Some tips of the trade for making Canada your home

* This is the third of a four-part homebuying series for new Canadians in partnership with the Epoch Times. Each month, the series will explore hot topic issues such as understanding market trends, processes for buying a home, determining factors that influence house prices and more.

More than five dozen Calgarians from 24 different countries joined hundreds of others across the country in becoming Canadian citizens earlier this month as part of National Citizen Week in Canada Oct. 13-21.

To mark the occasion, CREB®Now is offering some tips on getting settled and, ultimately, finding that perfect place to call home.

Shopping communities within communities popping up all over Calgary

All over Calgary, a trend has begun.

Communities that once would've used a simple strip mall to provide residents with amenities are increasingly turning retail offerings into miniature town centres, plazas and High Streets, creating communities within communities.

Brookfield Residential recently announced its southeast community of Seton would be throwing their hat in the power strip pile, with plans for more than 800,000 square feet of retail space.

The City is seeking public input Oct. 28, on a proposal from Canada Lands Company to change the type of development allowed on the east side of Currie Barracks.

If approved by council, the proposal would allow for a medium-density mix of retail, office and residential developments including a network of open spaces and pathways while preserving key aspects of the areas military history.

Don't abandon your garden too soon

The back of the truck was full of flowers – even though they still looked decent. The gardener, in this case, wasn't about to wait until all her blooms were frozen in her beds and flowerpots, so she was tearing everything out early.

Dead flowers are a downer and no one wants to look at them for the next eight – yes eight – months. 

How to avoid costly mistakes before you have keys in hand

 Many homebuyers do not realize that even with an approved mortgage and after meeting the  necessary financing conditions, they are not guaranteed a loan until it has funded on the  closing date.

There are several things to consider to ensure a mortgage closes smoothly, and on time.

The first thing is avoiding the need to take on additional credit. While it may be tempting to load up on new furniture and appliances, do not apply for a loan to buy them. Even an interest-free, no-payment loan can affect whether someone qualifies for a mortgage. Wait until you have the keys to your new house before borrowing money.