April 2025

Moving out? Not so fast! Many sellers make a big mistake by taking things that should stay with the house. The process can hit a roadblock when buyers discover fixtures are missing. To help minimize the stress of selling, make sure you know in advance what you can't pack up when selling a house.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick Points on What to Leave Behind When Selling

• Light fixtures (including extra light bulbs) and ceiling fans must stay put
• Kitchen appliances like built-in dishwashers can't come with you
• Bathroom fixtures and bathroom vanities need to stay behind
• Outdoor stuff that's in the ground (plants, swing

Buying land in Alberta is a big decision that comes with lots of rules to learn. Whether you’re setting out to build your own home or purchasing land as an investment, there’s plenty to understand before signing papers. 

From zoning laws to property taxes, let's look at what matters most when buying Alberta land so you can make a smart choice.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick Land Buying Tips

• Check local zoning rules first—they control what you can build
• Get real numbers on property taxes and extra fees—they add up fast
• Look into environmental rules, especially near protected areas
• Compare city and country land

Trying to decide between a freehold townhouse and a condo townhouse? This choice between types of townhouses affects both your wallet and your lifestyle.

Freehold means you own the whole property, both the home and land. Condo means you own just the inside of your unit, while sharing ownership of land and outside areas.

Before you sign anything, let's break down what each option really means for your daily life and your future finances.

Freehold and Condo Townhouse Facts You Need to Know

• Freehold townhomes give you total ownership and control, with no monthly fees
• Condo townhouses cost less upfront but come with monthly fees ($300-$1,000)
• With freehold units, you handle ALL maintenance yourself
• Condo living includes shared

Imagine living in a home that combines the space of a townhouse with the efficiency of an apartment. That's what you get with a stacked townhouse. Unlike traditional townhouses that stand side by side, stacked townhouses are built on top of each other, creating a vertical community that maximizes living space in urban areas.

These innovative homes offer an appealing combination of affordability and low maintenance, making them perfect for city living. Each unit maintains its private entrance while sharing walls and floors with neighbours, creating a close-knit community feel. Ownership structures vary from condominium arrangements to freehold options, giving buyers flexibility.

If you're considering this unique housing style, understanding both

Buying a home in Canada? You need to know about the Underused Housing Tax Act. This tax targets vacant homes owned by non-Canadians, but some Canadian owners need to file too.

Who pays? What properties count? The rules can get tricky, especially when there are additional taxes in some provinces and municipalities.

Don't get caught by surprise. Let's break down exactly who needs to worry about this tax and who can skip it.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick Notes on Vacant Home Taxes in Canada

• The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a 1% annual tax on vacant Canadian residential properties, mainly affecting non-Canadian

The perfect Canadian home at a price that won't break the bank is out there. You just need to know where to look! Across Canada, several provinces and cities offer homes at much more reasonable costs. 

Places like New Brunswick and Newfoundland consistently keep prices low. Meanwhile, parts of Quebec and Alberta—including some of the lovely towns near Calgary—also offer great value.

Here's where your money goes furthest in Canada's housing market.

Tips For Affordable Housing in Canada

• New Brunswick has some of the lowest home prices in Canada, under $400,000
• The average home in Newfoundland costs $291,300, with St. John's at $335,400
• Saskatchewan's average home price sits at $324,400
• Red Deer has plenty of homes for less than

Looking for a faster, cheaper way to buy a new home? Modular homes might be the answer. These houses get built in a factory, then put together on land you own. They're often less expensive than regular homes and better for the environment.

But there's a catch. Getting a loan can be trickier, finding the right land adds another challenge, and selling later might not be as easy.

So is the money you save now worth these potential headaches? Let's break down the real pros and cons of modular homes to help you decide.

What is a Modular Home?

A modular home is simply a house built in sections at a factory, then delivered and assembled on your property. Think of it as getting your home in "modules" that fit together.

These homes come in lots of

An as is sale might be perfect if you want to sell your home quickly without the hassle of renovations. Your house, with all its quirks and issues, could be exactly what some buyers are looking for.

While this option often attracts investors ready for a project, selling a house as is comes with some trade-offs. You'll likely get lower offers and fewer potential buyers. So, what's the smart way to handle selling your home as is?

What to Know About Selling As-Is

• In an as is home sale, buyers get your property exactly as it stands today—no repairs needed
• As is sellers still must disclose the property's condition and any problems they know about
• Cash buyers, real estate investors, and house flippers love as is properties
• These real

If you’re searching for a profitable investment property in Calgary, townhouses offer several advantages. Townhouses cost less than single-family homes, making them perfect for first-time investors who want to break into real estate.

But before you sign that purchase agreement, you must know the pros and cons. Yes, rental rates are rising (which is great for you as a landlord). But townhouses don't grow in value as fast as houses, and those community fees can eat into your profits.

Let's look at what makes townhouses worth considering—and what might make you think twice.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Townhouse Tips: Investing in

Townhouses are one of the best ways to invest in Calgary real estate when you want to own a property while still living in the heart of the city. 

They’re perfect for first-time home buyers, novice investors, and anyone looking for a sensible home in urban areas. 

A townhome is a multi-floor home that shares at least one wall with neighbouring properties. They typically range from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet—giving you more space than most condos but with less maintenance than a house. As a townhome owner, you'll own both the inside and outside of your unit, plus the land underneath.

Think of them as the best of both worlds: more space and ownership than a condo; less expensive than a single-family home. 

Here’s what you need to know before