1. You REALTOR® can help determine your buying power and refer you to lenders best qualified to maximize your loan and minimize your cost.
2. Your REALTOR® has full access to all the features of the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS) Canada's most powerful real estate marketing network.

1. Installing energy-efficient lighting, heating, cooling and water-heating systems can dramatically reduce energy use and cost. By selecting high-efficiency appliances with ENERGY STAR® ratings, and quality exterior doors and windows, you will further reduce your home's energy consumption.
2. EnerGuide is the official Government of Canada mark associated with the labelling and rating of the energy consumption and energy efficiency of household appliances air conditions, heating and ventilation equipment. The EnerGuide scale ranges from 0-100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, a rating of 100 signifies a house that is airtight.

1. Provide family, friends and colleagues with a detailed schedule when leaving for a showing. Ex: Property addresses, expected time of return, etc.
2. Always carry a mobile phone and ensure that you can get to it easily if in an emergency. Use mobile applications such as Guardly or program emergency contacts on speed dial.

To accommodate a growing ridership, Calgary Transit has begun construction on several LRT station platforms in preparation for the operation of fourcar trains as opposed to the usual three.

Work has already started on the Fish Creek-Lacombe and Heritage stations with an expected construction duration of five months. Chinook Station construction is expected to begin this year, though Transit has marked likely closure in 2013. The 39th Avenue and Banff stations have an expected construction start date of next year or the year after.

Just as the seasons themselves change, for many homeowners, the arrival of winter signals it's time to start thinking about change inside the home. Aside from the obvious coniferous addition to your abode, there are some more subtle changes that can increase aesthetics and heighten holiday cheer.

"Decorating your house for Christmas for a lot of people is more than just putting up a Christmas tree," said Charlene Threatful, owner/design consultant at Calgary's Lush Interiors Inc.