Allison James

Last year, the Calgary Real Estate Board made the decision to uphold a rule that is somewhat unique in Canadian real estate. Section 18.02 of the Calgary Real Estate Board’s Rules and Regulations states this: “All conditional sales will be reported at the time of acceptance of a conditional offer sale except where the Seller has given written instruction not to report the conditional sale until conditions are waived in writing.”

So what does this mean for buyers? In the past, when a buying agent looked up a property of interest, they would be able to see if there was currently an offer on the property. In most cases, buyers wouldn’t want to waste their time viewing a home that was “nearly sold”. With this rule in place, there is a certain level of uncertainty in the buying process. As a buyer, if you happen to put an offer on a home that already has one pending, the other buyers may feel pressured to waive their conditions if they know another offer is waiting in the wings.

This rule also emphasises the importance of doing your homework before you buy so that you can offer the shortest possible condition period. Speak to your mortgage professional and have a pre-approval in place, so the underwriting process can move along quickly and you can seal the deal as soon as possible.

What does this mean for sellers? As a seller, this gives you a choice. If you choose to allow your REALTOR® to report a conditional sale once you have one in place, you won’t be bothered with any additional showings. However, if the offer falls through, you may have missed out on potential buyers during the condition period.  Keeping your listing showing as active on the public site while showing it as “under contract” on the Realtor site is one way to handle this – that way, anyone who is truly interested in viewing your house will be able to view it and put in a backup offer.  There is no “right way” to handle this decision. It all comes down to the marketability of your property, the quality of the offer that you have in hand, and your overall real estate strategy. Your REALTOR® is qualified to explain your options and represent your best interest in the transaction.

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.

For much of this year, inventory in the Calgary real estate market has been quite low. Homes are selling quickly, and often, buyers have struggled to find the right home among a limited supply of listings. Fortunately, listings increased over the summer, and we have entered a much more balanced market. In a high demand market like Calgary, bidding wars have become a very common occurrence. Home buyers recognize great value when they see it, and they are willing to pay top dollar. If you are planning on making a move this year, there are few helpful things to keep in mind if you find yourself competing for a property.

Unlike an auction, you have no way of knowing how much the other buyers are offering and what kind of terms they are requesting from the sellers. Most homes in multiple offers sell for at least full asking price, while others may sell for tens of thousands of dollars more. Don’t allow yourself to get carried away by the competition. Review recent sales in the nieghbourhood with your REALTOR® to make an educated decision about what the home is really worth in its current condition. Offering to pay much more than it’s worth might land you in a tough financing situation if the bank who is providing the mortgage doesn’t feel the same way about the value.

Although the purchase price is the first thing that sellers look at, there are several other important terms at play. Your preferred closing date, conditions, and deposit amount may also make your offer look more favorable to the sellers. If you are able to offer a flexible closing date, be sure to advise your agent. Closing the deal at the seller’s convenience could save them hundreds of dollars in interest payments and accommodation expenses, and could potentially save you money off the purchase price.

Don’t forget, it’s never too early to start your financing process with your mortgage professional.  Prior to searching for a home, get your mortgage approval in order and start collecting your supporting documents. If you need to put a financing condition on your offer, your mortgage professional will have a head start, and they will have the ability to complete it a few days sooner.

Don’t be intimidated by a bidding war.  Once you have your financing established and are ready to make a confident offer on the right home, you should have no problem coming out on top. Making an educated decision at the bargaining table will help you make a purchase that you can feel good about.

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.

Although we already had a quick preview of winter in Calgary, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time in the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax over the long weekend, enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your family, and enjoy the outdoors before winter gets the best of us. Need some fun family activities to keep the kids busy? There are several great events happening in and around Calgary during the Thanksgiving weekend.

The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, located about an hour west of the city, is offering a special Thanksgiving package. This resort is the perfect weekend escape for a break from the city. During Thanksgiving weekend, they offer a range of family-friendly events including a dance, pumpkin carving and story time for the kids. The resort is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer a mountain view that is second to none.

What could be more appropriate to celebrate the season than a visit to the Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm? This family-operated farm features a petting zoo, miniature golf, and a pumpkin patch. It has won the distinction of the 2014 Parents Choice Award for Best Family Attraction by the Calgary’s Child Magazine. The farm is home to the largest corn maze in Southern Alberta and each year they change the design. The farm closes for the year on October 19th, so make sure to stop by before the season ends.

Take a step back in time this Thanksgiving at Calgary’s Heritage Park. For the long weekend only, the Wainwright Hotel Dining Room will be offering a delicious three-course Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Take a ride on the antique midway, and explore the Park on the nostalgic steam train. This park also closes for the season following the long weekend.

Whatever your plans, there is no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the season and enjoy the outdoors this Thanksgiving.

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 price of homes continue to increase in Calgary, more buyers are directing their home search towards the condo market. There are dozens of new developments in the planning stages around the city, and investors from all over the country are setting their sights on Calgary. If you have never lived in a condo before, but are considering this affordable and low-maintenance living option, you will be pleasantly surprised at all of the advantages.

First-time condo owners always have some apprehension about paying condo fees. The key is to find out what that fee includes. Each building is different, and the fees vary depending on the amenities that are included. Keep in mind the fees often include some of your utilities, building maintenance, insurance, and security systems.

Many of the upscale buildings also offer swimming pools, BBQ areas and party rooms. This is the perfect solution for homeowners who are hesitating to downsize because they enjoy entertaining. The amenities are available for the residents to use whenever they need them, sometimes on a rental basis for exclusive use. The shared common areas also foster a sense of community within the building – ideal for active seniors or young professionals looking to make new friends in the city.

One of the best features of many of Calgary’s condo buildings is the location. If you are thinking of going car-free, condo living is the way to go. Is there a downtown neighbourhood that you have always wanted to live in? Condo living allows you to live where you want, on your budget.

What does your ideal neighbourhood look like – dozens of shops and restaurants within walking distance? Condo living promotes an active lifestyle. Many buyers are choosing classy, modern condos that put them right at the heart of the action. Condo living isn’t about compromise. It’s about getting everything you want in a location, at a fraction of the price.

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.

Although it took a few extra weeks for the summer to get here, it was an exciting season in the Calgary real estate market.  Year to date, sales were up 11% compared to 2013, and home values increased by nearly 7% across the board.

Many sellers were cautious about making a move earlier this year.  There simply weren’t enough listings to choose from and as a result, they were hesitant to put their own home on the market.  Inventory was low, competition was fierce, and many buyers were feeling discouraged that they may not find the right home in their price range.  Fortunately, Calgary has now entered a much more balanced market.  There are more active listings, and the ratio of buyers to sellers is at a comfortable level.

One segment of the market that is on the verge of some significant growth is the condo sector.  As home prices continue to increase, first-time buyers and downsizers are looking for a more affordable alternative.  There are dozens of new developments being planned around the city, many of which offer trendy downtown locations.  The local condo market has captured the attention of investors and developers all across Canada who are scoping out available land for their next exciting project.  If you have been considering purchasing an investment property, stay tuned for some fabulous new opportunities in Calgary.

Another by-product of a rapidly growing economy can be found in Calgary’s luxury home market.  According to CREB, the number of sales that exceeded the $1 million price point has increased by 20% compared to last year, and there is a growing pool of buyers who are entering the luxury home market.  Calgary continues to be one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, and consumers are recognizing the value of investing in a rapidly growing market.

If you are thinking of making a move this year, the timing couldn’t be better.  Homes are selling faster than ever, and there are still plenty of great deals to be found around the city.  Fall may be in the air, but there is still plenty of time to find your new home before the snow flies!

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 my favourite neighbourhoods in the Inner City section of Calgary is Parkdale. Located in the City’s northwest quadrant, Parkdale offers coveted proximity for biking to work plus all the amenities typically found in a downtown area. In addition to providing easy access to Downtown Calgary, shopping, restaurants and major roads, Parkdale is adjacent to the Bow River Pathway System and the Shaganappi and Crowchild Trails. As a bonus, Parkdale did not flood during the June, 2013 floods.

Even though it is an Inner City neighbourhood, Parkdale is primarily residential. Calgary’s 2012 Civic Census figures reflect a population in Parkdale of 2,296 people in 1,020 dwellings. Single family homes and condos here are in high demand and come with healthy price tags. I find these properties to be excellent investments that tend to hold their value even during downturns in the market.

Today, construction in the area is in high gear as Parkdale undergoes a renaissance. Many older single family homes are being renovated or torn down and replaced with newly-constructed attached homes. A Heritage Committee works to preserve older homes with historical significance.

For more than 60 years, the Parkdale Community Association has functioned as a community hub and sponsored social events, sports teams and services for the residents, including a very popular Wednesday afternoon farmers’ market and community gardening activities. The farmers’ market is a year-round enterprise and hosts vendors such as Brenda’s Meat Pies and the Apple Lady.

In 2013, based, in part, on input gathered at a number of public workshops, the City of Calgary approved the Parkdale Village Centre Area Redevelopment Plan. The Plan envisions an enhanced public gathering space with wider sidewalks, improved parking, rain gardens, trees and outdoor seating areas. These improvements are sure to further enhance property values in this popular neighbourhood.

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.

Everybody knows what not to do when selling your home. It’s common sense – right?  Well, not always. Here are a few of my tips to sellers whose home is being shown. Some of my tips are just general rules for showing homes and others are pulled from my own amusing and very real experiences.

Forget to Take Out the Garbage

Garbage is unsightly and offensive odors leave a strong and lasting impression. Overflowing cans, even in the backyard or garage, are a turn-off.

Go on a Cooking Spree the Morning of an Open House

Limit heavy kitchen use and the accompanying mess and odors while your home is being shown. Stacks of dirty dishes will only serve to hide your beautiful countertop. While you may adore the smell of garlic and onions, not everyone does. Pungent cooking odors should be avoided whenever possible except for boiling cinnamon or homemade bread or cookies which seem to have a universal appeal.

Leave Out All Your Family Photos

Remember that the goal is to depersonalize the space to better enable a buyer to picture themselves living there. You may be justly proud of your kids’ report cards but put them away in a safe place together with the photo albums, diplomas and awards.

Leave Your Pet Home Alone

No matter how well-behaved your beloved little dog is, it’s best to arrange for doggie day care during showings. Many people are allergic, are afraid of animals or simply don’t like them. There are liability issues to consider as pets don’t always welcome strangers invading their turf and can turn nasty. Finally, accidents do happen. Just remember that piles of dog excrement or smelly litter boxes are not likely to ignite a bidding war.

Fail to Cover Your Aquarium Full of Snakes

Believe it or not, some people get jittery when it comes to large snakes. In fact, most people will, so do yourself a favor and send the snakes to a friend’s house. Your potential buyers and your realtor will all appreciate the effort.

Leave Your Sex Toys Out in Full View

I know. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and everyone does it, but please do us all a favor and put your personal pleasure items away. It’s much better to allow the buyers to conjure their own fantasy of living in your home – without the aid of your assistive devices.

Selling a home can be stressful. Remember that you hired an expert for a reason and my goal as a realtor is to sell your home as quickly as possible at the highest price. Pay attention to my tips and before your know it, you’ll be comfortably situated in a new space. Then you can cook any time of day or night, hang every piece of artwork your child ever brought home and even leave your “toys” out if you don’t feel like putting them away.

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.

Home staging can and does make all the difference. The simple truth is that many home buyers lack the imagination necessary to picture themselves happily ensconced in a new home without a little help. That’s where the staging comes in. I always advise my clients to decorate to their own taste while living in the home. Once they decide to sell, it’s time to decorate to the public taste and make changes that will appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers.

As part of my listing contract, I offer basic home staging services to my clients. Depending on the circumstances, I may call in a staging expert or opt to just do it own my own. Either way, my client’s budget considerations are always kept in mind.

Often, we start by re-arranging existing furniture, re-hanging pictures and clearing clutter in the house and basement. The objective is to de-clutter and de-personalize the space so that buyers can envision their dream home upon a blank slate.

The next thing I do is to take a look at paint and wall coverings. While my client may adore her orange bedroom, that’s not a color that will appeal to the largest number of buyers. I once visited a home that was painted throughout in shades of red and green – a Christmas house! A freshly-painted room in neutral tones presents a clean palate and virtually beckons to buyers to come decorate. If painting is needed, that cost falls to the seller, but painting is a relatively inexpensive solution to a problem and one that almost always pays for itself at closing.

In instances such as the Christmas house, I sometimes bring in a professional home stager to deliver the tough love advice to the homeowner. It’s much easier to accept criticism from a professional decorator and I avoid being the bad guy. For some homes, I’ve assisted my client in procuring an entire home staging package, including rented furniture. Even in those cases, we were able to keep the budget at a reasonable number.

The best thing about home staging is that it works – both in promoting speedy sales and earning sellers top dollar. It is worth the investment of time and money because it makes a difference.

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.

I am often asked which home renovations bring the highest investment return for homeowners.  The answer is, of course, “it depends.”  A number of factors come into play in predicting return on investment, including neighborhood, price point and the home style.

The advice I always extend to my clients is to review your renovation plans with a realtor before launching the project.  If you are planning on staying in your home for a while, you should renovate it to suit your family’s taste and lifestyle.  If, however, you are planning to sell in the not-too-distant future, a realtor can help you retain equity by avoiding heavy construction projects that will not produce a healthy return on your dollar at closing time.

Kitchens and bathrooms almost always prove to be worthwhile investments.  If you plan to list the home shortly after completion of the remodel work, be sure to go with neutral and contemporary colors and materials.  Choose quality materials and fixtures but don’t go crazy as the extra money you invest is not likely to be recouped.   This approach leaves room for your potential buyers to imagine their own style juxtaposed on your tasteful remodel.

Landscaping in our area is an investment that carries a good return.  Curb appeal is a key factor in many home sales.   Well-maintained landscaping makes a house stand out from the crowd and welcomes you home every day.  Whether you employ a professional or do the hard work yourself, landscaping is a sound investment.  Unless gardening is your passion, aim for plants and designs that require as little upkeep as possible. Today’s busy homebuyers are, for the most part, not interested in spending entire weekends working on the lawn.

Finished basements can be very tricky.  In a neighborhood that permits multi-family homes, a basement apartment can pay for itself through rental income in just a few years.  In some areas, where such arrangements are either not permitted or simply not common, the added square footage may make your home more attractive, but will not add much in terms of value.  There are a number of factors to be weighed before undertaking a basement remodel, including the presence of separate entrances and walk-outs as well as waterproofing and liability issues.

Swimming pools in the Calgary area are a “no go” if you are looking to recoup your investment.  We have a short swimming season up here and the high cost of pool heating and maintenance along with liability issues combine to make pools a bad investment for homeowners in our area.  By all means, put a pool in because you love to swim, but don’t assume a healthy return on your investment.

Renovations can be very stressful.  Again, my best advice is to contact a realtor before undertaking any substantial investment in your home.  You may end up saving a ton of money and avoiding unnecessary aggravation, sweat and tears.

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.