10. August 2008 by Kari Calder.

I currently have a brand new townhouse for sale in the town of Warman.  Warman is the fastest growing community in Saskatchewan and is located only 10 minutes outside of Saskatoon.  This beautiful 1,136 sqft 2 storey townhouse contains 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.  It has a single attached garage and has one of the best locations available in Warman.  Located near the new future community recreation centre, brand new Legends Golf Course and across the field from the elementary school you don’t get much better than this!  The main floor consists of laminate floor throughout and solid maple cabinets in the kitchen.  There is upgraded lighting throughout the entire townhouse and a nice finishing package to finish off the look.  All windows are triple pane which great for energy effciency and the basement is open for development.

This townhouse is brand new and priced for a quick sale.  There is currently one more phase to be sold in this development that won’t be completed until 2009.  The final phase is starting at $299,000 so this is a great buy or investment!  Whether you are looking for yourself or looking for an investment property in Warman, this townhouse is for you!  For additional information on this warman real estate listing visit my website for additional pictures and information.

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

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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.

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10. August 2008 by Kari Calder.

When I bought my first house in Saskatoon only a few years ago I needed to have 5% as a down payment. This was all fine and dandy in the house market in Saskatoon in 2006 when I had time to “save” for a down payment without worrying about the market going up too much more in 3 months than it took me to save (I am sure I was saving for longer than that though). As a first time home buyer in Saskatoon I was able to use my RRSP’s and put those towards my 5% down. That was very helpful as otherwise I probably wouldn’t have been able to buy a house in Saskatoon. I probably would have taken advantage of the 0% down had it been available at that time.

Our government is trying to ensure that we do not fall into the same avalanche of lending disaster as the US and this is one of the ways they see to attempt to keep our Canadian housing market strong and to risk us going down the same road as the US. One major difference is that, to buy a house in Saskatoon and in Canada in general, we have to have more than a mere pulse. In the US anyone with a pulse was getting a mortgage. I see it with car sales, if you have a beating heart you can get a car, but it is not that easy for buying a home in Saskatoon.

I don’t disagree that the government has to be prudent so that we don’t find ourselves in trouble, but I don’t agree that we are in the same situation as the US. What I do think though is that first time home buyers in Saskatoon sometimes have their sights set very high. Instead of getting a ‘starter house’ in Saskatoon or a ‘starter condo’ in Saskatoon, many first time home buyers in Saskatoon want to jump into their dream home the first crack at it. I do know of several people who would rather continue to rent something that is deemed ‘nicer’ instead of buying something a bit smaller and owning it. Some of what we are experiencing with people overextending actually comes from not wanting to live within your means. So, maybe instead of pulling the pin on Zero down, the lenders should be helping people determine what they can afford comfortably and why it may be of benefit to start smaller and work your way up when buying a house in Saskatoon.

Just my opinion though as I was one of the lucky ones who bought when our Saskatoon real estate market was still slow and cheap.

For additional information on this story or any other questions about the Saskatoon real estate market feel free to contact me!

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

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10. August 2008 by Kari Calder.

In an effort to ensure that Canadians do not come even close to falling to the subprime mortgage woes and despair that the US has been facing, the decision has been made by CMHC to end 40 year amortization periods for home buyers. The 40 year mortgage was only put into place last year as home prices across Canada were on the rise, making it hard for first time home buyers in Saskatoon as well as first time home buyers in Canada to purchase a new home. The theory was to keep monthly payments low, but this also means more risk.

I, personally, at first hated the thought of a 40 year mortgage. Working with so many first time home buyers in Saskatoon though, I began to see the benefits and am still undecided if I agree with CHMC no longer backing it. Just because someone was buying a home in Saskatoon under the 40 year amortization period to get started did not mean that Saskatoon home buyer had to stay with the 40 year mortgage for 40 years. This is a way to get people into the market. In theory, a person’s annual salary should increase, not decrease, throughout their life, which should make it easier to increase your monthly payments after your first term, thereby decreasing the amortization to 30 years, 25 years, etc.

Many financial advisors and institutions did not like the 40 year mortgage as they were worried the buyers would not be able to survive a shift in economy, but out of the 40% of 40 year mortgages many of them were entrepreneurs who finally found a way to finance their small businesses.

By killing the 40 year mortgage, CHMC was trying to protect us from overextending and possibly not being able to pay back their loans. One of the biggest users of the 40 year mortgage though was not only the first time home buyer in Saskatoon, but it was also entrepreneurs across Canada. So, not only will it be harder for first time home buyers in Saskatoon after October, it will be harder for small business owners as well.

So, if you are contemplating getting into the Saskatoon housing market and are not able to go the 25-30 year route, you better get into the Saskatoon housing market before October if you want to take advantage of the 40 year mortgage.

For more information on this or if you are looking to buy or sell a home in Saskatoon or the surrounding area be sure to contact me!

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

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26. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

The current Saskatoon real estate market is DEFINITELY a buyer’s market which we haven’t seen in quite some time! Bring on the buyers is what I say as it is finally your turn with the Saskatoon real estate market being flooded with new listings. There are more listings now than ever before and some of the people selling their homes in Saskatoon are very motivated. This means a better time for you to buy, but keep in mind, not all houses for sale in Saskatoon are going to negotiate on price.

The Saskatoon real estate market has leveled out, prices are stabilizing, sellers are sometimes needing to sell therefore negotiating more on price.

Buyers are a bit overwhelmed with all the listings on the market in Saskatoon, but they can be a bit more picky than before.

So, if you are looking to buy a home in Saskatoon, the time is now. Our economy is so strong for the next 10 years plus that it is still a smart place to buy properties for investment in the future.

Whether you are looking at buying or selling real estate in the Saskatoon or surrounding area I would be happy to assist you.  Be sure to contact me and I will provide you additional information and help you in anyway I can!

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

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26. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

Here is your chance to have the Saskatchewan River at your fingertips. This beautifully upgraded and refinished townhouse is directly across from the river, walking paths,  and the parks found along the river banks in Saskatoon. This townhouse features 3 bedrooms up, 2 bathrooms, partially developed basement, and many new features. The new espresso coloured maple kitchen is complimented by stainless steel appliances and gleaming wood floors. There is a lovely deck off of the living room which ads the feeling of having your own space to enjoy in a condo complex. Call your Saskatoon real estate agent or contact me to view. For more information and pictures online visit: 402 - 2703 Spadina Crescent

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

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26. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

This beautiful family home in Willowgrove is backing walking paths and takes advantage of the view with a fully developed walk out basement and a large deck off the main floor overlooking the paths. This home features over 3000 square feet of developed space that has been finished to the 9’s. Stunning brazilian cherry wood floors are found throughout the main floor, fantastic kitchen with high end stainless steel appliances (gas stove), gas fireplace, 2 person Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom and 3 bedrooms get you started. In the basement you find 2 more bedrooms, a generous amount of storage space (developed) and a HUGE family and games room that overlooks the greenspace/walking paths.

The garage is much bigger than many new homes, you will not be disappointed! Some of the things you do not see are acrylic stucco, triple pane low E windows, and in floor radiant heat to name a few.

This is a beautiful Saskatoon home and will not last long so call your Saskatoon real estate agent or contact me to view or recieve additional information.  For more information and pictures online for this listing visit: 415 Greaves Crescent

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

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26. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

Highly desirable area of River Heights. This walk out condo built in 1994 has been very well looked after and looks brand new. The area is mature and the unit is extremely private. Enjoy summer here with a quick walk to the river, but enjoy your own space with a deck off of the kitchen and a large patio on the lower level. 2 bedrooms up with the master bedroom having a cheater door to give it an ensuite. One more bedroom on the lower level which is perfect if you have company as there is also a 3 piece bathroom and walk out of your living room to the patio area at the back of the unit.

The double attached garage is tandem in style and can easily fit 2 vehicles and still has plenty of room for storage.

This is an end unit and very private.

This is a prime Saskatoon real estate opportunity! Call your Saskatoon real estate agent or contact me to view or enquire. For additional information and pictures of this listing visit 112 - 322 La Ronge Road.

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

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26. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

I have one final reduction to offer the public on my Saskatoon condo listing in the Waterford Building in downtown Saskatoon. This condo is immaculate and the location is fantastic. 305-303 5th Avenue North and it is a concrete building. This is known as one of the most prestigious buildings in Saskatoon and is highly desirable. The price started out too high and now we are where we should be, so call Kari Calder with Century 21 Saskatoon or your Saskatoon real estate agent to view.  For more information on this listing be sure to check out my Saskatoon featured real estate listings.

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

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9. June 2008 by Kari Calder.

Be sure to check out this new listing in Stonebridge!  This beautiful fully developed 2 story townhouse condo in Stonebridge boosts 1365sq ft over 2 with double attached garage and is ready to move in!  The main floor contains immaculate hard wood floors, upgraded maple cabinets and stainless steel kitchen appliances.  The upstairs has a bonus room over the garage, 2 large bedrooms with walk in closets as well as a 3 piece bath off of the master bedroom and another 4 piece bath.  The basement has been professionally developed.  This unit has an excellent open floor plan.  For more information on this listing be sure to check my Featured Saskatoon Real Estate Listings page on my website or go directly to 12 - 106 Baillie Crescent.

To request a showing of this home or any additional information be sure to contact me anytime.

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

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