26. August 2010 by Kari Calder.

After my last post I didn’t think I could complain much about the traffic in Saskatoon, but here I am! Apparently congestion on Saskatoon streets will get worse before it gets better. With another bridge closed indefinitely I am starting to advise my Saskatoon home buyers if they are looking at houses for sale in Saskatoon they may want to stay on the same side of the river as where they work!! Pretty sad when you are looking at houses for sale in Saskatoon that you have to depend it on the river as our average commute is probably about 15 minutes anywhere in the city.

The Saskatoon Star Phoenix has reported that the “Traffic Bridge” or, more commonly known as Victoria Bridge, has been closed indefinitely. Not only are they closing it to vehicles, they have now closed it to pedestrians. It is even in danger of collapsing under its own weight.

Saskatoon residents have made it clear that demolishing the bridge is not an option at several public open house sessions. In 2005 City Council approved a $700,000 fix which was intended to give another 20 years of life to the iconic bridge. It was a bandaid and the problems now being discovered run deeper than deficient truss systems.

This also affects one of our most popular summer events, the Fireworks Festival in Saskatoon for the Labour Day weekend. They will have to figure out where to send the fireworks from as, if they try to do it from another bridge, that will just further congest the city and make it less enjoyable to viewers. The show will go on…it is the after effects of the road delays that will frustrate the Saskatoon public even further.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Realtor (r)
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
653-8222

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

25. August 2010 by Kari Calder.

Residents of Saskatoon, be happy with our commuting time even during construction season. As a Saskatoon realtor I get a bit annoyed during construction season as I sometimes get caught up in traffic or can see the Saskatoon house for sale that I want to show my Saskatoon home buyer but I can’t quite get to the house for sale in Saskatoon by car…which is why we have feet! I recently read an article in the Star Phoenix where thousands of vehicles going to Beijing were in a traffic jam-for some up to 9 days!?

The reason for their traffic jam is the same as our traffic slowness, maintenance projects. Trucks that have been carrying more than 8 tonnes of cargo (coal or fruit) are responsible for damaging the roads. The don’t expect the delays to be up until mid-September.

Many of the drivers passed the time sleeping, reading, texting (can this be considered texting while driving? Lets hope for their sanity no!)

But, these traffic jams have been good for some. Hotels have popped up along this stretch of road as it is known to be problematic.

Traffic won’t get any better in Beijing. According to one traffic official the amount of new cars on the road in Beijing increases 1900 per day. The average speed of a car during morning commuting hour is 14.5 mph and by 2015 it is expected to drop to 9 mph. Los Angeles has similar traffic issues but their average speed during the morning commute is 20 mph.

The Chinese are developing what they call a “super bus” which would straddle 2 lanes of traffic and allow cars to drive underneath which would transport as many as 1400 commuters. It is expected to be tested for the first time in coming months. Wouldn’t a train be easier and safer?

SO the next time a Saskatoonian complains about their 20 minute commute be thankful we aren’t in Beijing!

As a Saskatoon realtor I drive a lot showing houses for sale in Saskatoon so I tend to get a bit cranky if I get caught up and am even a few minutes late for an appointment. The next time I am out showing houses for sale in Saskatoon I will be happy that I am a realtor in Saskatoon and not trying to sell real estate in China!

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Realtor (r)
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd

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

6. August 2010 by Kari Calder.

The Saskatchewan Region Association of Realtors has reported that Saskatoon home sales have softened in July 2010 compared to July 2009 where it was down 18 %. The overall year to date numbers of real estate in Saskatoon that has sold is down 4%. The most active price range for houses for sale in Saskatoon that have been sold is between $300,000 and $350,000. It is important for Saskatoon home sellers to know that every house for sale in Saskatoon will eventually sell, it just comes down to price and how your Saskatoon realtor markets it for you.

Despite the small slow down of Saskatoon real estate the average selling price has gone up since the same time last year by over $6000. July’s average Saskatoon house sale price was $289,715 this year. The average year to date selling price is up 5% from 2009 at $290,515. So it is still a great time to list your house for sale in Saskatoon with a Saskatoon realtor such as myself!

By the end of July Saskatoon home buyers had 1334 properties to choose from which was a decrease of the number of houses for sale in Saskatoon from June when we had 1412 houses for sale in Saskatoon.

With favorable interest rates and steady job growth in and around Saskatoon our Saskatoon real estate market demand remains steady but it is a much more balanced market than before and Saskatoon real estate market conditions appear to be picking up again in August already.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd Saskatoon
653-8222
karicalder@sasktel.net

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

4. August 2010 by Kari Calder.

Last week I listed 2 houses for sale in Saskatoon and have already had an offer on one of the houses for sale in Saskatoon.

The first Saskatoon house for sale is a mobile home in Sutherland. This mobile home is almost 1100 square feet and features 3 good sized bedrooms, large living room, kitchen/dining, separate laundry, full bathroom, and 2 porches. Large deck on the front and a small yard space at the back. List price is $32,900 with lot fees of $614/month (includes taxes, snow removal, water, sewer, garbage pick up, cable). This property for sale in Saskatoon is close to the U of S.

The second house for sale in Saskatoon that I listed last week is a great semi-detached home in Sutherland as well. This home is a 10 minute walk to the U of S and features 3 bedrooms up + a bedroom in the basement with a 3 piece ensuite. This house for sale in Saskatoon is connected by only the shed in between so no common walls between units.

This house for sale in Saskatoon received an offer the first week by another Saskatoon realtor with Century 21 Saskatoon. Century 21 Saskatoon does a unique thing with ‘caravan’ at our weekly meeting and if you are looking to sell your house in Saskatoon this bonus often helps you get your property sold faster. Where else can you be guaranteed that your house for sale in Saskatoon will be seen by 10,15 or more Saskatoon realtors within the first few days of it being listed?

If you are looking to sell your house in Saskatoon contact me for your Saskatoon Real estate needs and for more information and to find out how I can service you and the difference it makes by listing your house with a realtor in Saskatoon who cares and who delivers service.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon, Sk
www.karicalder.com

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