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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.

Are you all set for 2014? This is my first post for this new year, but unfortunately, it’s nothing new. In the last year, I raved on and on about Altadore real estate and about Calgary real estate in general (even during the great flood when the Calgarians’ volunteer spirit shone bright), and I’ll just keep doing that now! All indicators are telling us that this year will be quite a strong one for Calgary, especially as it is projected to lead in job growth throughout Canada. So personal incomes are expected to rise, as is population growth driven by in-migration. With that, housing demand should be on an upswing and the city, in building hyperdrive.

Let me just quickly share a few exciting facts here on how the Calgary housing market is doing. Last year was a record year for the city, as home prices across the board as well as sales volume hit all-time highs! The price increased almost 7% year-over-year to $456,703, and the sales volume, by 11%, spurred by several factors such as higher-than-expected employment growth and net migration, low unemployment rates, low mortgage rates, a decrease in new listings, and the lowest vacancy rates in a decade. This year, not only Calgary but the entire province of Alberta is seen to outperform national markets, due to sustained employment, income, and population growth.

I’m ready. I’ve made my goals, and I am always very focused. Maybe I get that from competitive biking, where I have to be fast but to keep my eyes on the road even as I have to know what’s coming from all around me. That should bode well for my clients, who can expect better service and smoother transactions. I will continue to keep close to them and to reach out to all who need help with their real estate needs here in Calgary, through this blog and my overall online presence, and through the good old personal touch.

Of course, there’s again the Calgary Stampede to look forward to this year. We saw it happen come hell or high water last year just days after the record flood, so I’m excited to see what it will do now especially to get everyone fully back to our usual fun and festive spirit. Get your tickets early!

Bring it on, 2014!

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

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of one home a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 8% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

 

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

I was happy to get confirmation!

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

I believe experienced real estate agents have these three advantages.

Experienced agents generally know more.

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

Experienced agents are more confident about what they know.

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

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

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

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

 

 

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.

In my earlier blog post on the history of Altadore real estate, I said Altadore literally means “hill of gold.” That got me wondering: where’s the gold? Now after living here for a decade, I’m not asking anymore. This neighborhood that’s nestled like a king on a hill and has a commanding view of the mountains but sits beside a river, is close to a number of popular parks and is just minutes from Calgary’s culture and shopping hub–this is the gold. No wonder it has attracted a great mix of people!

If you’re thinking of living here, pump up your energy because four out of five people here are below the age of 54. What’s more, they’re family people! We love walking around here (like walking our kids to school and other places because lots of places here are within walking distance), watching our kids play in the park with other kids, walking our dogs in the pet park or pampering them at our high-end dog boutique, hanging out at the great shops and restaurants in our first-class shopping center that’s just minutes away, watching a movie downtown, racing our bikes, hiking up our mountains, boating, swimming and skating outdoors, skiing and playing hockey. And there’s lots of room here to do all these, as we’re still a pretty low-density community, though the recent record flood in Calgary has been luring an unusual number of people to move here to higher ground.

But wait–not everything we do here is play! Three out of four people here aged 25 and above are gainfully employed, seven out of 10 people here have college degrees or diplomas and own their homes, and only 15% belong to low-income households. And if you want diversity, some 17% of our population are immigrants from the U.S. and Asia, though 98% of us can speak English and/or French. And you know why? Because of all the jobs from the more than 100 business establishments on our northern border, which is the well-known business district of Marda Loop!

I can keep ranting on about Altadore real estate here and our great community, of course, but what’s best is if you can come check out my neighborhood for yourself so you’ll see what I mean. Give me a call at 403-589-0004 or contact me at TheHowardTeam.net and I’ll be glad to show you around!

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.

Chances are you’ve heard the mantra when it comes to real estate that it’s all about “location, location, location.”

Now, what does it really mean exactly?

Before, it used to describe the specific location of your potential home. How it should be on a big lot in a quiet and safe neighborhood in a good quadrant or district of Calgary.

While these requirements still hold up, the new mantra is Actually “Amenities, amenities, amenities,” purchasing a home that’s within close proximity to facilities and things that people need and want.

I’m talking about shopping centers, schools, hospitals and viable transportation options, too. This all accumulates to a good, safe and comfortable lifestyle and environment that has strong potential when it comes to resale value.

In a recent residential study by RBC, it states that a majority of potential homeowners prefer living in a walk-able and transit-accessible neighborhood in the suburbs or city that fits in to a modern day-to-day life.

In the same study, it notes that if cost was not an issue, 80 percent of residents would give up a large lot for a smaller one if it means they will be within walking distance to amenities, have easy access to transit and less driving time.

When asked what residents value the most in choosing a place to live, amenities were noted in three of the five the top answers:

1)      Living in a detached single-family home (14.7 percent)

2)      Easy access and walking distance to shops, restaurants and other services (13.3 percent)

3)      Transit time to work that takes less than 30 minutes travel time (13.3 percent)

4)      Easy access to rapid transit, such as subways, GO Train or streetcars (11 percent)

5)      Privacy from neighborhoods (10.7 percent).

For a lot of people – especially families, a house near school districts are often considered an indicator of a good location. The region surrounding what is considered the best part of a town often has the same or similar boundaries as the school district itself. Sometimes, the quality of the school is even the reason the region has increased value over the years – thus proving how big of a role amenities play in a property’s value.

Age also plays a heavy factor in determining potential homes as people aged 60 and over showed the strongest preference for living in walk-able and compact neighborhoods (roughly 70 percent). This is despite the higher cost of homes in the area. This is in direct contrast to families that have two or more children, who strongly prefer large detached homes in car-dependent neighborhoods with lower housing costs (59 percent). While amenities might not mean the exact same thing to two different age groups, regardless of age, it still plays a large factor in how a person or family determines their home.

If you’re looking to buy, sell homes or even investment properties, then you should take note of these trends and how the modern household now puts amenities in the forefront of their purchases. While the “location” golden rule is still applicable, it needs to work hand-in-hand with the new golden rule, which is “amenities, amenities, amenities.”

Do you 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, forward this video to them or my contact information. I’ll send them important information about Calgary and the surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. So, give them my email (bryon@thehowardteam.net) or my phone number  (403-475-7368) and I’ll even do a free market report on value of their home.

I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business

History has proven over and over that Real-estate is the pathway to long term wealth. Any successful investor holds real-estate within their portfolio.  As consumers we have access to 5 areas of retirement planning:

• Cash From Savings
• RRSP’s
• Stock/Bonds
• Pension
• Real Estate

Only Real estate allows “leverage” or the ability to acquire large assets at a fraction of their true cost.  Only real-estate allows us to take out “equity” with no or minimal tax implications to serve our future financial needs.

Mark Loewen, Royal Bank of Canada Revenue Property Mortgage Specialist, recently moved into an office down the hall from me here at ReMax House of Real Estate.

Have you  thought about investing in real estate … but haven’t quite taken the next step? Do you need help in getting over the hurdle … the decision … if it makes sense?

Set a 25 min consultation with Mark and I to see if Real Estate Investing is right for you.

I call this meeting… “The Power of Property”.

Just Listed this wee bungalow in Marda Loop. $319,900. It’s pretty much Land Value – lots of redevelopment happening on the street and in the hood. Know anyone crazy enough to buy this property? (The buyer: Someone who could imagine living in a 600 sq foot condo … but hates condo’s and condo fees … and sees long term potential of increased land prices in this great neighborhood. Or an investor who is happy with $900-$1200 per month in income.) Currently has a long term tenant who is paying $900 and would love to stay.

 

See the Exterior Video here!
2025 35 Ave SW, Tiny Bungalow in Marda Loop / Altadore

2nd Video – is the Interior

INTERIOR – 2025 35 Ave SW

And for some Pictures!

Interior Pictures

Sneak Peek – Altadore. 1628 49 Ave SW. R1 zoned lot coming on the market! ALTADORES ONLY CUL-DE-SAC!!! Should be offered at $670,000. 733 Sq. meters.

Call Altadore’s ReMax Realtor Local Specialist Bryon Howard today to get the jump on this great 1230 sq foot home / building lot.

Also have back pocket listings for two R2 zoned 50′ Altadore Lots.

Recently a friend (who also loves ‘the deal’) told me about Right In Hair Styling, on Edmonton Trail and 6th Ave in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta. Yesterday I was in the area and met Patrick who has owned the building and has been cutting hair on Edmonton Trail and 6th Ave in Bridgeland, NE Calgary for 22 years.

My friend who got a cut at Right In Hair Styling last week learned he was born in The Year of The Ox. Did you know that it not only matters what your birth year symbol is … but weather you were born in the spring, summer, fall or winter? Also … the time of day?

Owner Patrick and I also had a fun conversation … mostly focused around real estate.
He translated my name to Chinese … and was rewarded with a $3 tip.

A hair cut, a great conversation … and my name translated in Chinese … all for $15. I love a deal. 🙂