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Purchasing a new home is a sentimental and emotional experience for many buyers. This makes it especially important to stage your home in a way that people can imagine themselves living there. Although an empty home may appear larger, buyers have to really tap into their imagination to envision the empty space functioning as their home. Typically a showing may last from 10 to 40 minutes, so it is important that your home makes a great first impression during this short time.

Highlight your home’s strengths. Think about what you first noticed when you purchased your home. A beautiful fireplace, large windows, or an updated kitchen are all things that could set your home apart from the other listings on the market. Ask your friends what they like best about your home and then make sure those features are showcased.

Clearing up clutter is the most important task. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with clutter, especially if you have a busy family. We have a rule in my house that whenever we bring something new into the house, we get rid of something else. This is a great way to manage toys, clothing and other stuff that starts to accumulate over time. When the time comes to list your house, get rid of extra unwanted items by donating them to charity or have a yard sale.

Make a great first impression. The front door, mailbox and house numbers should look clean and new. Add some potted plants to your entrance way, and make sure that the yard is well-kept and free of debris.

Bring in the professionals. A professional stager can make your home look like the perfect 10. Last year I listed a home for a client at slightly above market value. The home sat on the market for several weeks with no activity. We made the decision to take the home off the market and bring in a professional stager to overhaul the home. We put the house back on the market, and it sold for 99.5% of the asking price. Even though the market hadn’t changed, professional staging helped to increase the perceived value of this home to potential buyers.

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.

Living in Altadore

Why You’ll Love Living in Altadore – Voted One of Calgary’s Best Neighborhoods

People love living in Altadore and I’m here to tell you why.

Author: Bryon Howard

As a top producing Realtor and Altadore resident, I know you’ll love living in Altadore, and why it was named one of the best neighborhoods in Calgary for both for young professionals and families alike. If you’re planning a move to Calgary’s Inner City, Altadore is located in the city’s south-west quadrant between Crowchild and 14^thStreet, which includes Sandy Beach and River Park.

While the majority of the Altadore homes reflect the 1950s styles, since it was in this decade the community came about, Altadore was named one of the Calgary’s best neighborhoods in 2010 for its proximity to River Park – one of Calgary’s best parks on the Elbow River and Marda Loop. Speaking of Marda Loop, it’s one of the main reasons why you’ll love living in Altadore. Marda Loop is known to be the largest and busiest outdoor shopping area in Calgary. It’s even known to have a rich cultural scene. Marda Loop has more than 125 independently-owned stores, which includes everything from markets, grocery stores, ice cream parlors, pubs and clothing boutiques.

In addition to shops, Altadore has a vibrant party and cultural scene, with events such as the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival and Marda Gras, a summer-themed street affair that attracts more than 35,000 Calgarians every August.

Altadore is also close to a massive expanse of greenery and they are: Sandy Beach, River Park and the Glenmore Athletic Park. These three parks provide not only a serene environment; they also offer one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the inner city. Not only that, but during the summer it offers the best spot to raft down the Elbow River.

Aside from leisure spots, Altadore homes are close to a wide range of schools from both the public and private sectors. Notable public schools are: Mount Royal Junior High, Bishop Carrol, and the designated public senior high school Central Memorial High School. For private schools, Masters Academy Private School serves Altadore and Garrison Woods.  In addition, Glenmore Christian Academy and other private schools in the South West are close by. Many kids also attend Elboya and Western Canadian High for the French Immersion and IB programs. Of course other numerous elementary and high schools are within convenient distances and some are even minutes away from Mount Royal College.

This is also one of the main reasons why in the last ten years, many high-end, luxury semi-detached homes are being built in the area. Infill buildings and the community changing from 1950s bungalows to modern two homes being put in one lot are also viable properties, too. These kinds of lifestyle and homes are preferred both by trendy, young professionals and families alike.

Living in Altadore sounds fun, right? Why not take a look for yourself on why it was voted one of Calgary’s best neighborhoods. From families who want a comfortable, but close to amenities lifestyle, to the young professional who wants an active social life, Altadore has it all.

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

Do you know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, forward this video to them or my contact information. I’ll send them important information about Calgary and the surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. So, give them my email (bryon@thehowardteam.net) or my phone number (403-475-7368) and I’ll even do a free market report on value of their home.

Bryon Howard is a top producing real estate agent in ReMax House of Real Estate, in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad & crazy about endurance sports. If you want to learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.