Archive for the ‘Saskatoon Real Estate’ Category

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

City Budget-Here Come the Taxes :-(

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

As the city of Saskatoon continues to grow so do the expenses as we saw in the latest Saskatoon Star Phoenix update today. Thankfully council members were not happy with the proposed 4.65% increase in property taxes, instead it will be 3.99%. As it is there are already households in the city who have property taxes upwards of $10,000!?! For my career as a Saskatoon Real Estate agent I get to hear about the already expensive taxes compared to many other cities across Canada.

This reduction in property tax increase does not come without taking it from elsewhere. The Saskatoon City Police are being asked for $150,000 to be trimmed from their budget. If this does not happen the property tax increase will be 4.1%. Sometimes it feels that Saskatoon home owners are penalized but we also have to think about the trickle down effect. If someone owns a Saskatoon revenue house and their taxes go up I would assume the rent would also go up to reflect this inflation.  

As a Saskatoon real estate agent I am curious to see how much they spend on the 25th and Idylwyld project as this was under fire all night. Does it need to be beautiful? I vote no! Does it need to function, absolutely. When I am out showing houses for sale in Saskatoon and I have to get from the west side to the east side it is nice to have some options and not have to weave left and right to get to the main bridge.

If you are looking to a buy a house for sale in Saskatoon let me know and I would be more than happy to help out! If you are sick of the taxes and looking to sell your house in Saskatoon in the hopes that the grass is greener elsewhere I would also love to speak to you!

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
653-8222

Arbor Creek Will NOT Be Getting A School

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

It has been rumoured for years that the vacant land across from Wright and Kenderdine Rd in Saskatoon’s Arbor Creek may be getting a school. Owned by Dundee Realty this site has been designated for future schools however there has been a formal request by the developer to turn this into a new residential housing site for Saskatoon’s east side. The company has already begun the process to rezone the sites making 45 residential lots available in Arbor Creek for single family homes  according to the Saskatoon Star Phoenix today. It would be great to see more lots for sale in Arbor Creek but at what cost? Having lived near the future site myself I can see the benefit for new home buyers in Saskatoon as you can get a brand new house in a well established area so I am sure there will be a huge demand for the lots.

Instead it appears that the public and catholic school systems are putting their efforts into Willowgrove.I have helped a few people buy houses for sale in Willowgrove that will be near these schools that ARE going in.  The Catholic school board has already removed Arbor Creek from its five-year capital plan for the division. Unfortunately many homeowners near the ‘proposed’ school site in Arbor Creek chose that location for the future potential. They have already been waiting a long time and by now most of their small children are likely in high school!

Land for Saskatoon new home construction is limited and expensive to begin with, especially on the east side. This land will be in huge demand so I have to give it to Dundee, they know how to develop better than the city does in my opinion.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Saskatoon give me a shout! I would be more than happy to help find you the perfect house.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Saskatoon
653-8222

This Week’s Market

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

The Saskatoon real estate market has seen the listings coming down steadily in the past few weeks. There are currently 1085 houses for sale in Saskatoon (or condos) down from 1125 last week. We only had 92 new houses for sale in Saskatoon hit the market last week which is down from 115 the week before.

There were 83 houses for sale in Saskatoon that sold last week, down as well from last week where we saw 92 houses sell in Saskatoon. This was up from 56 the week before so it appears that the market has picked up.

There are 1037 houses for sale in the surrounding Saskatoon region. I have been out showing houses for sale around Saskatoon and have noticed that the out of town market seems to be getting busier as well.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a house in Saskatoon or around Saskatoon give me a call as I would be happy to help you out!

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon
653-8222

Busy with Buyers!

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

The past couple of weeks have been very busy with people buying houses for sale in Saskatoon. Since the beginning of the month there have been 93 houses or condos for sale in Saskatoon get offers (either firm or conditional). I myself have been busier than usual with showings and clients and I am loving it! It is important for people to undestand all of the hidden costs in purchasing a house for sale in Saskatoon so check out my website for more information or talk to me.

I had a condo for sale in Saskatoon and an offer came in less than 2 weeks later. I have also helped a Saskatoon real estate investor offer on a revenue house for sale in Saskatoon just last week and helped another family find a great family home for sale in Saskatoon to put an offer on.

This week has already been busy and I have a buyer who has an offer on a fantastic new house for sale in Hampton Village and later today I will be heading out with a first time home buyer in Saskatoon to look at condos for sale in Saskatoon. There are quite a few to choose from and some have been sitting for a few months but making phone calls to other Saskatoon realtors I am finding that these listings are getting snapped up!

 I’m not sure if people are out looking right now to try to get in before the weather gets too cold in Saskatoon or if they just realize that it is a great time to get into a house for sale in Saskatoon but I have seen many Saskatoon realtors out and about lately so things are picking up!

I think many Saskatoon home buyers are starting to see the advantage of getting in on the low interest rates we are experiencing. It is a great time to buy a house for sale in Saskatoon and there are also a lot of great condos for sale in Saskatoon right now.

I am a Saskatoon real estate agent who works with many first time home buyers in Saskatoon so if you are interested in speaking to me about your Saskatoon real estate needs I would love to talk to you! I have many Saskatoon real estate testimonials from previous clients and can put you in touch with some of the 200+ people I have helped with their Saskatoon real estate transactions in the past few years.

I can also put you in touch with some of the best Saskatoon mortgage broker professionals for your mortgage needs and I can also recommend people from all services needed in your Saskatoon real estate transaction, from home inspectors to appliance sellers! That is part of the benefit of using a Century 21 Saskatoon realtor (r) as we are almost all full service agents! Look out for you from start to end and then some.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
306-653-8222

New Listing in Dalmeny

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Just listed, fantastic home for sale near Saskatoon in the quiet community of Dalmeny. This home for sale near Saskatoon features many updates inside and out.

Newer stamped concrete driveway, walkway and patio, some new windows/exterior doors, newer shingles, landscaping etc. Many large trees and stumps removed plus perennials planted.

The inside of this house for sale near Saskatoon has seen a huge overhaul in recent years; new kitchen which is great for entertaining, new flooring throughout, open living room/kitchen/dining room, etc. New flooring, lighting, trim and doors throughout. Bathrooms have been updated with new fixtures and tile.

If you are interested in learning more about real estate in Saskatoon or around Saskatoon contact your Saskatoon real estate agent or me.

Dalmeny is only about 15 minutes from Saskatoon so it is a great alternative to buying a house for sale in Saskatoon. Smaller communities around Saskatoon can be more affordable!

Contact your Saskatoon real estate agent for more info or the listing Saskatoon realtor (r). If you are looking to list your house for sale in Saskatoon I would love to speak to you!

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd Saskatoon

New Listings + Exciting Low Interest Rates

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

I have the perfect combo for a first time buyer in Saskatoon or investor! My newest Saskatoon real estate listing, a condo for sale in Saskatoon in Eastview, is vacant and ready for immediate occupancy. That, combined with a quick close before November 30th with a rate of 3.49% from Centum Canada Mortage Direct Ltd in Saskatoon, equals a GREAT deal!

Mortgage brokers in Saskatoon tend have lower rates than most banks so now is the time to get qualified! Century 21 Saskatoon works hand in hand with these great mortgage brokers in Saskatoon so just ask me how to set up a  meeting to find out what you qualify for.

This condo for sale in Saskatoon is a 2nd floor corner unit with a maple kitchen, granite counters, newer flooring, trim, lights etc. The location is great and close to shopping, amenities, and bus service. Near Market Mall. Laundry is just down the hall but each unit has a large storage room so in suite laundry may be a possibility.

If you are interested in buying a condo for sale in Saskatoon or if you are interested in buying any sort of real estate in Saskatoon contact me. If you are looking to list your house for sale in Saskatoon let me talk to you about the advantages of using a Saskatoon real estate agent and why my services are beneficial to you.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Residential Real Estate Specialist
306-653-8222

Come ON Star Phoenix, Why Print Garbage Like This?

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

You know we are lacking in newsworthy articles when the Star Phoenix chooses to print something as obscure and silly as this article, which is basically mortgage and real estate terms for dummies. I am sure they meant it to be fun but it is misleading and lacks professionalism.

As a Saskatoon real estate agent this article did put a bee in my bonnet…or burn my bunns…or whatever other choice phrase one may have for getting annoyed. There should have been a nice big disclaimer that this article was a joke. Example-portable mortgage-a mortgage for a motor home. Okay, that is sort of funny, I am not totally humorless, but I still think as a Saskatoon realtor (r) there needs to be follow up.

I did enjoy one of the comments made:

I guess an early morning Boomer is sitting tight, waiting for a house which was upgraded to his delight, and wants it for 1980’s price. Sure! wait for prices to drop to “historical” standards.
If anyone ever dealt with a real estate agent (in Saskatoon) or a mortgage broker, they know how much work is done by them, and if they are lucky after all the work is done, the client may choose to stay with the sucker who did ALL the work to help the client with their best possible result.
There should be a service fee charged like that charged by servicemen who just come to give you an estimate, refundable if you use their expertise.

This was an anonymous post but as a Saskatoon real estate agent I wanted to hug this person! I can’t tell you how many hours and days and months some times I have dealt with a potential Saskatoon home buyer or someone looking to put their Saskatoon house for sale only to get burned when they decide to use the price I worked out for them to list their house for sale in Saskatoon privately or with an agent who is willing to list it for less commission (but you do get what you pay for as some of those same Saskatoon real estate agents have openly told me before what their sellers would take as a low offer, so did saving $1000 cost the sellers a lot more, yep!).

I am an honest, ethical, hardworking Saskatoon real estate agent with Century 21 Saskatoon and I know that many people have had bad experiences with some of my colleagues. I know that my integrity and hard work will keep me successful in my Saskatoon real estate career but give me peace of mind. There are definitely some of my colleagues who I wonder how they sleep at night. They would answer “very well” but there are lots of us Saskatoon realtors who are doing a good and honest job who get judged by the bad ones.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon
653-8222

More Cars than People in Saskatoon?

Friday, September 24th, 2010

According to an article from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix there are more cars than people in Saskatoon. This was the same in 2007. As a real estate agent in Saskatoon I obviously have a car. A car being singular. I can’t do my job without a car.

Our population in Saskatoon is around 220,000 people but there were almost 229,000 registered vehicles in our city. There needs to be a shift as our roads are becoming more congested and only approximately 21% of people do not drive their cars to work. The national average is 28% and it is believe the goal should be more like 30%. It is a hard thing to accomplish though as our only other mode of transportation in Saskatoon is the bus.

It is said that during the past 10 years the number of trips across the Circle Drive bridge jumped by more than 20,000 a day and the commute time has doubled. As a Saskatoon real estate agent I have noticed this drastic change in the amount of time it can take me to get to appointments.

Some of the reasons for the increase in cars has to do with the weath of the city. Many more teenagers now have their own cars in Saskatoon. There are also likley more people out in the work force and the multi-vehicle family is now the norm.

The city of Saskatoon has added a universal bus pass to students, brought in a bus pass program for employers, upgraded the transit network to add rapid routes, and and upgraded bike network? Come on! If we lived in a city that wasn’t -50 in the winter that $2M may have been well spent but I have to say that wasn’t the smartest use of money and I don’t usually have a big opinion on things the city does. Everything else though, great! Will it make a difference? Not likely.  

Here are some stats from SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)

Year-People vs Vehicles
1945-42000-6000
1965-106000-39000
1985-176000-128000
2005-206000-197000*
2009-219000-229000*
*including seasonal vehicles

Driving in this city has been less carefree and much more stressful, even in the past 5 years. I have been a Saskatoon real estate agent for over 3 years now and I can tell the difference even in 3 years of spending so much time on the roads. If you are thinking about buying a house for sale in Saskatoon and you want to speak to an experienced Saskatoon real estate agent give me a call and let me make your Saskatoon home buying process successful and enjoyable…even with our traffic!

Kari Calder
Century 21 Saskatoon
653-8222

Canadians Are Getting Fatter!

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Just as I am trying to get fitter an article comes out like this one in the Star Phoenix that makes me happy I am making the choice to move in the right direction. The results are astounding! Sixty percent of Canadian adults are overweight with 24 percent of people(1 in 4) being obese. I am curious where each province ranks in the order of things. Saskatchewan is probably in the middle? Men are worse off at 66% while women are 54% overweight. I think many of these are realtors in Saskatoon as we spend a lot of time on the run and driving around so take out is a part of life for the busy Saskatoon real estate agent.

Canada follows behind our super-sized neighbours to the South. The worst are the U.S, Mexico, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Surprisingly, France, with their foie-gras, croissants, cheese, and other rich foods is one of the lowest ones.

The thinnest, Japanese. Only 24% are considered overweight and a mere 3% obese. Maybe we should take more advantage of all the Japanese restaurants in Saskatoon that have popped up over the last year. While Otowa, Yohei, Sushiro and the Samurai have been here forever it seems, we now have had a big influx of Sushi places in Saskatoon. A personal fave of mine is Go for Sushi on 8th Street where Sew and Home used to be. My nieces (5 and 8) LOVE sushi as it was introduced to them at an early age and thought it was funny we had “Gopher Sushi” as that is what they thought the name was. There are also 2 New Island Sushi restaurants and Nagoya. I am probably missing some. Next time Taste of Saskatoon comes around in the summer (popular Saskatoon event) try some sushi if you have never had it. It isn’t all raw fish!

As a busy Saskatoon real estate agent I would love to know if we have a Sushi go round type of place. When I lived in Australia I had one near my home and it was the perfect place to stop for a snack. You sit at an eating bar with strangers and watch a conveyer belt of individually plated sushi go around in front of you and take off whatever you want and are charged by the plate colour. As a realtor in Sasktaoon I would love to have a few of those around the city instead of having to go to a fast food place.

By 2020 it is expected that 3/4 of Americans will be overweight. Canada isn’t expected to get that fat that fast! Hopefully more people will fall in love with Japanese food and rituals and turn our numbers around. It is a big drain on our health care system and not the right way to ‘trim the fat’ of our society when it is said to be the cause of 25,000-40,000 premature deaths in Canada.

If you are a woman of my height (5’5″) and close to 150 lbs you are overweight. If you are around 180 lbs at my height, well, you are obese! So Canada, get off your butts and try to fix those numbers!

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