Jan Carr - Realtor

Smart layouts, vertical gardening, and multi-functional pieces can make small yards feel spacious and purposeful

Small backyard ideas that feel huge Small yards demand intentional design to balance function and beauty. Techniques like square-foot gardening, vertical planting, and using tiered or stackable planters help maximize growing potential without overcrowding. Even narrow areas, such as side yards, can become lush pathways or compact seat...

If you’re looking to try something new this year, these spring 2026 home trends will make your living space so warm and welcoming from the moment you step inside!

These 6 Spring Home Trends Are About to Be Everywhere in 2026 Spring is all about new beginnings, and there’s truly no better way to kick off this time of year than with a home refresh! When the snow thaws, the flowers begin to bloom, and the sun stays out a little longer, it’s our cue to put away the chunky knit blankets, faux fur pillows, and dark wood b...

If you’re buying your first home in Canada, the rebates and credits can make a real difference in your upfront budget.

First Time Home Buyer Incentives in Canada 2026 First-time buyers in Canada have a lot to sort through, and some of the most useful help can show up in the closing-cost details. Ontario buyers, for example, may be able to reduce land transfer tax costs through provincial rebates, while Toronto buyers may have another municipal rebate to consider....

Mortgage porting can help some buyers keep better loan terms, but it depends on your lender, timing, and the home you’re buying.

How Mortgage Porting Works When You Move Mortgage porting lets some homeowners move their existing mortgage to a new property, which can matter a lot if your current rate is lower than what’s available now. It’s not automatic, and the details depend on your lender, mortgage terms, timing, and whether you need to borrow more. Still, if ...

Alberta is getting new affordable housing funding, with thousands of homes planned across communities that need more options.

Canada and Alberta Invest in Affordable Housing Canada and Alberta are putting more than $323 million toward affordable housing across the province, supporting over 3,600 homes through 41 projects. The funding also includes more than 70 new shelter spaces, with housing types ranging from seniors housing and supportive living to office-to-resident...

Why buy early?: Some parents are purchasing homes for their children long before adulthood to lock in current prices and hedge against worsening affordability.

Parents turn to early property buys to secure kids’ housing future A growing number of parents are purchasing property for children still in elementary or middle school, aiming to secure housing before prices climb further. In one Australian case, parents spent over $500,000 on a two-bedroom apartment for a child under 12, a move echoed by U.S. families facing simi...

If you’re starting a home search this year, having a plan before you walk into listings can save a lot of stress later.

A Practical House Hunting Checklist for Buyers Buying a home comes with a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to miss important details once emotions and excitement kick in. This checklist walks through the kinds of things buyers should think about before and during their search, from budgeting and neighbourhood priorities to storage, layout, a...

Upscale improvements can certainly be worth the investment if executed with a sense of balance between design panache, functionality, and market sensibility.

Are High-End Kitchen Remodels Worth The Price? Upscale improvements can certainly be worth the investment if executed with a sense of balance between design panache, functionality, and market sensibility. The most important factor to weigh before splurging is "adherence to the home's price range and location. If you over-improve — say, install...

Rate forecasts are never guarantees, but they do offer useful context if you're budgeting for a home purchase or renewal.

Canadian Mortgage Rate Outlook for 2026 Mortgage rates play a big role in what a home actually costs month to month. This article looks at where rates may be headed in 2026 and what that could mean for buyers, homeowners coming up for renewal, and anyone weighing their options. Even a modest rate change can have a meaningful impact on you...

If you're advising clients in Alberta, the province still looks steadier than many markets, even with sales softer than last year.

Alberta Housing Market Shows Local Differences Alberta’s housing market is still holding up better than many parts of Canada, but the details matter. WOWA’s latest provincial update shows average prices up from last year while sales are lower and inventory has grown. Calgary is seeing softer benchmark prices, while Edmonton has stayed more s...