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An experienced professional Realtor is confident in their ability to sell any property. As long as the price is right, there is a buyer for every home. Even haunted houses deserve another chance with a new owner. Generally speaking, haunted houses are homes believed by some to be inhabited by the spirits of deceased former residents or frequent visitors to the property. Word of mouth spreads quickly regarding homes with a reputation for paranormal activity and such properties can present a challenge when it comes time to sell.

Peeling paint and leaky roofs are easy to see in a home. If a buyer fails to notice these deficiencies, his or her home inspector probably will. Beyond the brick and mortar, other psychological concerns arise at properties with a history of crime or unusual activity. Despite the fact that the issue is probably not raised in the MLS listing, its mere existence can have a serious negative impact on a property’s value. While the MLS may not mention it, neighbours are likely to share tales of ghost sightings and the media will have already documented the fact that a gruesome crime took place at that address. Examples of circumstances that could result in a property becoming stigmatized include everything from a history of frequent break-ins to organized crime activity, illegal sexual activity and even murder.

In the United States, states have varying laws when it comes to a seller and real estate agent’s duty to disclose information relating to these “stigmatized” properties. In most states, there is a duty to disclose.  In Alberta and throughout most of Canada, there is no such legal requirement mandating Realtors to offer up the information. There are, however, ethical concerns that compel Realtors to answer truthfully when posed with questions from interested buyers and their agents. As a result, it is the responsibility of the buyer and the buyer’s Realtor to ask the right question s and assume the role of real estate detective.

The entire notion of stigma is personal and difficult to define. What seems troubling to one buyer may not seem so horrible to another. Nearly everyone can agree that some crimes are simply so disturbing to all that there is little choice but to demolish the structure and start over. Most stigmas, however, are not that horrific and can and will be overlooked by many.   Sellers just need to find the right buyer for that property

Sellers and their Realtors are well advised to tell the truth when questioned about a stigmatized property and buyers and their agents must ask the right questions and do their own research to make sure that they will be comfortable owning and living in a home with a problematic history.

Remember that all homes have their own ghosts. Before moving ahead with a purchase, make the necessary inquiries to determine if they are ghosts you can live with.

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 seems the older I get, the more I think in quarters. Let me explain…after every three to four months I reflect on how I did in my last quarter. Did I hit my business targets? Did I get sufficient exercise? Did I have enough exercise and fun? Is my life progressing in the direction I want it to go? Am I moving towards a designed life or am I just living day to day reacting to the circumstances around me? On a quarterly basis, these are the many thoughts that run through my head.

Recently, I ran into a friend and colleague at work, Tim Banfield, who is constantly setting out on new challenges and adventures. On many occasions he has invited me to join him on those adventures including mountain climbing, ski tours, biking and many more. After months of saying no, I finally said yes and we picked Tuesday 22 September to do head out and do something fun.

We ultimately decided to do a multi pitch climb at the Ghost area (Don Getty Wildland). While I have ridden my road bike a little bit in this area, I really had no idea where we were going. Getting there in Tim’s Grand Cherokee was almost enough of an adventure with all the twists and bumps in the road. After arriving and a short hike from the drainage area, we were at the base of our chosen route called Heidies with Hilties – a 5.10b route established in 2000 by two women by the name of Heidi. The last time I did a 5.10b was at Smith Rock in Oregon in 1991 with my brother Tommy… and it was a single pitch, so this would definitely prove to be a challenge.

Tim led the four pitches and I followed. At one point I thanked Tim for keeping the rope tight and he replied that he was giving me a ‘girlfriend belay’. With a taunt rope, I was able to successfully do the entire climb without falling. During the entire clime Tim reassured me that at no time were we ever in danger, and I acknowledged that. However, at the same time – my body was completely exhausted as we reached the top at the final pitch. We repelled down and at the base of the climb, we had a picnic snack before going on a short hike.

Completely at peace, I lied on the ground … so thankful to be in this amazing location. In retrospect, the highlight of the day was not the adrenalin pumping climb up the steep wall, but the relaxation of hanging out at the base in complete peace. At the same time, I needed the climb to enjoy the peace of just hanging out. I guess it is the ying and yang or pendulum of life – you cannot have happiness without sadness, you cannot have success without failure, exhilaration comes from peace. Thanks to Tim, I’m already making a plan for some adventures next quarter!

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.

Fall has officially arrived, and our first autumn holiday is just round the corner. As the first family holiday of the season, Thanksgiving is a great time to host a family gathering to catch up with loved ones and a great excuse to entertain in your home. It can be somewhat stressful hosting Thanksgiving dinner, so here are a few ways to ensure that your holiday celebration will be a fabulous one; free from stress, fights and any cooking disasters.

1.  Ask Everyone about Food Allergies, Sensitivities, and Restrictions

Many of us have friends and family with food allergies or restrictions due to ethnicity, ethical or religious background. When preparing your Thanksgiving meal, reach out to your guests as soon as you can to find out what foods you should not be preparing. The same goes for if kids are attending: some may only eat “kid food” and will refuse what’s being served, so ask parents what the kiddies will eat, and make it avalable. If there are multiple restrictions, i.e. vegans, nut allergies, gluten-free etc. be creative and do some online searching for recipes that will satisfy every restriction.

2.  Don’t Try to Do It All Alone

Many hosts end up stressed out and frustrated because they get so overwhelmed by trying to cook every dish on their own. Invite friends and family over early so they can assist with some tasks like cutting vegetables, setting the table or mixing batter for the dessert. Another option is to prep dishes in advance, freeze them and pop them in the oven of Thanksgiving Day.

3. Make It a Potluck

One way to ensure that everyone can eat something at your party is to make it a potluck. Have every guest bring a favourite dish of theirs, so everyone can have the opportunity to try something new, or stick to what they know is safe for them. This is less stressful for the host who won’t have to prepare a large variety of dishes.

4. Take time to relax

If you’re hosting this year’s dinner, be sure to book some time off the following day to tidy up and relax. Even the most stress-free party will require a lot of work, and taking a day to decompress will be needed.

Not everything is going to go right at your dinner, a dish may turn out bad or too many guests may show up, and that’s absolutely okay. Just go with the flow, keep a sense of humour, and enjoy the special time of making new memories with family and friends.

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.

When you’re ready to buy a home, there is definitely something very appealing about choosing a brand new home. With a new home you get to pick out the countertops, finishes and so much more – basically have it designed just the way you like it. New houses often come with more space and better appliances, require less immediate renovation work, and are more energy-efficient than older ones — and all at a competitive price.

New developments are continuing to pop up all over the city, so buying a new construction home in Calgary is fast becoming a great option for prospective home buyers. Before undergoing the process you should be aware of the how buying a new construction home is different from buying a resale home. First of all, you typically won’t have the opportunity to walk through the home before you sign on the dotted line.  Most brand new homes are purchased using specs and a floor plan, the house won’t be built for a few months or more.

In Calgary, new homes are covered by the Alberta’s New Home Warranty Act.  The warranty will protect new home owners if upon completion, your new home has any deficiencies with the workmanship or materials.  It also applies to both houses and condominiums, and typically the standard coverage lasts for up to five years after you take possession.  The foundation of the home needs a year or two to settle so structural issues may not be discovered early on. As the foundation of your new home settles, you will be able to tell if there are any issues that need to be addressed, and have them dealt with at no additional cost as it is covered under warranty.

With a new home comes the ability to purchase upgrades such as top of the line appliances or better finishes. This is a great opportunity for buyers to get what they want while working within their budget. Upgrades can become costly, so it’s a great idea to work with an experienced Realtor to negotiate your behalf.

It’s my role to help buyers make sure they are getting the best value for every dollar they spend. If buying pre-construction is something you’ve been thinking about make sure you and your realtor do your research on potential builders and developers. Basically, don’t buy a house — buy its builder. As an expert in the Calgary real estate market, I have the knowledge and the negotiating skills to help you find the home of your dreams.

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 undeniable impact of energy industry woes on Canada’s real estate market, overall property values in Calgary have not suffered any significant impact.  Even more importantly, consumer confidence remains high.

In the Calgary Real Estate Board’s (CREB) August 4, 2015 report entitled Calgary Regional Housing Market Statistics, Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie reports, “Despite weaker absorption rates, market conditions remain relatively balanced and helped maintain month-over-month stability in benchmark prices, which remained unchanged from the previous month at $455,400….And despite the recent retraction, we have not seen all those previous gains eroded.”

In a city as diverse as Calgary, market conditions will, of course, vary in different market sectors and neighbourhoods.  CREB President Corinne Lyall notes, “…it’s important to stay current and become educated with the market dynamics in the communities where they may be making real estate decisions.”  For instance, despite the overall steady numbers in residential sales, the apartment sector has experienced a slight but noticeable dip in value (1.61%) from the beginning of the year, due to decreased demand and expanding inventory.

Another important economic indicator to focus on is new home starts.  Applications to pull permits for single and multi-family dwellings plummeted in July and are down by 31% and 24%, respectively, since the start of the year.  While the pullback will help to maintain market balance by limiting the pool of available housing inventory, it also reflects the overall uncertainty with the economy and unemployment.

In CREB’s Mid-Year Update to its 2015 Economic Outlook and Regional Housing Forecast, the editors stress the fact that despite the cloud of economic uncertainty hanging over Calgary, consumer confidence in the prospects for real estate investment remain high.  “Positive long-term prospects and reduced concerns about the bottom falling out in the near term could minimize the pullback in demand, keeping market conditions in relatively balanced territory and preventing further aggregate price declines.”

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 the city of Calgary continues to grow, planners need to think creatively about transportation.  The cost of living is on the rise, and it’s no surprise that many Calgarians are opting to go car-free, if their lifestyle permits.  Cycling is a fun and inexpensive way to get around the city, and it can save you thousands of dollars in parking fees, gas, and insurance.  The increase of two-wheeled travelers has recently prompted an exciting change downtown – the cycle track.

If you are not yet familiar with this project, here’s what you should know:  The cycle track is a bike lane protected by barriers from moving vehicles, parking spots, and pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk.  It is a protected laneway that promotes the safety of cyclists and reduces the possibility of a collision.  There is specific signage in place for cyclists, and modified traffic signals to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.  The laneway currently runs along several major downtown streets.

Did you know that over 12,500 cyclists travel in and out of the downtown core every day?  According to a recent study by the City of Calgary, there has been a 122% increase in bicycle travel since 1996.  The cycle track has been a pilot project that began construction in April of this year.  It was created by the city with the help of resident feedback.  Based on the experience of both motorists and cyclists, changes have been implemented to improve the safety and efficient flow of traffic.

For the most part, the new project has been well-received, but not without a few challenges.  Among them, the reduction of car parking in front of local businesses downtown has been a point of contention.  Store and restaurant owners have expressed concern that a lack of parking will deter potential customers because of the added inconvenience.  To address these concerns, the city needs to review each path on a case by case basis.

Making Calgary more cyclist-friendly is just another step towards growing a healthy and accessible downtown core.  If you live in the suburbs, you can still take advantage of the cycle track.  You are permitted to bring your bike on the CTrain and make your way downtown, as long as you are not riding during rush hour.  There are no restrictions on weekends or stat holidays.

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.

Canada’s low mortgage rates have been in the news for so long that they have essentially become the norm.  The 18 percent plus rates of the 1980’s are ancient history.  It seems that we have become so accustomed to cheap money, that we have forgotten that it might be temporary and just maybe, it may also become a thing of the past.  Although the Bank of Canada hasn’t given us any indication of a rate increase in the immediate future, it’s still important to use our (borrowed) money wisely and plan for the future.  After all, most of us are locked into 25-year mortgages, and we know just how much change can occur over two and half decades.

Be aware of how much a change in interest rates will affect your housing costs.  To put things in perspective, a $350,000 mortgage would cost the average buyer $1570 per money at a borrowing rate of 2.5%.  If rates went up just 1%, the same mortgage would cost $1750 per month.  That’s a $180 difference.  What’s even more significant is that same 1% increase would add an additional $54,600 to your cost of borrowing over the lifespan of your mortgage.

Take advantage without over extending yourself.  It’s hard to predict what will happen to interest rates over the next few years.  Even some of Canada’s most educated economists were surprised when the overnight rate went down instead of up.  That being said, it’s a wise idea to be prepared for a rate increase.  If your mortgage renews at a higher rate at the end of your current term, what will it mean for your household budget?  Do you expect your income to be the same, or are you planning on starting a family?  Talk to your mortgage professional about your long term plans so they can choose a financing option that meets your needs.

Take advantage of your pre-payment options.  The best way to protect yourself against a future rate increase is to decrease the size of your mortgage.  Some mortgages allow you to increase your payments each month, or make a lump sum payment up to a certain percentage of the balance.  In most cases, it makes more sense to tackle your higher interest debt first, but if your credit cards are clear, you will never regret knocking a few thousand dollars off your mortgage.  Remember, the quicker you pay it off, the more you will save in interest over the long haul, and that could amount to tens of thousands of dollars in savings.

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.

Fear is a powerful emotion.  It shapes the way people think and react.  Have you ever read a news article and wondered how the story applied to you, your job, or your financial situation?  Most of us have.  We view the media as a current and often reliable source, to tell us what’s happening in our city and province.  Over the last few months, there is no doubt that economic headlines have had an impact on consumer confidence in Calgary.

Our access to information has never been as fast and widespread as it is today.  By the time you finish your morning coffee, you have probably checked out your local newspaper, read about a variety of recent events south of the border, and brushed up on your global current events.

Social media adds a whole new layer of complexity to the way we perceive the world around us.  While it’s interesting to hear what others have to say, we are often bombarded with uninformed opinions lead us to question our own position on important events.

Earlier this year, the headlines in Calgary’s news reports had a dramatic effect on consumer confidence.  People read about job loss and questioned their own security.  We heard that the housing market was in for a major correction, and many buyers put their house hunt on hold.  Experts and analysts voiced their predictions and consumers adjusted their behaviour accordingly.

Now that we are halfway through the year, we have hindsight in our favour.  Did sales take a dramatic hit?  Absolutely, but according to the latest figures from the Calgary Real Estate Board, home values in our city are holding strong.  The average sale price is down slightly, but the median price is actually up nearly 1% compared to June and July of last year.  Skeptical buyers who were standing by hoping for a dramatic drop are likely questioning their strategy as the market begins to gain momentum.

We know one thing for sure after watching our friends south of the border weather a real, drawn-out recession.  Bad news sells newspapers – or rather, it promotes “clicks” in 2015 – but it doesn’t necessarily give us an accurate picture of what’s going on, and more importantly, predictions don’t always come to be.  We teach our kids to think critically about the things they see and hear, but sometimes we need a gentle reminder to do the same.  Where is our information coming from?  Do the statistics make sense?  Is it fair to compare this year’s mediocre sales data with last year’s – a record setting period in the Calgary real estate market?

How we respond to headlines often creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.  In any economic situation, you need to take the good with the bad.  If sales are down, what kind of opportunity does this create?  In real estate, we guide our clients to work with the market, not against it, and find ways to capitalize on the opportunities, rather than miss out on great deals because of the looming uncertainty.

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.

If you could start over and be a kid again, which sports would you choose to participate in?  Being active is a big part of my family’s lifestyle.  It seems that our favorite sports are the ones that we are familiar with because we know our own abilities.  Especially as an adult, it might be intimidating to go out on a limb and try something brand new.

For the kids in Calgary, there is a unique opportunity to try their hands (and feet!) at a whole range of activities.  Leaving the Talisman Centre after a swim yesterday, I noticed a poster promoting “ALL SPORT ONE DAY“. The event takes place on June 20 and features a full day of sport discovery for kids aged 6 to 12.  That’s 50 exciting sports to try in 14 facilities around Calgary.

Bike racing in Edmonton recently as a ‘master blaster’ at Velocity Stage Race, I had an ‘epic for me’ 3rd place finish with a ‘long ago’ Olympic Rower Joe S.  We finished 3rd and 4th by taking a chance and breaking from the peloton with 5km left in the race.  After the race, I asked him if he would encourage his kids into rowing. From my perspective, it looks like a peaceful and beautiful sport.  His response surprised me.  “Oh no,” he said, “I hate that sport.  It’s the same lake – over and over again. So boring.  I love cycling and the variety of terrain you get to see.”

I guess that got me thinking – what is the right sport?

Growing up I played all kinds school sports.  I spent a great deal of time alpine skiing and then got pretty good at Rugby and played during University.  I suppose Rugby set me up to be a pretty tough endurance athlete.

I’m not sure I would have wanted my parents to do anything different in terms of promoting a particular sport to me.  I was fortunate to be exposed to plenty of challenging activities and have maintained a love for athletics all my life.

Times are different now.  Just the other day, I saw a couple of kids outside on the street playing street hockey. That was awesome. It not something you see as often anymore, but it reminds you of a time when sports weren’t limited to organized leagues.  Kids just played to have fun.

I recently heard an interview where an adult vocalized that kids from Junior High to High School should have a compulsory sport; meaning they MUST participate.  It’s an interesting idea, and probably one that would be met with a range of strong opinions.  Athletics aren’t necessarily for everyone, but there are so many life skills that can be derived from achieving an athletic skill or playing on a team.

I tend to agree with this concept, and it wouldn’t hurt to get kids committed to learning a musical instrument as well!  In my job, I visit plenty of homes and see a lot of kids staring into devices.  While I don’t like it, I understand it. My home is the same, and as adult, we are also guilty as charged.  Technology has taken the place of real life activities in many ways.

Living in Calgary, we really do have the opportunity to shape our kids lives and assist them with their high performance sporting goals. Many young Canadians travel to Calgary to live with host families and train with our great coaches and facilities.

If you know kids between 6 and 12 years, try to encourage them and their parents to participate in the All Sport One Day on June 20. Who knows, your kids may discover some amazing abilities that they didn’t even know they had!

So – knowing what you know now, which sport would have been right for you as a teenager?  Do you wish you had committed to a team sport so you could feel confident about joining a league as as adult?  Are there any athletic activities that you recently discovered that are now an important part of your life?  Which sport would you direct your ‘loved’ neighbours, nieces, nephews, and kids into?

Have a great weekend.