Archive for March, 2008

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Old Electronic Equipment Has A New Home

Monday, March 24th, 2008

It is amazing how fast technology has changed over the past 30 years.  I still remember being a little kid watching a TV that was so heavy that 1 person wouldn’t be able to move it themselves and it only had a dial that would allow you to switch between UHF and VHF.  Technology has been integrated into our day to day lives.  This includes anything from the TV’s we watch or the computers we work off everyday.  I have several friends that work in the Information Technology industry and when I recently upgraded to a new laptop I asked them where can I recycle my old computer?  My computer actually broke down and found out it wasn’t fixable.  I originally thought about donating it but found out that it was so old that most organizations that accept donations have minimum limits that they accept as well.  I was surprised to hear from my friends that only over the past couple of years, Saskatoon recycling programs have started to develop for old computers and other types of technology.  As a Saskatoon Realtor I often walk into people’s homes and see piles of old computers, televisions, stereos, printers and everything else you can imagine.  I have experienced this myself in my own home as I recently also bought a new television.  My friends were able to direct me a website called www.sweepit.ca which is an electronic recycling program put on by Sarcan.  The types of things you can recycle with Sarcan include:

  • Desktop computers including mouse, keyboards and cables
  • Notebook computers
  • Monitors – CRT and flat panel
  • Desktop printers, fax machines and all in one devices
  • Televisions – CRT, flat panel (plasma or LCD) and rear projection

Be sure to visit the sweepit.ca website to find out more information about what you can recycle and locations you can drop off your items.

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

Posted in Environment | No Comments »

Saskatoon Capital Theatre Closing

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

The Capital Theatre in Saskatoon will be closing down for good in less than two weeks.  A Regina based real estate investment company has recently purchased the property but hasn’t indicated what they will be doing with it yet.  The Capital Theatre has slowly been pushed to the side due to the newer and larger Galaxy theatre just down the road.  The Galaxy Theatre is a multi screen complex with state of the art sound systems and new seating.  One of the other reasons that the Capital Theatre has been struggling is that they have had a hard time getting new releases the same time that their competitors are.  Approximately 15 people will be losing their jobs due to the closure.  If you have ties to the Capital Theatre be sure to visit there in the last two weeks as after that it will be gone!

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

Posted in Saskatoon, Saskatoon News | No Comments »

New Youth Residence In Hampton Village

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

If you are residents of Hampton Village or looking to buy real estate in Hampton Village you will soon have new neighbors.  EGADZ, a community based centre for youth in Saskatoon have purchased two newly constructed homes in Hampton Village.  These homes are intended to serve as residences for young men and women at risk.  The homes combined will accommodate 10 youth ranging in age from 12 to 15.  EGADZ already has 2 other properties in Saskatoon and have shown great success with their programs in assisting young people putting their life back on course.  The project is being partly funded by the federal government.  They are contributing $242,953 from it Homelessness Partnering Strategy program.  Be sure to read the entire article at the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.

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

Posted in News, Saskatoon, Saskatoon News, Saskatoon Real Estate | 1 Comment »

Saskatoon’s Last Drive-In Theatre

Friday, March 21st, 2008

For those of you who have never experienced an evening in a drive-in theatre, you will still have a chance to this year.  The Sundown Drive-In theatre located east of Saskatoon at Highway 5 and 41 will remain open for at least one more year according to the owners.  Last year the owners of the theatre announced that someone had purchased the land and they would be closing down the theatre.  The deal has fallen apart and the owners have decided to keep the theatre open for at least one more summer.

Drive-In Theatre’s are something of the past but for many of us they provide great memories of when we were growing up.  I definitely plan to attend the drive-in this summer as it is something a bit different which is always enjoyable.  I definitely encourage anyone from Saskatoonor the surrounding area to visit the Sundown Drive-In this summer if you have never had a change to visit before.  After this summer it could be gone!  For more information on this story be sure to read the article in the Star Phoenix.

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

Posted in Saskatoon, Saskatoon News | No Comments »

Got Paint?

Friday, March 21st, 2008

I visit a lot of homes in the Saskatoon and surrounding area and one thing that I notice very regularly is that a lot of home owners have paint cans sitting in their basement, garage or some other corner of their home.  We as home owners collect paint on regular basis whether it’s doing renovations or just creating a new project.  Painting definitely is part of owning a home.  Paint is one of those things that people just don’t know what to do with.  You know you can’t toss it away in the garbage or dump it in the sewer so usually paint cans tend to pile up.  I know for myself I have probably 5 or 6 half full paint cans that I will never use again and until recently didn’t know what to do with them.  Sarcan in conjunction with the Product Care Association now provide a way for you to recycle your paint.  Household paint can now be dropped off at over 70 recycling locations across Saskatchewan without charge.  The collected paint is then reused, recycled into other products or used for its energy value.  Every Sarcan depot also maintains a supply of leftover paint for reuse, which is available to the public without charge.  Below is a list of the types of paint they will accept:

  • Interior & Exterior – latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, enamel and oil-based paints.
  • Varnishes & urethanes
  • Stains
  • Barn, fence & porch paints
  • Concrete paints
  • Deck & floor paints (including Elastomeric)
  • Drywall paints
  • Primers
  • Undercoats
  • Driveway (non-tar based) paints & sealers
  • Block fillers
  • Stain blocking paints
  • Shellac
  • Wood finishing oils & stains
  • Rust paint
  • Stucco paint
  • Paints for metal
  • Wood & masonry water repellants
  • Marine paint (containing no pesticides)
  • Non-catalyzed & non-nitrocellulose laquers.
  • Aerosol paint cans up to 600g

Be sure to visit the Sarcan and Product Care websites to find out restrictions on what they will not accept and for further information on their recycling programs.

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

Posted in Environment, Saskatoon | No Comments »

Your Recycling Information Centre

Friday, March 21st, 2008

I have always been someone that tries to do their part when it comes to recycling.  I am firm believer that even the smallest effort does make a difference in the long run.  There are so many small things home owners can do to help the environment.  In many cases for home owners, taking the environmentally friendly path will reduce your overall costs as well.  As a Saskatoon real estate agent I always like to provide my clients information on recycling and ways for them to reduce their costs in their homes.  Over the next few months I will provide readers information and tips on recycling in the city of Saskatoon and surrounding areas.  Be sure to visit often and find out how a few small things can make a big difference for the environment and also potentially lower your costs for your home.

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

Posted in Environment, Personal | No Comments »

Saskatchewan Leading Canada in Inflation

Friday, March 21st, 2008

Inflation is a word that no one likes to hear but for those of us living in Saskatchewan, we are experiencing it more than anyone else in Canada.  According to the latest reports from Statistics Canada the cost of living in Saskatchewan increased 3.2 per cent during the past year.  Saskatchewan currently has the second highest inflation rate in the country, just behind Alberta at 3.6 per cent.  For people who have lived in Saskatchewan for a long period of time you will know what I mean when I say we have enjoyed a pretty reserved inflation rate over the years.  Our housing markets have been pretty stable with few large spikes in costs.  This is perhaps one of the reasons why people in Saskatchewan are feeling the squeeze more than ever.  The main reason our inflation rate has increased so dramatically is because of the current Saskatchewan real estate market.  Saskatoon’s real estate market alone grew over 52% in 2007.  Every month that passes we are setting new real estate records and there is more new development happening than ever before.  The Saskatchewan economy is driving the real estate market.  For people that currently own property and are considering upgrading this is an excellent time to start thinking about it.  If you are interested in learning more about what your current home would value in the Saskatoon real estate market call me for a free home evaluation.  If you have been sitting on the fence and been contemplating getting into the real estate market, wait no more because each day you wait the market is growing and it will become more difficult to get what you want when you are finally ready to jump into the market.  For all of your questions on the Saskatoon and surrounding area real estate market be sure to contact me!

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

Posted in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan News | No Comments »

New Fire Station For Saskatoon East Side

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

For those people who currently own real estate or are looking to purchase real estate on Saskatoon’s east side you will be happy to know that the city of Saskatoon have approved a new fire station to be built on the cornerof Herold and Slimmon Roads in Lakewood.  The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5.4 million.  The construction of the new fire hall is planned to start in 2009 with a completion of that year.  The new fire station is intended to provide fire response within four minutes to East College Park, Briarwood, Lakeridge and Rosewood which is a new area the city of Saskatoon is currently planning.  For more information on this story visit the Star Phoenix.

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

Posted in News, Saskatoon, Saskatoon News, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

Investing In The US Real Estate Market

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

Finally, opportunity for us Canadians to purchase homes in the United States… for a great price! I’m writing this blog as it seems that our Canadian dollar is neck and neck with the US greenback and that isn’t changing anytime soon, so now is the time to invest our Canadian dollars in the United States real estate market.

Unfortunately, for many home owners in the United States, their housing market is in turmoil and people are being forced to foreclose on their homes because they are no longer affordable. This means, in conjunction with our strong Canadian dollar, this is the best time for Canadians investing in US Real Estate.

I have family who very recently bought a beautiful condo in Florida for under $250,000. It is brand new, over 2000 square feet, and in a wonderful complex with tennis courts, a pool, and only a short drive to the beach. You can barely buy a house in some of the less desirable areas of Saskatoon for that price!

I am currently researching the ins and out and what needs to be done to make the transaction as smooth as possible when buying a home in the US from Canada. I want to provide my clients with many opportunities to invest their money, both locally and internationally. I have an ever growing network of real estate agents in the US who are specializing in working with Canadians to purchase homes in the US.

Some people don’t want to take their money out of Canada, but as a realtor in Saskatoon I see it every day where people outside of Saskatchewan and outside of Canada are investing.

Contact me and I can get you on your way to investing in the US market while there is still time to make some money! Wherever you want to buy in the United States, I can help you out by setting you up with a real estate professional as well as getting a local mortgage broker to get you set up financially so that your mortgage still remains in Canada.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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

Posted in Buyers, International Real Estate, News, Personal | No Comments »

Saskatoon New Home Developments Breaking Records

Monday, March 17th, 2008

New HomeNew housing starts hit a 30-year record high in February in Saskatoon according to the Star Phoenix.  In February alone developers have started work on 175 new housing units.  The new developments in Saskatoon are almost split evenly between single-family homes and condo-style homes.  According to the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp) the 89 single-detached home starts are the highest amount they have seen since 1978.  The total number of 175 new home starts are 94 per cent higher than in February 2007.  Since January the total number of combined new home starts is 376 which include both single-family and multi-family developments.  This is 68 per cent higher that last year in the same time frame.  According to CMHC the demand for housing in Saskatoon is at an all time high.  The housing market is a direct affect of the Saskatchewan economy and the growth it is experiencing.  There is a large labor shortage in Saskatoon and with more and more people relocating to Saskatoon to fill that our housing market will continue to grow.  If you have been thinking about getting into the Saskatoon real estate market don’t want any longer, contact me today and I will be more than happy to provide you detailed information on the current Saskatoon and surrounding area real estate market.

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

Posted in Buyers, Current Market, News, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

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