Allison James

Now that the holiday season is behind us, it is time to settle in for the long winter – Calgary style – and that means heading outdoors for winter fun.  While the winter wonderlands in Banff and Canmore are just over an hour away, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to enjoy right here in Calgary.

Calgary’s Walking Trails and Pathways

Calgary is home to the largest network of pathways and walking trails in North America.  Nearly 350 km of the 800 km system of trails and pathways are cleared of snow by the City every year, making it easy to enjoy the natural landscape from easily accessible walking paths. The Bow River pathway system includes several Priority 1 pathways that are cleared of snow within 24 hours.  If the cold is too much for you, take advantage of the City’s renowned +15 System, the elaborate network of 63 enclosed sky bridges connecting over 100 buildings in downtown Calgary. Named for the fact that the bridges were constructed 15 feet off the ground at second story building height, a stroll through a portion of the 20 km system permits you to enjoy the sunshine with protection from harsh weather elements.

Canada Olympic Park

Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park (COP), located off the TransCanada Parkway, is the convenient solution to the quandary of how to squeeze fun and exercise into a busy schedule.  Open seven days a week, COP offers hills and half pipes for beginners to experts in skiing, snowboarding and snow skating, which is roughly akin to skateboarding or snowboarding without bindings.  Come on out and enjoy a few downhill runs or a bobsled run at this world-class facility.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  The scenery is magnificent and use of the ungroomed natural trails is free of charge.  Snowshoeing is a suitable activity for the entire family and a great way to commune with nature, clear your head and educate children on the wonders of wildlife and the natural world.

Whether you are into action-oriented sports like snowboarding and downhill skiing or the slower pace of a stroll through a grove of fir trees in the park, there is fun to be had all winter long in Calgary.  Grab your skis, snowshoes, skates, sled or hiking boots and head outdoors.  Warm clothes, a cup of hot chocolate or sunshine and a warm chinook wind will help you weather the cold. Welcome to winter in Calgary!

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.

Calgary has long been known as the capital city of Canada’s oil and gas industries.  While energy remains a key player in the Calgary economy, it is by no means the only big player in town.  As the city’s population has boomed over the past thirty years, the economic base in Calgary has quietly diversified.  Today, oil and gas companies employ only 7% of Albertans – a figure that surprises almost everyone.

According to University of Calgary Economics Professor Trevor Tombe, despite the strong presence in Calgary of all the Canadian and international energy companies, the energy industry ranks only fifth in the top sectors of Alberta’s economy, behind construction (the leader), health care, retail trade and professional, scientific and technical services.  Professor Tombe and others argue that it is the tremendous diversity in the Calgary and Alberta economies that has buoyed the region and kept the economy stable despite the energy industry’s recent woes.  Tombe argues, “The unemployment rate is below the national average, the number of new job vacancies relative to the number of workers who are unemployed is better than the national average.”

A quick look at Calgary’s top employers in 2015 reveals that only one in the top five is an energy company – further evidence of the city’s diverse economy.  A look back a few years shows that the movement toward a more diversified economy has been underway for some time. Bruce Graham, the president of Calgary Economic Development believes that the diversification trend is “partly because we’ve grown to a city of over a million people.  So there’s obviously a lot of self-sustaining services that happen here…diversity is quietly happening here in Calgary as you may not expect it.”

While the oil and energy giants reorganize in the wake of a major downturn in their business cycle, the finance & business sector remains strong following a huge growth period in the last 15 years.  Insurance, real estate, educational services, transportation, and manufacturing have all seen exponential growth during the same period.  In the technology sector, Calgary remains home to the largest number of Canadian start-up companies per capita.

The Canadian energy industry is currently making its way through a major down cycle.  Energy companies based in Calgary are, without a doubt, feeling the impact of the downturn and focusing attention and resources on alternative and renewable sources of energy.  Diversification will be the key to survival in a major down cycle.  Those who do it well, will – like the City of Calgary itself – emerge stronger than ever.

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.

You have probably heard talk that the holiday season is not a good time to launch a house hunt. That is not necessarily true. Any time of year is a good time to start searching for the home of your dreams. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind during this time of year to make sure your holiday enthusiasm and year-end considerations do not push you into making a rash decision.

Be prepared for low inventory levels.

For many reasons, homeowners are often not enthusiastic about listing their home for sale during the holidays. As a result, inventory is traditionally low this time of year. That does not mean, however, that your dream home is not out there waiting for you, so don’t be shy about looking and remember that there are bargains to be had with sellers who need to close by the end of the year. You won’t know until you sit down with your Realtor and take a look at what’s available. The house that someone else needs to get rid of in a hurry may end up being your best Christmas present ever.

Beware of what lies beneath.

A foot of snow and some well-placed holiday wreaths can hide serious problems if you fail to take a close look. There is no need to waive your right to a home inspection simply because it is disruptive. By all means, politely ask the seller to remove any trimmings that may be hiding drafty windows or holes in the wall. It is your right as a buyer to know exactly what you are paying for. You might also request some recent photos of the home taken during the spring or summer, as well as a seller’s home warranty that protects you against any defects that show up once the decorations are boxed and the snow has melted away.

Don’t allow tidings of comfort and joy to cloud your judgment.

This is sound advice any time of the year, but it is particularly important to keep in mind during the Christmas holiday. Let your Realtor take the lead so you don’t end up overspending while on a Christmas buying frenzy. Remember, that is one of the many good reasons you hired her in the first place. While it is a great time of year to gauge traffic levels and community spirit in a neighbourhood, bear in mind that contagious Christmas spirit and cheerful decorations can make everything look a little better and shine a little brighter. Take a step back and try to envision the property and neighbourhood without all the trimmings and holiday bustle.

Do not hesitate to ask Santa for a new house this year if that is what you need and desire. Remember that the best gifts often arrive in unlikely packages. Maintain an open mind and keep my holiday home shopping tips in mind in searching for the next home for you and your family.

Merry Christmas!

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.

The most successful sellers in the real estate business have the innate ability to think like a buyer. In order to maximize the chances for a quick sale of property at market value or above, a motivated seller needs to take a close look at current style trends from the point of view of a buyer and see how their home measures up. It is always good practice to involve your Realtor in this assessment because owners tend to be far too emotional when it comes to their own home.

If you are contemplating the possibility of selling your home in the near or not too distant future, here are a few hot trends in home improvement. Having one or more of these features in your home will help attract a larger number of potential buyers. Here is what is HOT in the home improvement and design business today:

Granite still rules, but buyers are open to more options than in years past – Anyone who has ever watched HGTV has seen the familiar scene of home buyers walking into a well-appointed kitchen and exclaiming, “What? No Granite?” Granite remains a popular choice for countertop material, but in recent years, other material shave emerged from behind the shadow of massive granite slabs to exert their influence. Quartz is a very popular choice for its durability and appearance and concrete, wood, glass and quality laminates that closely resemble natural stone.

Open Concept – What exactly does that mean? – Very few of today’s home buyers are interested in separate, formal dining areas. Today’s more casual lifestyle calls for one large family living space that includes the kitchen, a dining area and family room – unencumbered by separating walls. “Open Concept” design calls for open,multi-use space with clear sightlines from one area to another and plenty of natural light. Anyone preparing a meal can still chat with family members and guests. Most new construction features open concept design and, in older homes, the look and feel is easily achieved by removing non-weight bearing walls.

Outdoor Living – Backyards that serve as an additional Room – This may be today’s hottest trend in home design. Remember when backyard living equated to a charcoals grill, a lawn chair and a beer? Today’s homeowners are coming up with all sorts of ingenious ways to make their outdoor space feel like a natural extension to the rest of the home – and buyers will definitely notice and appreciate the effort. High-end versions of this trend feature television and entertainment centers, outdoor kitchen and grill areas and cozy furniture that looks like it could easily belong in your bedroom. Even in Calgary, homeowners enjoy four seasons of fun in their outdoor living areas through the clever use of propane heaters, fire pits, awnings and sunrooms.

Even if you do not consider yourself to be a trendy style watcher, understand that when it comes to selling your home, appearance does count and trends are important because they affect the potential return on your investment.

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.

It turns out that everything your parents and teachers taught you when you were very young is true. Among other things, lying is bad and you need to speak up and ask if you want something. It was true in kindergarten and it still holds true today. Whether you are buying or selling a home, open and honest communication with your Realtor and between the parties is a key ingredient to ensuring a smooth transaction.

If you are a buyer, from the first discussion with your Realtor, be sure to communicate exactly what your wants and needs are. Don’t assume that he or she understands what you mean or is thinking the same way as you. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances and expectations and your Realtor can best serve your needs if properly armed with information. Try to paint a detailed picture of the home and lifestyle you are seeking. Your Realtor’s job is to help turn that vision into reality.   Good communication must, of course, work both ways. A good Realtor must have the ability and willingness to speak frankly and advise you if your dreams are out of touch with your budget.

If you are preparing to list a property for sale, start by assembling all the information you have on the property, including ownership and mortgage documents, as well as maintenance and repair records. If there are repair or maintenance items that you do not intend to deal with before listing the property, have a discussion with your agent on the history of the problem. When it comes to buying and selling property, nobody likes surprises. It is much better to tackle and disclose issues up front and avoid further price negotiating down the road. Today’s homebuyers are very sophisticated and knowledgeable and the vast majority will arrange for a home inspection.

If you are selling a condominium, make sure everyone involved is aware of any pending assessments, monthly fee increases or legal issues impacting the homeowner’s association. Once an offer is accepted and a contract is signed, the buyer’s attorney will dig into these issues and unearth the facts. Again, it is far better to disclose everything up front and negotiate from a non-defensive position.

Honest and open communication among everyone involved in a real estate transaction will help ensure a positive outcome for all. Remember what your parents taught you – if you want something, ask for it, and always tell the truth!

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.

The home financing process actually begins long before launching the search for your first home or investment property. Unless you are in the enviable position of being an all-cash buyer, the journey to home ownership starts when you first build a good credit history.

Potential lenders need to see that you can handle the responsibility of borrowing money and paying debts in a timely manner.  While it may seem fiscally prudent to refrain from accumulating debt as a young person, you will need to demonstrate a positive credit history prior to financing the purchase of a home.  A good credit score will result from the timely repayment of car or student loans.  When it comes to credit cards and other forms of revolving credit, make all payments on time and avoid “maxing out” on the available credit line.

Congratulations if you are a young person with a good credit history looking to buy your first home.  Now it is time to visit a mortgage professional and decide on a budget.  If you have not yet established a positive credit rating or have credit problems, a mortgage professional can still help you with financial advice and credit repair tips to get you on the road to home ownership.

One of the first things you will need to discuss is the source of your down payment funds.  Most lenders will insist on a minimum down payment of 5% from your personal savings, RRSP or a documented gift from a friend or relative.  It is best to have the money in easily available and verifiable funds. Your mortgage professional will obtain and review your credit report and will need evidence of your income and employment history.  This may come in the form of paystubs, tax returns and perhaps, a letter from your employer. The lender will tell you exactly what is needed to issue a pre-approval letter on your behalf.  This pre-approval will aid you in establishing a budget number for your home search and give sellers the confidence they will need to proceed with you once you find a home.

A mortgage professional can help you estimate closing costs and advise you on the type of loan best suitable to your unique set of circumstances.  Depending on the size of your down payment and the length of time you plan to remain in the home, they will recommend either a fixed or variable rate loan.  While variable rate loans are usually slightly lower than fixed rates, in choosing a variable rate loan, you assume the risk that the interest rate may increase during the term of the loan.  If you do not plan to stay in the home long, a lower, variable rate loan is often an excellent choice.

Real estate financing can be confusing.  Interest rates and lender requirements are in a constant state of flux.  The smart thing to do is to sit down with an experienced loan officer as the first step on your journey to home ownership.

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.

As the summer of 2015 comes to a close, the Calgary real estate market reflects the uncertainty of the area’s economy, but the energy industry’s problems have yet to make a significant impact on property values in and around Calgary.  The latest statistics show that while prices are no longer climbing in many neighbourhoods, they are not dropping either.  Overall, the Calgary market remains fairly well-balanced with neither buyers nor sellers wielding a clear advantage.

At the start of the year, some experts were predicting major real estate value drops in Calgary in response to plunging gas and oil prices and energy industry layoffs, but that has not happened to date.  The latest statistics released by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) on September 1, 2015 indicate that August’s benchmark price for all residential (detached, attached and apartment) properties in Calgary was $456,300 – nearly identical to the benchmark price of $456,700 posted in August of 2014.  These stable overall market numbers do not extend to the apartment benchmark – $294,100. Calgary’s apartment sector has experienced a slight 1.44% decline in benchmark value during the same 12 month time period.

Any examination of the state of the Calgary real estate market should make note of the fact that market conditions vary considerably throughout Calgary’s diverse collection of neighbourhoods. While the overall trend is toward stability in pricing, some areas of the city have seen diminution in value while others are still seeing multiple offers on highly desirable properties in the right location.  The recreational property market centered in the mountain and lake regions immediately surrounding the city remains strong. American buyers, buoyed by a strengthening U.S. economy, are once again looking to purchase second homes in Alberta and Calgarians are looking to vacation closer to home in view of the current U.S. exchange rates.

The Calgary real estate market will undoubtedly continue to respond to the general uncertainty in the current economy.  Continued or increased unemployment is bound to impact supply and demand for housing.  On the upside, however, consumer optimism remains strong.  In its Mid-year Update to its 2015 Economic Outlook & Regional Housing Forecast, CREB remarks that “Positive long-term prospects and reduced concerns about the bottom falling out in the near term could minimize the pullback in demand, keeping market conditions in relatively balanced territory and preventing further aggregate price declines.”

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.

Canada’s growing demographic of retirees and senior citizens is already having a strong impact on real estate market trends. This group of senior buyers and sellers will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in Canada’s real estate market in the years to come.

The numbers are indeed quite staggering.  The older population is booming and according to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in 2011 there were approximately 5 million people, aged 65 or older, living in Canada.  By 2036, that number is expected to approach 10.4 million, meaning roughly 1 in 4 Canadians will be a senior citizen.  Clearly, the real estate industry needs to pay attention to this growing population.

One of the many fine qualities of this demographic is that they usually know exactly what they want when it comes to buying a new home.  Interestingly, many are following the same path as younger buyers who seek an urban lifestyle that provides easy access to amenities – restaurants, recreational facilities, cultural centers, etc.   They enter the market with higher income and educational levels than previous generations.  Many of them are also experienced in having lived through numerous real estate transactions during their lives.  They understand the responsibilities of home ownership.  In every respect, they are savvy buyers and sellers.

When representing senior buyers and sellers, I work closely with my clients to help them achieve their own unique goals as they transition into a new phase of their life.   For some, that might mean downsizing to an upscale downtown condo, purchasing at an assisted living facility that caters to their immediate needs or even buying a quaint farmhouse outside of the city.  Since every client and set of circumstances is unique, the possibilities are endless.  As a Realtor, my senior clients pull me in new directions every day and that is a large part of what makes my job fun and exciting.  In every instance, it’s all about embracing the positive aspects of life’s passages and celebrating change with a house that fits.

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.

Real estate is a highly competitive business.  When you list your property for sale, you immediately enter into competition with every similar property in your neighbourhood that is for sale.  You are all competing for the attention of buyers.  Even in our digital age, very few people purchase a property sight unseen.  Phone inquiries and internet hits are all fine and good, but in order to sell a home, you really need to generate floor traffic and showings.

If you are working with a Realtor and have not had many showings, you need to sit down and pinpoint the problem.  There is a market and a buyer for every home out there, including yours.  You just have to find them and invite them in.  Start by focusing on those factors that are within your control.  You cannot change your neighbourhood and there is not much you can do about your competition, but there are some things you can definitely do to drive traffic toward your property.

Make the home available and easy to show.

Even though it may be inconvenient, you really have to be ready to let prospective buyers into your home at a moment’s notice.  Your Realtor must be reliable and reachable and so must you.  Buyers often view several homes in a neighbourhood at a time and if the house is not available for a showing when they are around, you could lose the opportunity.  Homes that require too much advance notice and complicated instructions for showing are often a turn-off for buyers and their agents. In addition to being accessible, the home should be tidy and free of pet odors, if possible.

Make sure your marketing is up-to-date.

Marketing is the responsibility of your Realtor and to maintain a competitive edge in today’s world, homes are marketed using both traditional and digital outlets.  It starts with good photos and perhaps, a video that entices buyers to want to see more.  In addition to traditional advertising through signage and newspapers, your property should appear in the local MLS and a host of other internet sites catering to buyers in your area.  Your Realtor should be familiar enough with social media to arrange for well-placed postings on Facebook, Twitter and other sites.

Make sure the price is right.

There is no quicker or easier way to discourage showings than to overprice your home.  Your sentimental attachment to your home does not necessarily translate into real value.  That is one of the many reasons you need a professional Realtor to price the property from an objective point of view – free of emotional attachment.  If you are not getting any showings, the first thing to ask is, “Are we priced right?”

These are just a few of the items to consider when listing your home for sale.  If you are not getting the foot traffic you feel your home deserves, sit down quickly with your Realtor and strategize to increase the number of showings.  Price it right, market it effectively and stay accessible to real estate agents and their buyers, and the property will sell itself.

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.