Posts Tagged ‘Shirley Wright’

Why You Should Work With a Professional Realtor

Sunday, January 18th, 2015

Smiling male real estate agent using mobile phone by couple in n

Real estate buying and selling might appear to be something anyone can do, but in reality, it is rarely a simple process. Sellers who decide to go at it without the guidance of a professional Realtor will face a gauntlet of challenges on the road to closing. The allure of an “FSBO” transaction (For Sale by Owner) is the temptation to eliminate the real estate commission from the list of a seller’s costs. Ironically, many sellers end up struggling to close the deal on their own and failing to save much money in the end.

Enlisting the guidance of a trained professional when buying and selling real estate affords novice and seasoned investors alike several key advantages.

1. Realtors are Trained Professionals

Realtors are licensed professionals, required to complete in-depth educational programs and pass rigorous exams. Moreover, they are required to complete hours of continuing education on a regular basis. A large focus of the formal education has to do with professional ethics and laws of the agency. Much of the work involved in pushing a transaction to closing involves interaction with the other agents and professionals (lawyers, surveyors, bankers, escrow agents, etc.) involved. Successful real estate agents rely heavily on their network of industry relationships and connections built over the years. Hiring a Realtor to represent your interest as a buyer or seller gives you access to that same network.

2. Realtors have Access to the MLS System

Sellers and buyers who represent themselves do not have access to all information in the local Multiple Listing System (MLS). The data contained in the local MLS is invaluable to finding the right property and pinpointing current value based on market trends and comparable sales. The MLS is a seller’s best friend and you need to work with a Realtor to access its best features.

3. Realtors Have Invaluable Industry Knowledge

There are many laws, rules and regulations governing the transfer of real estate property. There are often complex title concerns and environmental issues that arise in the course of a sale. Knowledge on these things is needed to sort through the concerns and come up with solutions. Experienced Realtors have seen the same or similar problems before. Why not avail yourself of the knowledge that comes with the experience?

4. Other Buyers and Sellers in the Market Will Be Working With a Realtor

Think it through. As a seller, do you really want to field offers and negotiate contracts on your own when the vast majority of potential buyers will have professional representation? You will be at a distinct disadvantage in negotiations. Remember that the best way to obtain full asking price for your property is to have a quick sale. The longer a property sits on the market, the less likely it becomes that you will get your full price. When you list a property with a Realtor, all members of the local MLS will know about it in an instant. You will never be able to achieve that kind of impact through home marketing efforts. In addition, once a buyer sees an FSBO seller, the first thing they try to do is knock down the price to reflect the fact that the FSBO seller is not paying a commission. So how much is really saved, if anything?

Attorneys are always advised to never represent themselves in a dispute, as they will inevitably do a bad job. It is nearly impossible to be effective when you have an emotional stake. The same holds true for real estate transactions. Home buying and selling is an emotional process. Resist the urge to represent yourself. Instead, communicate your goals and concerns to an experienced professional Realtor and leave it to them to get the job done.

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  403-287-3880 or at  www.GreetingsCalgary.com . 

About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

Moving Forward and Being Your Best

Sunday, January 4th, 2015

Moving Forward and Being Your Best

Regardless of your profession, personal growth and a desire to continuously improve are the foundations of long-term success. “Good enough” just won’t cut it when you are fuelled by goals and aspirations. The real estate industry is a fiercely competitive business, so our clients and competitors always keep us on our toes. After all, no job is worth doing unless you are doing your best.

 

We draw plenty of inspiration from our peers in the business. We recognize the success of others and take note of the things they have done that made a difference. Real estate is very much a business built on relationships. Our relationships with our clients, peers, and other professionals help us build our experience and continue to deliver the kind of exceptional service that our network has come to expect.

 

Success also goes beyond your professional development. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and making sure your health is a priority is essential to keep you going at your full potential. In our busy lives, it is important to make time for family and friends. Especially as the holiday season approaches, we become more aware of the significance of our role in others’ lives and their importance in our own.

 

Having a creative outlet can also serve as a wonderful stress reliever and break from the motions of your typical work day. In my case, I immerse myself in music. I play the cello and I always look forward to rehearsing and performing with my ensembles on a regular basis. Music is so uplifting, and speaks to the spirit.

 

Many highly successful professionals credit their motivation to reading. Unwinding with a great book after a busy day or taking some time to read an inspiring message while you enjoy your morning coffee might be all you need to keep your mind focused. Success might mean something different to everyone, but nothing beats the satisfying feeling of accomplishment. What drives you to do better? What keeps you focused on your goals and pushes you to be your best self?

 

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 Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional. I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.

To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.

I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website http://www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

Wishing You All a Merry Christmas

Sunday, December 21st, 2014

Wishing You All a Merry Christmas

 

Hurray the holidays are finally here! The snow has fallen, and melted… and fallen and everywhere you look, there are signs of the festive season. The bright lights and beautiful music make the cold weather not so bad after all. In fact, Calgary is a great place to be during Christmas time. There are plenty of events happening around the city to help you get in the spirit of the festivities.

Our family looks forward to the holidays as a time to relax, unwind, and spend time together. We also make it a point to enjoy the great outdoors. Heading to the mountains for a few days of skiing has become an annual tradition. Even though everyone is way faster then me now, I still love it! When you have some of the best slopes in the country just an hour or two away, staying indoors all winter is not an option! Walks in the city that give us mountain views can be breathtaking. The pinkish glow of the early morning sun on mountain peaks always stops me in my tracks.

The holidays are all about family and traditions, and of course, the food. Every family has their own special recipes. I love to make French Breakfast Puffs fresh on Christmas morning. They are an easy and simple treat that we now refer to as “Christmas Puffs”. I put the ingredients together the night before, so it’s an easy task on Christmas morning. I’ve included the recipe below. Thanks to my Mom for sharing it with me many years ago.

French Breakfast Puffs

Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; set aside.

In a bowl stir together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

In another bowl, combine 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/3 cup melted margarine or butter; add to flour mixture, stirring just till moistened.

Lightly grease muffin cups or line with paper bake cups; fill 2/3 full.

Bake in a 350 oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till golden.

Immediately dip tops into 3 tablespoons melted margarine, then into sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Server warm. Makes 12.

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Find some time to unwind and make special memories with the people that matter most. Travel safe if you plan on escaping to somewhere a little warmer or plan on traveling across the country to visit loved ones. At the end of the day, our family and friends are what makes it all worthwhile.

We wish you all the best and we look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.

 

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 403-287-3880 or at  www.GreetingsCalgary.com. 

 
About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

Getting Your Home on the Market

Monday, December 8th, 2014

Getting Your Home on the Market


As a real estate professional, I enjoy the process of helping homeowners get their property ready for the market. There are plenty of decisions to be made along the way. Although each home is unique in its own way, every seller has one important objective in mind – to accomplish a smooth and profitable sale.

Decide on the right price.

The pricing strategy is one of the most important factors to influence a successful sale. Market value is determined by analysing recent sales in the area, market trends, the condition of the home, and the competing inventory on the market. We will prepare a comparative market analysis for your property. We will discuss pricing.  If you decide to price a home on the high end, you run the risk of being overlooked by potential buyers who aren’t sure if you’d be willing to negotiate. Pricing a home on the low end could result in multiple offers if the time is right, but you also run the risk of getting less than what your home is worth.

Prepare your home for the market.

A well-kept home will probably require deep cleaning and some simple decluttering. A vacant home, or one that is less visually appealing, can usually benefit from a staging professional. It always helps to go the extra mile to make your home stand out from the rest. If you are concerned about some maintenance issues around the property, consider hiring a home inspector for a pre-sale inspection. These are becoming more common with homeowners because it allows them to address potential problems ahead of time, not after the negotiations are already complete.

Reach your target market.

Professional photographs, a well-written, detailed description of your house and plenty of online advertising are just the beginning of the marketing process. My team also relies on our established professional network to promote your home and reach out to other agents who may have a buyer that is interested in your neighbourhood. Once the showings begin, we often request feedback to get buyers’ reaction to your property, and encourage them to bring in an 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 GreetingsCalgary.com.

About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

Want to Know What Your Home Is Worth?

Monday, November 24th, 2014

Want to Know What Your Home Is Worth

The real estate market in Calgary is constantly changing. Supply and demand fluctuate, and specific trends can affect certain areas of the city while having little impact in others. Understanding the current market in your neighbourhood can help you determine how much equity you have in your home, and decide if the timing is right to make a move.

Many people rely on the active listings displayed on MLS to see what’s happening in their surrounding area. The truth is, this doesn’t always show you the full picture. Sometimes, listings are priced too high and sit on the market for weeks before the sellers are obligated to reduce the price. Other times, the list prices is driven up by multiple offers.

So how do you stay informed with accurate and up-to-date information, specifically customized for your neighbourhood? Sign up for our Market Snapshot ReportYou will receive a report containing all the homes that have been recently listed and sold in your neighbourhood. You can even customize how often you would like the report to be sent to you. Wondering what the home up the street sold for? Curious about how the interior finishes compared to yours? The Market Snapshot Report will provide you with all the information you need. Take advantage of this free, no-obligation resource to keep yourself informed on your biggest investment – your home.

Staying on top of the value of your home is no different than keeping an eye on your investments in the bank. Each month, market trends in Calgary continue to impress. Home values are on the rise, new developments are breaking ground all over the city, and investors are securing their money in Calgary real estate. Your Market Snapshot Report will help you stay up to date.

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 GreetingsCalgary.com.

 
About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

Preparing to Close Your New Home

Wednesday, November 12th, 2014


Preparing to Close Your New Home

You’ve found the perfect home, made an offer, and signed the deal! The hard work is done, right? Not so fast. There are a few important things to keep in mind before closing to make sure your new home purchase goes exactly as planned.

Get your paperwork ready. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to provide all the necessary documentation to your mortgage lender. They will need a copy of the signed purchase and sale agreement, as well as the paperwork that verifies your income. This can include tax returns, T4’s, a recent paystub, and anything else that is relevant to your type of employment.

Don’t make any large purchases or apply for additional credit. Keep in mind, your mortgage approval is based on your financial situation at the time of your application. Even though it seems obvious, some buyers do make the mistake of switching jobs, racking up a loan, or purchasing a car right before closing. Big changes in your financial situation could void your mortgage approval.

Have your down payment and closing costs ready to go. Your lawyer will require a bank draft at the time of closing to cover your legal fees and the remainder of your down payment. Make sure your funds are in an accessible account so that you can retrieve them a day or two before closing. If you are withdrawing from an investment account or an RRSP, move the money as soon as you can to avoid delays.

Organize your move and set up your utilities. Hiring movers? Call around ahead of time to get a few quotes, and make sure the company you choose is available on your moving day. If you are moving into a condo, book the elevator with the building’s superintendent. Next, make sure all the utilities are set up in your name.

Book an appointment with your lawyer. Your lawyer will need you to sign off on a pile of paperwork for the lender, verify your ID, disperse the funds, and hand over the keys to your brand new place. After that, you’re all done! Welcome, home.

 
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 GreetingsCalgary.com.

 
About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

Officially Introducing Shirley to the Howard Team

Thursday, October 2nd, 2014

Shirley Wright

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce one of the newest members of the Howard Team.  For some of you, she might be a familiar face.  I’m pleased to announce that my wife, Shirley, has made the move into real estate.  Shirley acquired her real estate license at the beginning of this year, and some of our buyers and sellers have already had the chance to work with her.

Coming from a background in music and education, Shirley is passionate about teaching our clients everything they need to know about their real estate transaction.  After graduating from McGill University with a Music Degree and then doing an Education Degree at the University of Prince Edward Island, music has been at the heart of Shirley’s teaching career.  She has been teaching music for 22 years and over the last 10 years, she has been employed by the Calgary Board of Education.  Shirley is an accomplished cellist and performs with the Calgary Civic Orchestra.  She has shared her love of music with countless students and also provides cello lessons at a private music school.  To add to her list of accomplishments, Shirley is also bilingual.

For many people, buying or selling a home is a learning experience.  Even though our clients hire us to represent their best interest in the transaction, they still want to have a strong sense of awareness each step of the way.  After all, buying a home is one of the most important decisions that you make in your life.  Shirley prides herself in providing exceptional customer service, and will take the time to answer all of your real estate questions.

As always, we appreciate your business and your referrals.  Shirley and I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs.  Have questions about selling your home?  Thinking about making a move in the near future?  Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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.

Branding Bryon Howard … (say it like Brian – damn it!)

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Recently , I’ve been considering the spelling of my name. Way to many people think my name is pronounced Byron … but it is pronounced Brian. It’s really screwed up … because it’s spelled Bryon.

I’m not sure why my parents did this to me.  I still love ’em … even though since grade 1 … on the 1st day of school the teacher called me Byron … and all the kids laughed … and called me this until about November.  This happens less frequently since high school … but still happens at least every three or four years.  (I’m really glad I’m not still in school. That sucked.)

I like my last name … and will work on branding it. Howard is cool. Bryon is alright. I hate Byron. I’m not fancy about Brian.

I love selling Calgary real estate … and want it to be easy for people to recognize me … and find me.  I work with ReMax … which is a powerful brand and has 37% of the market share in Calgary. I want my personal brand to match ReMax … and will ALWAYS use the ReMax logo along with this brand concept.

Below are some concepts that my good friend Greg Kolodziejzyk came up with.

I told Greg that I wanted to copy Greg Hamre’s logo. (See below the header from The Hamre Team’s website.) I met Greg Hamre and his bro at a ReMax conference in Banff in November. He’s a super cool guy. He and his family sell Real Estate in Ottawa. http://www.weknowottawa.com  (I hope he doesn’t mind. I’ll have to remember to ask him.)

I’m leaning towards the logo on the top right corner. If you have any thoughts on this … you could post below – or send me an email.

Branding Bryon Howard - Calgary, Alberta ReMax Realtor

Branding Bryon Howard – Calgary, Alberta ReMax Realtor


Bryon Howard, RE/MAX House of Real Estate
20, 2439 54 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 1M4
Tel: 403-287-3880 (Re/Max) or 403-475-7368 (office) Fax: 403-287-3876 or 403-276-8049 (office)
The data included on this website is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate by the Calgary Real Estate Board
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