Allison James

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.

What’s Going On In Calgary? Click on any of the links below to find out more!

June 14 – Aug 24 Banff Summer Arts Festival
July 10 – 19 Cyclepalooza
July 17 – 19 Fiestaval
July 18 – 19 Franco Festival Calgary
July 19 Creekfest 2015
July 23 – 26 Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 25 Taste of Okotoks
July 25 Pet-A-Palooza
July 27 – Aug 2 Calgary Int’l Blues Festival
July 31 – Aug 8 Calgary Fringe Festival
Aug 1 Calgary Fringe Festival
Aug 1 Inglewood Sunfest
Aug 1 – 2 Calgary Slide the City
Aug 1 – 2 Kensington Beach in the City
Aug 1 – 3 Canmore Folk Music Festival
Aug 3 Heritage Day
Aug 5 – 8 Afrikadey!
Aug 8 Chinatown Street Festival
Aug 8 – 9 Calgary Arab Festival
Aug 9 Marda Gras Street Festival
Aug 14-15 Calgary ReggaeFest
Aug 13 – 16 Taste of Calgary
Aug 13 – 22 Opera in the Village
Aug 20-29 GlobalFest
Aug 22 Brazilian Heat
Aug 22 Carifest Caribbean Festival
Aug 22 – 23 Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Aug 28 – 30 Expo Latino
Aug 29 Okotoks Chili Fest
Sept 5 Calgary Highland Games
Sept 7 Labour Day
Sept 16 – 20 Beakerhead
Sept 23 – Oct 4 Calgary International Film Festival

Continued uncertainty surrounding the oil and gas industry has definitely had an unsettling impact on the Calgary real estate market in 2015, but several indicators in recent months point to positive trends.  Viewed separately, these statistics may not seem like much, but viewed together, they point to a balancing trend that may be exactly what the volatile Calgary market needs.

In its June 2015 report, entitled Calgary Regional Housing Market Statistics, the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) reports that May 2015 marked the first time this year that residential sale prices improved over the previous month. In addition, CREB Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie states, “For the third month in a row, new listings have eased compared to last year, helping push the market toward more balanced conditions, despite the current environment of slower sales activity.”   CREB President Corinne Lyall added, “While some challenges continue to exist for sellers, depending on the property type, price and location, the decline in the months of supply points towards more stability for both buyers and sellers.”

Despite a steep drop in the total number of sales from 2014, home values have not suffered a significant hit yet.   The median sales price in Calgary for residential property in May of 2015 was $433,000, down only .26% from a year ago.  Prospective buyers waiting for the anticipated declines in value have yet to see that occur.  Homeowners with lower-priced entry level homes still find themselves firmly entrenched in a sellers’ market, especially those in sought after neighbourhoods.  Higher-priced homes in the luxury market are remaining on the market longer, but most owners are not yet rushing to drop the price.

After an extended period of steady gains and a robust sellers’ market, the balancing act that is currently underway in Calgary may be exactly what is needed to fend off a steep decline in value across the board.   The 2014 freefall in oil and gas prices was largely unexpected and led to uncertainty and erosion in confidence for prospective homebuyers.  Market movement in the coming months will depend largely on the duration of this economic uncertainty.

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 puts on a great show on Canada Day.  There are historical-themed events, music, food, parades, festivals and more food – all capped off with brilliant fireworks over the Bow River.  There is no shortage of activity and you are sure to find a patriotic celebration whichever way you turn.  Here are a few suggestions for Canada Day fun and adventure a little off the beaten path:

Chinatown Fest

Following its debut last year, Calgary’s Canada Day Chinatown Fest is back by popular demand.  Come on down to Chinatown between 3:00 pm and 10:00 pm to celebrate Canada’s birthday surrounded by the unique sounds, sights and aromas of Chinatown.

Show & Shine

Calgary’s favourite classic car show, Show & Shine, will be held on Canada Day in the East Village in collaboration with the East Village Street Fair.  From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, in addition to ogling the fine array of festooned classic cars, enjoy the work of local artisans and musicians while sampling some of the fine East Village food.

Celebrate Canada

Celebrate Canada, organized by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (AMJ) Calgary, will be held at Prairie Winds Park from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.  This event beautifully represents Calgary’s tremendous cultural diversity and aims to promote both national pride and neighbourhood spirit. There will be speeches from local and national leaders along with educational displays and recreational activities for children and adults.  You can also participate in guided tours of Calgary’s Baitun Nur Mosque.  This 48,000 sq. ft. building with a steel dome and minaret tower is Calgary’s largest mosque.

Canada Day in Canmore

If you are in need of some fresh mountain air and natural beauty that defies description, head on out to Canmore for your Canada Day festivities.  Canmore’s Canada Day Parade begins at 12:00 noon and the intersection of Fairhoime Dr. and 15th Street.  After the parade, segue into a Centennial Park celebration featuring marching bands, musical acts on a main state and a huge family area with something for everyone.  The music will continue between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm with live acts on the Civic Centre Center Stage.  Canmore’s fireworks extravaganza will kick off at 10:30 pm in Millenium Park – just a short stroll from Centennial Park.  It all sounds like the ingredients for a perfect day.

On our country’s birthday, we are reminded of all that we, as Canadians, cherish and hold dear.  Despite our differences, there is so much that we all share in common.  Canada Day affords us the opportunity to commemorate the achievements, vision and values of our ancestors while embracing the contributions of today’s generations.

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.

Do you struggle to think of a good gift for your dad or other dads in your life on Father’s Day?  If you answered “yes”, you are not alone.  The challenge in finding the perfect gift probably stems from the fact that so many of us feel that no gift can every really convey the depth of the love and gratitude we feel for our dads. When we think back on our lives, it’s not the expensive gifts that we remember, but precious time spent with loved ones. So, here’s a tip for Father’s Day this year – stop trying so hard and instead, consider these ideas for meaningful gifts for Dad.

Tickets to a Sporting Event or Concert

Think about buying your dad tickets to a sporting event or concert with a favorite musician.  This does not have to be done on a large scale.  In fact, small is probably better.  Think minor league baseball game instead of the World Series.  The goal is to spend quality time with your dad while also enjoying something he loves.

Plan a Nature Hike

The sights and sounds of nature tend to bring out the best in all of us.  While taking in a healthy dose of fresh air, seize the opportunity to reminisce with your dad and share a few laughs.  It’s also a good way to catch up on current happenings in your busy lives.

Take a Road Trip

Everybody has someplace they’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t managed to find the time.  Make the time this year and plan a road trip to that place on your dad’s bucket list.  If you can’t come up with a suitable destination, just meander and go where the road takes you.  Enjoy the time with your dad along with whatever sights and sounds come your way. The trip might only take a weekend, but the memories will last forever.

Pay it Forward

What better way to honor Dad for all he has done and continues to do than by paying it forward and helping someone else?  Let’s face it – many dads pretty much have everything they need.  If they don’t have it and decide they want it, they go and buy it owing to their status as grown men.  So instead of stressing over some gift your dad doesn’t even want, remind him just how much you appreciate his love, hard work and sacrifice by making a donation in his name to one of his favorite organizations or charities.  It’s a gift that it is guaranteed to make him proud.

So before investing in another loud tie for Dad or the latest gadget that will gather dust in the back of a closet, think about gifting Dad with the one thing he probably wants the most – a little time with you!

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 taking stock of a home’s best features, updated bathrooms, custom-built kitchen cabinets and expensive landscaping are usually the focus. Savvy real estate pros and homeowners, who have been through the cycle of buying and selling several times, very well know that location has a far greater impact than expensive amenities. Keen buyers seek to find a home in a very short list of neighbourhoods, and, understandably, will wait until the right property comes on the market.

The atmosphere, lifestyle and overall look and feel of a community make it attractive to certain groups of people. While it is largely a matter of personal preference, in any city, there are a number of coveted areas ranging from the unique architecture, to access to quality schools and water views that stand out from the rest. The concept of a nice neighbourhood and a good school district tends to go hand in hand. It should be no surprise that homes here benefit greatly. In addition, access to transportation, shopping centres and restaurants are some other factors that weigh heavily today. The continuous high demand for houses in such locations ensures a steady uptick in value for homeowners and low turnover rate for landlords.

While buyers can always dream of modernizing a dated kitchen or finishing a basement space, there is not really a lot they can do on their own to change the character of a neighbourhood. In Calgary, we are fortunate to have a multitude of thriving, sought-after and diverse localities that continue to attract consumers. There is truly something for everyone here.

On the other hand, if you are a seller in a sought-after neighbourhood, consider yourself fortunate. You made an excellent choice when you purchased your home as predilection for your particular street address will almost certainly ensure a quick and profitable sale.

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.

Are you thinking about selling your home and going the FSBO route (For Sale By Owner) in order to save the cost of a commission? Before making that decision, take the time to consider a few of the many reasons why it makes sense to work with a professional Realtor when selling your home.

Realtors are Trained Professionals

Would you ever consider rewiring the electricity in your home without consulting a trained and licensed electrician? Of course not – unless you are an electrician yourself. So why would you consider handling the sale of a valuable real estate asset without the help of a licensed professional? Real estate transactions are complex matters subject to all kinds of rules and regulations and fraught with potential pitfalls at every turn. As I write this blog, the median sale price for a home in Calgary is $420,000. That’s a lot of money to put into the hands of an inexperienced amateur.

Today’s real estate agents are more highly educated, trained and subject to rigid ethical guidelines. In addition to pricing and marketing your property for sale, they must know how to coordinate and work closely with mortgage bankers, home inspectors, appraisers, environmental consultants and government agencies. Even if you feel you are qualified, do you really have what it takes to pull everything together? Remember that in real estate transactions, time lost equates to money pulled from your pocket.

Realtors Have Full Access to the MLS

While most non-professionals can get on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), it is not the full access granted to licensed subscribers. You will only see a fraction of the information available to professionals. The full spectrum of reliable information and up-to-date data available in the MLS is of utmost importance in determining home value and monitoring market trends.

Buyers are Working with Realtors

We are living in a world that relies on instant access to information and demands immediate gratification. The best way to ensure a quick property sale at your asking price is to list the property in the MLS. Buyers’ agents everywhere will receive a notice of a new listing right away. Your buyer is out there somewhere and the best platform to reach them is through the MLS.

Realtors are Objective

Property owners are notoriously sentimental when it comes to their own homes. There is simply no way to remain objective when talking about something you’ve poured your heart and soul into. An experienced Realtor removes emotion from the equation and shields his or her client from the stress inherent in the daily twists and turns of real estate transactions.

Those who go the FSBO route almost always find they haven’t saved any money at all when it’s time to close the deal. Do yourself a favor, save yourself time, money and aggravation – work with a pro.

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.