Blog

Although I am a long way off from calling myself a professional, I am definitely passionate about cycling. If you are looking to take up a new sport that helps you maintain your physical fitness, allows you to enjoy the outdoors, and pushes your personal limitations, cycling is a fun and rewarding sport.

Join a group that will motivate or inspire you to ride. Although cycling can be considered a non-competitive sport, riding with a group will help you to improve your endurance. It provides a fun social atmosphere and holds you accountable to make sure that you get out and ride at the scheduled time.

Develop a training plan. Decide how far you want to go, and figure out what you need to do to get there. Establish a plan that will gradually get you closer to your goal without over exerting yourself. If you are used to working out with cardio equipment at the gym, you may want to invest in a power meter or heart rate monitor. This allows you to have a good idea of how your body is responding to the workout.

Sign up for an event like a race or charity ride. Forcing yourself to shape up for an important event adds an extra element of accountability. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you to connect with other cyclists. If you are new to cycling, start with a non-competitive charity ride for an organization that is meaningful to you.

If you are already into cycling … a little more than your average bird … MEC in Calgary is offering a great event on Saturday, April 26 from 6:30-10:30pm. If you are over the age of 18, MEC is inviting dedicated riders, performance cyclists and club-level racers to their first MEC Rider Expo. Alex Stieda will be on hand to discuss his training regime and his Olympic and Tour de France experiences.

And there will be beer! I’m registered! Hope to see you there.

Register here. It’s free! http://events.mec.ca/event/15187/mec-calgary-rider-expo

This June will be the second annual Bike Month in Calgary. The City of Calgary established Bike Month to provide an opportunity to promote cycling education and encourage residents to adopt this fun, economical and healthy transportation alternative. There are three family-focused bike festivals happening this month in the city. There are also a series of maintenance clinics and information sessions that are available for free or by donation.

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 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.

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

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.

Purchasing a new home is a sentimental and emotional experience for many buyers. This makes it especially important to stage your home in a way that people can imagine themselves living there. Although an empty home may appear larger, buyers have to really tap into their imagination to envision the empty space functioning as their home. Typically a showing may last from 10 to 40 minutes, so it is important that your home makes a great first impression during this short time.

Highlight your home’s strengths. Think about what you first noticed when you purchased your home. A beautiful fireplace, large windows, or an updated kitchen are all things that could set your home apart from the other listings on the market. Ask your friends what they like best about your home and then make sure those features are showcased.

Clearing up clutter is the most important task. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with clutter, especially if you have a busy family. We have a rule in my house that whenever we bring something new into the house, we get rid of something else. This is a great way to manage toys, clothing and other stuff that starts to accumulate over time. When the time comes to list your house, get rid of extra unwanted items by donating them to charity or have a yard sale.

Make a great first impression. The front door, mailbox and house numbers should look clean and new. Add some potted plants to your entrance way, and make sure that the yard is well-kept and free of debris.

Bring in the professionals. A professional stager can make your home look like the perfect 10. Last year I listed a home for a client at slightly above market value. The home sat on the market for several weeks with no activity. We made the decision to take the home off the market and bring in a professional stager to overhaul the home. We put the house back on the market, and it sold for 99.5% of the asking price. Even though the market hadn’t changed, professional staging helped to increase the perceived value of this home to potential buyers.

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 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.

Our dog Max is an Australian Shepherd/Collie mix. He is 11 years old and has always loved tagging along with our family when we went hiking or kayaking.  Although a dog is supposed to be a man’s best friend, Max seems to prefer my wife over me.

I used to bring him running with me when he was a puppy.  He had plenty of energy and had no problem keeping up.  Now that he is 11, he has no interest in hitting the pavement.  If I put my shoes on and ask him if he wants to go for a run, he avoids eye contact and hides behind my wife.

Although he’s not much a runner, Max loves to go for walks.  We walk him twice a day, using a nylon leash.  This helps to keep him off other people’s lawns and helps us to maintain control if he gets excited from seeing another dog.

If you are like us and you like to bring your dog on hiking adventures outside the city, the public health office is warning that deer ticks continue to be a problem.  Although the percentage of deer ticks that are testing positive for Lyme disease is still relatively low in Alberta, it’s a good idea to check your dog’s coat after spending time in a forest or around long grass.

As a dog owner, it is also important to know that spring is considered to be flea season.  There are many things that you can do to help your dog prevent fleas naturally.  A balanced diet strengthens their immune system and will help them resist pests on their own.  Give your dog a bath every six weeks with a gentle shampoo that won’t dry out their skin.  If your dog has a bed, it’s also a good idea to wash it or replace it on a regular basis.

Calgary has 150 leash free parks within the city.  The Altadore Park provides an excellent leash free area that stretches between 38th  Avenue and 50 th  Avenue where you can bring your dog to let off some energy and get to know the other dogs (and humans) in your neighbourhood.

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 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.

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

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.

March 8th  is International Women’s Day.  This special day commemorates the many obstacles that women have overcome in their struggle for fair wages, equality and human rights.  There is no doubt that women have made incredible progress throughout history. They have demonstrated the amazing ability to rise to the occasion and excel in their personal and professional lives, often simultaneously.

Without the women in our lives, many of us wouldn’t be where we are today.  My wife often offers her perspective when I am dealing with challenges.  She helps me to evaluate how I should respond and reason carefully.  I look back at these situations and appreciate that I have her input when I am deciding the best course of action.  I won’t say that she is always right, because I don’t want her to hold it against me later!

Woman view the world with empathy.  As mothers, their perspective helps to raise children to be thoughtful and considerate of others.  It helps to foster a sense of community and makes our kids grow up to be understanding and non-judgmental adults.

Women excel at being patient, understanding and thoughtful.  They are able to bring a positive energy to just about any situation.  They are organized and methodical and can multitask their way around the most hectic schedules.  In the real estate industry specifically, women do a great job at putting their clients at ease and building great relationships.  They are strong negotiators and have a good understanding of the emotional side of the home buying and selling experience.

There are many women throughout history who have raised the bar personally and professionally.  Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, and Harriet Beecher Stow made their mark in history and are still regarded as role models today.  As professionals, women are dominating every industry in Canada.  They make exceptional leaders and bring a fresh perspective to their 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

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.

Bryon is as driven to help his clients sell or buy a home in Calgary as he is to finish well in the toughest bike races or triathlon competitions. When not enjoying the outdoors running, biking, swimming or skiing, he enjoys walking his dog in the many beautiful parks where he lives in Altadore, and hanging out with his family at home or the many nearby restaurants in Marda Loop. He married his high school sweetheart (and still is thanking his lucky stars), who teaches performing arts at Central Memorial High School and plays cello in her own ensemble and also with the Calgary Civic Orchestra. He’s a devoted Dad, and will stop at nothing to assist his late teenage kids along in their education and interests. Bryon and his family originate from Canada’s East Coast and  moved to Calgary in 2003. Learn more about him and his real estate tips at TheHowardTeam.net.

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.

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

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.

Are you looking to buy or sell a house in Altadore and want to check out first how the market’s been doing, especially with all the irregularities that came up after the June record flood in Calgary? It’s always smart to check the stats before you make a move, and I’m happy to share them with you in my new video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au_zzYU1UMo