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| | Hi friends! Angelique Garcia here—your Real Estate BFF. I hope you’re easing into the season feeling relaxed, well fed, and surrounded by the people (and pets) you love. December is here, and with it comes a shift into a calmer, more balanced market. After a busy year, November brought the seasonal slowdown we typically see heading into winter. Fewer listings, fewer sales, but still steady activity from serious buyers and sellers. Inventory remains higher than usual, creating more choice and less urgency, especially in apartments and townhomes, while detached homes continue to hold steady. It’s a good reminder of how segmented the market really is right now. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, December can actually be a strategic time. It’s quieter, but the people in the market tend to be focused and motivated. Tap my photo above to watch the update! 🎥 |
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| Want to find out what this all means for your personal situation? Let's chat about the market, coffee’s on me! |
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| | | | This year also brought a few milestones I’m incredibly grateful for. I marked 15 years as a REALTOR®, made my brokerage’s Top Producer list, and passed $10,000 in total donations to Ronald McDonald House Alberta and AARCS by donating a portion of every commission I earn. None of that happens without the trust and support of my clients, and I never take that lightly. So as we head into the new year, my hope is more good news, more meaningful moments, and plenty of opportunities to help you make smart, confident moves when the time feels right. I hope to see some of you over the holidays, but if not, I’m wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Angelique |
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| | | If you’re new here—welcome! I love giving gifts and supporting local, which is why I’ve partnered with Lolo to treat you to monthly small business perks. No catch—just a little thank you for following along. Do you want to be a Lolo gift regular and receive monthly gifts? Let me know if you’d like to automatically be enrolled for our Calgary North or South Zones, Cochrane or Central AB/ Red Deer gift zones! Or you can continue letting me know which specific gifts you’re interested in each month. — Calgary – North 🌿 Canary Refillery & Zero Waste Market $10 to spend on feel-good, low-waste goodies. Perfect if you love practical finds that also happen to be eco-friendly. Calgary – South 🥪 Apprentice Cafe One of our fave places in the city! Their breakfast sandwiches are worth waking up for, especially my favorite, the Top Sirloin which is only around for a limited time. Great coffee, great vibes, zero regrets! Cochrane 🍬 Horse Creek Heritage Candy & Gifts $10 to spend on sweet treats or nostalgic goodies. Fun, charming, and very Cochrane. — All you have to do is let me know which one you’d like before 7 pm on Tuesday, December 16th, and you’ll receive your emailed voucher on Wednesday, December 17th! Enjoy this month’s gifts on me—and please don’t forget to tag me if you stop by! I’d love to hear what you picked up or tried. Hope to hear from you soon! — Angelique |
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| | | | | | Embracing Seasonal Home Routines for a Smooth Winter December brings colder temperatures, shorter days, and more time spent indoors. This makes it an ideal time to refresh and simplify your home routines for the winter season. A few thoughtful adjustments now can help make daily living more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable through the months ahead. Small improvements, like adding soft lighting, organizing frequently used items, or streamlining storage, can make your home feel calmer and more functional. With heating systems working harder this time of year, consider basic maintenance tasks like replacing filters or testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These steps support comfort and peace of mind throughout the season. Whether your home is a gathering place during the holidays or simply a cozy retreat from the cold, a few seasonal updates can make winter living feel smoother, warmer, and more intentional. |
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| | Simple Safety Checks Every Homeowner Should Do in WinterTest Alarms and Replace Batteries Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once per season. Replace batteries even if alarms seem functional. Check Exterior Lighting Shorter days mean more time arriving or leaving in the dark. Ensuring well-lit walkways improves safety and visibility. Inspect Extension Cords and Decorations Look for fraying, overheating, or cords running under carpets. Safe electrical practices help prevent winter fire risks. Store Hazardous Items Properly Keep ice melt, cleaning supplies, and tools out of reach of pets or children. Ensure everything is labeled and stored securely. Review Emergency Supplies Confirm you have flashlights, extra blankets, first aid items, and backup chargers accessible. Winter weather can bring unexpected outages.
These quick checks help protect your home and offer additional peace of mind throughout the colder months. |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | LET ME KNOW what you're on the hunt for—whether it's your next home, an investment property, or something off the beaten path. |
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| 5000 ft commercial space in Calgary and surrounding area for beauty services commercial kitchen - 1000 sf commercial kitchen - 2000 sf large bungalow with triple attached garage, facing west or backing onto ridge, up to $1.7m large condo, at least 1,200 sf, with underground parking, in SW area, up to $650,000
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| | | | It had been a while since we’d been here, and honestly, we waited way too long to come back. We popped in this weekend and everything reminded us why Maven is such a favourite. The vibe was spot on, the decor is beautiful, the service was great, and the food somehow got even better. It does get busy on weekends, so definitely put your name on the waitlist ahead of time. Even with a packed list, it moved quicker than expected and was totally worth it. I was craving a Filipino-style breakfast and ordered the Still in Manila, topped with the juiciest slab of candied bacon. Neil went for the banana bread French toast and it was exactly as decadent as it sounds. Such a good Sunday Funday spot. Cozy, lively, and one of those places you leave already planning your next visit. |
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| | | Things To Do in and Around CalgaryDecember/ January |
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| | Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market + Enchanted Festival Dates: Weekends December 5-24, 2025
I fell in love with Europe’s Christmas markets last winter and I’m so happy to have a little taste of it here. It’s a festive winter atmosphere with crafts, food, live music, and seasonal charm. My fave snacks were Bow Valley Empanadas, fondue in a baguette, potato latkes and of course, glühwein! Location: Spruce Meadows, Calgary Admission: Ticketed More Info |
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| | Zoolights at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026 One of Calgary’s most beloved holiday traditions, ZOOLIGHTS transforms the zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with millions of lights, themed zones, warming stations and festive activities for all ages. It’s perfect for families, date nights or anyone who wants that cozy, magical holiday feeling without leaving the city. Location: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Calgary Admission: Tickets required (pricing varies by night) More Info
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| | April Wine – Canadian Winter Tour Dates: December 31, 2025 Canadian rock legends April Wine hit the stage at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino to close out the year with a mix of classic hits and high-energy performance, including my faves “Tonite Is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love” and “Just Between You and Me”. I love these guys and they are perfect for ringing in the holiday spirit with friends and family! Location: Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre Admission: Tickets required
More Info |
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| | Moulin Rouge! The Musical Dates: January 6–11, 2026 Step into the vibrant, glittering world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. This Tony-winning stage spectacular reinvents Baz Luhrmann’s iconic tale with dazzling costumes, energetic choreography, and a mash-up of hit songs that make for an unforgettable night of theatre. It’s big, bold, romantic fun that appeals to musical lovers and anyone up for a dazzling night out. Location: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Admission: Tickets required More Info |
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| | | After real estate, the thing I get asked the most is how I find the best travel deals and experiences. These are my secret weapons and I’m excited to share them with you. |
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| | 🗣️ Pimsleur - One fun fact about me: I love learning languages. I studied Spanish through university, and I understand Tagalog (it’s my first language!), but speaking it fluently again is a work in progress. After our trip to Austria and Germany, Neil and I started learning German with Pimsleur. It’s audio-based, so I practice during drives—no screens needed. They offer 50+ languages, plus flashcards and games if you prefer a visual boost. |
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| | ✈️ Skyscanner – If you’re like me and like to hit a few destinations in one trip, Skyscanner’s multi-city planner tool is a lifesaver. We just used it to book the perfect multi-city itinerary for our New Years 2025 vacation to Budapest, Vienna, Kitzbuhel, Innsbruck, Munich and London! |
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| | I hope these help you plan your next adventure as much as they’ve helped me! |
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