21. June 2009 by Kari Calder.

Finding a place to rent in Regina is even more difficult this year than it was last year. Privately owned apartment vacancy has dropped in half from 2008 to 2009 according to the CMHC and is down to 0.7%. Rental rates in Regina have also increased from $718/month on average for a 2 bedroom condo in Regina in 2008 to $786/month this year for the average 2 bedroom apartment.

One of the main reasons for the rental increase and the tightening of Regina’s rental market is due to the strong employment growth. This has brought more people to Regina and means a tighter supply of rentals in Regina.

Elsewhere in the province apartment vacancies have increased to 1.7% from 1.2% last year and some of that increase has to do with the ability for people to buy houses for sale in Saskatchewan.

Rents for all types of apartments are on the rise in Regina from 2008.

In contrast, in Saskatoon our rental market is easier to get into this year which also has to do with the ability for first time home buyers in Saskatoon to purchase houses for sale in Saskatoon. Houses for sale in Saskatoon are at a high right now and it is still, generally speaking, a buyer’s market in Saskatoon.

If you are interested in buying a house for sale in Saskatoon or buying a house for sale in Regina or any of the surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact me. I deal with Saskatoon real estate however I can recommend great realtors in Regina for you to work with there.

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

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21. June 2009 by Kari Calder.

On Monday, June 15, the provincial government announced new business immigration streams that will help grow the Saskatchewan economy and create jobs in Saskatchewan. Over the next 2 years 250 immigrants will be nominated under the entrepreneurship category which will lead to the creation of 900 new jobs. Later this week it is expected that more information on the subject will be given as the details have only been partly released.
This is great news for Saskatoon and it is just one of the many streams of new jobs in Saskatoon that we have been seeing and hearing about that are affecting our Saskatoon economy.

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

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21. June 2009 by Kari Calder.

Although the Vacancy Rate in Saskatoon has went from 0.9% in April of 2008 to 1.9% in April of 2009, the average price for a rental property in Saskatoon has also gone up by approximately $100/month. The average price for an apartment for rent in Saskatoon last year was $689 while in 2009 the average price is now $790. So, although rental accommodation in Saskatoon is slightly easier to find, it is also harder on the pocket book.

With the increase in the rent prices in Saskatoon some have been forced to double up to reduce costs, move in with friends, etc.

This rent increase, however, is making buying a house for sale in Saskatoon much more appealing. Houses for sale in Saskatoon are still very easy to find, combined with a low interest rate and a decreased marketing, buying a house for sale in Saskatoon is much easier to do than it was a year ago.

Not everyone is in a situation where they can afford to buy a house for sale in Saskatoon nor is everyone in a situation where they have good enough credit to buy one of the many houses for sale in Saskatoon, but there are ways to improve your credit and to improve your financial situation so that you can eventually buy a house in Saskatoon.

Sometimes a poor decision with your finances a few years ago is preventing you from being able to buy your own house in Saskatoon. Sometimes a life situation (divorce, separation, etc) forces you to have to rent, but with the high prices of rent combined with the (sometimes) low prices of houses for sale in Saskatoon, it isn’t impossible out unattainable by many people who think it hopeless.

It is important to speak to a really good Saskatoon mortgage broker to see what steps you need to take to get into a situation where you can eventually buy a house for sale in Saskatoon. Even if it takes a year to clean up your credit and you have to buckle down and make some life and lifestyle changes, that could be a lifetime of building equity in your house in Saskatoon instead of paying someone else’s mortgage.

I have dealt with many clients who had some credit problems in the past, but with the right people to talk to and to provide some direction, many of these clients are now home owners in Saskatoon. With all of the houses for sale in Saskatoon there is still time to buy your own.

I am always happy to visit with people on the process of buying a house in Saskatoon and surrounding area and to provide the names of some great mortgage brokers who may help you achieve your dream of owning a home in Saskatoon.

Call me or email me,  I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully helping you achieve your dream of owning a house in Saskatoon.

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

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