Allison James

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

Be prepared for low inventory levels.

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

Beware of what lies beneath.

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!

Do you need to move to celebrate the changes that are happening in your life? Let me serve you in helping you make the move to the place or home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I will listen to your needs and use my knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home in Calgary. Contact me at 403-708-5873, ajames16@gmail.com, or www.allisonjames.com and let’s get on with your journey!

About Allison James

Allison James has been a realtor® since 1999 with Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. in the changing Calgary real estate market. A Century 21 Centurion Award 2007 recipient and a member of CREA and AREA, she specializes in residential real estate and has her designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Condominium Specialist. These designations testify that she has the expertise and resources to help her clients make a smooth transition to the next step in their life journey. She enjoys helping her clients as they move through many of the same stages of life that she, too, has experienced. The fact that the majority of her business comes from past clients and/or referrals from satisfied clients speaks volumes about her dedication to the high quality of service that she offers her clients to meet their Calgary and surrounding area real estate needs. She is a mother of four who are all on their own now, and a grandmother of eight. Besides helping people buy or sell real estate, she loves spending time with her family, being active outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, photography, playing the drums, reading, scuba diving, listening to music, learning new things, and nurturing her spiritual growth.

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.