I know most people dont want to move in the winter, however your best chance of getting a house without going into a bidding war is to buy in the next few months. Sellers are more motivated as the market is a bit slower and they may be able to work with your possession date or at least meet you half way. You are currently seeing houses selling for list price or marginally above or below and only small competitions if any (sometimes 2 offers will come in on the same property at a close enough time that gives the sellers the ability to counter offer one of them and to have a fall back option if possible). Some houses are over priced still therefore you do see a larger variation from list price to sale price, but this is generally not the case. Most people predict the Saskatoon real estate market will take off again in the spring, but most also doubt it will rise to the extent it did last year as our wages cannot sustain that big of a jump again. If you want to avoid multiple offers and try to get a good house before the competition, get started now! It may take awhile to find the right house, but you dont want to wait yourself out of a great house so get going sooner than later. Many people had regrets due to last winter/early spring as they thought they would wait and now they cant afford to buy a house at all.
If you have any questions about the Saskatoon real estate market please feel free to contact me at anytime!
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.
www.karicalder.com