If you have millions of dollars to invest, amassing multiple real estate properties is not a problem. If you aren't named Buffett or Gates, however, it's not usually an option.

Fortunately, the average investor has another option. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that own income-generating properties in a pool, allowing interested investors to add real estate to their portfolio without breaking the bank.

Winter may have put the chill on cycling for many Calgarians, but the City of Calgary's recent Winter Cycling Congress cast a spotlight on Calgary's efforts to make two-wheeled transport accessible for even more Calgarians.

Alberta politicians at both the provincial and municipal level have recently spoken out against Canada's mortgage stress test.

The main features of xeriscaping are simple: use less water by decreasing lawn space and replacing it with native and well-adapted plants that require less water, including perennial flowers, trees and shrubs.

Creating a strong and connected sense of community with a village vibe was the overarching goal behind Q Condos, a new housing development in Calgary's northwest community of Sage Hill Quarter.

As more and more people take the plunge into simplified living – moving into spaces that are smaller and offer a lock-and-leave lifestyle – downsizing is becoming a well-heeled buzzword.

"We like to call it right-sizing," said Ismahan Omer, sales manager at Partners Development Group, known for its popular Arrive townhome.

Sitting below long-term averages, November sales in the city totalled 1,171 units.

For the year so far, sales activity has totalled 15,349 units, a 14 per cent decline over last year and nearly 20 per cent below long-term averages.

What do you do if you only have one sunny bed to grow tomatoes and you use that same bed every year?

It may seem too early to chat about tomatoes, but like other gardeners, you might already be thinking about buying seed and questions are bound to follow.

Too much clutter in your home can make you feel the same way you do after too much turkey dinner: stuffed and uninspired. Though it may have taken years to accumulate all those useful, somewhat useful and utterly useless items, you can get unstuffed in a fraction of the time by following a few simple guidelines.

Gardening expert and HGTV Canada's Home to Win host Carson Arthur has had a busy few months. He's launched a new book; is in the process of opening a destination-style gardening centre in Prince Edward County, Ont., with a focus on food diversity and fun; and through it all, he has been working long hours filming the latest season of Home to Win.