Reflecting back on the year gives a deeper perspective as to where you have been and where you want to go. It is an opportunity to look back and celebrate the wins and reflect on ways to improve and grow. At TruHome, we had so much good to celebrate but also experienced new challenges when it came to growth.

Some highlights of our wins:

• We helped over 300 families define what home is. This was both reflective in clients taking a step into homeownership and into our latest rental project 121 west
• We partnered with Regency Developments to lease up their project at 121 west in the heart of the Brewery District
• Our team exceeded our sales goals from RE/MAX Titan Club in 2020 to RE/MAX Diamond Club (second highest club reachable) for 2021.
• Elisse received recognition as a RE/MAX Top 40 under 40 for Canada – an amazing accomplishment to receive and celebrate
• We reached new heights when it came to our average sale prices, navigating this crazy market – both with multiple offer scenarios and some more challenging type of properties to sell.
• We continued to finesse our processes and systems to better support our clients
• We expanded our team further in an effort to be more available to our customers
• We made amazing connections and friendships along the way.
• We coached and educated new agents for their own future growth
• We reached a new milestone with Stollery and you will find our name on the donor wall ($10,000 – $24,000) and we gave back to other charities too.
• We moved too – some of our team members also took time to jump into the market and make their own moves too.

This year gave us time to pause and really consider the value of our team and what we currently provide to both agents coming in and for our clients. How we can continue to shift and grow as leaders to continue to showcase our values and worth and what it means to better come together.

2022 will be all about growth and authenticity – how can we continue to grow while staying true to our value system and what is important to us? How can we show up for our clients better and provide them with the level of service we too would want to experience? How to maintain authentic and trusting relationships within our company? How to show up and give back to this beautiful city we call home and support those most vulnerable?

Each of our Edmonton REALTORS® will have their own unique, authentic goals that will blend alongside our overall team goals.

Most importantly to us though is how can we serve you better? If you have been considering a move, or thinking about how real estate can impact your long term wealth strategy – lets chat. We would be truly honoured to be a part of helping you in 2022. Contact us today to start planning for your future.

– Photography by Tracey Jazmin

Many neighborhoods in Edmonton can be described as having “everything you could ever want”, but there’s truly no neighborhood that embodies this better than Strathcona (or, Old Strathcona). It’s established, authentic, inclusive, and chic.

Homes

Strathcona is a historic community with a large real estate footprint. There is an abundance of single-family homes, infill lots, duplexes, and walk-up apartments to satisfy all tastes, budgets, and lifestyles. With its proximity to the University of Alberta campus and hospital, there are also plenty of opportunities for income properties.

The premiere community of Strathcona fully embraces culture, art, and festivities while offering a unique twist on urban living. It is a popular spot for young adults and university-goers who enjoy the short commute, however there are many long-term residents and families who embrace the pedestrian-friendly and breezy lifestyle.

Places to Visit

With over 600 businesses serving the surrounding areas, there is enough boutique shopping, dining, and entertainment venues to fill the soul. Some of our favorite spots include The Plaid Giraffe, Rocket Fizz, Blues on Whyte, The Junque Cellar, Spotlight Cabaret and the Princess Theatre.

There’s a reason Old Strathcona was recently dubbed Edmonton’s “dessert district”. Whether you’re strolling along Whyte Ave or exploring the hidden gems amongst the alleys and murals, there’s something on every corner to satisfy your sweet tooth! Some of our favorites are Made by Marcus (unique ice cream flavours and frozen treats), Yelo’d (Filipino inspired soft serve ice cream treats), La Boule (French inspired pastries and bread), Cacao 70 (chocolate a million different ways) and Sugared and Spiced (all the baked goods). Just to name a few!

If the options for a night on the town don’t appeal (Hudson’s, O’Byrne’s, Beercade, etc.), there’s a good chance the foodie scene will satisfy some tastebuds.

Under the High Wheel and Pip offer delectable brunches with flare, while Meat and The Next Act are the places to be for friendly gatherings, family-style meals, and high vibe dining. MKT and Malt & Mortar also have great pub fare if you’re looking for something more on the casual side.

Commuting/Schools

Downtown Edmonton is easily accessible via the two major throughfares, Walterdale Hill Road and Groat Road Bridge, while 104^th Street/Calgary Trail make it a quick journey to south Edmonton and beyond.

In addition to the University of Alberta, there are a handful of schools in the neighborhood and surrounding areas which makes Old Strathcona a great neighborhood for families.

Old Scona Academic High School is right in the heart of the community and is recognized as one of the top academic secondary schools in the country. You also have King Edward School (K-6), Strathcona School (Grades 10-12), and McKernan School (Grades 7-9). Additionally, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Louis St. Laurentare two of the designated Catholic schools in the area.

Recreation

Even though it’s a wanderer’s delight, there is no shortage of outdoor space and greenery. The End of Steel, Dr. Wilbert MacIntyre, and Light Horse parks are in the neighborhood for evening games of Spike Ball or as a place to take your furry friend on a walk.

Just a few blocks north you’ll find Saskatchewan drive, which boasts panoramic views of Downtown Edmonton with a newly refurbished pedestrian walkway, bike path, landscaping and seating. If you go on the right day, you might find a local artist set up with an easel and a coffee, capturing Edmonton’s finest lookout point. And if you adventure just a bit further east, you’ll find yourself in Mill Creek Ravine that connects you to Edmonton’s network of river valley trails. 

One of the major perks of choosing Strathcona as your new neighborhood is that you’ll never have to fight for parking to enjoy the festivals in the area. No matter the season, there is always something going on. Most notably is the internationally known Edmonton Fringe Festival during August, the Ice on Whyte ice sculpture festival in January, and the Whyte Ave Art Walk in June.

We would be doing a disservice to the neighbourhood if we didn’t mention the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market: In operation since 1983, this indoor market is home to an assortment of vendors offering locally grown and produced goods, delicious treats, and sustainable living options. The best part is, they’re open year-round!

Whatever your reason is for moving to Strathcona, there will be no shortage of reasons for why you’ll fall in love with the community right away. TruHome would love to connect you with your next home in this beautiful community, so drop us a line and one of our agents will be in touch!

2021 Edmonton Holiday Gift Guide

And just like that, the holiday season is back! We’re not complaining though, it is one of our favourite times of the year—except for home-buying season, of course. As hyper-local real estate agents, we always look to support local businesses in the city we love. So the TruHome team put their heads together to bring you a 2021 Edmonton Holiday Gift Guide!

This season it is more important than ever to shop local, support others in the community, and give meaningful gifts. Here are 20 gift giving suggestions for this year’s holiday season.

Clo’s General Leather Co.

For the person in your life who likes long-lasting, high quality, made-with-care leather goods. Clo’s General sells a variety of items such as wallets, bags, belts, gloves, hats and accessories. What’s more—you can get your orders personalized!

Token Bitters

This is the perfect stocking stuffer if you’re buying for someone who is into cocktail making. Token Bitters stocks artisinal, handcrafted bitters that are inspired by Edmonton, and features flavours such as Ritchie Cherry, Strathcona Orange and Highland Mojito.

Floc Boutique

For the woman in your life that loves high-quality boutique apparel while simultaneously supporting local, Floc Boutique is women-run and has some of the most unique fashion items in Edmonton. You can also gift a personal styling or shopping day for someone who claims “I never know what to wear!”.

Poppy Barley

As a long-time Edmonton-based business, Poppy Barley is our city’s best-known footwear company. But did you know that they recently started selling things beyond shoes? Leather coasters, organizational sets, placemats, and even checkers sets were included in their recent launch!

Unbelts

We all have at least one pair of pants that requires a belt, so everyone can benefit from a belt from Unbelts! Made for both men and women, Unbelts’ main product is a lightweight, flat fabric belt that comes in every colour of the rainbow. The idea is that you won’t be able to see the bulk of the buckle under your shirt.

Little Plant Shop

For the person in your life that just keeps on buying more plants, the Little Plant Shop sells all the things you need to make your home even more lively. We’re talking home decor, wall art, handmade candles, macrame plant hangers, pots and of course, plants.

Tikkhu Jewelry

Tikkhu specializes in minimalist jewelry at a fair price. They have pieces that suit all styles, and also have an enviable holiday collection with understated gold jewelry and hair accessories. Having launched only last year, Tikkhu has taken off and is a staple jeweller in Edmonton—get them while you can!

Above Average Drinks

For the person in your life who loves a good cocktail, but hates making them, Above Average Drinks is a ready-to-pour cocktail service that delivers high-quality, delicious cocktails right to your door. All you need to do is pop the cork and pull out your favourite glass.

Hideout Distro

Hideout Distro is one of those shops where you can walk in and leave with half the store. This quaint shop is located on 124th street and distributes quality goods by independent brands, artists, designers and musicians from Canada and beyond. Think: vintage apparel, jewelry, stickers, pottery, trinkets, home goods, and more.

Winspear Centre

You can’t go wrong with buying your friends and family tickets to an upcoming show at the Winspear Centre. Sometimes experience gifts are the best thing to give because you might get invited along to the event! You also get to support local artists and performers while they debut in Edmonton.

Adewunmi Skincare

Adewunmi Skincare is a natural skincare brand in Canada. Located in the basement of the Mercer Warehouse, Adewunmi sells a variety of lotions, creams, body washes and oils. They offer a customization service to help those with tricky skin needs.

Ryspot Design

If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, look no further, Ryspot Design may be the perfect present. Creating one-of-a-kind products made from concrete, you can purchase clocks, candle holders, trinket trays, side tables, planters and more. May we suggest the iconic Edmonton brick, though?

The Prints and the Paper

A quirky shop located on 124th street, The Prints and the Paper sells graphic art prints, books,  cards and other cool stationary. Walk into this store and you will likely get lost for hours checking out all the unique things that it has to offer!

Shop Chop

Shop Chop is an edgy and fun local gift shop with an ever-changing selection of holiday ornaments, plants, pots, decor, home goods, greeting cards, jewellery, hair products, candles and more. Everyone we know absolutely adores this store, and they also have a hair salon in the back if you need to pamper yourself before you shop!

Strathcona Spirits

As Edmonton’s oldest distillery, Strathcona Spirits creates award-winning spirits made using traditional methods & local ingredients. We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like Strathcona Spirits, and we think your friends and family will love them too.

Glass Bookshop

We all need a little less screen time, so why not get lost in a page-turner from Glass Bookshop? This gem is an independently- and queer-owned bookstore that features work by queer and racialized writers to uplifts the industry and support independent publishers from Edmonton and beyond. 

Westmount Soap Company

Inspired by the diverse personalities of the communities and neighbourhoods within the City of Edmonton, the Westmount Soap Co. hand makes all natural bar soap, scented with only high quality essential oils. Get all of your stocking stuffers here!

Fenwick & Co.

If you’re shopping for little kiddos, Fenwick & Co. is the place to go for home and baby textiles. With unique screen prints, you can get toques and outfits for your little ones while grabbing some pillows and tea towels for yourself!

Justine Ma Design and Hand Lettering

Justine Ma Design and Hand Lettering is an iconic holiday gift. With a fantastic array of designs in stunning lettering, there is definitely something for everyone you’re buying for. Pick up ornaments, enamel pins, cards, drinkware, keychains, prints, party decor and more!

Restaurant giftcards

If you’re in a bind or are looking for a last minute gift you can’t go wrong with a giftcards to some of YEG’s best local restaurants and cafes. Here are some suggestions: Bianco, Dorinku Osaka, Nineteen, Cafe Amore, Cosmos, Duchess, Gravy, Ohana Donuts, Farrow, Credo, and Rosewood Foods. All of these places are local faves, but there are endless options for supporting local restaurants!

There are so many other local Edmonton shops you can purchase from and support this season, but we hope this helped kick-start your shopping. If you love any other local businesses we might not know about, let us know – we love to shop!