Buyer Profile: Mariam Usman and Usman Noman

Living close to family and friends makes all the difference for Calgary couple

Mariam Usman and Usman Noman are living the Canadian dream. Usman immigrated to Calgary from Pakistan with his parents and siblings ten years ago when he was in his early twenties. Now in his early thirties, he's worked hard, saved money and married Mariam, who is also from Pakistan. The couple has three children, a boy and two girls, aged three, five and seven. Looking for more space for their young family, the couple recently purchased a new four-bedroom home. Located in Genstar's Savanna, the new home was built by Excel Homes.

CREB®Now: What attracted you to the community of Savanna?

Usman: I initially wanted to look in other areas of the city, in Mahogany and Auburn Bay, but Mariam felt at home and comfortable in the northeast.

Mariam: I like this part of the city. I can remember the roads when I am driving. I am new here to Canada so that is important. I have lots of support here, lots of friends and family – both my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law are nearby. The schools are close. It only takes four minutes to drive to the elementary school. The grocery stores are close. These may seem like small things, but they really matter in your daily routine.

You can't find anything better than here. We have the job, we have the house, we have friends and family. We are so happy.

CREB®Now: Why did you choose a newly build home?

Mariam: We started looking at resale homes, but couldn't find anything that we liked. We wanted something fresh, new and clean.

Usman: And we wanted to create a home the way we liked it, with the design that we liked.

CREB®Now: Why did you choose to immigrate to Calgary?

Usman: It was my father's decision. At the time there was lots of opportunity with the oil boom and there were direct flights to Europe and back home from here. The whole family came – my parents, my brothers and my sister. We bought a house together in Saddle Ridge and shared all of the expenses to save money for several years, but we are all now married and own our separate homes.

Mariam: You can't find anything better than here. We have the job, we have the house, we have friends and family. We are so happy.

CREB®Now: What is your favourite room in the house?

Mariam: It's really the whole house. We like the two master bedrooms and the main level floor plan. We opened up a wall so that now we have two separate seating and dining areas, one that is private for our family and one for guests. And I like the big pantry. Plus we have the option of building a spice kitchen. We love it.

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