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Planning on heading out to enjoy some of the summer festivals this year around Calgary? There are so many great events to choose from. Although nothing can quite stack up against the Stampede, each festival offers its own unique selection of food, vendors and entertainment.

Kicking off the summertime is the Lilac Festival, held on Sunday, May 25th . This one day celebration takes place on 4th Street between 13th Ave South and Elbow Drive. With spring in the air, it’s a great time to shake off the winter blues and come out for the parade and a full day of family entertainment.

In June, the Father’s Day Festival is taking place on 8th Ave between 4th and 7th . The street will be closed for pedestrian access only during the Father’s Day weekend and there will be street performers, live music and a cool car show.

The Banff Bike Fest, taking place on June 12th to 15th , is the perfect excuse to head out of town. Cycling enthusiasts will have a chance to participate in one of seven competitive and non-competitive races. There is over $20,000 in prize money up for grabs this year.

Craving some authentic souvlaki? The annual Calgary Greek Festival welcomes over 10,000 guests at the Hellenic Community Centre. This festival takes place on June 21st to the 23rd this year.

Ready for patio season? The Kensington Sun and Salsa Festival is the place to be on July 20th . This year marks the 21st anniversary of Kensington Village’s annual festivities. Visitors can sample a wide variety of salsas, shop from the street merchants and enjoy one of the many local restaurants.

This year’s Ironman 70.3, being held on July 27th , was so popular, it actually sold out. If you were lucky enough to get a spot in what is considered to be one of the most challenging and scenic Ironman courses, you are in for an exciting and memorable day.

You don’t need to go all the way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras – you can find it right here in Marda Loop! This family festival takes place on August 10th . The Kids Quarter will have bouncy castles, games and face painting. Check out the Art Tent to see some of our local talent on display.

Looking for your next favorite restaurant? The Taste of Calgary is a one-stop-shop where you can sample the best cuisine from local vendors. The event takes place from August 14th – 17th at Eau Claire Festival Plaza. Guests can purchase $1 food tickets that they can redeem for tasty snacks and beverages from over thirty local establishments. This is a great way to try something new and discover a whole bunch of great restaurants at once.

If you are planning on staying in the city for the August Long Weekend, you will want to check out the Dragon Boat Festival at Glenmore Reservoir.  This even draws hundreds of competitors who have been training hard all summer to be the fastest team on the water.  This exciting cultural event celebrates the ancient sport of dragon boat racing and has plenty of entertainment to make it worth spending the day.

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 is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

My family is one of the things in my life that inspires me to work hard, take care of myself and do my best in everything that  I set out to do.  Even though our kids are getting older, my wife and I like to spend time with them whenever their busy scheduels and our allow.  We appreciate the great outdoors together by going hiking, kayaking, or just a walk with our dog Max in the local parks.  We try to go cross country skiing a few times a year.  After a busy day, we all realy enjoy a meal together at home as a family.  The time that we spend together creates lots of great memories and allows us to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

My son is especially good  at reminding my wife and I about the importance of our connections with our friends and family.  Like everyone else our lives get busy with work and other obligations, and he will freuquently ask a question –  making sure that we take the time to connect with the people that are important to us.  Sometimes our kids need to remind us where our real priorities lie when we get caught up in the details of our daily lives.

One of the best things about living in Calgary is that there is no shortage of activities that you can do as a family.  Whether your family enjoys outdoor activities, theatre, or science – there is something for every age and activity level.  Each season brings new opportunities for adventure and trying to keeping up with the kids is sure to keep you feeling young at heart.

If you are looking for an exciting event this spring, The Calgary International Children’s Festival is taking place May 21st to the 24 th .  This is a great family event that offers live shows, open air activities, and a toy theater.  Bring your kids to get their faces painted and enjoy all the lively entertainment that this show has to offer.

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 is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

 

It has been almost 10 years since my family of four move to Altadore. We quickly fell in love with the community and became avid Altadorians. My son has loved it since the day we walked to the My Favourite Ice Cream shop and he saw the crazy number of ice cream choices.

Altadore has evolved significantly since we moved in. The old Safeway has moved west to the Garrison Woods site and Marda Loop has evolved into a more upscale restaurant and shopping district. Shirley loves that she can now walk to Phil & Sebastian’s her favourite place to meet up with friends. Yes we have Starbucks and Second Cup. In addition, we have neighbourhood pubs, yoga studios (even a Bikram Studio which Shirley loves), Chinook Music Studio, and two diners – who could ask for anything more?

Sure we miss the Farmers’ Market when it was in Currie Barracks just across Crowchild Trail, but we are looking forward to the new high street with its shops that will open there in a few years. Being on the east side of Crowchild has it benefits as you have lots of options getting downtown for work and play.

Great Schools

The main reason we live in Calgary is the incredible choice we have in education for our kids. Our children, as well as our niece and nephews who also live in Altadore have had great school experiences at Mountain View Academy, Altadore Elementary, Calgary Science School, Bishop Carroll High School, Saint James Elementary and Junior High School and Masters Academy. Calgary Academy is the school where our daughter found great success with her learning.

Shirley has been teaching at Central Memorial High School since 2004, she is currently the director of the String Orchestra program. This CBE high school boasts a great Performing and Visual Arts program, the National Sport Academy and one of the top teams of academic teachers in the city.

Just south of Central Memorial is the campus of the Career and Technology Centre at Lord Shaughnessy High School. This school has state of the art facilities where students can explore specific applied career pathways like being a chef, pharmacy technician, mechanic or a cosmetologist.

Hidden Gem

We are also close to The Military Museums of Calgary, which is a hidden gem. When family and friends visit for the first time we will often take them there where the history and artifacts are definately interesting. Calgary is often criticized for its lack of history, yet with the Glenbow, Fort Calgary, Heritage Park, Stephen Avenue, Inglewood and the Military Museums this city has much to offer. And they are all just minutes from Altadore.

Altadore is for the dogs

Max our dog loves joining Shirley on errands in the neighborhood. He is a local celebrity as everyone says “Hi Max!” He can count on treats at our RBC branch, the Post Office and especially from Kathy at Marda Loop Tailoring. RBC recently offered him a job as a greeter for 5-dog biscuits an hour, he really did want to take the job and was not happy to come home with Shirley.

Altadore boasts perhaps the best off-leash dog park in the city – River Park. It is a linear open space with lots of different tree plantings and rolling hills at the top of the Elbow River’s west escarpment (above Sandy Beach). As a dog owner we appreciate the benefits of being able to walk out the door and in minutes Max is running to play with other dogs and we can stroll on our own or chat with our neighbours and those visiting from other communities. River Park is the meeting place for the community – it is our town square. Even in the middle of winter, thousands of people will use the park for a leisurely stroll, tobogganning, or as part of a run.

Cycling Paradise

As avid cyclists, we can all cycle easily to 17th Ave and Downtown for some urban fun, or we can head to the Glenmore Reservoir for a more recreational and nature 20 km loop around the reservoir. Frequently I will ride ten minutes to North Glenmore Park, then do interval loops in the park for an awesome 60 to 90 min workout. Beginning in May, I leave can leave home on my road bike at 5:30 am and ride to Springbank and get home by 7 am to start my workday invigorated – with 45km’s in my legs.

Shirley loves to cycle downtown in the summer, ten minutes and you are there, no parking hassles, no tickets and it is all downhill so you are not sweaty when you get there! Exploring the city cycle paths gives a new perspective on the city, different from walking or driving. Shirley loves seeing all the horses in the parks along the bow river during Stampede week.

The Arts

We are also looking forward to the opening of the King Edward School as an art space as we will be able to walk there for concerts and exhibitions, maybe take a class or two. We are also old fashion and love to walk to the Alexander Calhoun Library to just relax and read a few magazines or check out their recommended reading bookshelf. I told you Altadore is like a small town, you can walk to everything.

Great Investment

Altadore has been a great investment for our family, not only in the quality of life that it offers, but also in the capital appreciation of our home. Buying or first home in 2004 – was a bit like winning the lottery. Altadore homes have appreciated over 200% since 2005. The greatest appreciation of any community in Calgary.

While some people question, how can people afford a home in Calgary’s inner city communities today, I say how can you not afford one. The best investment we made was stretching ourselves to move to Altadore 10 years ago. I don’t know of anyone who has regretting moving to an inner city home in Calgary.

One of my neighbours recently said, “I feel like I went to bed in Altadore, and woke up in Elbow Park.” She said this as a result of the numerous million-dollar homes now in our community, with several recent sales exceeding two million.
Last word

While Calgary boasts many wonderful communities, there is something special about Altadore and its small town east coast charm.

Over the years I have sold over 100 homes in and around West Hillhurst. The more time I spend in West Hillhurst and the more I hear from buyers why they are looking at this community for their new home, the more I realize this community has so much to offer, especially for families with high school and postsecondary aged children. Where else can you find a high school, two colleges and two universities just minutes away? In my mind, West Hillhurst is a hidden gem.

Teens can sleep in and still easily walk or bike to Queen Elizabeth High School. College students have the choice of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology or Alberta College of Art and Design. University students can walk, cycle or catch a bus that will have them at class in minutes. Even Mount Royal College is only 15 to 20 minutes by bus or bike.

Recreation

From a recreational perspective there is an arena, squash courts, tennis courts and gym right in your backyard and an outdoor pool for that all important summer tan. If you are a runner or cyclist, the Bow River pathway is just minutes away. If you love the mountains there are only four or five traffic lights depending on where you live, until you out of the city.

Chill Places

West Hillhurst also has some good chill places for students and families – Vina Pizza, Amato Gelato and Central Blends Café. Central Blends is like a second office for many of the work-at-home members of the community. And, you are just a $10 cab ride to the downtown for pubs and clubs or summer music festivals. The Jubilee is within walking distance for some and a quick drive for others.

Walk to work

From the parents’ perspective, West Hillhurst is conveniently located to most of Calgary’s inner city employment hubs – Downtown, University of Calgary, SAIT/ACAD, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Foothills Hospital campus and Mount Royal University. You have the option of walking, cycling, busing or driving to work as need be depending on time of year and amount of time you have. It is not surprising that West Hillhurst has one of the highest percentages of bike commuters in the city.

Grocery Stores / Farmers’ Markets

You also have five-minute access to three Safeway’s (soon to be Sobeys) at North Hill, Kensington and Brentwood and two Calgary Co-op stores at Brentwood and Midtown. This can be very handy if you are feeding a growing teenage boy. There are also weekly farmer’s markets at Parkdale and Hillhurst community centres.

Kids down / Parents Up

It’s no wonder West Hillhurst is one of Calgary’s most active and affordable infill communities in the city. Modern and traditional style new homes are under construction on almost every block. Most are designed with four or five adult family members in mind, with over 2,750+ square feet of living space on three levels (often with well equipped basements that function nicely as separate living spaces for the young adults in the family). Kids live down, parent live up is the new urban living trend.

Your inner city specialist!

Bryon Howard

2139 6 Ave NW – Great Bungalow … Luxurious Master on Main … with the kids down below.  C3599791

 

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.

When I first learned about the Canadian Birkenbiner nearly 20 years  ago … I have always wanted to do it. Last weekend my friend Greg and I did the 55 km cross country ski marathon on the 25th Anniversary of the event. I made a fun little video of the day.  Temperatures were just around zero degrees … and waxing was epic difficult.  I broke both my poles during the race! (I like to think it was my POWER … but it is definately bad technique!)

The Birkie is a family-oriented, friendly cross-country ski loppet (recreational event) honouring the spirit of the Norwegian Birkebeiner legend. Reliving an 800-year-old historic legend of the original Birkebeiners who saved the heir to the Norwegian throne in a 55km epic journey. It takes place the second Saturday in February every winter near Edmonton.

It’s a premier “loppet” — a recreational fun citizen race, geared to mass participation, fun and bragging rights for the fastest. Some of Bryon’s buddies with Team Mito http://www.mitocanada.org/team/team/nord-skiing/ were the Fastest of the day … including Jeff Krar who who his age group.

Canada’s largest classical-format cross country ski festival.

Stunning one bedroom condo in the appropriately named building, Dream. This complex offers a beautifully designed courtyard, heated underground parking including visitors’ parking and separate storage. #203 is bright and open with 9′ ceilings. The well designed and functional kitchen includes lots of cupboards, black appliances and a breakfast bar. A spacious dining area provides plenty of space for a table and chairs. The gas fireplace adds a great deal of warmth in the living room. The balcony is a good size and great for entertaining. The extra large master bedroom offers a large closet area and cheater door to the 4-piece bath and insuite laundry. The den makes a perfect computer room. If you desire a great place to live in the best location in Calgary – this is it! In the heart of Marda Loop – Shopping, transportation, restaurants, entertainment & Parks are within walking distance. Close proximity to Westhills, downtown and the road to the Mountains.

MLS #C3517656   Offered at 259,900

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. 🙂

Finally a Sunny Weekend!

METRO STATS UPDATE (June 1 – 9, 2010)

	2010		2009
Calgary Metro – Single Family
Sales	357	508
New Listings	963	741
Inventory	5,952	3,765
Sales to New	37%	69%
Sales to Inv	6%	13%
Calgary Metro – Condominium
Sales	155		194
New Listings	401		318
Inventory	2,735		1,905
Sales to New	39%		61%
Sales to Inv	6%		10%
Towns (Outside Calgary)
Sales	102		149
New Listings	329		296
Inventory	3,039		2,623
Sales to New	31%		50%
Sales to Inv	3%		6%
Country Residential – Acreages
Sales	13		16
New Listings	100		100
Inventory	1,183		922
Sales to New	13%		16%
Sales to Inv	1%		2%
Total MLS®
Sales	642		879
New Listings	1,869		1,476
Inventory	13,594		9,215
Sales to New	34%		60%
Sales to Inv	5%		10%
SP >= LP	33		83
Avg. $ Ovr LP	7,012		4,118
Max. $ Ovr LP	50,100		100,150
SP = LP	11		42
% of SP to LP	97.06%		96.70%

Just listed a great 1 bedroom condo in Windsor Park.

Since I love being a star in movies … and no one else wants me in their movies … I made my own.

Please take a moment to view … and let me know if you know of anyone who is looking for this type of condo.

206, 315 50 Ave SW Windsor Park, SW Calgary

Thank you.