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Meet Paula Schmidt of Life Massage.

Wholistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person –
mind, body and energy. As a practitioner of wholistic medicine, Paulla Schmidt integrates conventional
and alternative therapies to prevent and treat the many aliments that affect our performance, recovery & mobility and most importantly, to promote optimal health.

Paulla Schmidt is the owner/operator of Life Massage and is a 2200h recognized therapist based in Calgary, Alberta. She has had 17+ years of experience in the massage field and a total of 20+ years experience in the health and skin care industry. Currently, as active chair for the leadership committee with the NHPC ( NATURAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS of CANADA) and current member of the Board of Directors for NHPC, Paulla enjoys connecting and collaborating with the massage community. Having worked in the spa, physio/chiropractic, alternative health industry in Calgary and area throughout her career, including the Fairmont spas in the Rockies, skin care and self care are two passions that Life Massage merges into the massage practice. As a born and raised Calgarian she looks to bring her passion to the city and it’s people, through her treatment and education.

Paulla has a full and ever expanding knowledge of the endocannabiod system; how it can be used to increase well-being and the benefits added to our whole health through use of topicals. She is a therapist who has seen firsthand the healing that can come through the use of topicals and is an active Cannabinoid massage activist. Life Massage is home to our regular Cannabinoid Education evenings. We strongly ENCOURAGE you to contact us with questions in regards to ANY & ALL things cannabis/CBD, it is important to educate everyone about this new industry.

For more in depth information on CBD & Cannabis for health follow along on Instagram @livingreenwithpj

A few years ago, Angela happened to land at a Marda Loop AirBnB with her young kids. She fell in the love with the community and hasn’t left!  Check out our Chat by clicking here.

Angela is laying down roots in the neighbourhood … symbolizing this all with her garden at the South Calgary Community Garden.
With a background in Alarm Systems, and sales, she is the volunteer Director of Crime Prevention for Marda Loop Community Association.
Through some apps and on-line channels, Angela encourages neighbours to get to know each other, to become more aware.

Angela also works on Indulge Committee … save the date – May 23, 2020

Angela is starting a Business Networking Group, with the goal of meeting weekly. The goal is to have 10-20 local businesses – Who wants to grow their business, and support other local businesses.

Crime Prevention Initiatives:
Get on Next-door. www.nextdoor.com
Everyone in Altadore and Garrison Woods has received an official invite.
Next-door is hyper local.
Not only do you meet the people on your street … it creates awareness. When neighbours know each other, community is safer.

Community Crime Talk … with Free Pizza from Turnip Homes, Feb 4.

Current Work:
– Business Network Group
– Indulge
– NextDoor
– Crime Prevention: Community Conversation Event w Rich Wall (Free Pizza by Turnip Homes)

Connect with Angela
Gmail: angela.current@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/…/lalangala/

What do you love most about the neighborhood?

“This is a great and vibrant community, close to downtown … I’ve decided to plant roots here.
To symbolize all this, I planted a garden at the South Community Garden.”

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For more info on Marda Loop, Altadore and all the communities that make up Marda Loop … visit https://parkbench.com/altadore

Canada’s low mortgage rates have been in the news for so long that they have essentially become the norm.  The 18 percent plus rates of the 1980’s are ancient history.  It seems that we have become so accustomed to cheap money, that we have forgotten that it might be temporary and just maybe, it may also become a thing of the past.  Although the Bank of Canada hasn’t given us any indication of a rate increase in the immediate future, it’s still important to use our (borrowed) money wisely and plan for the future.  After all, most of us are locked into 25-year mortgages, and we know just how much change can occur over two and half decades.

Be aware of how much a change in interest rates will affect your housing costs.  To put things in perspective, a $350,000 mortgage would cost the average buyer $1570 per money at a borrowing rate of 2.5%.  If rates went up just 1%, the same mortgage would cost $1750 per month.  That’s a $180 difference.  What’s even more significant is that same 1% increase would add an additional $54,600 to your cost of borrowing over the lifespan of your mortgage.

Take advantage without over extending yourself.  It’s hard to predict what will happen to interest rates over the next few years.  Even some of Canada’s most educated economists were surprised when the overnight rate went down instead of up.  That being said, it’s a wise idea to be prepared for a rate increase.  If your mortgage renews at a higher rate at the end of your current term, what will it mean for your household budget?  Do you expect your income to be the same, or are you planning on starting a family?  Talk to your mortgage professional about your long term plans so they can choose a financing option that meets your needs.

Take advantage of your pre-payment options.  The best way to protect yourself against a future rate increase is to decrease the size of your mortgage.  Some mortgages allow you to increase your payments each month, or make a lump sum payment up to a certain percentage of the balance.  In most cases, it makes more sense to tackle your higher interest debt first, but if your credit cards are clear, you will never regret knocking a few thousand dollars off your mortgage.  Remember, the quicker you pay it off, the more you will save in interest over the long haul, and that could amount to tens of thousands of dollars in savings.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Buying your first home is an exciting process.  You’ve probably worked hard and made lots of smart decisions to get you closer to your goal of becoming a homeowner.  More so than any other purchase, it’s important to educate yourself in several areas and set realistic expectations.

Understand the current market conditions.  The real estate market is always changing.  Sometimes it favours buyers, sometimes it favours sellers.  It can be affected by a variety of factors including interest rates, available inventory, consumer confidence, and even the weather.  You need to work with a local real estate professional who understands the market in your area.  This will equip you to make the right decisions and negotiate wisely when purchasing your first home.

Sit down with a mortgage professional.  It’s easy to get caught up in the purchase price of a home, but the monthly payments are what will really have an impact on your budget.  A mortgage professional will take the time to help you figure out exactly how much you will need to put aside for your down payment, what kind of interest rate you can expect, and how much your new home will cost you on a monthly basis.

Research how far your money will go and consider the various housing options within your budget.  Although you may have a particular type of house or neighbourhood in mind, you might be pleasantly surprised if you step outside your comfort zone.  Take the time to see properties in person, think about your long term goals, and weigh out the pros and cons of whatever is available in your price range.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.  If you are looking at homes that need some TLC, bring someone along who can help you understand the scope of the project.  Renovations can be a profitable investment in the right areas, but you need to do some homework ahead of time to make sure it’s worth your time and effort.  With a little research and the help of the right professionals, buying your first home will be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

“St Mary’s High School” by User:Thivierr – Photo taken with digital camera by User:Thivierr, who uploaded to English Wikipedia first, and then later to Commons.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Families with young kids are drawn to the Altadore neighbourhood because there are a variety of great schools nearby.  The Altadore School is a public elementary school that accommodates kids from kindergarten to grade 6.  There are approximately 240 students and this school features an award winning naturalization area called “The Owl’s Nest”.  Students will go on to attend Mt Royal Junior High School for grades 7-9.  Central Memorial High School is the designated public high school for the area.  This school boasts an excellent theater program.  They are also affiliated with the National Sport Academy which provides additional training and resources for athletic students.

The St. James Elementary and Junior High School is the designated school in the Catholic stream.  Students will go on to attend St. Mary’s High School or Bishop Carroll High School.  Bishop Carroll differentials itself with a self-directed learning program.  Students who attend Bishop Carroll have the freedom to customize their curriculum to accommodate their personal goals, learning objectives and future plans.

There is an international French school as well as five other private schools in the Altadore area.  Rundle Academy is the leader in individualized learning for students with learning disabilities.  This school offers additional support and creative learning techniques to help students overcome difficulties with reading, writing or mathematical learning challenges.

Post-secondary students living in the Altadore area, who are planning on attending Mt Royal University, will be able to take advantage of the convenient 10 minute drive to school.  Mt Royal University provides applied degrees, career diplomas, as well as certificate programs.  The University of Calgary, which is about 15 minutes away, is another highly sought after institution.  They offer over 200 programs and are considered to be one of Canada’s top research universities.  The engineering and geoscience programs are constantly raising the bar for Calgary’s petroleum and geoscience industries.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

My wife Shirley and our son playing frisbee

My family is one of the things in my life that inspires me to work hard, take care of myself and do my best in everything that  I set out to do.  Even though our kids are getting older, my wife and I like to spend time with them whenever their busy scheduels and our allow.  We appreciate the great outdoors together by going hiking, kayaking, or just a walk with our dog Max in the local parks.  We try to go cross country skiing a few times a year.  After a busy day, we all realy enjoy a meal together at home as a family.  The time that we spend together creates lots of great memories and allows us to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

My son is especially good  at reminding my wife and I about the importance of our connections with our friends and family.  Like everyone else our lives get busy with work and other obligations, and he will freuquently ask a question –  making sure that we take the time to connect with the people that are important to us.  Sometimes our kids need to remind us where our real priorities lie when we get caught up in the details of our daily lives.

One of the best things about living in Calgary is that there is no shortage of activities that you can do as a family.  Whether your family enjoys outdoor activities, theatre, or science – there is something for every age and activity level.  Each season brings new opportunities for adventure and trying to keeping up with the kids is sure to keep you feeling young at heart.

If you are looking for an exciting event this spring, The Calgary International Children’s Festival is taking place May 21st to the 24 th .  This is a great family event that offers live shows, open air activities, and a toy theater.  Bring your kids to get their faces painted and enjoy all the lively entertainment that this show has to offer.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

As an Altadore real estate professional, it is important that I am connected to my community.  I have had the opportunity to sit on the board for the Marda Loop Communities Association.  This association manages the facilities, community events and other recreational activities in South Calgary, Altadore-River Park, Garrison Woods and the commercial district of Marda Loop.

This association assists in the issues surrounding neighbourhood planning, parks and transportation in the community.  They are also responsible for an extensive calendar of activities for kids, adults and seniors.  If you are new to the Calgary area, this is a great way to fill up your social calendar with some great fitness classes and educational events.  Be sure to stop by the outdoor pool or the ice rink depending on the season.

This non-profit association has been operating for over 40 years by a group of dedicated and hard-working volunteers.  They commit their time and talents to improving the neighbourhood life in Calgary.  If you are looking for a great way to meet new friends and get involved with your community in South Calgary, consider volunteering for the Marda Loop Communities Association.  They are always looking for extra helping hands to assist with planning, volunteer during the events, or help out with many of the children’s programs.

Although I no longer sit on the board for this association, I still enjoy participating in their community events.  The Indulge Event, held every spring, is a fantastic food and wine expo that brings many residents together.  The event gives restaurants in the Marda Loop area a chance showcase a sample from their menus.  There is a silent auction followed by a live auction later in the evening.  This event is not to be missed, and I look forward to seeing you at Indulge 2014.  Please feel free to say hello and let me know if you have questions about the Altadore real estate market.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

It has been almost 10 years since my family of four move to Altadore. We quickly fell in love with the community and became avid Altadorians. My son has loved it since the day we walked to the My Favourite Ice Cream shop and he saw the crazy number of ice cream choices.

Altadore has evolved significantly since we moved in. The old Safeway has moved west to the Garrison Woods site and Marda Loop has evolved into a more upscale restaurant and shopping district. Shirley loves that she can now walk to Phil & Sebastian’s her favourite place to meet up with friends. Yes we have Starbucks and Second Cup. In addition, we have neighbourhood pubs, yoga studios (even a Bikram Studio which Shirley loves), Chinook Music Studio, and two diners – who could ask for anything more?

Sure we miss the Farmers’ Market when it was in Currie Barracks just across Crowchild Trail, but we are looking forward to the new high street with its shops that will open there in a few years. Being on the east side of Crowchild has it benefits as you have lots of options getting downtown for work and play.

Great Schools

The main reason we live in Calgary is the incredible choice we have in education for our kids. Our children, as well as our niece and nephews who also live in Altadore have had great school experiences at Mountain View Academy, Altadore Elementary, Calgary Science School, Bishop Carroll High School, Saint James Elementary and Junior High School and Masters Academy. Calgary Academy is the school where our daughter found great success with her learning.

Shirley has been teaching at Central Memorial High School since 2004, she is currently the director of the String Orchestra program. This CBE high school boasts a great Performing and Visual Arts program, the National Sport Academy and one of the top teams of academic teachers in the city.

Just south of Central Memorial is the campus of the Career and Technology Centre at Lord Shaughnessy High School. This school has state of the art facilities where students can explore specific applied career pathways like being a chef, pharmacy technician, mechanic or a cosmetologist.

Hidden Gem

We are also close to The Military Museums of Calgary, which is a hidden gem. When family and friends visit for the first time we will often take them there where the history and artifacts are definately interesting. Calgary is often criticized for its lack of history, yet with the Glenbow, Fort Calgary, Heritage Park, Stephen Avenue, Inglewood and the Military Museums this city has much to offer. And they are all just minutes from Altadore.

Altadore is for the dogs

Max our dog loves joining Shirley on errands in the neighborhood. He is a local celebrity as everyone says “Hi Max!” He can count on treats at our RBC branch, the Post Office and especially from Kathy at Marda Loop Tailoring. RBC recently offered him a job as a greeter for 5-dog biscuits an hour, he really did want to take the job and was not happy to come home with Shirley.

Altadore boasts perhaps the best off-leash dog park in the city – River Park. It is a linear open space with lots of different tree plantings and rolling hills at the top of the Elbow River’s west escarpment (above Sandy Beach). As a dog owner we appreciate the benefits of being able to walk out the door and in minutes Max is running to play with other dogs and we can stroll on our own or chat with our neighbours and those visiting from other communities. River Park is the meeting place for the community – it is our town square. Even in the middle of winter, thousands of people will use the park for a leisurely stroll, tobogganning, or as part of a run.

Cycling Paradise

As avid cyclists, we can all cycle easily to 17th Ave and Downtown for some urban fun, or we can head to the Glenmore Reservoir for a more recreational and nature 20 km loop around the reservoir. Frequently I will ride ten minutes to North Glenmore Park, then do interval loops in the park for an awesome 60 to 90 min workout. Beginning in May, I leave can leave home on my road bike at 5:30 am and ride to Springbank and get home by 7 am to start my workday invigorated – with 45km’s in my legs.

Shirley loves to cycle downtown in the summer, ten minutes and you are there, no parking hassles, no tickets and it is all downhill so you are not sweaty when you get there! Exploring the city cycle paths gives a new perspective on the city, different from walking or driving. Shirley loves seeing all the horses in the parks along the bow river during Stampede week.

Great bike ride close to Altadore and Marda Loop.

The Arts

We are also looking forward to the opening of the King Edward School as an art space as we will be able to walk there for concerts and exhibitions, maybe take a class or two. We are also old fashion and love to walk to the Alexander Calhoun Library to just relax and read a few magazines or check out their recommended reading bookshelf. I told you Altadore is like a small town, you can walk to everything.

Great Investment

Altadore has been a great investment for our family, not only in the quality of life that it offers, but also in the capital appreciation of our home. Buying or first home in 2004 – was a bit like winning the lottery. Altadore homes have appreciated over 200% since 2005. The greatest appreciation of any community in Calgary.

While some people question, how can people afford a home in Calgary’s inner city communities today, I say how can you not afford one. The best investment we made was stretching ourselves to move to Altadore 10 years ago. I don’t know of anyone who has regretting moving to an inner city home in Calgary.

One of my neighbours recently said, “I feel like I went to bed in Altadore, and woke up in Elbow Park.” She said this as a result of the numerous million-dollar homes now in our community, with several recent sales exceeding two million.
Last word

While Calgary boasts many wonderful communities, there is something special about Altadore and its small town east coast charm.

Image Courtesy of Photo Dean

Recently, I had a number of clients who were looking for a Craftsman bungalow in Altadore. It’s a pretty interesting architectural style, so I figured I’d dig up some info on it and share it with you. Who knows, it might catch your fancy too.

Historical treasures

The Altadore area of Calgary was established in 1945, when the classic Craftsman bungalow was at the height of its popularity. Many of these original bungalows have been restored to their classic style, and others have been torn down to make way for more spacious contemporary living. Some of these original homes were actually sold from the Sears catalog and came as a kit to assemble on-site. The design was typically one or one-and-a-half stories, with a long and low profile characterized by a large front porch beneath an extension of the main roof, also referred to as a “veranda.” These houses are usually small, with some having less than 1,000 square feet of living space.  

The Charm of Bungalows

Bungalows in Calgary are becoming increasingly popular options for empty nesters and downsizing seniors who prefer not to constantly navigate up and down stairs. Most of the living space is on one floor that offers convenience with a very comfortable style and layout. Features often include a single bathroom, two or three bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a living room. Some have a detached garage, which is a real plus in an in-town setting. These homes are also a good option for first-time home buyers who want to get into a neighborhood that might otherwise be out of their price range. In some houses, there is the opportunity to expand the second floor living area by taking in the large eave spaces. Every once in a while, an original bungalow will come out on the market as a “fixer upper” for people who want to build equity over time. These can be real gems in the rough.

Because the style has a lot of contemporary appeal, in-town builders often use the  bungalow style but break with the traditional layout to offer a separate dining room, up to six bedrooms with a large garage, and the luxury of higher-end homes. You will also see the style out in suburb communities, in houses that have a hint of bungalow but with much more contemporary space.

I enjoy showing this style to my real estate clients because it is so unique to Altadore. If ever you’ll find yourself here, give me a call and I’ll take you to see one!

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of one home a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 8% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

I came across this recent study by finance and real estate professor Bennie Waller of Longwood University, Virginia, published on the Journal of Housing Research in 2012, stating that experienced realtors sell 12% more homes and 32% more quickly, on the average, than inexperienced agents.

I was happy to get confirmation!

It seems that the adage practice makes perfect is true even in the real estate industry. According to Prof. Waller, “The more experience you have, the more likely you are to sell the properties that you list, the more likely you are to sell (them) at a higher price, and the less time (they stay) on the market.”

I believe experienced real estate agents have these three advantages.

Experienced agents generally know more.

Veteran agents tend to know more about the neighborhood, the market, what buyers and sellers typically need and want, and the entire selling and buying process. For example, veteran seller agents know what buyers are looking for and are aware of the competition, and they use what they know to stage, price and promote the seller’s house to sell fastest and at the best price. Veteran buyer agents know what’s a good buy and how to structure the purchase offer in terms of price, condition dates, closing dates, and even the length of time an offer should be left open, ultimately helping the buyer acquire the property for less money and under the terms and conditions that the buyer wants. A lot of this information cannot be had in a real estate course or from books, but is experiential and intuitive. In addition, veteran agents generally know more buyers and sellers, as well as good and reputable home inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers, and other key members of the real estate team.

Experienced agents are more confident about what they know.

 As veteran agents’ knowledge of their business comes not just from books or from other people but from their own firsthand experience over many years, they can hold their own in transactions. They can tell a seller who wants to sell his house at a ridiculously high price that it won’t work, and convince him to go with a more realistic price. He can tell a buyer if a crack on the wall is not a major issue and can be easily repaired, and is in fact a good thing because it will pull down the price.

Experienced agents can advise you through the many changes in your housing needs.

 Veteran agents are of course older and have gone through many changes in their lives and seen the same changes in the lives of others that impact their housing needs. As such, they can be a valuable resource for you as you go through your own life changes and even those of your family.

Everything has its season, though, and the rookies today will be the veterans of tomorrow. So I advise the rookies to go beyond seeing the veterans as the competition, to learning from them so that they could take over when the time is right.

Image Courtesy of Calgary Herald

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 2% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.