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As anticipated, home sales in Calgary Market Information were much slower this spring compared to last year. Inventory remains very high, and buyers continue to exercise caution. Despite the surplus, property values have remained strong. The Calgary Real Estate Board reported that the average price in April was only down 1.04% over the prior year. This is good news for homeowners that are continuing to build equity as they pay down their mortgage.

It’s safe to say that the rock bottom interest rates have played a key role in keeping buyers active in the market. To put things in perspective, the Bank of Montreal is currently offering a 5-year fixed mortgage rate at just 2.74%. This means a $300,000 mortgage, amortized over 25 years, would only cost $1,380 per month. For many families with some savings in the bank, buying a home is still more affordable than renting.

If you are thinking of making a move this year, a smart pricing strategy has never been more important. Buyers in this market have plenty to choose from, so they are more likely to steer clear of an overpriced property. That’s not to say you need to sell yourself short. The latest CREA numbers are proof that Calgary’s home values are strong and sellers can expect a fair offer if their home is priced well.

It’s equally important to align yourself with a Realtor who can put together a selling strategy that works for your property and neighbourhood. The numbers demonstrate what is happening in the city as a whole, but the market trends vary from one area to another. The size and style of your home can also make a difference. According to the Calgary Herald, detached bungalows have increased in value by nearly 4%.

As always, proper staging, enhanced curb appeal and cleanliness go a long way in setting your home apart from the competition. Preparing your home for the market isn’t always easy, but a little extra effort can go a long way and pay off big when it comes to appealing to the right buyer.

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.

Although the average buyer may be feeling a little extra cautious in today’s market, investors are still seeing the unique possibilities that this type of economy presents. Investment opportunities are everywhere. So, despite the difficulty in anticipating when things will change, Calgary has always proven itself to be amazingly resilient.

Developers are used to market fluctuations and are optimistically pushing forward. While the average consumer may be holding back, large development firms see the big picture. They look past the headlines and short-term projections. So, since condo projects and subdivisions take years to complete, new developers continue to buy up land in and around Calgary. Positive net migration has maintained a steady trend this year, and buyers are seeing the value in the Calgary real estate market.

There will always be home owners who NEED to sell. For investors looking to scoop up a few rental properties, this market is immensely favorable. Inventory is much higher than it was last year, and sellers having a sense of urgency are more than happy to negotiate. Though this type of market can be very costly for the impatient, it’s precisely what the savvy investor is looking for.

An uncertain buyer’s market fuels rental demand. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. A shaky job market and the low cost of oil has undoubtedly kept buyers at bay since the beginning of 2015. As a result, rental vacancy remains quite low in Calgary and market rent is holding strong. Those who invested in condos or multi-unit rental properties are benefiting from the current climate and can expect a steady demand to carry on in the future.

The low cost of borrowing makes investing a no-brainer. Although today’s new home buyers are extremely rate-sensitive, seasoned investors still recognize our current mortgage rates as incredibly beneficial. Never before has it been so affordable to borrow money. Even though it’s unclear how long the low rates will last, locking into a 5- or 10-year term gives borrowers the stability they need to keep their overhead in check.

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.

Ready to buy a home? Choosing the perfect place to live in requires a little bit of work up front, but laying the groundwork for a smart buying decision will help you make a purchase with confidence. Here are four tips to get your property search started in the right direction:

Meet with a mortgage professional. Discussing your financing options is the best way to start. Banks and mortgage lenders have very specific guidelines in place. Knowing exactly where you stand will help you avoid disappointment down the road and help you establish realistic expectations before you even start to look at homes. If you aren’t approved right away, don’t worry. Your mortgage professional will give you all the information you need to improve your application and let you know exactly how long it will take before you are in good standing.

Determine your budget. Knowing how much you are allowed to spend is the first step, and deciding how much you are comfortable spending each month on housing costs is the most important . Based on today’s mortgage rates, determine a price range that works for you. Keep in mind the additional costs for property tax, condo fees, maintenance, and all other expenses.

Assess your needs. Are you looking for a place to occupy for the next 3-5 years, or are you shopping for a home that you can grow into? Do you love to entertain or need some extra space for a home office? Each buyer has his own unique list of must-haves. Decide on the things that really matter to you, yet leave some room for compromise. Sometimes, it takes a little while for the right home to come on the market, but once it does, it’s always worth the wait.

Choose the right neighbourhood. The location of your new home is one of the most important considerations. Your neighbourhood and the surrounding community should complement your lifestyle. Try to choose an area within a convenient proximity to work, even if you need to spend a little more. You can change almost anything in a home, but the neighbourhood is something that you must accept as is.

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.

It’s been a slow start for 2015 in Calgary’s real estate market. As a REALTOR, I am asked about my opinions and predictions on a regular basis. The truth is, this year is much different than the last. Planning your real estate strategy will help you navigate through this market and make the right choices to accomplish your goals.

If you plan on selling, have a good strategy in place. Between the headlines and the falling price of oil, consumer confidence has taken a hit in the Calgary market. It’s not that consumers don’t want to make a move, it’s just that they are feeling a little extra cautious. If you plan on selling your home, this isn’t the time to test the market with a high asking price. Buyers are doing their research and are far more likely to act quickly on a home if it is priced fairly and shows well.

Recognize that with change, comes opportunity. Sales are down compared to last year.  Consequently, for buyers, there is far more to choose from.  One way or another, the real estate market is always fluctuating, but it doesn’t necessarily mean bad news for everyone. Working with an experienced real estate professional will help you plan a strategy, so the market works in your favour – not against you.

Capitalize on an early spring market as a seller. Traditionally, the Calgary spring market heats up annually during the period between February and May. Through the years, these are our best and busiest months. This year, however, local real estate experts are advising that selling as soon as possible is the best way to earn top dollar for your home.  We may be in for a minor price correction a couple of months from now, though.

Position yourself for great deals as we head into the summer. Selling your home early will put you in an excellent position during the late spring market. Prices may be slightly lower, there will be plenty to choose from, and the market will more than likely favour buyers. If you need to sell your place first, request a 75-120 day closing date. This will give you a lot of time to search for the perfect home at a great price.

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.