22. October 2007 by Kari Calder.

Do I really have to ask? Apparently, I do as courtesy seems to disappear sometimes. Recently I have handed over sets of keys to my buyers only to find the house a complete disaster. Dirty, garbage left behind, clearly not left in the condition my clients were hoping to see as they generally don’t have a lot of time to clean before the movers arrive. It is disappointing, but unfortunately it is not a rule that has to be follow, more common courtesy, but common courtesy seems to be lacking more and more these days. Our only hope was that whoever they bought their house from left them with a similar mess, but that negativity also has to stop as where does the ‘pay it backwards’ end? I asked my clients if they would ever leave their house like that, and of course they said no.

I believe it is my duty as an agent to ensure that my clients leave their houses how they would like to find their next house, but not everyone thinks the same way. I know from personal experience when you are moving and you are going to a new house that the last thing you want to do is go back to the old house to clean, but I feel it is only fair to do it. At the very least, go online and find someone who is advertising to make a bit of extra money or ask your friends to help you clean and offer to pay $10-$15/hour, it won’t take long as the house is already empty. If you are “done” with the old house, it is a really good idea to hire someone for a few hours. I am a big believer of karma and fairness and there is nothing worse than going to your new house that you have been waiting and anticipating and looking forward to just to have the excitement dampened by someone else’s ignorance and mess. So be kind, chances are you made a good amount of money on your house given the market we are in, spend a few extra dollars to give your buyers a good possession and a great welcome to their new home, after all, it is their new treasure!

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.
www.karicalder.com

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22. October 2007 by Kari Calder.

After traveling around the world for 2 years, I have to say that Saskatchewan people are amongst the nicest and most accommodating in the world. I forgot about that while I was away but when I returned for a visit I decided I would return for good very soon. As fun and exciting as it is to live overseas, I found it impossible to get ahead and was working hard just to live. I could not get ahead! There are pros and cons everywhere in the world, of course our nasty winters are in the con department for me, however if I could embrace winter sports I would be better off…but that just isn’t going to happen L Despite the terrible winters and all of the snow, there are pros to that as well…we don’t have rain for 30 days straight, even if it is minus 40 degrees the sun is strong and cheery thereby not causing many cases of SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

I love this city, the fact that I can get anywhere in 15 minutes or less (okay, maybe 20 if I keep to the speed limit) yet can enjoy almost all of the amenities of a ‘big’ city makes it a very desirable place for me to live.

This city is growing, but it still has a small town feel and mentality. Sometimes this is good, but not always as small towns can be small minded, but I don’t feel that way about our city as we embrace culture, art, different ethnicities, etc. I hope our city doesn’t double in size like many cities that get a Synchotron do as I like it the way it is, but the growth we have seen has been great for our economy. We are finally getting some recognition in the world and we are catching up to some of the other larger cities. I can see why so many of the people who I have been dealing with as buyers are either moving back to Saskatoon or are moving here because of our reasonable housing prices (yes, even after the boom we are still very reasonably priced) and the opportunity to get ahead and to enjoy life in the city and be close enough to the lakes for a quick getaway. It is a great place to be, put down roots, and enjoy life and not having to dread the commute to work every day.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.
www.karicalder.com
 

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22. October 2007 by Kari Calder.

We can all do our part, it doesn’t cost much (if anything), and it is easy to do. Why doesn’t everyone do it??? We are generally well educated people yet it is incredible how many people don’t bother to take advantage of our recycling programs. We all know that Global Warming is a reality now and that there are things we can do. I’m not expecting people to all drive hybrids and walk in the middle of winter, however there are small things each person can do to help our environment. I am appalled at how many cardboard boxes I see sticking out of garbage cans every pick up day, and that is only a small part of the things people don’t recycle that can be recycled here.

I doubt those same people throw out cans and bottles, somehow making 10 cents on a bottle makes it worthwhile to keep it, even if it gets smelly and sticky. So if you are willing to hold onto that, why not cardboard, paper, newspapers etc and drop them in one of the MANY big green bins around the city. If you don’t want to pay for pick ups, you can at least do this.

Paying that $10/month allows me to recycle things there are no drop boxes for such as glass jars, tin cans and plastics. We have a household of 2 adults and 2 pets and we dispose only 1 small garbage bag a week, yet I fill 2 bins and a large bag with recycle every 2 weeks to a place that will reuse them. Mind you, I am not impressed with the City and the lack of a free program to pick up household recycling like some other cities such as Prince Albert. Personally, I pay Saskatoon Curbside Recycling about $10/month to collect it from my driveway. It probably balances out with the $10 or so a month I might get back from Sarcan for bottle/can recycling, so I feel there is a good balance and it makes me feel like I am doing something as I am not willing to give up my car…not to mention it would be hard for me to sell houses if I drove a moped! So do your part, check out curbside recycling online and do small part in helping our environment while you still can!

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.
www.karicalder.com

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