A house was out, since she planned to live by herself, and a maintenance-free lifestyle was preferable because she travels regularly.

“I have a good career and realized that rent goes right down the drain,” she says of her decision to buy a place of her own. “Knowing I could afford my place is good, plus it’s equity and I have something to show for the money I invested.”

Her search for a condo lead her to a variety of areas in Calgary, but in the end the Country Hills area was perfect for her needs, and Thomas chose a two-bedroom Parkdale condo at Panamount Place.

Thomas works near the airport, and her parents live in Rocky Ridge Ranch. The northwest address affords her quick access to either area. She also enjoys having all the amenities and services she needs close by in the Country Hills shopping area. She says she was drawn to Panamount Place because of the “good value for the money; good location … and also the nice layout of the units.”

Thomas moved in June 29, 2004. She has chosen to keep her second bedroom empty and has so far resisted the urge to find a roommate.

“It still seems to surprise people that I live on my own,” she says. “But I feel safe in my building and condo. Living alone makes you grow and become a lot more self-sufficient. It has been a very positive experience for me so far.”

Panamount Place is a secure building, a consideration that Bryan Logel, sales manager for Cardel Lifestyles – Panamount Place, says was made on account of the building’s demographic, which consists largely of young, single professionals. Thomas is one of a large number of young, single women who have bought condos at Panamount Place so far, and this is a factor that did not escape Cardel in the planning of the building.

“We designed the buildings to cater to the young, professional single,” says Logel. He points out that this is achieved not only through security methods, but also by creating a high-quality, affordable product in a prime location.

To create a safe, secure environment for all residents, Cardel installed a front door intercom system that does not list suite numbers, and allows residents to view the lobby area on their television screen. The heated, underground parkades feature secure storage units and indoor garbage rooms, both of hich allow residents to stay within the safety of the building as much as possible.

The successful combination of price point, location, quality and security has caused suites at Panamount Place to sell at an amazing rate. Thomas got in on the first phase of the project, and since then, Cardel has purchased a second parcel of land directly adjacent to the first seven buildings, on which they will build Panamount Place II. Panamount Place II will consist of an additional two buildings, featuring the same four floorplans that were so successful in Panamount Place I. Suites start at $104,900.

One factor often taken into account by young buyers is the potential to entertain friends in their new home. Thomas is no different. She says that so far, entertaining company has not been an issue with her neighbours.

“You have to be respectful of your neighbours, but my building has a lot of young people, and unless it becomes a common occurrence, it seems fine to be a little louder occasionally,” she says.

Thomas purchased one of the larger suites in the building, so she has a little extra wiggle room for entertaining guests. However, there isn’t space to throw any large parties.

“Space is an issue,” she concedes. “It’s not that big – but I have had no complaints so far.”

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of owning your first home is being free to decorate how you want. Thomas has enjoyed this side of home ownership, after the initial confusion of unpacking subsided. She says her favourite parts of coordinating her condo have been “being able to coordinate colours and go shopping, setting up themes and re-evaluating the items that have meaning.”

Her tips for anyone tackling the formidable task of decorating their first home? “When going through old items, be merciless! A new home is a new start and new or different themes freshen everything up.” She recommends deciding on a game plan for an entire room or wall before “you start putting holes in the wall randomly!”

While she has been caught off-guard by higher-than-expected condo fees, Thomas says that overall she is very pleased with living on her own at Panamount Place.

“I’m actually going on a trip at the end of the month, and knowing I can simply lock my door and everything will be taken care of is definitely a huge advantage. There’s less to think about and it’s nice to not have to worry about your home and its maintenance,” she says.