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Perhaps as much as any neighbourhood in Calgary, Marda Loop epitomizes the urban lifestyle mixed with small town vibe that Calgary’s residents love.  It is the kind of place where people can live, work, relax, eat and drink without traveling more than a few blocks from home.

This popular area is situated in Calgary’s southwest quadrant between Crowchild Trail and 19^th Street SW.  As a designated Business Revitalization Zone, Marda Loop is home to more than 130 boutiques, shops and restaurants.  Over the last decade, the area centered around 33^rd and 34^th Avenues SW has emerged as one of the city’s most popular outdoor shopping venues.

Once upon a time, Marda Loop was home to the Marda Theatre and served as the turnaround point for a heavily-trafficked streetcar line – hence, the name “Marda Loop.”   Both the theatre and streetcar line are long gone, but the name Marda Loop survives.    The neighbourhood has weathered economic ups and downs over the years, but keeps managing to reinvent itself and attract residents and business owners.  Recently, a heavy influx of young, high-income households has contributed to the area’s energetic and dynamic feel.  A wide range of condos, townhomes and infill construction attracts homebuyers and tenants to the surrounding communities of Altadore, River Park, South Calgary and Garrison Woods.  Each of these communities is represented by the Marda Loop Communities Association – an active force in Marda Loop life for nearly sixty years.

Most residents and business owners agree that walkability is a key component of Marda Loop’s emergence as one of Calgary’s trendiest neighbourhoods.  Locals treasure the ability to get almost everywhere they want to go on foot.  Foodies appreciate the array of dining options and window shoppers can wander for hours among the many boutique-style businesses populating the neighbourhood.  Each summer, the Business Revitalization Zone plays host to a popular street festival aptly named Marda Gras.  This family-friendly, New Orleans style party attracts more than 35,000 visitors.

A strong sense of history, numerous amenities and excellent walkability combine to attract visitors and locals to Marda Loop, but ultimately, it is the small-town feel within a big city landscape that is the area’s strongest selling point.  Spend some time walking the streets, enjoying café and pub life and in very short time, everyone will know your name.

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 403-465-0210 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.

Chances are you’ve heard the mantra when it comes to real estate that it’s all about “location, location, location.”

Now, what does it really mean exactly?

Before, it used to describe the specific location of your potential home. How it should be on a big lot in a quiet and safe neighborhood in a good quadrant or district of Calgary.

While these requirements still hold up, the new mantra is Actually “Amenities, amenities, amenities,” purchasing a home that’s within close proximity to facilities and things that people need and want.

I’m talking about shopping centers, schools, hospitals and viable transportation options, too. This all accumulates to a good, safe and comfortable lifestyle and environment that has strong potential when it comes to resale value.

In a recent residential study by RBC, it states that a majority of potential homeowners prefer living in a walk-able and transit-accessible neighborhood in the suburbs or city that fits in to a modern day-to-day life.

In the same study, it notes that if cost was not an issue, 80 percent of residents would give up a large lot for a smaller one if it means they will be within walking distance to amenities, have easy access to transit and less driving time.

When asked what residents value the most in choosing a place to live, amenities were noted in three of the five the top answers:

1)      Living in a detached single-family home (14.7 percent)

2)      Easy access and walking distance to shops, restaurants and other services (13.3 percent)

3)      Transit time to work that takes less than 30 minutes travel time (13.3 percent)

4)      Easy access to rapid transit, such as subways, GO Train or streetcars (11 percent)

5)      Privacy from neighborhoods (10.7 percent).

For a lot of people – especially families, a house near school districts are often considered an indicator of a good location. The region surrounding what is considered the best part of a town often has the same or similar boundaries as the school district itself. Sometimes, the quality of the school is even the reason the region has increased value over the years – thus proving how big of a role amenities play in a property’s value.

Age also plays a heavy factor in determining potential homes as people aged 60 and over showed the strongest preference for living in walk-able and compact neighborhoods (roughly 70 percent). This is despite the higher cost of homes in the area. This is in direct contrast to families that have two or more children, who strongly prefer large detached homes in car-dependent neighborhoods with lower housing costs (59 percent). While amenities might not mean the exact same thing to two different age groups, regardless of age, it still plays a large factor in how a person or family determines their home.

If you’re looking to buy, sell homes or even investment properties, then you should take note of these trends and how the modern household now puts amenities in the forefront of their purchases. While the “location” golden rule is still applicable, it needs to work hand-in-hand with the new golden rule, which is “amenities, amenities, amenities.”

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.

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