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When buying or selling a home, one of the most important documents you will have is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, also commonly referred to as the “Offer”. This legally binding contract will outline in detail everything from the purchase price, closing arrangements and conditions to titles and chattels. It is always best to have a lawyer go through the details of every document or contract you have to sign when buying or selling a home, but it doesn’t hurt to be acquire some knowledge of the process prior to seeing your lawyer. We will share with you some of the more important and relevant sections of the agreement, and from here you will be more equipped when the time comes for you to sign one.

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a standard contract governed by AREA the Alberta Real Estate Association. The purchase or sale for a home is usually the largest transaction that you will make in your lifetime.  As such, the Agreement should be fully understood by both the buyer and seller and requires that both parties fully understand what it contains and what it means to them.

The agreement is only a few pages when you remove the signature page and schedules that contain additional provisions. It contains many self-explanatory “fill in the blank” provisions, but care must be taken to ensure that they are accurately completed, including the names of the parties, the purchase price, the property description, the deposit and the closing date.   The date of the agreement is typically for reference purposes only.

Here we list some of the more important sections of the agreement.

1. The Property – this section provides the legal address and description of the property being sold/purchased. It also details any items or “chattels” that are to be included or excluded from the agreement.
2. The Transaction section is important because it details the financials’ what the initial deposit is, an assumption of mortgage, financing and any other details that are.
3. The Deposit section details where any monies and deposits will be held in trust, legal details pertaining to the financial transaction and all other financial conditions included on the agreement.
4. The Conditions section details all conditions that are part of the offer. A condition could be based on approved financing, passing a home inspection or and other condition the buyer chooses to implement.

Once the Offer is made by one party and accepted by the other, it becomes a binding agreement of purchase and sale (subject to any conditions set out therein). In order to get the Agreement right, the buyers and sellers will have to heavily rely on the expertise of their realtors and lawyers, but should make every effort to read and understand the Agreement provisions before rushing off to sign.

It is fair to say that some real estate transactions are more complicated than others. Therefore ensuring you have a licensed realtor and legal professional on your team is imperative for a smooth and easy transaction.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

The home buying process can be very exciting…choosing the neighbourhood you want to live in, scouring through listings and checking out weekend open houses to find the home of your dreams. I enjoy helping my clients through this process – it’s one of the many reasons I became a Realtor. My job is to give my clients the tools to buy with confidence, which is why I work with specialists and ensure that I am keenly up to date during the many ebbs and flows that is the real estate industry. If you are thinking of buying your first home, or ready to get back into the market after several years of home ownership, a licensed Realtor is essential to help you understand all your options.

Once my client has made the decision to purchase a new home, I help them to weigh their options. These options can be anything from location to budget restrictions – but whatever they are I use my years of experience to help guide them in the right direction. Providing them with a good understanding of what their desired locations means for their budget and lifestyle, as well as ensuring that they are making a good long term investment that will help secure their future golden years.

I also work alongside accredited mortgage brokers who are experienced and knowledgeable. Having them as part of my team allows my clients to secure their financing in the early stages of the process. This relationship bodes well especially when a client is self-employed or has a non-traditional source of income. A mortgage professional can help to easily navigate home buyers through the labyrinth by assisting in getting the required documentation and advising on what type of mortgage and payment plan suits their financial needs.

Whether you are a typical buyer looking for your next place to call home or an investor who would like some assistance in buying additional properties, my team and I have the qualifications you need to make the process a seamless 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 two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

The decision to downsize to a new living arrangement may be one of the best decisions you ever make. The advantages are numerous and you do not have to wait for years to reap the benefits. As a hedge against the impact of inevitable economic cycles, downsizing is a housing option that makes sense for young and old alike. There are, of course, certain fears associated with a move that also heralds a major lifestyle change. The best advice I can anyone contemplating a downsizing move is to summon the courage to make the move that makes the most sense for you. If you are nervous, start by turning perceived negatives into positives.

While expansive homes with plenty of space are a nice luxury, many modern homeowners find that the extras space ends up costing more than it is worth and does not always mesh well with their lifestyle. Young families today are less interested in extra square footage and acreage than they are in proximity to the workplace, urban amenities, transportation and good schools. Downsizing to a smaller home frees up cash each month to spend on family activities or redirect into savings. Families in Toronto, Vancouver and other thriving cities have long embraced the exchange of smaller space for bigger lifestyle and the trend seems to be catching on throughout Canada.

Anyone who has lived in a home for a long period of time will tend to have an emotional attachment to the property – particularly if it was a family home where you raised your children. The attachment is inevitable and understandable. In many instances, the decision to downsize will involve getting rid of a lot of “stuff” that you have accumulated over the years. Rather than viewing the need to rid yourself of belongings as a sad, anxiety-inducing task, think of it as a chance to lighten your load and free yourself of unnecessary clutter. With the right mindset, ridding yourself of extra belongings can actually be a very liberating experience. Do not be afraid to ask friends and family to lend a hand in designating items for gifting, donating, storing or disposing. If you prefer, you can always hire a professional to help organize and sort, or perhaps a moving company to help with the process entirely.

Downsizing will not only lighten your load in terms of clutter, it will also gift you with the one thing we all have too little of – time! By moving to a condo or smaller home, you will free up hours each week to invest in the things that matter most in life. Instead of shoveling snow and cutting grass on weekends, you will be free to travel and pursue your favourite leisure time activities with loved ones. And for many downsizers, the move will result in more disposable income to pursue those passions.

Keep in mind that the memories of life in your old home will remain in your heart forever. In choosing a new home and neighbourhood for the next exciting chapter in your life, make sure to work closely with your Realtor to ensure that the new living arrangement reflects the new you.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

As a Realtor, my clients are always asking me which home improvements tend to attract buyers and bring the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. In Calgary, homeowners cannot go wrong in replacing dated, worn-out windows with attractive, energy-efficient replacement windows. The return on investment will be realized immediately in the form of reduced heating and air conditioning bills and will continue down the road in the form of appreciation. Replacement windows are also one of the few upgrades that will please nearly all buyers.

Many home improvements are more about livability than adding value to your asset. By all means, if you are planning on staying for a while and have the means to do so, go ahead and make any and all improvements that make you happy. If, however, you are planning on listing your home for sale in the not too distant future, think twice before making certain improvements that are not likely to add value to the property and may even impede sales. Very high-end kitchen remodels, over-the-top renovations and highly personal décor affixed to the home will not bring much of a return on investment and may put off buyers who do not share your decorating aesthetic.

Replacement windows are such a sensible investment because they tend to bring a return whether the homeowner stays for five years or thirty. Draft-free rooms reduce energy bills considerably and make the home more comfortable and livable for its occupants. It is a simple and cost-effective improvement that any homeowner with cold spots and leaking windowsills can appreciate. The selection of materials and styles available to buyers is endless. Owners of older homes interested in preserving the appearance of their home should have no trouble finding suitable replacements that will make the home energy-efficient while preserving the architectural integrity at the same time.

If you are living in a drafty home with leaking windows and rotting window sills, you should definitely consider installing replacement windows to enhance the beauty, energy-efficiency and overall value of your home. In some areas, tax credits and utility company rebates are available to homeowners looking to update their windows and doors. Lenders may also sponsor special loan programs to finance the initial cost.

Stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer and confident year round knowing you have made an excellent investment in your home when you install replacement windows.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Despite the economic downturn triggered by the precipitous fall in crude oil prices, Calgary’s population continues to grow and outpace projections made just a few years ago. According to the City’s 2015 Census, the 1.2 million people currently residing in Calgary represent a 3% increase from the prior year. 2015 witnessed the third largest influx of new residents in Calgary’s history. Despite economic concerns that are affecting all but a few areas of the country, Calgary remains Canada’s fastest growing city.

The unemployment rate in Calgary right now is hovering around 7% – similar to most of the country. The newcomers still flocking to the City are putting their faith in the belief that Calgary’s diversified economy will enable it to weather the storm and handle the seemingly random spins of economic cycles. The manufacturing, finance, construction and transportation sectors remain viable sources of employment for Calgary’s growing population.

While the promise of good jobs may have been a driving force during the city’s exponential growth over the past twenty years, there were other factors at work that caused the newcomers to stay and make Calgary their permanent home. The City consistently ranks high in MoneySense magazine’s annual list of “best places to live” in Canada. The MoneySense editors understand what Calgary residents already know – the weather, spectacular scenery, emphasis on active lifestyle and strong sense of community combine to make Calgary a very livable city. In fact, The Economist has declared Calgary to be in the top five “most livable cities” in the world and awarded the City perfect or near perfect scores in the categories of “stability”, “education”, “healthcare” and “infrastructure”. Residents, visitors and pundits the world over agree that Calgary is a very good place to live.

When it comes to urban planning, cities throughout North America and the world look to Calgary as a model in the ongoing fight to balance growth and development with environmental concerns. Many residents choose to bicycle to work and even more enjoy the City’s vast network of hiking trails and paths on a daily basis.

Even in the face of economic uncertainty fueled by energy industry woes, Calgary’s diversified employment opportunities and high wages keep workers coming. Our healthy, active lifestyle, incredible natural beauty and intact pioneer spirit compel them to stay.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

The stars are historically aligning in Calgary to create near-perfect conditions for certain sectors of the real estate investment market.  Anyone still hesitant about owning investment property should realize that conditions may never again be as favorable as they are right now. Several economic and social trends are combining to create optimum conditions for the perfect storm!

• Economic Uncertainty – The free fall in gas and oil prices has contributed to an atmosphere of economic uncertainty.  A good number of jobs were lost in Western Canada and throughout the nation.  As a result, many workers are reluctant to buy a home and plant roots right now.  They want to maintain the flexibility to relocate quickly if a job opportunity demands that.  Renting remains their best option.

• Low Interest Rates – What is there to not like about today’s historically low-interest rates?  2015 witnessed not one but two quarter-point Bank Rate drops by the Bank of Canada.  The cost of money is as low now as it has been at any point in history.  The forecast for 2016 is for minor increases if any.

• Lower Construction Costs – Purpose-built housing and secondary suites cost only a fraction of what it takes to build a single-family detached home.  Lower costs equal higher returns.

• Liberal Party Platform – Prime Minster-elect Justin Trudeau and his victorious Liberal party have proposed $125 million in tax incentives designed to add to Canada’s stock of rental housing and promote the renovation of existing housing stock. The incentives will come in the form of the elimination of all GST on investment in affordable rental housing.

• Everybody is Renting – The shift toward renting vs. owning is not confined only to those uncertain about employment prospects. Everybody is doing it, including retirees!  The millennial generation may be igniting the fuel, but the trend is visible across all demographic groups, including the wealthy.  For many people, renting is simply the more attractive option for a myriad of reasons. There should be no shortage of renters in the Calgary market for years to come.

Rarely, forces come together so forcefully in favor of investment in one sector of the market. Those who wish to share in the profits are well-advised to speak to a reputable Realtor with a solid background in representing investors.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

For years now, economists and social scientists have been warning us that the millennial generation holds the power to transform society’s values and political base in ways we have not yet even imagined.   This demographic group can exert inordinate influence through the sheer power of their educated numbers combined with their familiarity and comfort with the use of digital media and technology.  Generation Y is already recognized as a force to be reckoned with in the workplace and in consumer marketing. When it comes to lifestyle choices and real estate, the millennials are already beginning to flex their collective muscle.

For as long as most of us can remember, it was the dream of every Canadian to own their own home.  After school, you rented with room mates for a while before graduating to your own apartment or condo and eventually moving up to a single family home in the suburbs with a partner or spouse.  Millennials are taking this well-worn paradigm and turning it over onto its head.

After being forced to rent under the weight of crippling student debt and wildly-inflated housing prices, this diverse demographic sector of our society is now embracing the hand that was dealt them and choosing to rent rather than own a home.  In their trend-setting migration back to downtown rentals in city centres, the millennials are not alone.  They are joined by a vast cross section of the population, including their baby boomer relatives who are following the same path in droves.

The new renters are embracing the flexibility and mobility that renting offers.  In addition to making it easier to pull up stakes and accept a job opportunity across the country, renting affords apartment dwellers the luxury of knowing exactly how much they will need for housing costs each month.  Leaking pipes and broken furnaces are the landlord’s headache – not theirs.  Today’s urban renters want a comfortable and safe home with nice amenities but they are willing to sacrifice square footage and potential equity to free up money for travel and recreation.

For property owners, investors and real estate professionals, it is time to take notice of the millennial driven movement toward renting vs. owning. It is a trend that appears to have staying power and may revolutionize the residential real estate market.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

My team and I are proud to announce that The Howard Team/ReMax House of Real Estate and I have both been selected as possible finalists for 2016 Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards. In order to be nominated and included in the final voting, we need our clients, colleagues, fellow real estate professionals, old friends and new friends to click on the link below to nominate us both in the categories of “Realtors” and “Real Estate Companies.” Voters are free to nominate their favourite business and business people once every 24 hours now through May 25^th.

The Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards provides an opportunity for the citizens of Calgary to vote for their favourite Calgary businesses in many categories – everything from hair stylists to auto mechanics to Realtors! My team of top producers and I have worked hard for years to earn the respect of our clients and peers through exceptional service and it is always satisfying to be recognized for a job well done.

We love the fact that the Community Choice Awards allow the residents of Calgary to shine a spotlight on their favourite Calgary businesses and then vote those businesses to the top. The list of the top ten nominees in each category serves as an excellent source for anyone looking for business and service provider referrals.

Perhaps we represented you in the purchase or sale of your home or both. Maybe you are a mortgage loan officer, home inspector or appraiser who has worked with us on many occasions. Anyone who has worked closely with my team and I understands that our clients come first and we receive highly positive feedback from everyone in our network of clients and contacts on a daily basis. The Metro Calgary Community Choice Awards and its easy to use portal will permit us to share with Calgary readers what we already know – that our clients respect and appreciate our representation and continue to hold us in high regard.

It only takes a few seconds to vote! Thank you for taking the time.

 Click here to nominate The Howard Team

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

With tremendous pride and gratitude, The Howard Team would like to thank Houzz for honoring us with their “Best of Houzz” award for 2016 in the category of customer service. Like all users of Houzz, we enjoy getting home decorating and remodeling ideas from the website and are thrilled to be chosen “Best of Houzz.”  The Houzz award means so much to us because this particular honor reflects the sentiments of the members of the Houzz online community – 35 million strong and growing at last count!  It is a great feeling to be recognized for our team’s customer service achievements since we strive to keep our clients and their needs as our central focus every day

The “Best of Houzz” prizes are awarded annually in the categories of Design, Customer Service and Photography.  Houzz is the “go to” site for homeowners looking for home improvement ideas, inspiration and up-to-date reviews on remodeling professionals and Realtors in their area.  According to Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing for Houzz, “Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented, competent and service-oriented professionals.  We’re delighted to join our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts in recognizing our “Best of Houzz” professionals around the world.”

In a real estate market as active as Calgary’s with thousands of Realtors competing for clients, it is not enough to simply offer a good product and assemble a talented team of agents.  In order to succeed in this market, you have to employ the customer service skills that our clients rightfully demand.  In addition to having a genuine fondness and respect for people, you need to have patience and attentiveness and exhibit the attention to detail that real estate transactions require.  You need to be an expert listener while also knowing how to “read” clients who may have trouble articulating their goals.  Every client brings their own unique personality, wants, needs and circumstances to the table and it is a Realtor’s job to sort through these sometimes competing interests to help a client achieve their real estate goals.

The real estate industry is ultimately more about people than bricks and mortar.  Our clients are the lifeblood of our business and our greatest resource.  We thank the Houzz community for recognizing the Howard Team’s commitment to top-notch customer service and to the clients that we serve.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

The real estate landscape in North America is in the midst of an historical shift. The era of the coveted McMansion is quickly coming to an end. Today’s pool of home buyers have an entirely different set of priorities than their parents when it comes to housing – with the most notable difference being that many are not buyers at all and they will probably not become buyers in the foreseeable future. They are renters and they are here to stay!

The Calgary real estate market serves as a perfect backdrop for the shifting landscape. Canada’s young population includes 7-9 million residents classified as millennials. While they are by no means the only demographic group turning their back on home ownership, they are definitely the most influential.

Perceptive buyers looking to build wealth for their own retirement know that investment in purpose built revenue property stands out as one of the safest and most lucrative vehicles available to investors in today’s volatile world.   In addition to the social and economic trends fueling the shift, recent changes to Calgary’s by-laws have further served to fan the flames by making it easier and more cost-effective to construct a purpose built revenue property.

While the nation’s Liberal Party platform embraces purpose built rental housing as a means to provide all Canadians with access to affordable housing, low-income residents are not the only sector of the population in search of a good rental. Large groups of residents from all income strata are moving toward renting as a lifestyle choice and investors looking for the best returns are wise to target housing geared toward the upper middle layers of the rental market. The best rental property to invest in is priced to attract this group, located in a desirable neighbourhood and constructed of good materials with low maintenance and durability in mind.

Investing in a purpose built revenue property in Calgary, as opposed to condominium or a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), affords the individual investor direct control of the asset, low maintenance, freedom from condo fees and bothersome boards, monthly residual income and the opportunity to realize appreciation in Canada’s strongest real estate market.

My advice for any serious real estate investor in Calgary is to start crunching numbers with a knowledgeable Realtor and do not miss the opportunity to profit from this seismic shift in the real estate landscape.

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.