When it comes to preparing a home to list for sale, successful Realtors and sellers understand that it is all about the details. There is more to selling a home for top dollar than simply staking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. Paying attention to seemingly minor details will help separate your property from others in the MLS and instill in buyers the confidence that they are purchasing a home that has been cared for.
Rather than just issuing blanket instructions to sellers that they get their homes in shape to sell, we like to take an individualized approach and make specific recommendations to sellers based on their needs and circumstances. The goal is always to help ensure the property shows as well as possible. Many clients find that a small investment of time and money prior to listing a property for sale more than pays for itself at closing.
Of course every home is different and the extent of preparation work will vary according to the age and condition of the property and the size of the seller’s budget. While we always sit down with our clients and craft a personalized strategy, we find that attention to any of the following basic items will help sell any home:
Declutter and Depersonalize – Remove as much clutter and extra furniture as possible. Traffic in the home should flow smoothly from one room to another. It is also helpful to remove personal photos, memorabilia and knickknacks to help buyers begin to envision the home as their own.
Deep Cleaning – Arrange for a deep cleaning of the home – inside and out. Power wash the exterior, and clean all walls, surfaces, windows and fixtures until they shine. Steam-cleaned carpets will look and smell like new.
Landscaping – Trim trees, bushes and any landscaping that is overgrown or obscuring the home. Make sure the lawn is cut on a regular basis.
Minor Repairs – If feasible, now is the time to take care of all those little repair items that accumulate over time. Repair or replace cracked floor, wall and counter tiles. Patch holes and cracks in the walls. Fix leaking pipes and faucets. Repair any broken doors, windows and cabinetry. Clean chimneys and replace HVAC filters.
Fresh Paint – Consider painting the interior of the home in neutral tones to appeal to the most buyers. Don’t worry! You can paint your next home in your favourite shades of pink and orange.
Finishing Touches – Replace burnt out light bulbs and worn, discolored switch plates. Pull back curtains and blinds to allow natural light to flow in. Consider replacing any worn out window treatments, bedspreads and comforters.
Some of these items may seem minor and insignificant, but experience tells us that lack of attention to these little details can make your home seem frumpy and neglected. Once you have prepared your home for listing, we can help you in the next steps – setting the appropriate asking price based on a market evaluation and determining if staging the home will assist in the sale. At first glance, it may seem like a lot of work. Just remember that once we place a “Sold” sticker on your “For Sale” sign, you will know that the time, money and labor invested in preparing your home for sale was well worth the effort.
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.
What do you think of an investment that comes with the promise of long-term appreciation plus an immediate return?
It sounds like it may be worth looking into – right?
With interest rates at an all-time low and stocks and bonds seesawing between volatility and the doldrums, real estate investment has emerged once again as a reliable vehicle for those seeking to build wealth. It is the rental market in specific that is enjoying a renaissance of sorts. For a number of reasons, urban dwellers are drifting away from homeownership and toward the rental market.
For the first time in several decades, investors in Calgary real estate with a focus on the rental segment are realizing an immediate income stream while building equity at the same time. This is due largely to the low cost of borrowing money combined with high rental rates, low vacancy rates, and societal changes that are pulling people back toward city centers. The result is that thousands of renters are now living in single-family homes or owner-occupied single-family homes with brand new secondary suites.
On top of the economic and social conditions that favor the growth of the rental market, the City of Calgary has recently enacted building code changes that make it easier to create a secondary suite or legalize an existing suite. Many homeowners are using income from secondary suites to pay down their mortgage, supplement monthly income, and help elderly relatives and young adults in need of a private, but affordable space.
In doing so, they are also building equity and adding to the value of their property at the same time. Others are purchasing a second investment property and using the revenue from the investment property to pay down the mortgage on their residence.
To illustrate how this works, let us take the real-life example of a brand new Highland Park property valued at $750,000 with a $562,500 mortgage balance to see how the presence of a walkout rental suite together with the main house rental generates immediate value for the property owner.
Building Summary:
Completed Value of Home $750,000
Deposit $187,500
Mortgage Balance $562,500
Rental Summary:
Main House Rental (3 bedrooms 2.5 bath with garage) $2400/mo
Walkout Rental (2 bedrooms, 1 bath with garage) $1600/mo.
Expense Summary:
Mortgage @2.8%
$2,808/mo.
Taxes
$360/mo
Management Fee
$100/mo
TOTALS:
$4,000/mo
$3,268/mo
Net to Owner
$732/mo
$8,788/year
Combine this $8788 annual income stream with a mortgage principal pay down equal to $16,000 and a modest assumption of 1.5% annual appreciation and this property owner can boast of an investment yielding a 19% annual return – a healthy number by any standard!
If you are interested in becoming a real estate investor or if you are already an investor looking to enhance the value of your existing assets, work with an experienced Calgary Realtor. Returns like this sometimes only around only once in a lifetime. Do not wait too long.
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.
Potential buyers may be visiting numerous properties on a Saturday afternoon. As a seller, your first priority is to get them in the door. If your house’s curb appeal is not eye catching, they may simply decide not to stop at all. Your home’s curb appeal will always set the tone for what potential buyers expect when they first walk inside.
Most people’s buying decisions are based on emotional responses and the curb appeal starts the love affair or will end it before they even walk in. This doesn’t mean you have to completely overhaul the outside of your home for it to sell. Just pick a few exterior home improvements that will have the most impact and go from there.
Here are a few tips to add some curb appeal for your home to achieve a higher market value.
1. Add planters
Adding planters can go a long way toward creating the perception of a well-kept home. Planters can add colour to a porch or patio and are quit eye-catching.
2. Spruce up your driveway
The driveway is one of the first things a buyer will see, so it’s a good idea to freshen it up. Adding a sealer can refresh a tired driveway and is an inexpensive makeover that can be accomplished in a short time by almost anyone.
3. Create a welcoming porch
An empty porch can look stark and cold. If you have a porch large enough to accommodate furniture, set up a nice table or a bistro set for dining and lounging. It’s also a good idea to add some colour with plants in containers.
4. Repaint
Giving the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for curb appeal. Try painting your house in the colour of homes in a more expensive neighbourhood. It’s a great way to create the perception of quality while doing something you probably already should have done.
5. Spring for new accent pieces
Adding a new mailbox, house light or house number is a cheap and cheerful way of updating your home’s exterior. Shops like Walmart and Canadian Tire usually stock simple yet stylish, well-priced options for these items.
Other simple things you can do are putting a fresh coat of paint on the front door, mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, cleaning the windows, sidings and gutters, and add a wreath to the door to enhance that welcoming feeling.
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 spring market is already in full swing in Calgary. There is no doubt that our real estate climate is quite a bit different during the same time last year. Although we’ve had a bit of a slow start, it’s important to remember that we are constantly comparing the market to 2014, which was a record-setting time. If you are seriously considering making a move, the changes in the economy have made it essential to have a smart plan in place.
As a buyer, you are in an excellent position to find exactly what you are looking for, without finding yourself in a bidding war over and over again. First-time buyers need to take advantage of the current market conditions while they last. The interest rates are unbelievably low and entry-level homes are in abundance. Still, many like to exercise caution in the market – values may decrease or a better deal maybe just around the corner. The key is to not wait too long. We have seen similar states in Calgary in the past, so there is really no guarantee that this buyer’s market is here to stay for the long haul.
As a seller, recognize that buyers are still seeing the value in the real estate market. They may be a little more cautious than they were in 2014, but they certainly know good value when they see it. Homes are taking a little longer to sell simply because there is no shortage of inventory. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to have a strong pricing strategy and go the extra mile to make sure your home shows a 10+. There are plenty of resources available, and home stagers, in particular, can make an ordinary home look quite exceptional for a reasonable investment.
If you are finding yourself on both sides of the transaction, be sure to work with an experienced Realtor who can help you create the right strategy to accomplish your real estate goals. Should you buy first then, put your house on the market? Should you set out to find your ideal home after selling? The right answer varies depending on the type of property you have and are seeking to upgrade to. In a buyer’s market, it is advisable to sell your home first. This will allow you to move forward knowing exactly how much equity you’d be able to bring into your new purchase.
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.
What do buyers really want? Achieving a quick and stress-free sale requires a unique strategy for each home. The Calgary real estate market is in a much different place than it was last spring, but that doesn’t mean you should put your real estate goals on hold. These four smart tips will help your property stand out and appeal to the right kind of buyers:
Know how your property compares to the competition. It’s important to understand what buyers are looking for. Check out some of the listings nearby, and work with your Realtor for an honest evaluation on how your home stacks up. Does your home have certain features such as a larger yard or updated finishes that others might be lacking? Be sure to showcase the details that make your property stand out from the rest.
Take the time to make a great impression. Getting your home prepared for the market is hard work, but it will be well worth the effort. Whether it’s a professional staging or deep cleaning, give your place the TLC it needs to look its best. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of competent people just a phone call away.
Price it right. Price is the number one driving factor for a quick sale. Particularly in a challenging market, it’s important to fine-tune your strategy. Buyers are highly educated, so they won’t be willing to pay more than the market value in today’s economy. Take a look at recent sales in the area, and determine an asking price that will motivate buyers to check out your listing as soon as it hits the market.
Anticipate deal breakers before they happen. Ordering a home inspection ahead of time is a great way to avoid potential problems during the sale process. This will give you the opportunity to fix any problems with the home or detect some of the bigger issues that might scare buyers away. Some buyers try to use the details of a home inspection as a bargaining tool, which is why the home should be presented with no surprises. This will help you finalize the negotiations on the spot.
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.
There is no doubt that this year is much different than the last. As we head into the spring market, many home owners are wondering how the recent changes in Calgary’s economy will affect their real estate decisions. Here are a few things worth noting:
Homes may take a little longer to sell. According to CREB, homes are taking an average of 38 days to sell. This is longer compared to the 33 days last year during the same period. Consequently, the number of sales transactions has dropped significantly. This means that buyers would rather wait on the sidelines for a better deal to come along if they are skeptical of the value.
Values have dipped slightly, but there hasn’t been a dramatic drop. Does a challenging economy impact our real estate values? To a certain degree, yes, but it would seem that the headlines have a more significant effect on consumer behaviour. In fact, a recent article in the Calgary Herald explained that our city has actually been through a similar slump five different times in the last thirty years. Home values were only slightly affected in each case and always managed to bounce back eventually.
Buyers are out there; they are simply exercising caution. Have consumers lost interest in Calgary’s real estate? Are buyers unwilling to trade up to their next home? The truth is, buyers are still active in the market. Some are just holding off on making a purchase in case prices drop, while others are simply hoping for a little more clarity on what the future holds.
Buyers have far more to choose from this year. If you were house hunting last year, one thing was for certain – there was very little to choose from. Today’s market is quite the opposite. Inventory is plentiful, and there is less competition. If you are selling your home, but aren’t desperate, price it well and don’t feel pressured to sign the first offer that comes your way. Remember, this isn’t the first time Calgary has weathered a tough economy. Despite everything, this city remains a highly desirable place to live and own a home in.
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.
Regardless of your profession, personal growth and a desire to continuously improve are the foundations of long-term success. “Good enough” just won’t cut it when you are fuelled by goals and aspirations. The real estate industry is a fiercely competitive business, so our clients and competitors always keep us on our toes. After all, no job is worth doing unless you are doing your best.
We draw plenty of inspiration from our peers in the business. We recognize the success of others and take note of the things they have done that made a difference. Real estate is very much a business built on relationships. Our relationships with our clients, peers, and other professionals help us build our experience and continue to deliver the kind of exceptional service that our network has come to expect.
Success also goes beyond your professional development. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and making sure your health is a priority is essential to keep you going at your full potential. In our busy lives, it is important to make time for family and friends. Especially as the holiday season approaches, we become more aware of the significance of our role in others’ lives and their importance in our own.
Having a creative outlet can also serve as a wonderful stress reliever and break from the motions of your typical work day. In my case, I immerse myself in music. I play the cello and I always look forward to rehearsing and performing with my ensembles on a regular basis. Music is so uplifting, and speaks to the spirit.
Many highly successful professionals credit their motivation to reading. Unwinding with a great book after a busy day or taking some time to read an inspiring message while you enjoy your morning coffee might be all you need to keep your mind focused. Success might mean something different to everyone, but nothing beats the satisfying feeling of accomplishment. What drives you to do better? What keeps you focused on your goals and pushes you to be your best self?
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 Shirley Wright
Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional. I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website http://www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.
