10. August 2008 by Kari Calder.

As you go to purchase a home in Saskatoon or sell a home in Saskatoon, you will find something different than if you bought or sold a house in Saskatoon before July. All agents must gather your identification in the form of photo ID now when you are buying or selling a house in Saskatoon. This is the same across Canada, but Saskatchewan realtors are ahead of many other provinces. This is mandatory compliance for Realtors® and every agent must follow these rules.

So far I have not had any issues with my clients, but I have heard of a few people who were previously looking to buy a house in Saskatoon just ‘disappear’. It is astounding how much money has been laundered in Canada through residential real estate. In our booming Saskatoon market I fear how many transactions took place with drug, prostitution or any other illegally obtained money. Finally, instead of leaving it to the ethics of real estate agents in Saskatoon, the government is making it mandatory to be prudent and ensure that the people we are dealing with to purchase and sell homes in Saskatoon are being monitored to help put a stop to money laundering. There is never a good reason to launder money and this illegal act is often the result of things that tear families apart and this money can also be used to finance terrorist activities. I was shocked to learn that certain events of 911 could have been funded with as little as $300,000.

So, if your Saskatoon real estate agent does not ask for your ID when you are purchasing or selling a home in Saskatoon, you should remind them or ask them why they are not complying. If they are not aware of the compliance issues or are not following them, they risk major fines but they also put other people at risk.

For more information on FINTRAC or purchase a home in Saskatoon, be sure to contact me!

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

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

5. April 2008 by Kari Calder.

The city of Saskatoon real estate market has reached a new peak in the first quarter of 2008.  All recent numbers indicate that the average cost of a home in Saskaton is now more expensive than the city of Edmonton.  A standard bungalow in the city of Saskatoon sold for an average of $340,000 in the first three months this year.  This is a 50 per cent raise in only one years time in Saskatoon.  In Edmonton the average price of a standard bungalow was $330,000 which is a drop of 4.9 per cent from the same time last year.  Two-story homes in Saskatoon on average are selling for $395,000 while in Edmonton they are selling for $363,707.  There is only one category where Edmonton is still more expensive than Saskatoon which is condos.  In Edmonton an average condo is selling for $235,000 while in Saskatoon they are selling for $220,00 but rising fast.  It is projected that the Saskatoon real estate market in all aspects will surpass the Edmonton real estate market by the second quarter of this year.

This is great news for existing Saskatoon home owners as they have earned a lot of equity in their homes.  This does however make it much more difficult for first time buyers or low income families.  The Saskatchewan economy is the fastest growing in Canada and it does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.  The government of Saskatchewan are recording record profits and spending as well almost weekly we are hearing about new multi-billion dollar projects happening in our province.  The biggest issue that people trying to get involved into the Saskatoon real estate market face is that wages have not kept up to the cost of real estate prices.  In cities like Edmonton and Calgary the average household income exceeds Saskatoon’s by a fair amount.  We need to see an increase in wages to be able to maintain our current growth.  As more companies relocate to Saskatchewan we will start to see a more competitive job market resulting in higher wages.

If you currently own Saskatoon real estate or real estate in the surrounding towns such as Warman then this is your market.  If you are interested in selling your home be sure to contact me and I will provide you in depth information on the current market.  I can provide you a free home evaluation as well will ensure you get top dollar for your Saskatoon property.

To read more about this topic visit the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.

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

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

30. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

Recently, Century 21 Canada launched a new website to better provide our clients an easy to use website for all of your real estate needs.  Recently this website was named one of the top 10 real estate websitesby Joel Burslem, founder of Future of Real Estate Marketing.  Every Century 21 real estate agent in Canada has their own mini-website located on the larger Century21.ca website.  Be sure to visit Kari Calder - Saskatoon Realtor to see the new website and layout.

As a Saskatoon real estate agent I am committed to using as many marketing resources as possible when selling your home.  With saying that I maintain several websites and submit your listing to several more for maximum exposure when selling your home.  Internet Marketing has changed the way that I as a Saskatoon Realtor can market your property.  Saskatchewan is currently leading Canada in population growthand as a result there are many people relocating to Saskatchewan.  This is a whole new market that will be using the Internet to search for homes prior to relocating.

If you are interested in selling your home be sure to contact me and I can provide you a detailed marketing plan on how I will market and sell your home.  For all other Saskatoon real estate needs be sure to contact me!

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

Posted in International Real Estate, Canda Real Estate News, Canada Real Estate, Saskatoon News, News, Saskatchewan Real Estate, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

28. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

There are many benefits when working with a Saskatoon Century 21 real estate agent, but one that no other Saskatoon Realtor can offer is providing their clients Air Miles.  Century 21 Canada is the only real estate organization in Canada that offers Air Miles.  Just recently Century 21 signed their renewal contract with Air Miles to ensure they continue to provide this great benefit to their clients.  If you are unfamiliar with the Air Milesprogram, it is a great program that is free to join.  Essentially when you purchase items at Air Miles sponsors you earn points that you can later redeem for everything ranging from gift certificates for gas to flights to your favorite destinations.  When purchasing a home with a Century 21 Saskatoon Real Estate agent you earn 2 Air Miles Reward Miles for every $1000 property value you buy or sell.  As you can imagine this adds up quite quickly and is a huge bonus for people buying and selling property.  Be sure when buying or selling a home in Saskatoon or the surrounding area to work with a Century 21 Realtor and earn Air Miles to put towards anything from a new item for your home or towards your dream vacation.  Be sure to contact me to find out additional information on the Air Miles Reward Program and the Saskatoon real estate market!

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

Posted in International Real Estate, Canada Real Estate, Saskatchewan Real Estate, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

28. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

The population of Saskatchewan was the fastest growing in Canada in 2007 according to a recent article.  The Canadian national average for growth in 2007 was 1.1 per cent and Saskatchewan in 2007 had a 1.7 per cent population growth.  This is Saskatchewan’s largest population growth in one year since 1952.  As of January 1, 2008 the estimated population of Saskatchewan is 1,006,644.  In 2007 there were also 6,950 more people that moved from Alberta to Saskatchewan than from Saskatchewan to Alberta.  The total amount of people that moved to Saskatchewan in 2007 is estimated at over 16,000 people.  As a Saskatoon real estate agent I can confirm that in Saskatoon alone we have seen a huge influx of people moving here and especially from Alberta.  Our province provides an affordable and quality lifestyle most people can’t achieve anywhere else in our country.  I am currently working with several people relocating back to our province that moved away years ago.  Many of them still have family here and are looking at coming back to be closer to family and also enjoy the quality of life Saskatoon provides its residents.  The Saskatoon real estate market is a direct indicator at the success our province has experienced as well as the population growth.  The vacancy rate for both residential and commercial property are at the lowest points they have been in for years.  The Saskatchewan economy is extremely strong and there are no signs of it slowing down.  If you are interested in getting involved in the Saskatoon real estate market be sure to contact me and I will be able to provide you in depth information on our current market and provide you an idea of what is available.

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

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

16. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

Be sure to check out this beautiful east side bungalow close to the river.  This home in an excellent location in the Exhibition area.  This home provides a great location within walking distance to enjoy all of the events at Praireland Park.  This home was built in 1923 but has been taken care of extremely well and is in immaculate condition.  There have been extensive upgrades done throughout the home including the kitchen, new 4 piece bathroom, newer windows, fresh paint, upgraded lighting, vinyl siding and so much more!  The basement includes a den and large living room with new flooring along with laudry, storage and is roughed in for a future bathroom if desired.  The home has a beautifully landscaped yard with a wrap around deck and even includes a white picket fence!  Be sure to visit my website for additional pictures and information 2339 St. Patrick Avenue.

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

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

2. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

With Saskatoon real estate being as hot as it is we have seen a huge influx of people looking to sell their home.  It is important to know the market you are selling to before you look at listing your home.  Many people have tried “For Sale By Owner” in Saskatoon only to find out later that they could have sold their home for significantly more.  Some people prefer to sell their home privately believing they will save money.  In some instances they do, but in a real estate market as hot as Saskatoon’s many people are leaving money on the table.  By working with a Saskatoon Realtor ® you have access to a much larger buying audience as well your home will be professionally marketed.  Buyers tend to be much more comfortable using a realtor as it is one way to protect the biggest purchase of your life.
If you are thinking about selling your home in Saskatoon be sure to read up on why to use a realtor before you think of selling your home yourself.

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

Posted in Saskatchewan Real Estate, Sellers, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

24. February 2008 by Kari Calder.

Do not miss this stunning condo located in downtown Saskatoon in the Central Business District.  This condo is located in the prestigious Waterford building and offers many upgrades including immaculate hardwood floors, newer carpet, linoleum, light fixtures, stainless steel appliances and much more!  The unit comes with 2 underground parking stalls as well as plenty of additional storage.  The condo boasts an excellent layout with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, central air, central vac, amenities room, workshop and elevator.  The Waterford is a concrete building and this condo is located on the east side of the building with a balcony showing views of downtown Saskatoon.  All furnishings in the suite are also negotiable.  For additional information and pictures of this condo visit my listings page on my website.  With the Saskatoon real estate market being as hot as it is this condo will not last long so be sure to contact me by e-mail or phone directly at 306.717.1277.

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

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

5. February 2008 by Kari Calder.

Our current Saskatoon Real Estate market has picked up once again. After a small lull in the fall, the Saskatoon market has started out strong so far in 2008.

The 2007 overall average sales price in Saskatoon was $232,362 with January starting at $190,037 and ending in December with $255,271.

It seems that any homes that were listed in the fall and still on the market at the beginning of the year are now getting snapped up. Most people don’t want to wait for the spring boom this year which is actually propelling our market early. The Saskatoon market is once again in a sellers market with multiple offers already occurring.

So if you are thinking of buying a home in Saskatoon, don’t wait until Spring! Be prepared to be involved in a bidding competition though, even if a house is listed first come first serve as they may still get multiple offers. If you see a house in Saskatoon that looks like it may be ‘the one’ do not wait as you may miss out.

Contact me today if you are looking to either buy or sell a home in Saskatoon and the surrounding area!

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

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

26. January 2008 by Kari Calder.

I recently got a call from a company out of Manitoba that was soliciting people over the phone to get them approval for financing for a new car. While this sounds great to young people, it is harmful if they plan to buy a home in the near future…or the next few years.

I ask myself about priorities when I meet potential Saskatoon home buyers only to find that some of them are up to their eyeballs in debt, but after this phone call I understand why people get themselves into this debt. Car companies can arrange for financing for almost anyone so it seems like a good idea at the time, but when you want to buy a home or a condo in Saskatoon and you have a new vehicle, your chances are much lower due to your GDS/TDS (gross debt service ratio and total debt service ratio). They don’t speak to you about how it affects your capacity to buy a house in Saskatoon. They don’t warn you that you may, for however long your car loan/lease is, have to rent a house or apartment in Saskatoon. And we are all aware in the Saskatoon real estate market that rental properties in Saskatoon are dwindling due to the condo conversion projects in the city over the past few years.

So, what is your priority? Somewhere to live in Saskatoon or a nice car to drive? A home to call your own in Saskatoon or a car to drive around in? If you are looking on my website or shopping for a house in Saskatoon, I guess I know your answer and good for you! Hopefully you didn’t fall prey to one of these easy financing traps that dealerships get you into and you can afford to buy a house in Saskatoon now!

If you are looking to buy a house or condo in Saskatoon or call your Saskatoon Realtor® or Kari Calder today.

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

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