Archive for the ‘Saskatchewan Real Estate’ Category

Saskatoon-High in Crime? Good Job CBC!

Saturday, August 6th, 2011

I love how, right on the heels of an article that people in Saskatchewan have a cheery outlook on our economy and that Saskatchewan’s economy will be doing better than the national average, CBC prints news that we have the highest overall crime rate (and of course Winnipeg as their economic forecast is also pretty good!)

It seems to happen often like this. One article will bring people looking for job opportunities in Saskatoon or Saskatchewan and as a result the newsmakers will print a downer article to make people question if their lives are at stake if they come to Saskatchewan!? Maybe I am just jaded about the news industry, but I see it happen quite often so I don’t think it is a mere coincidence. CBC writers who are more than likely not from Saskatchewan?

What they always fail to mention about our crime statistics and and number of murders is that they are typically gang related and happen in the core neighbourhoods so 95% of the population is not affected by it. I have had people looking to buy houses for sale in Saskatoon who were worried because of ‘news’ like this. I am always sure to take them into the areas they will want to avoid. They are small and people should not lump in the rest of the west side of Saskatoon as there are loads of beautiful neighbourhoods on Saskatoon’s west side.

This map of murders though shows a more accurate story http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=215928702728334129136.0004976527ab5a5294799&ll=52.136624,-106.675694&spn=0.072763,0.153714&source=embed 

Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan in general, is one of the leading markets for economy, real estate, etc so it isn’t surprising that we also get negative publicity. I have certainly lived and traveled in scarier places in the world so take what you read with a grain of salt…as always! Saskatoon real estate is still a great investment and will continue to be so in the future in my opinion.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Fusion
306-653-8222

New Listing-Acreage Set Up for Horses, Pets and Family

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Last week I listed a wonderful acreage for sale near Saskatoon that is literally less than 10 minutes to the city and the new Super WalMart in Blairemore, one of Saskatoon’s newest subdivisions. This Saskatoon acreage for sale is on 80 acres (lots of water on the land though so not income producing) and the views from the back of the house are stunning. Beautiful sunsets across the water.

The walk out bungalow home consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open family/dining room with additional breakfast nook, and an updated kitchen with beautiful granite countertops. Large masterbedroom features a walk in closet and ensuite bathroom. Oversized double attached garage with a large mudroom into the house.

The immediate yard has an approximately 5000 sq ft multipurpose building (currently has 6 boxstalls for horses and a storage area for equipment, vehicles, etc). Outdoor riding arena is perfect for horse enthusiasts/owners.

Easy access to Saskatoon! A must see property if you want the convenience of the city with the serenity of acreage life without too much upkeep needed. This acreage for sale in Saskatoon won’t last long!

If you are looking to buy a house for sale in Saskatoon or you are looking to sell your home in Saskatoon ask me how I can help you as one of the award winning Saskatoon realtors (r).

Kari Calder
Century 21 Fusion
653-8222

Saskatoon Ranked # 6 but # 1 with me!

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Moneysense recently came up on the hottest real estate markets in Canada and Saskatoon was #6 on the list. Amazingly to me Regina was #2?! Those of us true Saskatoon people would always say that Saskatoon is waaaaaay better than Regina but according to this article in Moneysense they had other criteria.

Taking first place for the second year is Moncton, NB. Houses are affordable and incomes are respectable. It is about half the size of Saskatoon and growing. Average house price here was pegged at $163,000.

Second place, as mentioned, is Regina and mainly because of its economy and lowest unemployment rate in Canada. Average house price takes quite a jump to $260,000. Regina was recently made a new Asia-Pacific gateway with the opening of a large grocery warehousing and distribution hub which added 800 new jobs to the city.

Third, fourth and fifth were Fredricton, NB, Winnipeg, Man and Saint John, NB respectively. Seems like NB is the place to live!

Saskatoon comes in at number 6 and mainly because of Saskatoon’s hot economy. We received the highest mrks for growing industry and rock bottom unemployment rate. We are the world’s largest potash producer and are home the one of the world’s largest publicly traded uranium companies (Cameco) but we are also growing in the technology and health sciences sectors. Most people don’t realize the impact of Innovation Place on the city.

From there we have Gatineau, Que with its government workers, Charlottetown, PEI which now boasts more than lobster and potatoes with its gorgeous historical homes and low home prices, and 9th on the list is St. John’s, NL and offshore oil industry and a nicel processing plant near by.

This article doesn’t mean that these are the city’s that you will get the best deals. This article shows best economies and growth. Our Saskatoon house prices aren’t a deal but our economy supports the prices and with all the different sectors the Saskatoon economy should remain strong for years to come. Our Saskatoon real estate market is a busy one and right now it is a balanced market so that means it is neither a buyer’s market or a sellers market but that there is enough product for both.  

If you are looking to get into the Saskatoon real estate market I work with first time home buyers in Saskatoon, investors, clients looking to move up or looking to downsize. I work with all types of buyers and enjoy working with people to find their dream home or at least to find something suitable for their needs.

If you are looking to put your house for sale in Saskatoon let me tell you about the Century 21 difference and how I will do my best to get you top dollar for your house. Working with a Century 21 Saskatoon real estate agent who takes part in the weekly meetings and Caravan system are a huge benefit to getting your home the exposure it deserves.

Iconic Stone House Demolished

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Make way for more condos for sale in Saskatoon’s east side as the iconic stone house on the corner of Clarence and College was demolished this week.

The owner is considering a lawsuit against the city. The City, along with the new owner of the property Remai Ventures Inc, made the decision to demolish the house this past week. Claiming the ground had softened and causing the house to lean it was considered a liability and there was no indication as to when it would be moved so the decision was made. A moving company lifted the home six weeks prior but due to the house not conforming with the neighbourhood in which it was intended to be moved to, the city denied the move. The second location chosen by the owner was impossible for now due to low lying power lines and washed out roads.

Two adjacent properties were pillaged by Habitat for Humanity for reusable items before the demolition. The owner is very discouraged and claims that the home was renovated in 2006 and is upset about the environmental impact and felt it could have been given to help with the homeless people or people in need.

As a Saskatoon real estate agent I drive the city everyday and drive by this home many times a week and I, for one, felt this structure was an eyesore and I am happy to see it gone. It was a unique home in Saskatoon for sure but not an attractive one!

Now there will be new condos for sale in Saskatoon once these east side units are built. Currently there are other condos for sale near the U of S and the prices reflect their high end nature so I am very curious to see what these ones will be like. Location location location!

If you are looking for a condo for sale in Saskatoon contact me as I help many people buy condos for sale in Saskatoon every year and am very familiar with the Saskatoon real estate market.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon, Sk
653-8222

Saskatoon Real Estate Market Update

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

I tried to book appointments yesterday for some out of town buyers and found that about half of the houses for sale in Saskatoon that I was calling for have already had offers or have sold. The Saskatoon real estate market has been busy so far this month. We have seen 208 properties sell or have conditional sales on them this month alone throughout Saskatoon. These Saskatoon real estate listings consist of both houses and condos for sale in Saskatoon.

The listing inventory is at a healthy level right now which aids in creating a balanced market so it is not favouring one particular group. It appears the $350,000 and under range is still very popular.

There are 10 houses for sale in Saskatoon that exceed $1,000,000 and 16 properties for sale under $100,000.

I have still been busy with first time buyers in Saskatoon but have also been listing and helping Saskatoon real estate clients move up into their second and third homes.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd

SOLD! Busy month!

Friday, April 1st, 2011

I should take holidays more often! The day before leaving for Belize with my fiance I got an offer on one of my houses for sale in Dalmeny that I had since before Christmas. This Dalmeny house for sale was a good deal. Nice square footage, backing the school playgrounds, quiet street.

I also had sales finalized on my 2 Saskatoon townhouses for sale and one of them received its new owners while I was away. The Saskatoon real estate market has been busy which is quite normal for this time of year. Spring has sprung, the weather is warming and people are out buying houses for sale in Saskatoon as well as listing their homes for sale in Saskatoon.

I have had some wonderful clients lately and have helped several first time home buyers in Saskatoon purchase as well as helping several of my Saskatoon real estate clients sell and buy up.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Saskatoon I would be happy to help.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon, SK
306-653-8222

Mortgage rules to change in March

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

This is a long overdue post mostly because I have been so busy showing Saskatoon homes for sale due to the change that I have not had time to write about it! I have also been busy showing houses for sale around Saskatoon as there are lots of great new homes for sale in Warman and Martensville.

As of March 18th, 2011 buyers will no longer be able to take advantage of a 35 year amortization period for their mortgage. This has meant an increase in Saskatoon first time home buyers and busy times for Saskatoon real estate agents.

While some people are opting to wait, there are others who will wait themselves out of being able to get into the Saskatoon real estate market. The Saskatoon real estate market is not so busy right now that we are seeing many competing offers, but it has certainly occurred when a great property comes up.

If you haven’t already done so, get down to see a Saskatoon mortgage broker so that you can take advantage of this. The mortgage rates are still low so it is a win-win for first time buyers in Saskatoon. There is still a lot of great product out there as well as plenty of new homes for sale in Saskatoon that a first time buyer can build sweat equity with.

If you don’t already have a Saskatoon real estate agent or you are not happy with the level of service from your Saskatoon realtor(r) give me a call and I would be happy to help you, whether you are buying a house for sale in Saskatoon or looking to put your Saskatoon house for sale I am here to be of service.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus
Saskatoon
653-8222

Saskatoon Growing Faster Than Any Other Canadian Region

Friday, February 4th, 2011

As I am a Saskatoon real estate agent I see the amount of people coming in to look at homes for sale in Saskatoon but with my web presence I also get a lot of inquiries about rentals in Saskatoon (which I do not deal in as I am not licensed as a property manager).

Reading this article today in the Star Phoenix was no surprise to me. We passed Alberta for the first time in decades last year according to Stats Canada and Saskatoon is also now the youngest metropolitan area in Canada which bucks the Canadian trend of an aging population. I could add that it may have something to do with our older population heading out to warmer areas! Two of the other reasons cited are young families immigating here from other countries as well as our high aboriginal birth rate. Saskatoon’s average age is now 35.6 while the average age across Canada is 40. The oldest city is not where you would expect (British Columbia?) but actually Saguenay, Quebec with an average age of 45.

The Saskatoon region (which includes Warman, Martensville, Dundurn, and Dalmeny) has now reached over 265,000 people which is up 30,000 people since 2005. Vancouver was second for growth and Regina was third with their population now over 215,000.

One of the main reasons for Saskatoon’s growth is a large spike in international immigration with 3300 added just last year.

If you are looking to buy a house for sale in Saskatoon give me a call. I work with a lot of first time home buyers in Saskatoon so if you need the right direction I am here to help you.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
306-653-8222

Egypt and Jordan-home safe and sound

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

What a wonderful experience it is to travel abroad, especially during the cold Saskatchewan winters. We arrived home last week from 3 weeks in Jordan and Egypt and what an experience that was!

The weather was warm-ish, the experience was very different, and the history was incredible! There are always things I love and things I hate about traveling to new countries. Love the weather, history, sites, food, etc. Hate the overall filthy state of the 2 countries, lack of care about garbage and no recycling to be seen, and the driving is a love/hate relationship. Shopping, in Canada ‘no thank you’ meann ‘no’ and usually you are done; in Egypt ‘NO!!’ apparently means ‘keep coming at me with a lower price and corner me into your shop and force me to shove you out of my way to get some peace!’

There is nothing like experiencing Petra, Jordan first hand or cruising through the Wadi Rum Desert with its beautiful red sands. Egypt was mind blowing, starting with the pyramids and riding camels and then all of the temples, Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Alexandria, Aswan, etc. Finally ending up in Sharm El Sheikh was a personal favourite as the travels do get exhausting and your head definitely gets filled with knowledge. The resort was the best I have been to, beach was amazing, the water crystal clear, fish everywhere! Peace and tranquility and heat before returning to Saskatoon.

I am thankful for my Saskatoon real estate clients who waited to list their houses for sale in Saskatoon until I returned. I listed four houses for sale in Saskatoon upon my return in a matter of two days; 3 in Warman and 1 in Forest Grove.

I am also thankful for my Saskatoon first time home buyers who also waited for my return. One offer written and accepted and hopefully two more in the next week or so. It is always wonderful to get away but also nice to come back and be busy.

If you are looking to buy a house or condo for sale in Saskatoon give me a shout or if you are looking to sell your house in Saskatoon I look forward to helping you out.

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

Interest Rates Have Gone Up

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

We have had some warnings the past few days that rate hikes were coming and I just got confirmation from Centum Canada Mortgages (the Century 21 affiliated mortgage brokers) that rates have indeed gone up to 3.79 for a 5 year term. If you are thinking about buying a house for sale in Saskatoon it doesn’t hurt to get your rate locked in and held.

The alarm was sounded on Monday by Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney as household debt has reached an all time high. These low interest rates are not here forever so he warns that we need to be more cautious. The tone indicates that he may be setting the stage for a rate increase next year.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says they will keep tightening mortgage lending rules as needed to keep credit growth in check.

As a Saskatoon Real Estate Agent I think it is great to take advantage of the current low rates to build your retirement portfolio and to get started in the Saskatoon real estate market but only if you feel secure in your job and in your earning potential as when it comes time to renew your mortgage after 5 years and you have been living close to your means or slightly above your means those rate changes will have a huge and sometimes life changing affect on you. Some people are forced to sell while others just look at different options like getting a room mate or a boarder. If you are thinking of putting your Saskatoon house for sale let me know.

There are other risks in our economy and the high dollar is not helping the Canadian economy. As consumers we like it (especially with the Saskatoon winter we are experiencing it is nice to vacation in the southern US with the dollar being at par!) Debt worries in Europe also affect us here so rate hikes may be held off according to some analysts as they believe there are bigger fish to fry.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon, SK
653-8222