Allison James

Canmore is a magical place nestled in the Canadian Rockies along the Bow River and only an hour’s drive from my neighborhood in Calgary.  There are so many things I love about Canmore, not the least of which is the small-town vibe that permeates the town and its down-to-earth friendly residents.

Canmore is a quaint mountain town that has all the tourist attractions one would expect without being touristy.  It’s the perfect destination for a day or weekend trip from Calgary.  I love to visit for the day, take a hike along the river, browse the cute shops and enjoy a lovely meal with friends or family.  Canmore has a number of fine restaurants, including a fair number that offer gluten-free menu items.

In addition to the spectacular scenery and abundant hiking trails, Canmore offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, ice fishing, dog sledding and ice climbing.  When the spring snow finally thaws, it’s time for golf, fishing, cycling and rock climbing.  There is even a massive indoor aquatics facility.   Shoppers can enjoy browsing for local art and collectibles in the many boutiques and galleries.

One of my favorite memories of good times spent in Canmore involved a family wedding where I was joined by my two sisters, one from Ontario and the other living in Nova Scotia.  Given the distance that separates us, we don’t have the opportunity to get together as often as we would like.  On that wedding day, we had a photograph taken of the three of us posing against a backdrop of Canmore’s famous Three Sisters mountain peaks.  The photograph is a fond memory of a wonderful day with my family in a very special place.

Canmore is so special that I’ve been known to drive there just to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends.  When friends are in town for a short visit or even a layover on a long flight, I often take them to Canmore for a few hours.  The mountain air and awesome scenery is irresistible any time of year.

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/home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I listen to your needs and have the knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home 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.

As residents of Calgary, we are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty in every direction. One of my favorite activities has always been hiking. It’s a great way to exercise, clear my head and commune with nature and good friends. Here are a few of my favorite hiking spots in and around our beautiful city.

Weaselhead Flats:

Weaselhead Flats is situated at the mouth of the Elbow River along the west end of the Glenmore Reservoir in the city’s southwest quadrant. This park is unique in that it is home to a large coniferous forest and a marshy delta. Even on a short hike, you are bound to spot loons, swans, hummingbirds and even the occasional black bear in this urban oasis.

Elbow Falls:

This picture perfect set of small waterfalls is located about a half hour from south Calgary off Rt. 66 just west of the lovely hamlet of Braggs Creek. Unfortunately, the area suffered some damage in the floods of 2013. A large section of the picnic area was washed away, but the falls and viewing deck remain intact and the scenery is as breathtaking as ever. I’ve always found that a short hike in this serene area with my morning coffee is a great way to start the day. The crystal-clear water is infused with the most beautiful hint of turquoise and the ice formations found here in frigid weather make for popular calendar images for the winter months.

Grassi Lakes:

The Grassi Lakes trail is a little over an hour’s drive from Calgary but well worth the trip. After hiking an easy trail through a forest, you will be rewarded with two of the most beautiful lakes imaginable. The water is an amazing combination of emerald and turquoise hues. The more adventurous climbers can take a slightly more difficult path to the lakes with several semi-steep inclines and a waterfall. Further up the mountain beyond the lakes are 1000 year old pictographs on the rock walls.

It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the mood for an evening stroll or a full day’s adventure in the mountains. In Calgary, the trailhead is never far from home.

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.

One of the main reasons I love living in Calgary is the fresh mountain air. It invigorates me! I feel that we have the best of all worlds in our urban settling nestled at the foot of the Rockies. My favorite pastime is to go for a long hike in the mountain air that ends with a great cup of coffee and conversation with friends. Give me these few things and I’m in heaven!

Although I love to travel and get away, I find that there is so much to do and so many great events right here in our own backyard. There is always something going on and you don’t need to leave the city in order to escape. All you need to do is get outside and join in the fun. Here are a few of my favorite springtime getaways in Calgary.

Lilac Festival

This annual festival is held at the end of May in the Beltline and Mission neighborhoods of Calgary along 4th Street. There is delicious food, music and local arts & crafts. Get there early as the festival grows every year and is now attracting over 100,000 people. If you’re lucky, the fragrant lilacs will be in full bloom.

Angel’s Cappuccino & Ice Cream Bar

This charming little gem may be my favorite getaway spot. It’s located in Edworthy Park, a wonderful urban oasis along the banks of the Bow River. The park itself is gorgeous with well-tended hiking trails and gardens. Enjoy a healthy meal at Angel’s or simply linger over a steaming cup of cappuccino while enjoying the river views. When the weather warms up, Angel’s hosts open microphone nights with comfortable and covered outdoor seating. If you’re talented, or brave enough, sign up for a slot and sing. Otherwise just sing along under the fir trees and let your troubles melt away, but not the ice cream. It’s too delicious!

Southern Alberta Music Festival

Here’s another great music festival to look forward to in late August. This one is held at Aspen Crossing in Mossleigh, less than an hour outside the city. Aspen Crossing is a unique train-themed campground featuring caboose cabins, shopping and dining. The music festival, now in its second year, features local musicians from Southern Alberta. It’s a wonderful full day of music in the sun.

After a hard day or week at work, we all need time to ourselves and a place to relax and let go of stress. In Calgary, there are hundreds of places to just breathe and enjoy, and many of them are just around the corner. You will never run out of things to do in our beautiful city by the river.

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.

According to 2011 census figures, Calgary is Canada’s third largest city with a population of roughly 1.1 million. The median age of a Calgarian is 36 years, compared to 38 in Toronto and 40 for the nation overall. The past decade saw a mass infusion of youth attracted to the booming economy and robust employment opportunities.

Calgary appears to be a young city in every sense. After all, it is only 130 years old, and half of our current residents did not live here during the Calgary Olympics of 1988. It would seem that the mythical fountain of youth is alive and well and living in Calgary, but on closer inspection, there’s a catch.

The youngest city in Canada is aging and aging rapidly! In 2011, the first baby boomers turned 65 and their fellow boomers will follow in rapid succession. The coming decades will see dramatic growth in the senior population. The City of Calgary states on its website that “it took a full 70 years for Calgary’s population to climb from 5% seniors to 10% seniors…..it will only take 30 years to climb another full 10% to nearly 20% of the population.”

It remains to be seen if the new generation of senior homeowners will follow the downsizing trend established by their own parents. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of clients eager to rid themselves of the large house and settle into a single story condo or apartment. Others choose to stay in the large family home as long as possible or buy a new single family home in a resort community once they’ve retired.

One thing is for certain – changes will be in store as we strive to meet the needs of an aging population. The shifting demands faced by the housing industry will also confront the health care, transportation and support service industries.

Among my own clients in the 55+ population, I see a renewed preference for downtown living. The active older generation is attracted to the same low-maintenance lifestyle as the younger folks. They want easy access to transportation, urban services and amenities. Several large-scale development projects are currently underway in the southeast quadrant of Calgary comprised of mixed-use communities with rental apartments, condos, office and retail space, schools, libraries, and assisted living facilities. In many respects, this represents a return to our past before the decades of suburban sprawl. Everything old is new again!

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.

Homebuyers will often make significant sacrifices relating to price, size and amenities to ensure their children are educated in a desirable school. A 2013 survey by Realtor.com showed that 60% of homebuyers factor in school districts and boundaries when searching for a home. Of the 60% of respondents for whom schools are a factor in the buying process, 90% considered access to their school of choice to be “important” or “somewhat important.” Parents want choices when it comes to their children’s education.

The City of Calgary offers a wide array of choices in educational opportunities for elementary and high school students. In fact, a report issued in February, 2014 by the Fraser Institute stated that Alberta school districts offer parents “the greatest degree of choice in Canada.”

A full 94% of school-aged children in Calgary attend government-funded public or Catholic schools. The remaining 6% are enrolled in an assortment of private schools. The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) serves over 105,000 students in 225 schools while the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) is roughly half that size with 47,000 children in 105 schools. Calgary can also boast of a fully-funded charter school program consisting of six schools.

In 2014, the following Calgary high schools received the Fraser Institute’s highest ranking in their most recent report card for Canada’s schools – Western Canada, Sir Winston Churchill, William Aberhart, Bowness and Queen Elizabeth Junior/Senior High School. Rundle College and Webber Academy, two prestigious private schools, tied for the Institute’s number one ranking in Alberta.

On the elementary school level, Fraser named six Calgary schools among Alberta’s top ten, including Webber Academy and Clear Water Academy. These schools tied for the number one spot, followed closely by the Sunalta School. The public Sunalta School can take particular pride in the fact that the school has an enrollment where a full 25% of the students have special needs and 22% are in an ESL (English as Second Language) program. Principal Chris Aylesworth believes that “A school is only as strong as the system and the people behind it”.

A strong school system equates to a bright future for Calgary homeowners and buyers. The presence of good schools and alternative choices has a positive impact on property values. With ten new schools in various stages of construction, the educational choices available to Calgary families will continue to grow.

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.

When Mother’s Day approaches each spring, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have a large and loving family.  Without a doubt, raising children has been the most rewarding journey I have undertaken in my life.   It is an amazing experience!  As the proud mother of four grown children with eight grandchildren, I’ve learned much of what I know through on-the-job training.

In a recent conversation with a close friend, we shared thoughts on the challenges of raising children in today’s world.   Of course, there is no foolproof recipe for childrearing.  Every family dynamic is unique and every child has their own set of needs. Still, several things stand out for me as essential ingredients for raising happy and healthy children.

Group Activities

Kids crave the company of other kids, but they need the guidance and supervision of adults. While reluctant to admit it, most of them also crave structure.   I believe in keeping children occupied in group activities with their peers in a place where you can still keep a watchful eye on them.  It doesn’t matter whether it is team sports, or school plays or the ski club.  Help your child find an activity to love that sparks their passion and nurtures their body, mind and soul.   It will keep them from spending too much time in front of the television or on the internet and provide valuable life lessons in the importance of friendship, commitment and fair play.

Reading, Reading and More Reading

As far as I’m concerned, you can never read to your children enough.  During my own childhood, I was enamored of horse stories and read everything I could get my hands on that featured horses.  Bedtime stories and reading were nightly rituals in our home when my children were young.  My personal favorite was and still is Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.  My kids and I spent hours together giggling about Charlie and the Oompa-Loompa characters that help Willy Wonka bake the chocolate.  Today, my eldest daughter is a published author and she continues the tradition of bedtime reading with her son.

My kids have gifted me with a million memories of shared moments that I will treasure all my life.  They are all grown now and, I am proud to say, living on their own.  Seeing your children grow and venture out into the world is the reward for a job well done.  So let’s raise a glass to all the moms all over the world who love their children unconditionally and work so hard to make sure they have the tools they need to live happy and productive lives.

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.

Buying your first home is a huge, life-changing event.  First-time buyers face a gauntlet of difficult choices – from budget considerations to neighborhood choices to financing options.  For many, the first and sometimes most difficult decision is whether to buy a condo or a single-family home.

As an experienced real estate professional and Certified Condominium Specialist with a large family of my own, I am well qualified to coach my young buyers in their first dive into the real estate pool.  I urge those who are not quite sure what they want to carefully consider the following questions.

How much money do you have to spend?

While there are certainly many high-end expensive projects, condominiums are, in general, more affordable than single-family homes, even after factoring in the cost of monthly maintenance fees.  For many first-time buyers, owning a condo is the perfect avenue to becoming a homeowner.

Do you plan on having children in the near future?

As any parent will tell you, having kids changes everything.  If you plan on having a large family quickly, you may well want the added square footage and yard space that comes with a single-family home.  If you’re not planning to have children for five or more years, consider starting out with a condo and then moving on to a single-family home when the time is right.

How do you spend your spare time?

Owning a house is a major responsibility and a lot of work.  If you work full-time during the week, that leaves weekends for housecleaning, gardening, lawn mowing, etc.  Snow removal can’t even wait for the weekend.  Imagine yourself with a beautiful day with nothing to do.  How do you want to spend the free time – gardening or snowboarding?  Houses need constant maintenance and repair.  How handy are you when it comes to fixing things?  If you can’t tell a hammer from a screwdriver, start with a condo.  It’s a great way to begin your education as a property owner and begin to understand how things work.

In the end, the most important consideration is often a lifestyle choice.  In general, I believe that many first-time buyers will do well by starting with a condo.  There are countless complexes located in the hub sections of town in walking distance to transportation, shops and restaurants.  It can be a very attractive lifestyle for young professionals.  If you do decide to buy a condo, make sure you are informed and educated as to what you are buying.  Condominiums come with associations, fees, rules and regulations.  Read and understand the rules with the help of a professional and make sure you can live with them.

Life is a series of continual transitions and home ownership is no different.  Many of my clients have found themselves going from a rental apartment to owning a condo to a single-family home and then back to a condo.  It is my pleasure and privilege to help at every stage in the remarkable journey.

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’s been nearly a year since the historic Calgary floods of 2013.  A rare combination of weather conditions converged on the frozen ground to create perfect conditions for flooding.  Hopefully, this particular set of weather phenomena will not meet again in our lifetimes. The region’s economy and real estate market took a hard hit but bounced back with a vengeance.  Still, it’s not easy to forget the poignant images of damage and destruction.

No matter where you live, the possibility of water damage always exists – from burst pipes, sewer problems or heavy rains. Even desert areas are susceptible to flash flooding.  Obviously, if you live in a low-lying area in proximity to a body of water, the risk is heightened.  The main thing I tell my clients is to focus on being informed in order to understand the potential risk.  Here are key areas to focus on in looking at a house to buy or protecting a home you already own.

Flood Maps and Insurance

Take a careful look at flood maps to see if the house is in a designated flood zone.  Then talk to your property insurer to see what coverage, if any, is available.  Generally, in Canada, damage caused by overland flooding is not covered by insurance.  This doesn’t mean you can’t buy the house. It’s simply a matter of understanding your risk so you can weigh all factors.

Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure they are present, properly installed and in good working order.  Many gutter and drainage systems require periodic maintenance to remove leaves, debris, etc.  While it may seem obvious, the downspouts need to be directed away from the foundation and extend at least six feet away from the house.

Grading

The grading of the soil surrounding the house needs to be raked so that the water runs away from the structure on a gentle slope.  Over time, both the structure and the soil will settle and the grade will need a periodic reevaluation and buildup, as necessary.

Sump Pumps

The basement sump pump and drainage system must be in good working order.  A backup battery or generator to run the pump in the event of a power failure is highly desirable.

Backwater Valves

A properly installed backwater valve can prevent major damage due to a backup from the home’s main sewer line.

In a 2012 publication, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimated that Canadian insurers pay over $1.3 billion annually in claims relating to water damage.  Unfortunately, that number is now rising. Take a minute to review the available flood plain data and history of the property and understand the limitations and exclusions in insurance coverage.  Most importantly, stay informed!

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 Calgary real estate market continues to grow as 2014 gets underway, and it shows no signs of letting up! Price growth since 2005 has been more than 200% in some neighborhoods, such as Altadore. New and existing homes are selling quickly, and there are plenty of good reasons to celebrate the vibrant city.

Lots of jobs

For one thing, there’s plenty of employment. Genworth Canada’s report on the Conference Board of Canada’s Autumn Metropolitan Housing Outlook predicts that Calgary’s unemployment rates will drop slightly to around 4.6% in 2014, a trend they anticipate will continue for the next few years. Meanwhile, job growth will add nearly 3% to the region’s employment opportunities.

Exciting culture

But of course, employment is just one of the things that make an area attractive. We all want to have lifestyles that allow us to enjoy life to its fullest, and this makes Calgary even more attractive. The city offers many opportunities to celebrate food and fun, which makes it a top choice for residents.

Locals are already familiar with the popular Calgary Stampede that draws thousands every summer. This year, Shania Twain will be the star performer amid rodeo performances, talented youth shows, a petting zoo for kids, exciting carnival rides, and a vibrant midway. This is one of the most popular cultural events every summer throughout the province.

Our location near the Rocky Mountains provides appealing opportunities both for people who want a healthy lifestyle and those who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, skiing, golf, and fishing. Walking, bicycling, and exercising at local recreation centers are readily available to everyone.

Dining, shopping, and art round out the Calgary experience and have been garnering international attention. Both the New York Times and The Guardian have noted that our city has transformed into a cultural hub worth experiencing in 2014, listing us in their respective annual “Where to Go in 2014” guides.

All these things are what make our city a wonderful place to live in, and the Calgary real estate market has been reflecting this desirability for nearly a decade, with no signs of letting up anytime soon.

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.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia.org & Purpletwinkie

It will soon be Valentine’s Day, and I want to send all of you all the love in the world! These are exciting days for Calgary real estate. Calgary is a place full of culture, beautiful scenery, and exciting nightlife. I have been a Calgary real estate agent for 15 years because I fell in love with the area many years ago.

If you are considering buying a home in the Calgary area, I’d love for you to know about some of my favorite restaurants in the area that will surely be filled with couples on Valentine’s Day.

I prefer to support local restaurants as I find the food is usually exceptional and the service excellent versus the major chains, and am happy to recommend the following:

The Himalayan

The Himalayan over on 17th Avenue SW has excellent Nepalese food and is a favorite of the locals in the area. If you enjoy Indian or Asian dishes, check out the Himalayan on your next visit to the area.

Spiros

If you are not a fan of Nepalese food, you can head over to Spiros, an authentic Greek restaurant where you can order pulled lamb pizza, among many other traditional dishes. Not interested in trying pulled lamb? Spiros has plenty of basic dishes for the less adventurous eater.

La Chaumiere Restaurant

Ranked #46 of 2,824 restaurants in Calgary, La Chaumiere is a great place for fine French cuisine.

If you are looking into Calgary real estate, I can give you the inside scoop on this fun neighborhood full of diverse places to eat and interesting nightlife. I enjoy this area because there is always something to do here, places to see and nature to enjoy. I know that if you come and check out Calgary real estate, you will fall in love with it just like I did 15 years ago.

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.