Allison James

The dictionary defines transition as “a passage from one form, state, style or place to another.” If you think about it, you will realize that every day of our lives involves some sort of transition – whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual. Even though we are in that continuous state, most of us still fear change because it tends to jolt us out of our comfort zones. The best way to handle it is to merely stop resisting and just embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with it.

Many baby boomers today deal with housing progressions on several different levels. Simultaneously, as they wave goodbye to their children leaving the nest, many also attend to the housing essentials of elderly parents requiring nursing care or assisted living. Many active boomers and retirees are equally interested in splitting their time and spending the winter months in a warmer climate. If not properly managed, it can be very stressful. Not surprisingly, many of my clients are eager to shift to a more simple, carefree way of life.

The decision to sell the family home is a big one. Any move will merit careful consideration and planning. There are so many choices available to empty nesters – everything from apartments, smaller homes, condominiums, to age-restricted communities or assisted living for those in need of help in managing daily living. The key to making a smooth transition at each stage of your housing life cycle is to explore all options and make an informed decision as to what lifestyle works best for you. Then, instead of allowing thoughts of adjustment to overwhelm you, choose to celebrate change with a home that fits!

If your children are out on their own and you find yourself dreading weekend chores and taking care of a big house, then maybe you should already consider downsizing. Imagine yourself with reduced expenses and more spare time to experience all those things on your bucket list. Let someone else take care of the snow removal and yard maintenance. You’ve got places to go! In Calgary, there are endless downsizing alternatives available to empty nesters and others looking to simplify their lives. If you decide to downsize, pay careful attention to the neighbourhood and its amenities since you will likely be able to enjoy both.

You can spend years trying to time the real estate market and maximize profits, but that is really the job of real estate investors. When you are talking about your own home, you resolve to move when your current home no longer meets your needs and you are ready to go forward toward the next phase of your life. Whether you are upsizing, downsizing or making a lateral move, work closely with a professional Realtor who can guide you through the process and help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Do you need to move to celebrate the changes that are happening in your life? Let me serve you in helping you make the move to the place or home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I will listen to your needs and use my knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home in Calgary. Contact me at 403-708-5873, ajames16@gmail.com, or www.allisonjames.com and let’s get on with your journey!

About Allison James

Allison James has been a realtor® since 1999 with Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. in the changing Calgary real estate market. A Century 21 Centurion Award 2007 recipient and a member of CREA and AREA, she specializes in residential real estate and has her designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Condominium Specialist. These designations testify that she has the expertise and resources to help her clients make a smooth transition to the next step in their life journey. She enjoys helping her clients as they move through many of the same stages of life that she, too, has experienced. The fact that the majority of her business comes from past clients and/or referrals from satisfied clients speaks volumes about her dedication to the high quality of service that she offers her clients to meet their Calgary and surrounding area real estate needs. She is a mother of four who are all on their own now, and a grandmother of eight. Besides helping people buy or sell real estate, she loves spending time with her family, being active outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, photography, playing the drums, reading, scuba diving, listening to music, learning new things, and nurturing her spiritual growth.