval, it’s tempting to think too early that the worst is over and get on with your life. But taking the three additional steps above will help you go all the way in protecting your family and your property from the hidden dangers of water damage.

 

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

 

About the author:

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

 

Here’s the big question after the flood: Should you stay or sell your Calgary home?

Sunday, July 21st, 2013
Altadore real estate,Altadore homes for sale,Altadore houses for sale

Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius

 

Calgary has certainly risen since the devastating flood a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, there are still 8,000 to 10,000 people who won’t be able live in their damaged homes for quite some time, according to CEMA director Bruce Burrell (http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/28/calgary-flood-damage-will-force-as-many-as-10000-people-from-their-homes-for-a-long-time). While the rebuilding gets underway, I have also had homeowners who were fortunately not affected by the flood ask if now is the right time to stay or should they sell.

 

If this is the position you find yourself in, here are some questions that could help you decide:

 

  • What were my plans before the flood? If you were planning on selling before the flood, re-examine the reasons. Where were you planning to move? Has that area been affected by the flooding or was it relatively unscathed? The provincial government made some announcements this weekend with regard to homes in high-risk areas, so staying on top of the latest developments may help you make an informed decision.

 

  • What if I stay? Calgarians don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen. This is Stampede country, and cowboys don’t give up without a good fight! So if you decide to stay, stay safe. Have your home inspected for lurking danger due to the water damage, and keep your ear to the ground on measures that are being introduced in your neighborhood to make it more resilient to flooding and other disasters.

 

  • What if I want to move? With the expected influx of people moving into the city to help rebuild it, upward pressure on values is expected. Subdivisions like Altadore, which is on higher ground, will likely be considered favorable to buyers. Have your home evaluated and then make a decision.

 

Whether you’re staying or selling, or still undecided, the Calgary flood has been an emotional time for all of us. There are no right or wrong answers if you are deciding whether to sell or not. Take your time, make informed decisions and you will make the decision that is right for you and your family.

 

If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business. 

 

About Bryon

 

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

Altadore real estate market prospects up

Monday, July 15th, 2013
Altadore real estate,Altadore homes for sale,Altadore houses for sale

image resource: motorcyclees.com

A lot of people are surely wondering what’s the prospect for Altadore real estate after the biggest-ever Calgary flood last month. My simple and direct answer to that is Altadore is in a good place, literally and figuratively. Literally, because it’s high (its name means “hill of gold”) and thus, it got away scot-free from the flood. And figuratively, because Calgarians in lower-lying areas whose houses were devastated by the flood are either looking for houses to rent or are all together looking to move to higher ground [Calgary Sun headline on June 28: Calgary flood damage will force as many as 10,000 people from their homes for a long time (http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/28/calgary-flood-damage-will-force-as-many-as-10000-people-from-their-homes-for-a-long-time)]. And according to Timothy Haney, assistant sociology professor at Mount Royal University here in Calgary, a lot of the affluent areas were hit the hardest, so people in those areas will have the resources to rent or move (http://www.calgary-realestate.com/blog/calgary-flooding-hit-some-of-the-citys-wealthiest-neighborhoods.html).

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself here. First, let’s look at the Altadore real estate market before the flood. Most of the homes that were sold in June were new single-family houses (built after 2000), followed by condos, and an equal number of infills (single-family houses rebuilt on 1940-1970 fifty-square-meter lots) and townhouses. Here are the benchmark prices per type of housing in June:

 

Infill: $776,500

New single-family house: $871,914

Townhouse: $321,250

Condo: $334,380

 

The average prices of infills and condos rose from June last year, and those of new single-family houses and townhouses dropped.

 

I’m not even going to start telling you what were the average days on the market of these properties, as everyone expects all these figures to be wiped out now after the flood.

 

Altadore’s real estate market will have to get ready to offer homes quick not only to people hit by the flood, but even to migrants helping with the short-term relief and restoration work, all the way to those expected to flock to the city with all the long-term rebuilding that’s sure to happen. It’s going to be a seller’s market here for a long time. So my best advice to people looking to sell their home in Altadore: now is the best time; and to those who aren’t selling, you may want to consider renting out your house to the droves of people who’ll need a roof over their heads in the next few months. But if you need to do repairs first, do them quick! Hope you’ll stay tuned in to my update on the Altadore real estate market in September.

 

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

 

About Bryon

 

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

From an Altadore real estate agent: Attaboy, Calgary Stampede volunteers!

Monday, July 8th, 2013
Altadore real estate,Altadore homes for sale,Altadore houses for sale

image resource: news.calgarystampede.com

One thing I take pride in as an Altadore real estate agent is the Calgary Stampede, dubbed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” It’s an annual 10-day showcase of western Canadian culture held at Stampede Park, just a 26-minute drive from Altadore Elementary School, that draws more than 1 million visitors worldwide to its rodeo competition, derby, parade with beautiful floats and celebrities (some all the way from Hollywood!), agricultural and cultural exhibits, amusement rides, games, fastfood booths, entertainment, and even good ole’ chuckwagon breakfasts, rig rides and square dancing! It’s one of Canada’s largest festivals, and it’s so well-known that Calgary is oft-called “Stampede City” and “Cowtown,” and its Canadian Football League team is called the “Stampeders.” Calgary becomes a cowboy world at Stampede time, with buildings baring cowboy themes and locals donning cowboy wear! And there are pancake breakfasts and barbecues everywhere! Each year, Calgarians count the days to the Stampede launch, and it was no different this year – until the just-past flood that was the largest in Alberta’s history submerged the Stampede grounds all the way up to the eighth row, I heard, so many people were wondering if this much-awaited yearly event would be cancelled. That would have been a first in its 101-year history that includes two wars and the Great Depression! Well, the flood was big all right, but apparently not bigger than the hearts and the spirits of the people behind this great festival! Folks, saddle up because this event is happening, “come hell or high water,” the organizers are saying!

 

Fund-raising for flood victims: buy your “Hell or High Water” t-shirts!

Kudos to the thousands of volunteers who organize this not-for-profit event yearly for working doubly hard to get this through as scheduled on July 5-14. They’re a driven lot: they’re raising funds for the flood victims through the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund (from their sales of “Hell or High Water” t-shirts – order yours at http://store.calgarystampede.com/), and making sure the event will push through now more than ever, what with Calgary needing all the funds it could get its hands on to get back on its feet. Stampede president and board chairman Bob Thompson said crews have been working hard to pump out “millions of gallons” of water from the Stampede grounds and to clear off mud and debris, and the staff have been working wherever they could set up makeshift desks and offices. There are bound to be some changes, though, like with the route of the opening parade as some streets are still closed, but the organizers are hell-bent on giving fans a spectacular experience, as always!

 

A testament to Calgary’s Stampede spirit

Says Stampede CEO Vern Kimball, “Stampede 101 will be a testament to the desire of the community to rally and to come together in the face of adversity.” Oh, in that case, you’re in for quite a show, as we’re talking about Stampede City here! That’s exactly the spirit of Calgary! (Check out in my previous blog (http://blog.thehowardteam.net/2013/06/30/floods-canada-day-altadore-real-estate-agent-calgarians/) how impressed I am with all the help going around here.) The last I heard about the flood relief work was that the city asked for 1,000 volunteers and got 2,500! What a great community! And you know what? That’s what I love most about selling Altadore real estate!

 

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

 

Author bio

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.


Bryon Howard, RE/MAX House of Real Estate
20, 2439 54 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 1M4
Tel: 403-287-3880 (Re/Max) or 403-475-7368 (office) Fax: 403-287-3876 or 403-276-8049 (office)
The data included on this website is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate by the Calgary Real Estate Board
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