As top Calgary real estate agents, I recently had a good friend who wants to sell his house but has legitimate concerns with the Coronavirus, and the homeowner really wants to sell the property to move on with his family’s personal goals.  He is asking me what the solution is to this problem how to do this safely?

It’s clear that they are a lot of buyers in the market right now and sellers are not excited to put their home on the market  Therefore only serious sellers will put their home on the market.  The low-interest rate is a major incentive for buyers and is fueling those that have a strong desire to buy.

Our last two sold listings sold quickly and one with multiple offers.  Therefore we need to look at logical solutions for both sellers and buyers to keep everyone safe, yet meet the need to buy and sell a home.

A unique problem is how do we sell the house when everyone is legitimately freaked out about potential exposure to the coronavirus when traditionally an open house with lots of people and multiple unnecessary showings is welcomed is how we would do it.

What can a real estate agent do to help solve this new problem and protect all involved? 

After doing research with the Canadian Public Health Services  for accurate information CLICK HERE for the updates, and then watching this TEDX Talk to learn more from a Global Health expert’s understanding CLICK HERE to watch.

Then talking to many very successful real estate agents about solutions, reading what the REAL ESTATE COUNCIL OF ALBERTA recommended, thinking long and hard about the way that we do business today in real estate and what the future holds it became clearer to me what we can do to help out.

If you want to review what is being recommended in general to businesses today, here is Canada Public Health recommendation.

Let’s start with a couple of the reasons why the traditional way of buying and selling a home today is probably not in the sellers or the buyer’s best interest with the concerns of the coronavirus.

Buying a home:

Number one problem buyers and the typical buyer agents are NOT thorough enough in their reserach phase buyer consultations:

• Exactly what they would be willing to buy
• The lifestyle desires & priorities
• Their criteria for features
• The deal-breakers
• Purchasing power and remodel budget
• Property types, models, lot size, and all options
• Pros and cons of different neighbourhoods and communities

Professional buyers agents do this level of buyer consultation upfront saving everyone time and helping their buyers reduce the need to drive to and walk through lots and lots of homes to self discover what they want.

To protect our buyers and sellers, we can spend more time in a Buyer Consultation.

Solution: buyers and buyers agents need to have a thorough buying consultation and go as deep as humanly possible in a safe office environment, at home with a laptop or a safe environment in which you can really explore every nuance of what you want in the house and new community.

• Conference calls (I have a great conference line to use)
• Zoom video conference (I have an account to use)
• Safely meet at your house
• If appropriate safely meet at our office in a conference room that I would sanitize in advance

 A top buyers agent should be able to help a buyer NOT have to go see lots of properties to learn.

Second: professional buyers agents can:

• Go safely preview the property for you
• You can request a video live virtual tour
• Set up safe private showings coordinated with the listing agents
• Have deep discussions with the listing agents about the pros and cons of the property to determine whether or not that property is something that the buyer should see saving everybody a lot of time.

Ultimately keeping people safe from lots of unnecessary exposure is the protocol for buyers and sellers who have to do something now.

For home buyers, this is truly when the value of a great professional real estate agent can make the difference in not only saving time, gas – drive time, provide unique hyper-local expertise and simply protect their clients.

Schedule your buyer consultation by texting Patrick at 403-589-0004.

Selling your house:

You want to sell your home but don’t want a big open house, lots of showings, you just want only the most serious buyers to come over.  As top listing agents, we can ask the buyer or the buyer’s agent to really think clearly about the pros and cons, the deal-breakers and everything about the property in advance of going physically.

Naturally, we can tell every buyer and buyers agent that the sellers have strong concerns about the CoronaVirus so please use your best judgement on who comes to the property.  And we will reserve the right to refuse access to the property with anyone that is suspicious of showing signs of illness.

We all can use our best judgement instead of sending the whole family maybe just send their Realtor or one family member.  This eliminates “lookie-loo buyers” allowing the listing agent to protect their selling clients from lots of exposure to random people in their home.

In today’s crazy market, the workload falls really on the listing agent’s ability to communicate effectively with buyers and buyers agents. We need buyers agents to get more specific about what their buyers want and qualifications so that we can eliminate excess showings and looking at a property that aren’t really what they want.

The new home seller marketing plan:

For home sellers, we are adding NEW items for buyers online research:

• Live Video Tours, Virtual Tours, Matterport 3d presentations
• Community/neighbourhood explainer videos
• Property explainer videos
• Build website pages that host more details than the MLS

We have to give the buyers all of the best information, traditionally we would try to make the property as pretty as possible to get more buyers to come to visit the house.  Now we need to give them as much as possible so the right ones only make the decision to come.  In this environment, this strategy does not compromise the seller’s high sales price.

For home sellers, we will be qualifying all the buyer showing requests in advanced, screening the professionalism of the buyers’ agents with their buyers to mitigate any excess showings and find the best possible buyer and sell them the home.  Keeping everyone safe!  Yet still, achieve the goal.

Now more than ever the professionalism of the real estate agents is critical!  People will “have to buyer & sell” regardless of severe global challenges.

Contact Bryon Howard to book a consultation phone call to start.

Text at: 403-589-0004 “buyer or seller consultation”

There have been no significant changes occurring in sales activity, but the number of new listings coming onto the market continues to ease relative to 2018 levels.

The decline in new listings was enough to start chipping away at overall inventory levels, which have eased slightly compared to last year.

The slight adjustment in supply levels has helped support further reductions in the months of supply, which was 4.6 months in April. While this level still represents oversupply in our market, it does reflect improvement from the nearly seven months of supply that we saw at the start of the year.

“Demand remains relatively weak in the resale market. However, if supply levels continue to adjust, this could help reduce the amount of oversupply and eventually support some price stability,” said CREB^® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

As of April, the total residential benchmark price in Calgary was $415,900. This is slightly higher than last month, but still nearly five per cent lower than last year’s levels.

Citywide sales were 1,547 units in April, two per cent higher than last year’s levels. Year-to-date sales remain nearly six per cent lower than last year and are 26 per cent below longer-term averages.

“Sales have been improving mostly in the lower price ranges, causing tighter supply conditions in that segment.  This will likely have a different impact on price trends in the lower price ranges depending on location,” said Lurie.

HOUSING MARKET FACTS

Detached

• Detached sales improved by nearly three per cent in April compared to last year, due to gains in homes priced under $500,000. However, with 930 sales, activity still remain 24 per cent below long-term averages.  Recent gains were also not high enough to offset pullbacks earlier in the year, causing year-to-date sales to fall by over five per cent.
• Improving sales did not occur across all districts. In April, there was growth in the North East, North West, South and South East districts of the city. Despite some signs of sales improvement, overall sales activity remains well below 10-year averages throughout every region in the city.
• April detached inventories citywide continue to remain just above levels recorded last year. Months of supply remain relatively unchanged at four months.
• The amount of oversupply has varied significantly depending on the area of the city. Months of supply has only risen in the City Centre, South and West districts of the city.
• Despite some of the adjustments occurring in the detached sector, overall April prices remain lower than last year’s levels across all districts. Year to date, the largest year-over-year declines occurred in in the City Centre, North West and South districts.

Apartment

• Despite the affordability of apartment condominiums, sales activity continues to fall across the city and in most districts. There have been 714 apartment condominium sales so far this year, the lowest level since 2001.
• The decline in new listings has started to outweigh the sales decline, causing inventories to ease. As of April, resale apartment condominium inventories totaled 1,546 units, 16 per cent lower than inventory levels last April.
• The easing inventories have also caused the months of supply to decline to just above six months. While this is still a buyers’ market, this trend could help ease the downward pressure on prices if it continues.
• Apartment condominium prices in April totalled $250,400, comparable to last month, but over two per cent below last year’s levels and nearly 17 per cent below 2014 highs.

Attached

• Attached sales activity improved compared to last year’s levels for the second straight month, almost offsetting the declines occurring in the first two months of the year.  Year-to-date sales were 1,113 units, nearly one per cent below last year’s levels, and 14 per cent below long-term averages.
• Year-to-date sales have improved in all districts except the City Centre, North West and West.
• Improved sales and easing listings have helped prevent further inventory gains in this sector and overall months of supply have trended down to five months.
• Following several months of prices trending down, semi-detached benchmark prices in April rose over the previous month. However, prices remain over five per cent below last year’s levels at $395,300.
• Row prices were $284,900 in April, over five per cent below last year’s levels.

REGIONAL MARKET FACTS

Airdrie

• Stronger sales in March and April offset earlier declines, causing year-to-date sales to total 363 units, similar to levels recorded last year. New listings continue to decline, causing April inventories to ease compared to last year. Months of supply remain elevated at five months, but this is a notable improvement compared to last year, when months of supply was over six months.
• Rising sales and easing inventories helped prevent further price declines in April compared to March. However, overall, April prices remained nearly four per cent below last year’s levels. Prices have eased across all property types, with the largest year-to-date decline in the apartment sector at eight per cent.

Cochrane

• Despite improving sales in April, year-to-date sales in Cochrane eased by six per cent compared to last year. However, new listings have also eased, helping reduce some of the inventory in the market.  While inventories and months of supply remain elevated, for the first time since June 2018, the months of supply fell below six months.
• Some improvement with oversupply has likely prevented further monthly declines in prices. As of April, total benchmark prices remain over three per cent below last year’s levels for a total of $415,100.

Okotoks

• Despite some recent improvements in sales, year-to-date sales activity slowed compared to last year. New listings have also eased, but it was not enough to prevent further inventory gains, keeping months of supply above five months.
• The amount of oversupply has impacted prices. April residential prices totalled $406,700. This is nearly four per cent below last year’s levels. Price declines were slightly higher in the attached sector, with a year-over-year decline of nearly five per cent.

Wow and Thank you! Thanks to your help, we had an amazing first quarter 2019 having just sold 445 Skyview Ranch today! We had 11 showings and sold it $6,000 over List price. Laurie and Lauire (can you believe him and her have the same name?!!) are retiring on Vancouver Island!  5840 66 AVE NW in Charleswood wasn’t as fast … but we just went firm and these folks can finish their build and move to Eastern Alberta, getting on with the next step of their lives! Thanks so much.

Now we need your help.   Please forward this link to your friends and family.  https://www.thehowardteam.net/search/p/howard-team

2239 45 ST SE … Owner James has already moved out.  This CORNER Lot adjacent to a green space/park in inner city Forest Lawn needs the next buyer. They may move in, or rent with a long term hold to develop a 4-Plex.  Know an investor who could be interested?

Fix and Flip … or hold it? We got one that makes sense – for under $200K. Call me for details.

How about Walden? In a quite cul-de-sac with a legal secondary suite – to assist in paying half your mortgage.

Your realtor,

Bryon Howard

Wow. It was a Cold February, not only in temperature – but also in Real Estate Sales!

The mean (or average) temperature for February was -18.7 C, making this the third-coldest February on record, according to Environment Canada climatologists. The coldest of February was in 1936 when the mean temperature was -24.5 C

The effects of Calgary’s economic climate, and likely the cold temperature, continue to create weak sales activity and elevated inventory in the city’s housing market. Of course, lower prices are the result.

No substantial change in the economic climate and concerns regarding potential layoffs in the energy sector are leaving both sellers and buyers uncertain.

As of February, citywide benchmark prices were $414,400. This is nearly five percent below last January, slightly lower than last month’s figures, and over 10 percent below highs recorded in 2014.

While the market remains in oversupply;  slower sales and price declines do appear to be influencing sellers. New listings this month eased by eight percent compared to last year for a total of 2,211 units.

However, the 976 sales this month were not enough to substantially impact inventories levels, which remain elevated at 5,885 units.

If you have questions on Calgary real estate, whether it is housing, condo’s, or acreages, we can help you.

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.

The thing about Calgary is that once people come here for a short visit – they often end up extending their stay.

In fact, many never leave!

As a result, Calgary city continues to have a growing and thriving population.  Spend some time here and you tend to get hooked.  There are a thousand good reasons to fall in love with this place, and here are my “Top Five” list.

1. Calgary young. – According to Statistic Canada’s 2016 census figures, Calgary city remains the most youthful metropolitan area in Canada. Young single professionals and young families continue to motor the city forward and the youthful energy is contagious – even if you are just young at heart.

2. Jobs – The oil and gas industries have endured a few rough years, but given the cyclical nature of these fields, the ongoing rebound in the unemployment rate is likely to continue for some time. More importantly, the energy industry is not the only sector of the economy offering employment opportunities in Calgary. The city hosts the home offices of leaders in manufacturing, health care, education, and business services.

3. Mountain Vistas with an Urban Vibe – When you put down roots in Calgary, there is no need to choose between the love of nature and longing for an active urban lifestyle. In Calgary, we have it all. Towering ski slopes and some of the world’s most beautiful mountain lakes are only an hour away from world-class dining and international entertainment.  In the midst of an urban setting, we can boast of over 800 hectares of parks and nature preserves and the largest network of walking/biking trails in North America. In winter, many of the pathways are cleared within 24 hours of snowfall and the locals spend 12 months a year enjoying outdoor life.  Calgary offers residents and visitors the best of all worlds.

4. Quality of Life – In 2017, the prestigious international magazine, The Economist, chose Calgary as the 5^th “Most Livable” city in the world for the fifth year in a row. 140 major cities are graded on topics such as stability, culture, environment, health care, infrastructure, and education and Calgary scored 96.6 out of a possible 100 points. The editors at The Economist are merely articulating what our city residents already know – Calgary is a great place to live, work, play, enjoy nature, and raise a family.

5. The People – The people of Calgary are its greatest resource and the city has one of the most diverse populations in Canada. Friendly, generous, hard-working, energetic, creative, and tenacious are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind in describing our people.  Calgarians love to have fun.  What starts with Stampede in July continues throughout the year.  There’s always a music or cultural festival, block party, or get together to keep everyone entertained and support the strong sense of community that permeates our many neighbourhoods.

Wind me up and I could go on all day as to why I love Calgary.

When did you first fall in love with our city and what was it that pulled you in?

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.

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.

Over the past few years, Calgary has witnessed an ongoing, and sometimes fierce, public debate on the topic of secondary suites in single-family homes.  The debate is fueled by a number of factors, including economic and lifestyle trends that are driving the increased demand for legal secondary suites in the existing Calgary real estate housing market.

At first glance, secondary suites seem like a throwback to a bygone era when the extended family housing model was commonplace, but there is nothing old-fashioned about the secondary suites built into contemporary construction.  These apartments have everything needed for independent living and offer a great way to enjoy all the benefits of an extended family lifestyle while preserving privacy at the same time.

Owning a home with a fashionable, legal secondary suite allows families to experience the luxury of accommodating young adults and elderly family members under the same roof.  Multiple generations can live together, learn from, and support one another while retaining the ability to retreat to their own private space.

The 2016 Statistics Canada Census data shows that 1 in 3 Canadians between the ages of 20 and 34 live with their parents.  This number has been on the rise since 2001.  Housing affordability is a driving force behind the trend.  Another reason is that in an increasingly competitive job market, young adults are pursuing multiple advanced degrees before striking out on their own.   A secondary suite offers parents and children the best of all worlds and the ability to keep your loved ones close, but not too close.

On the other end of the spectrum, secondary suites are an attractive option for older adults looking to “age in place.”  Comfortable, private apartments in the homes of their children allow seniors to age comfortably and gracefully while lending a hand with child care and other family duties.  Children can rest comfortably knowing their beloved parents are right downstairs should they require assistance.  The economic benefits of reduced living expenses are shared by all.

Even the closest of families can develop a conflict with one another at times.  People can become particularly sensitive when they feel they lack privacy and a sense of independence in their lives.  Secondary suites allow families to acknowledge valid issues while offering a solution.  Whether you are 21, 81, or somewhere in between, we all need privacy and quiet time in addition to the love, support, and companionship of extended families.  Secondary suites offer a perfect solution for Calgary housing challenges confronting modern families.

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.

You have made the big decision to sell your home and you are overflowing with excitement and anticipation; may be feeling just a little bit nervous too. It does not really matter if it’s your first time letting go of a property or not, the cycle of self-doubt will kick in.

To help your home sell quickly and for top dollar;

Here are my “Top 5 Tips” for apprehensive sellers whether you are in Calgary city or other parts of the world; these guidelines do apply:

1. Work with an Experienced Realtor

The easiest way to banish any possibility of seller’s remorse down the road is to work with an experienced professional who understands the local market.  Knowing that you are in good hands will calm your nerves and help you sleep at night.  You have made a serious decision to sell a very large asset.  Ensure a good outcome by working with an experienced Calgary Realtor ( if you live in the city )

2. Price it Right

Homes that are overpriced end up languishing on the market and, in the end, often sell for less than they would have if they had been priced right in the beginning.  Timing is everything in real estate and an overpriced home can easily end up costing you time and money.  Work closely with your Realtor to set the correct price at the start.

3. Understand the Market

The real estate market is a continuum in constant motion – sometimes leaning heavily toward a buyer’s or seller’s market and oftentimes, balancing somewhere in the middle. Your Realtor can help you understand the realities (good and bad) of the market and micro-market your property is in.  It is great to dream, but you also need your expectations to remain realistic on the road to realizing those dreams.

4. Highlight Your Home’s Strengths

We know you love your home and will be leaving with some great memories.  The challenge in selling is to do everything possible to make sure buyers see what you see and fall in love with the property. You accomplish this by emphasizing your home’s best features – both in marketing and in the presentation.  If the house has great crown molding, don’t obscure it with heavy drapery.  A beautiful façade should not be covered with overgrown foliage.  Do everything possible to make sure the home’s finest qualities shine through.

5. Keep Your Eye on the Prize

When you decided to sell your property, you had at least one goal in mind.  Perhaps it was to free up money to invest in another property, or maybe you just wanted to rid yourself of mortgage debt.   Many sellers simply think it’s for a change in their living situation.  Whatever your motivation for selling, keep that in mind throughout the sometimes-frustrating process of selling a home.

Follow these simple tips to avoid needless anxiety, stress, and aggravation after putting up a “For Sale” sign to your property.

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. (more…)

Winter is a wonderful time to plan a visit to Calgary.  The locals here do not hide from Mother Nature’s fierce chill.  They embrace it and extract every bit of snow and ice related fun imaginable.  If snow and ice are not your thing, that’s OK too.  In Calgary, frigid temperatures are never an excuse to not explore the city.  With the world’s largest pedestrian skywalk system spanning more than 16 km, you can enjoy all that downtown Calgary has to offer while leaving your snow boots and parka at home.

Parks, Paths and Hiking

Many of the city’s parks offer year-round recreational opportunities.  The 580-km regional pathway system helps locals keep fit year-round and offers several wintertime fun runs, including the Hypothermic Half Marathon in February.  Many of the trails are kept clear of snow and ice for the enjoyment of walkers, runners and cycling enthusiasts.

Winter Sports

Don’t forget that Calgary sits at the base of the Canadian Rockies – home to world class facilities for skiers and snowboarders.  Some of the best runs in the world are within a few hours’ drive from the city at Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Nakiska Ski Resort, but you do not need to travel at all to participate in your favourite winter sports while in Calgary.  You can snowshoe, cross country ski, play hockey, ice skate, sled and even learn to luge at facilities throughout the city, including Canada Olympic Park, originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Festivals

Calgary is a festival goers dream – for visitors and locals alike.  It starts with the Stampede in the summer and continues for 12 months.  The frosty winter months offer plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor partying – everything from film and music festivals, food and wine tasting to avant garde theatre and motorcycle expos.  There is even an annual citywide Hot Chocolate Festival in which local eateries compete for the best hot chocolate recipes.  The proceeds of this event go to support Calgary’s Meals-on-Wheels program.

Calgary offers endless options for outdoor adventure and indoor exploration during the cold season.    Don’t let a little winter chill keep you from enjoying everything our city has to offer.  Take your pick and have a blast!

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.

With so much conflict and uncertainty in the world this year, it is not hard to understand how some people may be having trouble summoning the Christmas spirit.  If you find yourself cringing instead of smiling as the holidays draw near, here are a few tips for getting in the Christmas groove – Calgary style.

1. Start with Music – Create your own Christmas playlist and blast that music until it rocks. Choose your favourite carols and artists – songs that remind you of your childhood or a time in your life when things seemed simple.
2. Make a List and Check It Twice – To avoid getting overwhelmed by all you must do to prepare for the holiday, make a Christmas “To Do” list and take pride and delight in crossing items off once they are done. If you’re not careful, anxiety over workloads and tasks will keep you from enjoying time spent with friends and family. To avoid a meltdown, get organized and stay organized.
3. Pay it Forward – If your financial situation permits, buy a gift or donate to a stranger or local family in need of Christmas cheer. If money is tight, take a few minutes to shovel snow from your elderly neighbour’s walkway.  You will be amazed at how far a simple act of kindness goes toward lifting your spirits.  Joy is truly found in giving.
4. Set the Stage – Pull your Christmas boxes from storage and do a little decorating. Take the time to examine individual ornaments that hold treasured family memories and reminders of Christmases gone by.  Once the tree is up, kick back, put on your favourite Christmas movie and enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate or eggnog.
5. Visit a Christmas Market – Instead of doing all your shopping on-line or at a mall, take a stroll through one of Calgary’s vibrant Christmas markets. Support the fine work of local craftspeople and artists and find something for everyone on your list.
6. Ice Skate in a City Park – You may find magic in the air after lacing on your skates and taking a few turns around a rink in one of Calgary’s beautiful city parks. The crisp winter air and Christmas tunes playing over loudspeakers should lift your spirits.

Tinsel, garland, presents and twinkling lights are all just signs of the holiday season.  They are there to look pretty and help get you in the mood.  They are not, however, what Christmas is about.  Christmas is about rebirth and renewal, love and sharing.  Invest time giving of yourself this year and spending quality time with the ones you love.

The world outside may be frightful at times.  Instead of letting that fact get you down, use it as a reason to appreciate and connect with your family and friends, embrace your holiday traditions and make it a Christmas to remember.

Merry Christmas to all!

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.