2. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

WestJet announced late last week that starting in September of this year they will start to offer direct flightsto Las Vegas from Saskatoon.  Previously the only way to get to Vegas via WestJet was to fly to either Calgary or Edmonton and then catch a connector flight.  This is just one more sign that Saskatoon is making its mark and attracting large companies to bring more services to our city.

Initially WestJet says that the flights will be seasonal and only operating in the fall, winter and early spring.  This tend to be the busiest times for people to head done to Vegasand escape the Canadian winter.  If the service is popular than we could see it potentially running year round.  Recently WestJet also added a direct flight from Saskatoon to Toronto.

Saskatoon is in huge a huge growth phase, which can be shown by the Saskatoon real estate market.  As our city continues to grow more services such as direct flights that once weren’t an option will become readily available.  I know I for one am excited about the addition of flights to our city.

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

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatoon News | No Comments »

2. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

About a month ago I was contacted by CBC National to speak about the real estate market in Saskatoon and to set them up with one of my many clients from Alberta that was migrating to Saskatchewan. I was thrilled at the opportunity and put them in touch with one of my candid and fun clients; I had many to choose from though, it was hard! But I put them in contact with one of my clients who, when I asked ‘Why are you moving to Saskatoon” he quoted “We are following the money!” so I figured he and his wife would be the best ones to talk to.

Just last week I met up with one of the producers who came out to Saskatoon to do a story on real estate in Saskatchewan and how the Saskatoon real estate boom has affected everyone; good and bad. I spent a few hours with him over 2 days and we had a blast. He wanted to learn about housing prices in Saskatoon and how they changed over the past 16 months so we did a few drive bys in different locations to go over the prices from late 2006 and early 2007 until now. I am hoping they don’t put too negative of a spin on how real estate has impacted Saskatoon and Saskatchewan as I would say that most of us notice when the media grabs on to our market boom and that almost scares people away. Some people think we have maxed out, but with the mining sectors doubling in size in the next few years, people have to move here from somewhere! Sure right now we are experiencing more listings than we have seen in the Saskatoon real estate market for over a year, but we are finally in a more balanced market again. People are dropping some of their prices to be more appropriate, but that doesn’t mean house prices are falling in Saskatoon. So for people who are thinking of investing in the future of Saskatoon and looking for properties to rent to the loads of people who have no where to live, this is a great time to buy a home in Saskatoon. Buyers and investors don’t have to buy without seeing, they have the luxury now of choosing from a few properties for sale in Saskatoon. So, for those who are scared to buy as they are fearing a recession from the US, I say you must be more aware of what is happening in Saskatchewan’s economy as it is strong and unlike the US in any way!

So, I will post another blog when I know the story will be aired!

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

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

2. May 2008 by Kari Calder.

The Saskatchewan Crownsthis year have recorded record earnings however the promise made by the NDP government that Saskatchewan residents would have the lowest bundled utilities across Canada could end in the near future.  The SaskParty has said in news paper articles that they won’t up hold this promise to Saskatchewan residents as it was a campaign promise made by the NDP.  I for one enjoy the fact that our utilities are cheaper than the rest of Canada and I believe it’s one of the many benefits of being a resident in Saskatchewan.  A potential increase for utilities in the province of Saskatchewan could have a huge affect on home owners.  With the sudden increase of real estate prices across our province, affordable utilities are something that everyone needs.

It will be interesting to see what happens down the road especially considering Saskatchewan Crown Corporations are reporting record profits.  I am hoping the SaskParty government will realize and keep the cost of utilities down for all residents.  As a Saskatoon real estate owner myself, higher increases in utilities will have a big affect on what people can afford down the road.

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

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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.

Posted in Saskatchewan News | No Comments »

19. April 2008 by Kari Calder.

It appears that winter is not quite ready to give up in the city of Saskatoon.  It is expected that a spring blizzard will be rolling into Saskatoon starting Saturday evening with the potential of reaching up to 50cm of snow.  Environment Canada issued a special weather statement on Thursday warning people of the potential storm.  It is recommended that people do as little travelling as possible during the storm.  For those of you who are currently active in the Saskatoon real estate market, it may mean that you need to put your open house visits on hold until next weekend.  I for one am hoping that the storm will miss us but we have already seen the temperature start to dip quite a bit.  Weather reports from Alberta indicate the storm is on its way so bundle up this weekend and be safe.  Be sure to check the weather network for the latest weather updates.  For more information on the upcoming blizzard check out this article.

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

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatoon News | 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 »

26. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

Saskatoon is home to Canada’s next great Prime Minister!  Alika Lafontaine was awarded this title on Sunday night on a CBC sponsored show hosted by none other than Rick Mercer.  Alika is a 25 year old Saskatoon resident who also happens to be a local doctor.  During the television show he competed in a debate against 3 other people up for the title.  He was asked several questions about current national issues by a panel of prior Canadian Prime Ministers including Kim Campbell, John Turner and Paul Martin.  Alika was announced the winner by in-studio voting of the audience.  Besides bragging rights Alika was also awarded $50,000.  He said that he contributes his success to the support he received at home with his family.

It is always great to hear people from Saskatoon make national news and especially something as great as this.  The province of Saskatchewan is leading the country in some many areas ranging from real estate, economic growth to now future leaders of our country.

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

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon News, Saskatoon | No Comments »

26. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

According to a report from the Canada West Foundation, Saskatchewan’s economic growth will lead Canada this year.  The report outlines that virtually every sector in Saskatchewan’s economy is expected to grow.  This does not only include mining, construction, and agriculture but also includes real estate, research, and retail sales.  The report also outlines that Saskatchewan is the best suited province to overcome and not be affected by the current American recession.  This is mainly due to the variety of goods and services our province produces over other provinces.  Saskatchewan is a unique province in that we have an abundance of natural resources that now only after years people are starting to explore and utilize.  We have already started to see the growth of our market and the way most people have felt it is the big increase in real estate costs across the province.  The Saskatoon real estate market is leading the entire province and country in growth.  As our economy continues to grow and expand more and more people will relocate to Saskatoon and the rest of Saskatchewan to try and benefit from it.  This is an excellent time to be living in Saskatoon.  If you don’t live in Saskatchewan but are interested in investing in real estate here be sure to contact me and I will be more than happy to assist you!

Click here to read the entire story from the Star Phoenix.

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

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

21. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

Inflation is a word that no one likes to hear but for those of us living in Saskatchewan, we are experiencing it more than anyone else in Canada.  According to the latest reports from Statistics Canada the cost of living in Saskatchewan increased 3.2 per cent during the past year.  Saskatchewan currently has the second highest inflation rate in the country, just behind Alberta at 3.6 per cent.  For people who have lived in Saskatchewan for a long period of time you will know what I mean when I say we have enjoyed a pretty reserved inflation rate over the years.  Our housing markets have been pretty stable with few large spikes in costs.  This is perhaps one of the reasons why people in Saskatchewan are feeling the squeeze more than ever.  The main reason our inflation rate has increased so dramatically is because of the current Saskatchewan real estate market.  Saskatoon’s real estate market alone grew over 52% in 2007.  Every month that passes we are setting new real estate records and there is more new development happening than ever before.  The Saskatchewan economy is driving the real estate market.  For people that currently own property and are considering upgrading this is an excellent time to start thinking about it.  If you are interested in learning more about what your current home would value in the Saskatoon real estate market call me for a free home evaluation.  If you have been sitting on the fence and been contemplating getting into the real estate market, wait no more because each day you wait the market is growing and it will become more difficult to get what you want when you are finally ready to jump into the market.  For all of your questions on the Saskatoon and surrounding area real estate market be sure to contact me!

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

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatchewan | No Comments »

16. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

A recent article published in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix indicates that Saskatchewan lead the nation in income growth between November 2006 and November 2007.  The article indicates employment earnings increased an average of 6.9 per cent.  This number is significantly higher than our neighbors with Alberta sitting at 5.6 per cent and Manitoba at 5.8 per cent.  This is extremely important news for Saskatchewan residents and especially for those looking to purchase real estate.  One of the major concerns that is being echoed throughout our province is that with the dramatic increase in real estate no one will be to afford a home with Saskatchewan salaries.  With the Saskatoon real estate market leading the charge and with growth of over 52% last year alone people have expressed concern.  There is an indication that salaries are increasing in our province though which is important to balance the increasing costs of living.  Our economy is helping drive the increase of real estate.  We just need to hope that salary increases keep up fast enough to the increasing costs of living.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.

Posted in Saskatchewan News, Saskatchewan, Personal | No Comments »