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When I first learned about the Canadian Birkenbiner nearly 20 years  ago … I have always wanted to do it. Last weekend my friend Greg and I did the 55 km cross country ski marathon on the 25th Anniversary of the event. I made a fun little video of the day.  Temperatures were just around zero degrees … and waxing was epic difficult.  I broke both my poles during the race! (I like to think it was my POWER … but it is definately bad technique!)

The Birkie is a family-oriented, friendly cross-country ski loppet (recreational event) honouring the spirit of the Norwegian Birkebeiner legend. Reliving an 800-year-old historic legend of the original Birkebeiners who saved the heir to the Norwegian throne in a 55km epic journey. It takes place the second Saturday in February every winter near Edmonton.

It’s a premier “loppet” — a recreational fun citizen race, geared to mass participation, fun and bragging rights for the fastest. Some of Bryon’s buddies with Team Mito http://www.mitocanada.org/team/team/nord-skiing/ were the Fastest of the day … including Jeff Krar who who his age group.

Canada’s largest classical-format cross country ski festival.

Source: www.sodahead.com

This week, I’ll be taking a quick break from the Calgary real estate scene to attend Mike Ferry’s One-on-One Retreat, “The Art of Selling,” in San Diego, California. It’s not all sun, surf, and sand for me however. I’m constantly honing my skills and constantly keeping myself abreast with all the latest industry trends and developments. Now, I caught myself in a reflective mood and while packing my things for the trip, I thought of how, as a realtor, you could spend ALL your time attending seminars with each real estate guru offering the “Latest Magic Pill” on how to sell a lot of real estate–while sitting in your pajama’s at home doing nothing.

It’s true that while the Internet and the tools and technology have made things easier, the basics of selling, nevertheless, are what have enabled my success.

When I started my career, there were less seminars or conferences that I could attend. A lot of what I know today I learned from mentors and first-hand experience, which in itself is a good way to understand the ins and outs of any industry. Which brings me to the idea behind today’s entry: I thought I’d share with you a few ideas on how to be a great salesperson: based on my own experiences and the ideas of people I met over the course of my real estate career.

Being polite and friendly will win you friends—and clients

Early on in life, we learn that, to make friends, we needed to be friendly. I learned from selling in the Calgary real estate market that being polite and friendly makes you more approachable. Not everyone you meet is a potential seller or buyer, but people will never forget that positive and energetic realtor. Who knows, they may even refer possible clients to you – especially when you ask them to!  No matter how many people you’ve talked to in a day, make each person feel as though he’s your first customer. Let them know you are a professional realtor and ask them if they know anyone who could use your help. Also, never forget that a sincere smile and a firm handshake are sure to win over potential clients.

Do your homework

If you want to be a great salesperson, it’s also important that you know your product very well. People looking for property want someone who has extensive knowledge of the real estate market, one who can answer their questions and give great advice.  Aside from knowing everything about a house or a project that I’m selling, I keep abreast of real estate trends and developments. This way, I can give clients a better assessment of how a potential investment will turn out.

Be honest and straightforward

Aside from being well-informed and having a positive demeanor, another winning trait of a great salesman is honesty & integrity. An honest salesperson won’t hide the bad if any are present; instead, he or she will present both the pros and cons of a particular decision or purchase so the potential buyer can weigh their decision carefully.  A rewarding career in real estate hinges on your reputation. Don’t forget that word does travel fast. If you sell someone a lemon and pretend it is not, people will find out about it and there will be repercussions.

Becoming a great salesperson is not only about being able to close the deal. It’s also about building relationships. By doing my homework, working with integrity and honesty, and treating everyone with respect, coupled with hard work, I’ve managed to build a network of satisfied customers who won’t hesitate to put in a good word for me or refer me to a possible seller or buyer.  That is my secret to being a great salesman/realtor in the Calgary real estate market.

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic dad, and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

Free Market Report on value of your home: www.CalgaryMarketSnapShot.com

Source: dorward.ca

At the end of each year, clients and friends are often eager to know my opinion about the state of the Calgary real estate scene, or, on occasions, even the whole of Canada. I often receive questions like: “Is next year a good year to buy a home?” Another popular question people tend to ask me is: “Will my property’s value appreciate next year?”

I can’t say that my take on the real estate industry is definitive, but I did notice a few trends which I will use as basis for some of my projections in this blog.

Zeroing in on Calgary

Based on economic indicators and real estate figures this year, I can see Calgary’s residential real estate market growing even bigger in 2013, thanks in no small part to the solid economy and strong consumer confidence.

Industry insiders will tell you that 2012 had the highest level of sales activity in the last five years. That’s a good sign and indicates a stable economy. They expect to see this sales activity increase even more in 2013.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers and homeowners? Here are a few things that I see happening in the Calgary real estate industry in 2013:

• Stable property values – Homeowners can rest easy knowing that the value of their investment will appreciate or at least remain stable as employment growth, rising incomes, and low mortgage rates will help sustain demand for housing. In addition, net migration is expected to increase to 20,000 people largely due to the oil and gas sector which is a key industry and is a major factor in generating growth and prosperity. MLS sales are seen to increase by 15.7 percent or 26,000 transactions because of net migration. Moreover, sales prices in the Calgary region are projected to rise by 2 percent or $411,000 and by another 2.7 percent 422,000. 
  

• Good time to buy a home – In recent years, more Calgary residents have been buying property, due to the low interest rates.  With low interest rates expected to continue next year, it’s a good time as any to consider buying a new home.
  

• Good time to sell – A recent report on the Calgary real estate market showed that single-family homes were most sought after in 2012. More than 60% of sales of residential properties were single-family homes that cost below $450,000. So if you have a single-family home and would like to move to a bigger one, you have a good chance of selling it in 2013, especially if it’s under the $450,000 price point.
  

• Strong activity seen in certain Calgary neighborhoods –Killarney, Hillhurst, Marda Loop, Mount Royal, and the Foothills exhibited strong activity resulting in the values of properties in these areas to increase.       One of the reasons that in these areas easily moved is because of their strategic location and proximity downtown.  If you have a few properties in these neighborhoods, next year seems like a good time to sell it, especially with rising demand.
  

• Office real estate increases in value– Calgary’s office real estate market has also strengthened this year, compared with 2011. One indication of this is the premium rates that office spaces in certain Calgary areas demand.

The 8^th Avenue S. W. Strip, particularly, has been listed as the second most expensive street in Canada, next to Toronto’s Bay Street. With its proximity to retail streets, easy access to transportation, and available parking spaces, it’s no wonder that this particular street in Calgary demands an average of $55.33 per square foot, at $76.50 square foot being the top rent.

As you can see, Calgary’s real estate market is strengthening and continues to grow. From the looks of it, moreover, this trend will continue in 2013. Homeowners, buyers, and sellers in Calgary can be confident that real estate will remain a good investment.

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business. You can reach me at this number: 403-589-0004

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad & is crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

Whether you are searching through a list of houses for sale in Calgary or capturing a moment you want to hold on to, taking photos and storing them is an interesting outgrowth of recent technology.  Naturally, when we gather with friends and family, especially during the holidays, we’ll be taking a lot of pictures. Truth be told, we’ve become a trigger-happy, photo taking lot as most of the devices we carry with us have built in cameras which are “good enough.” In fact, there’s a recent adage that goes along the lines that the “best” camera you can have is the one that’s in your pocket. Well, if we make a quick survey of the items we usually have with us, a point and shoot camera is not one of them, let alone the larger, more capable DSLR. So which camera is most likely to be in someone’s pocket then? The funny thing is that our mobile phones which take on the workhorse role of taking pictures simply because these items are usually with us. Interestingly enough, phones and tablets have something else over most point and shoot cameras and DSLRs: phones and tablets can connect to the cloud. This in turn means that anyone can quickly and easily share photos on the different social media networks or simply store material in the different cloud storage services. Well, what’s a tech related article without some recommendations and, to that effect, I’ve found some applications that made saving to the cloud possible.

Picasa Web Albums

Picasa is Google’s free photo app which has both a desktop and a web component, the Picasa Web Albums. It allows you to edit, add cool effects, organize, and share your photos on Google+ or email. I like most its geo-tagging and face recognition tools. It scans faces and once you’ve matched it to a name, helps you do the same to the rest of your photos.  With geo-tagging, it pegs your photo on a map to show where you shot it, which is ideal for those sightseeing photos all of us take. In my usage case, geo-tagging is a real convenience while doing research or listing several houses for sale in Calgary. There are also many editing and enhancing tools that go beyond the basic red-eye correction, cropping, fill lights, auto contrast and color features. If you’re an enthusiast, you’ll have fun tweaking your pictures. All these features are quite handy as well given that sharing and minor touch-ups are going to be in the top spots of the list of things to do with your recently taken photos.

Instagram

By far the most popular choice, Instagram, isn’t only an app but also a social network. I play around with my pictures using the filters that are included with the app. Moreover, the interface is simple and easy to get into. In addition to the quick photo editing capabilities of the app, its social component is what is really going to drive its usage as anyone can directly share on Flickr, Tumblr, and Facebook–very convenient for a realtor who is researching a few houses for sale in Calgary. All in all, Instagram is user friendly and it is just wonderful to have when you’re taking all those memorable moments that simply have to be on your online album.

Dropbox

I used Dropbox mainly for document-sharing but since they updated the app, photos and videos can now be automatically loaded onto the cloud.  Opting into the auto upload feature is one time deal, after which the Dropbox client will extract images from your phone or tablet.  Dropbox, in this regard, is particularly competitive and is doings its best to encourage users to test this new feature. In fact, if you upload often, you get 3GB of storage space added 500MB at a time. Unlike Picasa or Instagram, there is no editing or enhancing features but you can easily share and access pictures anywhere you are in the world.

Touchnote

Now, Touchnote is one app every person who loves postcards should use. While it may not save photos per se, it does take photos and send them as postcards, literally the printed on paper kind. Better yet, you need not step into a post office. Simply create your postcard and go through the app’s easy to navigate interface. Speaking of interfaces and options, you can rotate images, zoom in, add a 220-character text overlay, and, when you are done tweaking your post card, you can send it to a specific address. The app isn’t for mobile devices only though. You can send postcards from your computer and from your Facebook account. It’s a pretty nifty, but simple to use app that has a novel approach to keeping in touch.

Well, there you have it folks, three storage solutions for you mobile tech users and 1 novel way to share photos with friends and loved ones. There are more apps out there waiting to be used with the “best camera in your pocket” device, but these apps are what I frequently use to take and store pictures of houses on sale in Calgary, family gatherings, vacations, and other things which catches my fancy.  Happy New Year!

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business. You can reach me at this number: 403-589-0004

Author Bio:

Bryon Howard is a top producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad & is crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling property, the Calgary real estate market has been on the rise for most of 2012. While home sales in the rest of Canada have been trending downwards because of new mortgage rules, Calgary’s has been expanding. In fact, the trend for most of 2012 is one of growth, both in volume and values this year. 

Reading the Signs of Growth

One of the best places to check for the strength of a market is from Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sales. MLS sales are a good gauge of how active the housing market is. In the case of Calgary’s Real Estate Market, transactions have risen to 2,054 –up 14.8% from September 2011. Last month’s benchmark prices, the typical sale price for a home, look good too:

• single-family homes are up 8.2% to $432,900
• condo apartments increased by 3.83% to $249,300 and
• condo townhouses grew by 2.2% to $277,700, up

Such data are pointing to the idea that the real estate market of Calgary is getting healthier and has no signs of decline. Coupled with the latest October real estate figures, an even rosier picture can be painted regarding the Calgary real estate market:

• new listings decreased to 5.57 % (or 1,831)—which could mean more people are holding on to their homes, new constructions are keeping apace, or both
• more people are buying homes, with a home staying on the market cut to 45 days
• vendors are gaining the upper hand, with average sale price rising to $433,932 (4.86 % increase) and MLS sales up 21.92% (1,235) from the same period a year ago

The Economy: Driving Calgary’s Real Estate Market Growth

The better-than-normal real estate market can be seen to be linked to a booming economy fuelled by Calgary’s robust oil sands sector. Interestingly, respected economists Craig Alexander and Mario Lefebvre predicted that Calgary’s economy is set to lead Canada for the next three years. Very heartening news indeed!

Another key factor to the growth in Calgary’s real estate market is the decreasing unemployment rate. Compared to the national average which has seen an improvement of one percent, Calgary’s situation has improved by 3.5%. This is very encouraging news as this means more people are finding better work within the city which could only translate to higher household incomes. An attractive employment environment also means more incoming migration from people looking for better job prospects. A growing population in turn will eventually lead to increased demand for housing.  Better still, this increasing demand for housing is projected to grow steadily for the next five years. In fact, the BMO Housing Confidence Report says that people are more likely to purchase a home in Calgary with figures estimated at 62% which is much higher than the national average of 46%, the Greater Toronto Area (57%), and that of Vancouver (53%).  This means that: (1) consumer confidence in the Calgary real estate market is firming up; (2) housing demand will grow over the next year, and (3) a vendor’s market is gaining traction.

Taking stock of all the data, 2012 has been a great year for Calgary and 2013 is looking to continue that trend.

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business. (Free Market Report on value of your home: www.CalgaryMarketSnapShot.com)

Author Bio:

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, is an enthusiastic Dad & crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

Common wisdom holds that the holiday season is the worst time to market property as it is the year’s busiest. This notion, however, is a misconception and the holidays can be an opportune time for listing your Calgary home. Here’s why:

1. Potential buyers are likely to be emotional and will appreciate the care and attention placed in decorating a home. Remember, the holidays are a time for family and buyers will likely envision themselves and their own families in a beautifully created environment.
2.  A home is at its best during the holiday season. A warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with festive décor, and food that is sumptuously prepared will see a house’s appeal rise astronomically with buyers. Take advantage of the holiday season and appeal to the senses. Sometimes, that bowl of freshly baked cookies or that grand Christmas tree can be more decisive in making a sale than you think.
3. There is always someone out in the market looking for a home during the holiday season and that someone is usually a serious buyer. By keeping your Calgary home listed during the holidays, you will likely catch the attention of such a buyer. Better still, since the prevalent thinking is that the holidays are not a favorable time to place property on the market, you will have less competition to contend with.
4.  Many businesses relocate their employees at the beginning of the year and this creates a sense of urgency for those transferees to find a home during the holiday season. Moreover, most companies cannot wait for spring and the wise will be on the market to capture holiday business.
5. It goes without saying that you will command a better price and make a quicker sale simply because there is less competition.

A Little Extra for the Holidays 

Aside from the suggestions mentioned above, it also pays to consider a few other nuances. First, you won’t lose your sense of privacy and family time when your Calgary property is listed. Remember, you can still decide when to have your house open for viewing. Second, it pays to have your home on the market for the simple reason that the traditional notion of “buying and selling seasons” has been displaced by technology. The internet, smart phones, tablets, and computers are all avenues for potential buyers to scout for homes. Moreover, home hunting is very much instantaneous and not as hectic as it was even 5 years ago. A buyer can literally do a search from work, while eating lunch, or during the daily commute. Thus, it pays to list your Calgary home even if it is just to be on the radar of holiday buyers.      

There you have it, five reasons on why it is actually a sound idea to list your Calgary property during the holidays.

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

Free Market Report on value of your home: www.CalgaryMarketSnapShot.com

Bryon Howard is a top producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad & is crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website

1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers!

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!

3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!

4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!

5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!

6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a working week!

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!

8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferee’s cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market!

9. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the Holidays!

10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money!

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

Now, what does it really mean exactly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5)      Privacy from neighborhoods (10.7 percent).

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

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

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

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

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