Archive for the ‘Buyers’ Category

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Saskatoon Neighbourhood Pleasant Hill Receives Funding For New School

Friday, May 16th, 2008

For those of you who currently live in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood in Saskatoon or are possibly looking to buy real estate in this area, you will be happy to learn that funding for a new school has been provided.  The Saskatchewan provincial government has committed to provide $8.3 million to be used for the construction of a new St. Mary Community School.  This new school will also include a day care and a wellness centre.  The city of Saskatoon has also committed to providing $500,000 in addition to the Saskatchewan government contribution.

The existing St. Mary school in Pleasant Hill is part of the Saskatoon Catholic School board and for years has been over crowded and not adequate for the students needs.  On several occasions the Catholic school board in Saskatoon have attempted to get work done on the school without success.  This announcement of new funding will provide for a new school to be built and better serve the students and residents of Pleasant Hill.

With the addition of this new school, real estate prices in Pleasant Hill will probably increase as well.  Pleasant Hill has traditionally been known as a rougher area of the city but with changes like this on the horizon, things will change in a hurry.  If you are interested in either buying or sell real estate in the Pleasant Hill area or anywhere in Saskatoon be sure to contact me and I’ll be happy to work with you!

To read more about the new school in Pleasant Hill click here.

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

Posted in Buyers, Saskatoon News | No Comments »

New High-End Condo Project Announced For Broadway Area

Friday, May 16th, 2008

The Meridian Development group announced on Thursday, May 15th that it will be developing a commercial/residential condo project on Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon.  This will be a high-end condo project aimed at the higher end buyer.  The project itself will consist of 24 condo units with three of those being penthouse units priced around $1.3 million dollars the smaller units are estimated to start around the $450,000 mark for 1,200 sq ft.

This will be a unique development for the city of Saskatoon and with the growing Saskatoon real estate market will be a nice addition.  There are various other high end condo projects throughout Saskatoon but this one will also incorporate commercial space on the first floor of the unit.  The large penthouse units will include huge hidden private terraces just above the main floor commercial space.  The condo project will be located on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Ninth Street.

As the Saskatoon real estate market continues to grow we will continue to see new and unique developments like this go up around the city.  If you are interested in learning more about the Saskatoon condo real estate market be sure to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

For additional information on this story visit the Saskatoon Star Phoenix article.

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

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

What Saskatoon Real Estate Zoning Means

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

The Saskatoon real estate market can be confusing at the best of times, but then there are all the codes that come along to confuse you further. These codes reflect Saskatoon residential real estate, commercial real estate in Saskatoon has other codes that you can ask me about.

In Saskatoon Real Estate, here are some of the most common Zoning Codes that you will see:

  • R1-large lot for one unit dwelling
  • R1A-normal lot for one unit dwelling
  • R1B-small lot for one unit dwelling
  • R2-one and two unit dwellings
  • RMHC-mobile home court district
  • RMHL-mobile homes on individual sites
  • R2A-low density residential infill district for one and two unit dwellings
  • RMTN-townhouse residential district
  • RM1-low density (1-4 units) multiple unit dwellings
  • RM2-low/medium density multiple unit dwellings
  • RM3-medium density multiple unit dwelling
  • RM4-medium/high density multiple unit dwelling
  • RM5-high density multiple unit dwelling

When looking at purchasing real estate in Saskatoon zoning can be important depending on what your future plans are for the lot and depending on what is currently in the house. If you are in a Saskatoon neighbourhood that is zoned R1 and you have 3 suites, the city of Saskatoon can enforce the zoning laws if they find out you have 3 suites. They can enforce you to take the suites out (which is generally removing the kitchens in them).

So this should make the zoning in Saskatoon a bit more clear, but you can always look at the City of Saskatoon’s website for a more in depth look before purchasing real estate in Saskatoon.

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

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

Mexico Real Estate Investment Seminar POSTPONED!

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

Please note that the Mexico real estate investment seminar scheduled for May 15th has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict.  We will be rescheduling this for June so keep checking back for updates.  If you are looking for information on Mexico real estate investment prior to our seminar please feel free to contact me at my Saskatoon real estate website.  I have a section for investors there and have information about the Serena Marina & Golf Luxury Residences that are located in Mazatlan, Mexico.  For this and any other real estate questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.

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

Posted in Buyers, International Real Estate | No Comments »

Having Problems Getting A Mortgage

Friday, April 25th, 2008

I recently had the not so pleasant experience of working with a mortgage to go company that failed to meet my and my client’s expectations, so I wanted to put out the good news for anyone who is looking to buy real estate in Saskatoon who is having problems getting answers from their lenders.  I have a couple of really great guys who can get the job done!

There are many options for new home buyers in Saskatoon to get a mortgage. Some people use their bank, which is generally fine, however I advise shopping around. Don’t just take the first mortgage that you are offered as sometimes other branches or mobile mortgage specialists can beat a bank’s mortgage rate.  At the end of the day we all want to save as much money as we can so be sure to shop around.

Some of these ‘mortgages to go’ companies who claim they can get a mortgage for people with difficult credit do not have the most qualified people working for them. In this particular experience we had, the company finally ordered an appraisal 3 days after we were originally supposed to remove conditions. So, after a week of not getting answers and running into the issue of people who stop work at 4:30 pm and then don’t respond until 3 pm the next day, I sent my client to a Saskatoon mobile mortgage specialist in my referral network. After having the file for a mere 36 hours from start to finish, my Saskatoon mobile mortgage specialist had the mortgage approved and conditions removed.  Meanwhile the mortgage to go company was still trying to get an appraiser in.  I have developed a great referral networkfor anyone I work with that is buying or selling a home in Saskatoon.  These individuals are some of the top in their respective industries and come personally recommended.   Please don’t hesitate to ask me who I recommend for getting a mortgage in Saskatoon as I have several really great contacts!

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

Posted in Buyers, Saskatoon Real Estate | No Comments »

Investing In The US Real Estate Market

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

Finally, opportunity for us Canadians to purchase homes in the United States… for a great price! I’m writing this blog as it seems that our Canadian dollar is neck and neck with the US greenback and that isn’t changing anytime soon, so now is the time to invest our Canadian dollars in the United States real estate market.

Unfortunately, for many home owners in the United States, their housing market is in turmoil and people are being forced to foreclose on their homes because they are no longer affordable. This means, in conjunction with our strong Canadian dollar, this is the best time for Canadians investing in US Real Estate.

I have family who very recently bought a beautiful condo in Florida for under $250,000. It is brand new, over 2000 square feet, and in a wonderful complex with tennis courts, a pool, and only a short drive to the beach. You can barely buy a house in some of the less desirable areas of Saskatoon for that price!

I am currently researching the ins and out and what needs to be done to make the transaction as smooth as possible when buying a home in the US from Canada. I want to provide my clients with many opportunities to invest their money, both locally and internationally. I have an ever growing network of real estate agents in the US who are specializing in working with Canadians to purchase homes in the US.

Some people don’t want to take their money out of Canada, but as a realtor in Saskatoon I see it every day where people outside of Saskatchewan and outside of Canada are investing.

Contact me and I can get you on your way to investing in the US market while there is still time to make some money! Wherever you want to buy in the United States, I can help you out by setting you up with a real estate professional as well as getting a local mortgage broker to get you set up financially so that your mortgage still remains in Canada.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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

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

Saskatoon New Home Developments Breaking Records

Monday, March 17th, 2008

New HomeNew housing starts hit a 30-year record high in February in Saskatoon according to the Star Phoenix.  In February alone developers have started work on 175 new housing units.  The new developments in Saskatoon are almost split evenly between single-family homes and condo-style homes.  According to the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp) the 89 single-detached home starts are the highest amount they have seen since 1978.  The total number of 175 new home starts are 94 per cent higher than in February 2007.  Since January the total number of combined new home starts is 376 which include both single-family and multi-family developments.  This is 68 per cent higher that last year in the same time frame.  According to CMHC the demand for housing in Saskatoon is at an all time high.  The housing market is a direct affect of the Saskatchewan economy and the growth it is experiencing.  There is a large labor shortage in Saskatoon and with more and more people relocating to Saskatoon to fill that our housing market will continue to grow.  If you have been thinking about getting into the Saskatoon real estate market don’t want any longer, contact me today and I will be more than happy to provide you detailed information on the current Saskatoon and surrounding area real estate market.

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

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

New Listing 2339 St. Patrick Avenue

Sunday, March 16th, 2008

2339 St. Patrick Avenue

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

Saskatoon Condo Conversion Update

Sunday, March 2nd, 2008

With the increase demand for real estate many owners of apartment buildings and rental property are currently looking to cash in and convert their properties into condos.  The topic of Saskatoon condo conversions has been a controversial topic in Saskatoon over the past year.  In August 2007 this issue was presented to the City of Saskatoon who rejected the ban on condo conversions.  According to the people who brought forward the proposal to ban condo conversions in Saskatoon, the people most affected are students, elderly and low income families.  The city indicated they would keep a close eye on this issue and deal with it as it moved forward.  A city councilor named Charlie Clark indicated when speaking to a crowd on February 28, 2008 that the owners of eight per cent of rental properties in Saskatoon are looking to convert them into condos.  Many people that normally wouldn’t have thought about purchasing a property are now looking into it.  In many cases purchasing a condo in Saskatoon can in fact be cheaper than your monthly rent.  There are a lot of additional benefits of purchasing real estate in Saskatoon than just saving money on your rent.  If you are interested in looking to get into the Saskatoon real estate market feel free to contact me for additional information.

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

Posted in Buyers, Current Market, News, Saskatoon, Saskatoon Events, Saskatoon Real Estate | 1 Comment »

New Listing 305 – 303 5th Ave N

Sunday, February 24th, 2008

305 - 303 5th Ave N

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

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