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Too many novice homebuyers and investors still make the rookie mistake of buying the right house in the wrong neighbourhood.  While most people are familiar with the real estate mantra – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION – some buyers fall in love with the look, feel and features of a particular home and, as we all know, love is blind.  Location ends up getting trumped by the hard-to-resist lure of a pretty façade.  In truth, buyers are better off buying a home in the right neighbourhood that has only half the amenities on their wish list than buying their perfect dream home in the wrong neighbourhood.

Narrowing a property search to the right neighbourhoods requires the guidance and assistance of a professional Realtor who has a clear understanding of your purpose in buying and your short and long-term real estate goals.  Your Realtor also needs to get to know you a little on a personal level to help in targeting the neighbourhoods that will offer the best fit for your personality and lifestyle.  The right neighbourhood for an investor will not necessarily be the right neighbourhood for a young couple with school age children or a single person seeking access to downtown amenities.

In order to maximize short-term cash flow and long-term equity growth, investors need to search for properties in up-and-coming communities that attract quality tenants.  If you are intending to be a landlord near a university, access to public transit is a critical element since many students and faculty members do not own their own vehicles.  Homebuyers with children need family-friendly neighbourhoods with proximity to good schools, parks and recreational facilities.

There are a myriad of factors to consider when buying a home.  Pinpointing the right location is a function of all of these considerations.  Do you work?  Where do you work?  Do you have children?  How do you feel about commuting?   How do you spend your leisure time?  Are you a condo or a house buyer?  If you are an investor, what are you hoping to achieve?  Is this your first investment or part of a larger portfolio?  These are only a few of the questions to consider before launching a property search.  The answers to these questions, in the hands of a knowledgeable Realtor, will help determine the locations to focus on in your search.

Even though all clients come to the table with wildly-differing goals and expectations, everyone is looking to achieve a positive return on investment (ROI) and location has a huge influence on ROI. At the same time, if you are going to be living in the home, you want to be in a neighbourhood that will accommodate your needs and complement your lifestyle.  The suburban home you fell in love with at first sight may start to wear on your nerves if it involves a long commute.  And the downtown condo that is close to work may leave you disenchanted if you have always harboured dreams of large backyard barbecues and an expansive garden.

Pinpointing the right location with strong potential for both long term ROI and short-term comfort and satisfaction involves a delicate analysis that is best conducted with the help of an experienced and objective Realtor.  You will need a pro to help you weigh all factors and choose the right property in the right neighbourhood for you and your family.

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.

When it comes to preparing a home to list for sale, successful Realtors and sellers understand that it is all about the details. There is more to selling a home for top dollar than simply staking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. Paying attention to seemingly minor details will help separate your property from others in the MLS and instill in buyers the confidence that they are purchasing a home that has been cared for.

Rather than just issuing blanket instructions to sellers that they get their homes in shape to sell, we like to take an individualized approach and make specific recommendations to sellers based on their needs and circumstances. The goal is always to help ensure the property shows as well as possible. Many clients find that a small investment of time and money prior to listing a property for sale more than pays for itself at closing.

Of course every home is different and the extent of preparation work will vary according to the age and condition of the property and the size of the seller’s budget. While we always sit down with our clients and craft a personalized strategy, we find that attention to any of the following basic items will help sell any home:

Declutter and Depersonalize – Remove as much clutter and extra furniture as possible. Traffic in the home should flow smoothly from one room to another. It is also helpful to remove personal photos, memorabilia and knickknacks to help buyers begin to envision the home as their own.

Deep Cleaning – Arrange for a deep cleaning of the home – inside and out. Power wash the exterior, and clean all walls, surfaces, windows and fixtures until they shine. Steam-cleaned carpets will look and smell like new.

Landscaping – Trim trees, bushes and any landscaping that is overgrown or obscuring the home. Make sure the lawn is cut on a regular basis.

Minor Repairs – If feasible, now is the time to take care of all those little repair items that accumulate over time. Repair or replace cracked floor, wall and counter tiles. Patch holes and cracks in the walls. Fix leaking pipes and faucets. Repair any broken doors, windows and cabinetry. Clean chimneys and replace HVAC filters.

Fresh Paint – Consider painting the interior of the home in neutral tones to appeal to the most buyers. Don’t worry! You can paint your next home in your favourite shades of pink and orange.

Finishing Touches – Replace burnt out light bulbs and worn, discolored switch plates. Pull back curtains and blinds to allow natural light to flow in. Consider replacing any worn out window treatments, bedspreads and comforters.

Some of these items may seem minor and insignificant, but experience tells us that lack of attention to these little details can make your home seem frumpy and neglected. Once you have prepared your home for listing, we can help you in the next steps – setting the appropriate asking price based on a market evaluation and determining if staging the home will assist in the sale. At first glance, it may seem like a lot of work. Just remember that once we place a “Sold” sticker on your “For Sale” sign, you will know that the time, money and labor invested in preparing your home for sale was well worth the effort.

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.

When buying or selling a home, one of the most important documents you will have is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, also commonly referred to as the “Offer”. This legally binding contract will outline in detail everything from the purchase price, closing arrangements and conditions to titles and chattels. It is always best to have a lawyer go through the details of every document or contract you have to sign when buying or selling a home, but it doesn’t hurt to be acquire some knowledge of the process prior to seeing your lawyer. We will share with you some of the more important and relevant sections of the agreement, and from here you will be more equipped when the time comes for you to sign one.

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a standard contract governed by AREA the Alberta Real Estate Association. The purchase or sale for a home is usually the largest transaction that you will make in your lifetime.  As such, the Agreement should be fully understood by both the buyer and seller and requires that both parties fully understand what it contains and what it means to them.

The agreement is only a few pages when you remove the signature page and schedules that contain additional provisions. It contains many self-explanatory “fill in the blank” provisions, but care must be taken to ensure that they are accurately completed, including the names of the parties, the purchase price, the property description, the deposit and the closing date.   The date of the agreement is typically for reference purposes only.

Here we list some of the more important sections of the agreement.

1. The Property – this section provides the legal address and description of the property being sold/purchased. It also details any items or “chattels” that are to be included or excluded from the agreement.
2. The Transaction section is important because it details the financials’ what the initial deposit is, an assumption of mortgage, financing and any other details that are.
3. The Deposit section details where any monies and deposits will be held in trust, legal details pertaining to the financial transaction and all other financial conditions included on the agreement.
4. The Conditions section details all conditions that are part of the offer. A condition could be based on approved financing, passing a home inspection or and other condition the buyer chooses to implement.

Once the Offer is made by one party and accepted by the other, it becomes a binding agreement of purchase and sale (subject to any conditions set out therein). In order to get the Agreement right, the buyers and sellers will have to heavily rely on the expertise of their realtors and lawyers, but should make every effort to read and understand the Agreement provisions before rushing off to sign.

It is fair to say that some real estate transactions are more complicated than others. Therefore ensuring you have a licensed realtor and legal professional on your team is imperative for a smooth and easy transaction.

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.

The home buying process can be very exciting…choosing the neighbourhood you want to live in, scouring through listings and checking out weekend open houses to find the home of your dreams. I enjoy helping my clients through this process – it’s one of the many reasons I became a Realtor. My job is to give my clients the tools to buy with confidence, which is why I work with specialists and ensure that I am keenly up to date during the many ebbs and flows that is the real estate industry. If you are thinking of buying your first home, or ready to get back into the market after several years of home ownership, a licensed Realtor is essential to help you understand all your options.

Once my client has made the decision to purchase a new home, I help them to weigh their options. These options can be anything from location to budget restrictions – but whatever they are I use my years of experience to help guide them in the right direction. Providing them with a good understanding of what their desired locations means for their budget and lifestyle, as well as ensuring that they are making a good long term investment that will help secure their future golden years.

I also work alongside accredited mortgage brokers who are experienced and knowledgeable. Having them as part of my team allows my clients to secure their financing in the early stages of the process. This relationship bodes well especially when a client is self-employed or has a non-traditional source of income. A mortgage professional can help to easily navigate home buyers through the labyrinth by assisting in getting the required documentation and advising on what type of mortgage and payment plan suits their financial needs.

Whether you are a typical buyer looking for your next place to call home or an investor who would like some assistance in buying additional properties, my team and I have the qualifications you need to make the process a seamless one.

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.

The decision to downsize to a new living arrangement may be one of the best decisions you ever make. The advantages are numerous and you do not have to wait for years to reap the benefits. As a hedge against the impact of inevitable economic cycles, downsizing is a housing option that makes sense for young and old alike. There are, of course, certain fears associated with a move that also heralds a major lifestyle change. The best advice I can anyone contemplating a downsizing move is to summon the courage to make the move that makes the most sense for you. If you are nervous, start by turning perceived negatives into positives.

While expansive homes with plenty of space are a nice luxury, many modern homeowners find that the extras space ends up costing more than it is worth and does not always mesh well with their lifestyle. Young families today are less interested in extra square footage and acreage than they are in proximity to the workplace, urban amenities, transportation and good schools. Downsizing to a smaller home frees up cash each month to spend on family activities or redirect into savings. Families in Toronto, Vancouver and other thriving cities have long embraced the exchange of smaller space for bigger lifestyle and the trend seems to be catching on throughout Canada.

Anyone who has lived in a home for a long period of time will tend to have an emotional attachment to the property – particularly if it was a family home where you raised your children. The attachment is inevitable and understandable. In many instances, the decision to downsize will involve getting rid of a lot of “stuff” that you have accumulated over the years. Rather than viewing the need to rid yourself of belongings as a sad, anxiety-inducing task, think of it as a chance to lighten your load and free yourself of unnecessary clutter. With the right mindset, ridding yourself of extra belongings can actually be a very liberating experience. Do not be afraid to ask friends and family to lend a hand in designating items for gifting, donating, storing or disposing. If you prefer, you can always hire a professional to help organize and sort, or perhaps a moving company to help with the process entirely.

Downsizing will not only lighten your load in terms of clutter, it will also gift you with the one thing we all have too little of – time! By moving to a condo or smaller home, you will free up hours each week to invest in the things that matter most in life. Instead of shoveling snow and cutting grass on weekends, you will be free to travel and pursue your favourite leisure time activities with loved ones. And for many downsizers, the move will result in more disposable income to pursue those passions.

Keep in mind that the memories of life in your old home will remain in your heart forever. In choosing a new home and neighbourhood for the next exciting chapter in your life, make sure to work closely with your Realtor to ensure that the new living arrangement reflects the new 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 403-589-0004 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.

As a Realtor, my clients are always asking me which home improvements tend to attract buyers and bring the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. In Calgary, homeowners cannot go wrong in replacing dated, worn-out windows with attractive, energy-efficient replacement windows. The return on investment will be realized immediately in the form of reduced heating and air conditioning bills and will continue down the road in the form of appreciation. Replacement windows are also one of the few upgrades that will please nearly all buyers.

Many home improvements are more about livability than adding value to your asset. By all means, if you are planning on staying for a while and have the means to do so, go ahead and make any and all improvements that make you happy. If, however, you are planning on listing your home for sale in the not too distant future, think twice before making certain improvements that are not likely to add value to the property and may even impede sales. Very high-end kitchen remodels, over-the-top renovations and highly personal décor affixed to the home will not bring much of a return on investment and may put off buyers who do not share your decorating aesthetic.

Replacement windows are such a sensible investment because they tend to bring a return whether the homeowner stays for five years or thirty. Draft-free rooms reduce energy bills considerably and make the home more comfortable and livable for its occupants. It is a simple and cost-effective improvement that any homeowner with cold spots and leaking windowsills can appreciate. The selection of materials and styles available to buyers is endless. Owners of older homes interested in preserving the appearance of their home should have no trouble finding suitable replacements that will make the home energy-efficient while preserving the architectural integrity at the same time.

If you are living in a drafty home with leaking windows and rotting window sills, you should definitely consider installing replacement windows to enhance the beauty, energy-efficiency and overall value of your home. In some areas, tax credits and utility company rebates are available to homeowners looking to update their windows and doors. Lenders may also sponsor special loan programs to finance the initial cost.

Stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer and confident year round knowing you have made an excellent investment in your home when you install replacement windows.

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.

Despite the economic downturn triggered by the precipitous fall in crude oil prices, Calgary’s population continues to grow and outpace projections made just a few years ago. According to the City’s 2015 Census, the 1.2 million people currently residing in Calgary represent a 3% increase from the prior year. 2015 witnessed the third largest influx of new residents in Calgary’s history. Despite economic concerns that are affecting all but a few areas of the country, Calgary remains Canada’s fastest growing city.

The unemployment rate in Calgary right now is hovering around 7% – similar to most of the country. The newcomers still flocking to the City are putting their faith in the belief that Calgary’s diversified economy will enable it to weather the storm and handle the seemingly random spins of economic cycles. The manufacturing, finance, construction and transportation sectors remain viable sources of employment for Calgary’s growing population.

While the promise of good jobs may have been a driving force during the city’s exponential growth over the past twenty years, there were other factors at work that caused the newcomers to stay and make Calgary their permanent home. The City consistently ranks high in MoneySense magazine’s annual list of “best places to live” in Canada. The MoneySense editors understand what Calgary residents already know – the weather, spectacular scenery, emphasis on active lifestyle and strong sense of community combine to make Calgary a very livable city. In fact, The Economist has declared Calgary to be in the top five “most livable cities” in the world and awarded the City perfect or near perfect scores in the categories of “stability”, “education”, “healthcare” and “infrastructure”. Residents, visitors and pundits the world over agree that Calgary is a very good place to live.

When it comes to urban planning, cities throughout North America and the world look to Calgary as a model in the ongoing fight to balance growth and development with environmental concerns. Many residents choose to bicycle to work and even more enjoy the City’s vast network of hiking trails and paths on a daily basis.

Even in the face of economic uncertainty fueled by energy industry woes, Calgary’s diversified employment opportunities and high wages keep workers coming. Our healthy, active lifestyle, incredible natural beauty and intact pioneer spirit compel them to stay.

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.

2016 Finish Line at Calgary Police Half Marathon – Volunteer & Friend Jeremy Woolward presenting Bryon Howard with his Finisher’s Medal

A few years ago, along with friend Greg K, we decided we would do an Ironman distance triathlon every 5 years. I think we both think of it as a bit of a health check up. 2011 was our last Ironman … so this is Ironman Year – the goal race being Ironman Arizona on Nov 20.
One of the reasons I like this 5 year Ironman plan … is every 5 years … I’m forced to get real efficient with my time, and because of all the training … I am forced to take a serious look at my health and habits. Currently, as I ramp up my training and research – I am a bit amazed at all the new supposed ‘hacks’ – at how to get fitter and faster.
For the past 6 weeks, I have experimented with a Ketogenic Diet (High Fat and Low Carbs). I began down this rabbit hole by Listening to a pod cast by Tim Ferris as he interviewed Dr. Peter Atilla & later Dom D’Augustino. Since then, I’ve listened/read other proponents of this ‘way’ … Mark Sisson and Ben Greenfield.
Proponents of training and racing in a Ketogenic State (as I understand it) – suggest that you should not need to fuel your body until after 3, 4 and even 5 hours of training/racing. Your body will burn more efficiently on fat (versus what we all mostly believe – which you must use Carbs).
Since January 1, I have run 36 hours. That is about 2.5 hours per week. At the same time, I’ve been skiing, cycling and swimming … gaining fitness. I did three very good speed workouts on the Glenmore Track the three weeks prior to this race.

Since early in March, I’ve been waking in the morning … drinking bullet coffee … and getting on with my day of a morning swim or run, then working … often having the first low carb meal at noon. (This is to practice becoming a fat burning machine.)

Sunday, April 24/16 – Calgary Police Half Marathon – Time to test the training & diet
I woke 2 hours before the 8am start, I drank a bullet coffee (adding butter and cream). I weighed in at 160.2 lbs – which is about 5 pounds off my standard ‘natural want to be weight’ of 166 pounds. I’m pleased about that. Ultimately I would like to try to get down to 155lbs for IM Arizona.
15 Minutes prior to the race start, I drank some Ketoforce (It contains 55 calories with Sodium & Potassium Beta Hydroxybutyrate … supposed to help me be a ‘fat burning beast’.)
Weeks before the race, I decided I would try to run sub 1 hour 30 min … which is a pace of 4 min 15″ per km. (I did similar pace in November.) I felt great at the start of the race, running the first 8 km’s between 3:52 and 4:07.

Somewhere between 9 and 11 km, my legs felt VERY heavy. (I wondered … do I have enough miles of running in these legs.)
1 hour into the race, against the strong proponents of this diet, I had a gel. I was told if I did this … it would be like rocket fuel and I’d fly the last 30 minutes. Nothing. (I wished there was a telephone booth near, so I could get my Superman cape out.)
In the last kilometer, I had another gel. I got passed by two runners.
I had no kick – no fight to truly race.
My average heart rate was 163, max bursting to 188. This may suggest that I was going as hard as possible … as my threshold is around 163 (from my self testing).
I ran 1 hour 30 min and 30 seconds – a pace of 4min 17″. I finished 25th overall and 6th in my age group. According to Strava, the course was a little long. See the route (my heart rate & more) on Strava by clicking here.

What did I learn:
I’m enjoying the diet
I should try the next event with a fat filled breakfast (eggs fried in coconut oil/butter & spinach)
I should run more than 2.5 hours per week

What’s Next?
Ghost of the Gravel on June 19, a dirt road race of about 150km – where I hope to defend my win from last year in the Cat 3 category.
I think I’d like to get more strict about this ketosis thing. I’d like to monitor my body a bit more to find out if I am actually in ketosis.
I want to learn more about HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Training. My understanding so far … base your workout effort on your rested heart rate when you wake up in the morning.

In 2015, RE/MAX Realtor Bryon Howard ran as Superman at The Police Half Marathon. With a lot less training, little focus, and no diet changes – his time was only 2 min slower than 2016. (The cape must have helped.)

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 www.TheHowardTeam.net.

The stars are historically aligning in Calgary to create near-perfect conditions for certain sectors of the real estate investment market.  Anyone still hesitant about owning investment property should realize that conditions may never again be as favorable as they are right now. Several economic and social trends are combining to create optimum conditions for the perfect storm!

• Economic Uncertainty – The free fall in gas and oil prices has contributed to an atmosphere of economic uncertainty.  A good number of jobs were lost in Western Canada and throughout the nation.  As a result, many workers are reluctant to buy a home and plant roots right now.  They want to maintain the flexibility to relocate quickly if a job opportunity demands that.  Renting remains their best option.

• Low Interest Rates – What is there to not like about today’s historically low-interest rates?  2015 witnessed not one but two quarter-point Bank Rate drops by the Bank of Canada.  The cost of money is as low now as it has been at any point in history.  The forecast for 2016 is for minor increases if any.

• Lower Construction Costs – Purpose-built housing and secondary suites cost only a fraction of what it takes to build a single-family detached home.  Lower costs equal higher returns.

• Liberal Party Platform – Prime Minster-elect Justin Trudeau and his victorious Liberal party have proposed $125 million in tax incentives designed to add to Canada’s stock of rental housing and promote the renovation of existing housing stock. The incentives will come in the form of the elimination of all GST on investment in affordable rental housing.

• Everybody is Renting – The shift toward renting vs. owning is not confined only to those uncertain about employment prospects. Everybody is doing it, including retirees!  The millennial generation may be igniting the fuel, but the trend is visible across all demographic groups, including the wealthy.  For many people, renting is simply the more attractive option for a myriad of reasons. There should be no shortage of renters in the Calgary market for years to come.

Rarely, forces come together so forcefully in favor of investment in one sector of the market. Those who wish to share in the profits are well-advised to speak to a reputable Realtor with a solid background in representing investors.

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.

For years now, economists and social scientists have been warning us that the millennial generation holds the power to transform society’s values and political base in ways we have not yet even imagined.   This demographic group can exert inordinate influence through the sheer power of their educated numbers combined with their familiarity and comfort with the use of digital media and technology.  Generation Y is already recognized as a force to be reckoned with in the workplace and in consumer marketing. When it comes to lifestyle choices and real estate, the millennials are already beginning to flex their collective muscle.

For as long as most of us can remember, it was the dream of every Canadian to own their own home.  After school, you rented with room mates for a while before graduating to your own apartment or condo and eventually moving up to a single family home in the suburbs with a partner or spouse.  Millennials are taking this well-worn paradigm and turning it over onto its head.

After being forced to rent under the weight of crippling student debt and wildly-inflated housing prices, this diverse demographic sector of our society is now embracing the hand that was dealt them and choosing to rent rather than own a home.  In their trend-setting migration back to downtown rentals in city centres, the millennials are not alone.  They are joined by a vast cross section of the population, including their baby boomer relatives who are following the same path in droves.

The new renters are embracing the flexibility and mobility that renting offers.  In addition to making it easier to pull up stakes and accept a job opportunity across the country, renting affords apartment dwellers the luxury of knowing exactly how much they will need for housing costs each month.  Leaking pipes and broken furnaces are the landlord’s headache – not theirs.  Today’s urban renters want a comfortable and safe home with nice amenities but they are willing to sacrifice square footage and potential equity to free up money for travel and recreation.

For property owners, investors and real estate professionals, it is time to take notice of the millennial driven movement toward renting vs. owning. It is a trend that appears to have staying power and may revolutionize the residential real estate market.

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.