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Found 399 blog entries published by Justin Havre Real Estate Team.
If you're considering buying your first home in Alberta, incentive programs for first-time buyers can be a game-changer. From the First Place Program in Edmonton with its innovative land cost deferral to the federal First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit, a range of options are designed to make your dream of owning a home more achievable. These programs go beyond mere financial aid, aiming to support you in your journey toward securing a place to call your own home.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
First-Time Homebuyer Incentives at a Glance
The First Place Program in Edmonton provides a five-year deferral on land costs for eligible
Tired of spending $300+ a month on downtown parking? What if your commute were a 10-minute walk instead of a 45-minute drive?
Choosing the right Calgary neighbourhood can save you hours every week and hundreds of dollars every month. Some neighbourhoods put you within walking distance of downtown offices. Others connect you to Calgary’s public transportation for a quick, stress-free ride.
Here's your guide to Calgary's best neighbourhoods for downtown commuters.
Quick Reference: Best Neighbourhoods for Downtown Commuters
Driving on busy roads in Calgary—or anywhere else in Alberta—can be challenging if someone is not prepared for the traffic or doesn't know the major highways in the area and where they go.
The following information provides what people should know about Calgary's most-used roads, what people should expect when they're stuck in rush-hour traffic, and how they should handle inclement weather when they first move to Calgary. If you're new to commuting in Calgary or you're visiting Calgary and need driving tips, read on.
With its rugged natural beauty, ample employment opportunities, booming local economy, and high quality of living, it's easy to see why so many people are moving to Calgary. Northeast Calgary, in particular, offers many of the city's greatest amenities: museums, zoos, golf courses, upscale shopping, and more.
Located east of the famous Nose Hill Park, Northeast Calgary is a naturally beautiful district with wide-open green spaces and tremendous convenience. It's also home to several schools, recreation centers, and outdoor spaces, ensuring there are always things to do. Discover what makes living in Northeast Calgary an attractive option for residents looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
If you’re considering a fresh start in Western Canada, Alberta stands out for a few clear reasons: strong career opportunities in multiple industries, a lower tax burden in everyday life (including no provincial sales tax), and a lifestyle that can swing from vibrant city living to wide-open prairie and mountain weekends—often in the same day.
Living in Alberta is a great option for most prospective residents, but it's still vital to explore the province thoroughly before making the move. Schools, driving laws and other factors can help you decide whether moving to Calgary, Edmonton, or some of the smaller towns in Alberta is right for you.
Alberta Fast Facts
Population: Approximately 4.8 million (4th most populated province in Canada)
Moving long-distance isn't just packing boxes and driving away. It's coordinating timing, managing costs, protecting your belongings, and handling a mountain of paperwork. Long-distance moves bring unique challenges that local moves never touch.
But here's the good news: break the process into manageable steps, and that overwhelming move becomes a series of simple tasks you can actually handle.
This guide walks you through 25 essential tips for long-distance moves, plus a complete interactive checklist you can keep handy on your phone. You'll learn how to save money, avoid common mistakes, build a moving timeline, and arrive at your new home with everything intact and your sanity preserved.
Want to skip straight to the checklist? Here you go.
You find the perfect house with a beautiful kitchen in a great neighbourhood that fits your family perfectly. Then you see the price and wonder if you can afford it.
Here's the thing that too many people get wrong: the amount a lender approves you for isn't the same as what you can comfortably afford. Lenders look at numbers on paper. You need to look at your real life—your goals, your spending, and your peace of mind.
This guide breaks down the actual math behind how much house you can afford. You'll learn the income rules lenders use for mortgage pre-approvals, the hidden costs nobody mentions, and how to set a budget that lets you sleep well at night. Gain practical guidance that helps you figure out your real homebuying budget.
There’s no getting around the fact that selling a home is stressful. In addition to the amount of work and planning involved, many Canadian sellers don't expect that selling costs can eat up 6–10% of your home’s sale price!
That $500,000 house you're planning to sell? You might pay $30,000–$50,000 just in standard selling costs. And that's before you factor in potential mortgage penalties or moving expenses.
Most sellers are shocked when they see the final numbers. They think they'll pocket most of the sale price, then discover the true impact of real estate commissions, legal fees, and other expenses they never considered.
Don't worry, though—home selling costs are predictable when you know what to expect. This guide breaks down every fee,
Selling your house is probably the biggest financial transaction you'll ever make. Yet most homeowners spend more time researching a new dishwasher than they do finding the right real estate agent.
That's a big mistake that could cost you thousands!
The wrong agent can mean your house sits on the market for months. They might price it too high and scare away buyers. Or price it too low and leave money on the table. Even worse, they might go silent when you need them most.
Finding the right listing agent isn't rocket science. You just need to know what questions to ask and what red flags to avoid.
Two provinces and over 2,800 kilometres might separate Ontario and Alberta, but they share a lot of similarities regarding their economy, transportation, and top things to do. Despite that, the Ontario vs. Alberta conversation—often manifesting as a choice between living in Calgary or Toronto—sparks hot debate for those trying to decide where to move.
To make that decision, it's often best to explore all that each locale offers. Through that lens, everyone can quickly see how living in each area would benefit them now and in the long run. Use this guide on moving from Ontario to Alberta to start that journey.
Alberta vs. Ontario Quick Comparison
Average home price in Calgary: $638,000-$643,000 (November 2025) vs. Toronto: $1.1 million
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