Rules to follow when using Mother Nature's cover for the winter

The word on mulching is out.

Mulching in the fall is not a minefield-free activity. In fact, it can be a whole lot of work for a whole lot of nothing if not done right.

Taking a step back, mulching is largely about the use of organic materials such as leaves or bark to cover ground over perennials, trees and shrubs.

Royal LePage Benchmark donates more than $13,000 to Children's Cottage Society

For the last five years, the crew at Royal LePage Benchmark have been fundraising for the Children's Cottage Society (CCS), including this year's offering of more than $13,000.

"[CCS] helps the world's most vulnerable population, the children," said Corinne Lyall, owner/broker for Royal LePage Benchmark and president-elect of CREB®. "Our agents really like the idea of supporting families and trying to keep them together and providing counselling in order to make the families a healthier group."

'Don't pay off someone else's mortgage'

Many of us remember our parents telling us it is better to own a home than rent one at some point in time – "don't pay off someone else's mortgage," they'd say.

They could not have been more correct.

So why are many people still choosing to rent when owning a property can be so financially rewarding?

Convenience, diversity key to big-city alternative

A short drive west of Calgary, the community of Bragg Creek is an oasis for homebuyers looking for a convenient escape from the big city.

And the good news is the tranquil hamlet of less than 500 residents, situated in the shadows of the Rockies, has something for everyone, whether they're empty-nesters or first-time buyers.

"It's not really urban living; it's rural-urban," explained Lee Edwards, REALTOR® with MaxWell Canyon Creek, who has worked out of Bragg Creek since 1986.

Brokerage believes in its community commitments

Whether helping children around the world access clean drinking water, joining Calgarians in planting trees or helping you find or sell a home, Jeff Neustaedter & Associates is ready to show the power of teamwork.

Neustaedter began selling homes in 2000, later joining Re/Max House of Real Estate and launching his own business. He established a seven-strong REALTOR® team including his brother and original partner, Ray Neustaedter, along with Rod Burriss, Mark Lockhart, Candace Randall, Mark Lofgren and Randy Merkley.