23. April 2008 by Kari Calder.

On May 1, 2008 the minimum wage in the province of Saskatchewan will increase from $8.25 an hour to $8.60.  This is only the second stage of a plan to increase minimum wage to $9.25 by 2009.  The recent increases in our minimum wage are starting to bring us at par with other provinces in Canada.  This is vital to continue the growth of our economy.  With the recent rise in Saskatchewan real estate prices it is important that wages increase with it.  It will be some time until salaries and wages across the province catch up to the huge growth we have seen in our real estate market but all the indications are there that they will.  Our province is in the best shape it has ever been financially and there is an endless amount of opportunities here for people.  Over the past year we have seen a large amount of people relocating to Saskatchewan from Alberta and other provinces.  This has had a direct impact on our province and the Saskatoon real estate market.  By 2009 we will reach over $9.00 per hour which is incredible.  I still remember getting my first job and thinking that $5.00 an hour was incredible money.  If you are one of the many people looking to relocate to Saskatchewan or are interested in getting involved in the Saskatchewan real estate market be sure to contact me and I would be happy to assist you.

To find out more visit the Star Phoenix article.

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

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23. April 2008 by Kari Calder.

In a recent article by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, the Saskatoon real estate market is still affordable.  This is very true but people looking to buy in the Saskatoon real estate market may need to look a bit harder and be patient.  People that are looking to spend under $200,000 can’t have the same expectations as they did a few years ago.  The reality is that the Saskatoon real estate market has boomed resulting in a big increase of home prices across the city.  However there are still homes available at affordable prices.  In the article it mentions of a home being sold for $80,000 this year.  This in fact did happen in 2008.  Buyers that are looking to spend under $200,000 have to come to an understanding that they may have to be flexible as there as less options under this price mark in Saskatoon.  

There is a large demand for cheaper housing in Saskatoon so it is critical if you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Saskatoon that you work with a qualified Saskatoon real estate agent.  When working with an agent when buying a home, they can provide you access to new listings before they are available to the general public, as well they can provide you in depth information on the history of a property.  When working a hot real estate market such as this, time is of importance when dealing with homes that are highly sought after.  When selling your home you don’t want to leave money on the table.  By working with a Saskatoon Realtor, they should be able to provide you in depth information on pricing your home ensuring you get the most for your home.  A lot of people that sell their properties privately either price their home too high resulting in it not selling or pricing it too low and losing money.  If you are interested in either buying or selling a home in the Saskatoon real estate market be sure to contact me and I will be very happy to assist you.

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

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23. April 2008 by Kari Calder.

Century 21 Canada recently released a new website that has been getting a lot of attention.  This website provides a source for advertising and information for Saskatoon Century 21 Realtors.  Most recently the website has been chosen as a finalist for the Frankie award, which is a annual award presented through the Canadian Franchise Association for the best creative work in Canadian franchising.  This is just one more way that Century 21 provides its Saskatoon real estate agents a competitive advantage.  With the Saskatoon real estate market being so busy this year it is critical that Saskatoon Realtors provide their clients as many ways to advertise as possible.  I currently maintain several websites including my Century 21 website to maximize the exposure for all listings I am working with.  Besides the Frankie award, the Century 21 website has been getting a lot of attention from other web professionals.  Be sure to visit the website to see what the buzz is about!

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

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