Allison James

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and found plenty of time for rest and relaxation. 2014 was busy and eventful, and it always feels refreshing to turn the page on a brand new year. It’s time for a fresh start and the anticipation to accomplish goals for another twelve months. I like to reflect on what I have achieved last year and what I’d like to improve on this year.  It is another opportunity to push ourselves to a new level of success.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you. As the saying goes, “It’s hard to soar with the eagles if you’re surrounded with turkeys.” Whether your goals are personal or professional, positive people can inspire you to aim high and challenge you to grow. Look for qualities that you admire in your peers and find ways to incorporate those good habits into your routine. Better yet, find a mentor to keep you on track and hold you accountable to stick to your plan.

Attitude is everything. You’ve heard it a thousand times, but being reminded to keep your attitude in check is invaluable advice. Being positive will help you appreciate your successes, combat your personal challenges, and see the potential in the opportunities before you. Take some time every day to give yourself credit for your hard work and be thankful for all the blessings that surround you. Keeping a Gratitude journal can be a great help and inspiration.

Never stop learning. Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of personal growth. Many people leave school and education behind once they begin their careers, but don’t make that mistake. Be sure to allot time in your schedule to keep learning. There are so many ways to expand your mind and enrich your life.  Read a great book, sign up for a cooking class, or plan a vacation to a country you’ve always wanted to explore.  I love to read and travel – both have been great learning experiences for me.

Welcome to 2015! I look forward to connecting with you this 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 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.

This is the time of year when many people start to think about moving. It’s a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting out to accomplish your next big goal. Do you picture yourself in a new home in 2015? Here are three great reasons why next year might be the right time for you to make a move.

Is your current home meeting your needs?

Sometimes a place is perfect for a little while, but than your needs and lifestyle change. Maybe you’ve transferred to a new job a little farther away. Perhaps the kids are moving on to a new school and you aren’t sure about the one in your area. Maybe it’s something as simple as wanting a larger kitchen or more room to entertain. There are certain things you just can’t change about a home, which means it’s a good time to look for a new one.

Will making a move offer additional benefits?

Sometimes selling your home and choosing a new place to live allows you to accomplish other goals or enhances your life in different ways. Is it time to downsize and capitalize on the equity you have built over the years? What about purchasing a property that has room for an income suite so you can become mortgage-free faster? If you feel like your current home is holding you back in one way or another, it’s a great idea to explore your options.

Is it time for that next step?
Buying a new home is usually just one part of a larger plan. If you ask most people what they envision for themselves in the next five years, many of them will describe their perfect home among their other personal, financial and professional goals. Accomplishing your goals starts with a plan, and there is no better time than the present to set that plan in motion.

Here’s to all the best for you and your family in 2015 – wherever you may find yourself this 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 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.

If you are considering purchasing a condo in Calgary, you are part of a growing trend. Perhaps you are in the market for your very first home, or you are considering downsizing and curious how living in a condo might affect your lifestyle. Condo living isn’t for everyone, but it offers some unique conveniences that many home owners value. Here are four questions to ask yourself if you are considering purchasing a condo:

1. Are you looking for an affordable home in a great neighbourhood? Condos are an incredibly popular option for buyers in the Calgary market because of their affordability. Particularly in convenient downtown locations, condo dwellers are able to live nearby, even within walking distance, work and amenities that mean the most to them.

2. Do you like to come and go without worrying about the security of your home? Young professionals and downsizers love condo living because it offers them a housing option that doesn’t interfere with their lifestyle. If you enjoy locking the door, and heading to Banff for the weekend, or heading to a warmer climate for a number of months, living in a condo might be a great option for you.

3. Do you enjoy the financial security of fixed payments? Condo fees cover different things depending on the building. However, in most cases, they pay for all of the building’s exterior maintenance. This can include repairs to the balconies, cleaning the hallways, maintaining the landscaping, etc. Although condo fees will cost you a few hundred dollars per month, you should never be on the hook for replacing a roof, or buying a new furnace, like you would in a typical home.

4. Would you like to spend more time enjoying the things you love, and less time keeping up with your home? For busy professionals and retirees, maintaining a home is something they can do without. Condo living is ideal for people who want to free up their schedules for other things, like maintaining an active lifestyle and traveling.

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 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.

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.