16. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

A recent article published in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix indicates that Saskatchewan lead the nation in income growth between November 2006 and November 2007.  The article indicates employment earnings increased an average of 6.9 per cent.  This number is significantly higher than our neighbors with Alberta sitting at 5.6 per cent and Manitoba at 5.8 per cent.  This is extremely important news for Saskatchewan residents and especially for those looking to purchase real estate.  One of the major concerns that is being echoed throughout our province is that with the dramatic increase in real estate no one will be to afford a home with Saskatchewan salaries.  With the Saskatoon real estate market leading the charge and with growth of over 52% last year alone people have expressed concern.  There is an indication that salaries are increasing in our province though which is important to balance the increasing costs of living.  Our economy is helping drive the increase of real estate.  We just need to hope that salary increases keep up fast enough to the increasing costs of living.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatchewan, Personal | No Comments »

16. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

For those of you who keep up with the local Saskatchewan news I am sure you have heard all about the recent developments with Premier Brad Wall.  On Tuesday the Premier made an unscripted comment stating that he has previously taken his 14 year old daughter out on Saskatchewan roads and gave her a driving lesson.  This was immediately acted upon as the legal age that someone can receive a learners driver permit is 15.  Within the same day this story was in several news papers and then on Wednesday the NDP raised the matter in the legislature starting the premier should offer an apology for breaking the law and then joking about it.
For curiosity sake I took a poll of my friends and family and asked most people when the first time they drove in Saskatchewan was.  For those of us from Saskatchewan the majority of us had all driven a vehicle before we were 14 with permission from our parents or with them in the vehicle.  I definitely believe that having a legal driving age is an important and yes what the premier did was wrong but is this small mistake which he has apologize for worthy of all of the media coverage.  The fact that the NDP took time out of the legislature to bring this up and discuss it is frustrating.  There are much bigger matters to discuss and things to decide on when running our province instead of bringing up something like this.  I am definitely not alone on my thoughts on this as published in a recent article in the Star Phoenix; many Saskatchewan residents have offered private property to teach his daughter how to drive.

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

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatchewan, Personal | No Comments »

16. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

Be sure to check out this beautiful east side bungalow close to the river.  This home in an excellent location in the Exhibition area.  This home provides a great location within walking distance to enjoy all of the events at Praireland Park.  This home was built in 1923 but has been taken care of extremely well and is in immaculate condition.  There have been extensive upgrades done throughout the home including the kitchen, new 4 piece bathroom, newer windows, fresh paint, upgraded lighting, vinyl siding and so much more!  The basement includes a den and large living room with new flooring along with laudry, storage and is roughed in for a future bathroom if desired.  The home has a beautifully landscaped yard with a wrap around deck and even includes a white picket fence!  Be sure to visit my website for additional pictures and information 2339 St. Patrick Avenue.

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

Posted in Saskatchewan Real Estate, Listings, Buyers, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

16. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

I am happy to say that this years Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association 2008 HomeStyles Homeshow was a great follow up to last years.  I attended the show on Saturday in the mid-afternoon and at that time the parking lot was near capacity and the home show itself was bustling with activity.  I was happy to see a good mixture of returning exhibitors and new ones.  I was able to listen to Jim Caruk who was a guest speaker and is the host of the television show, Real Renos on HGTV.  For myself I am always interested in seeing some of the new building materials including flooring, fixtures, bathrooms, cabinets, countertops, etc.  You can get some great renovation ideas for your Saskatoon home by attending these booths and asking questions.  I found everyone to be extremely friendly and helpful.  I am very interested in hearing your thoughts of this years home show and anyways that you think they could have improved it. 

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

Posted in Saskatoon Events | No Comments »