14. May 2008 by Kari Calder.

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.

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4. March 2008 by Kari Calder.

If you are thinking about selling your home and are interested in finding out what it may be worth in the current Saskatoon market contact me for a free home evaluation.  The Saskatoon real estate market is booming and it is definitely a sellers market.  It is important to know what other types of properties that you will be competing against and have a realistic idea of what you will get for your property.  I have dealt with many sellers that have thought just because the house two blocks over went for $400,000 their home would be worth the same.  In some cases they didn’t know that home had a completely finished basement and or other features that made it more appealing to buyers. Meanwhile their home didn’t have a finished basement and lacked other features.  In other instances, I have had clients think that because a home a few doors down for only $200,000 that is what theirs would be worth only to find that it was considerably more after I performed a free home evaluation.  Knowing and keeping up to date with the Saskatoon real estate market is how I make my living so if you are interested in selling your home and receiving a home evaluation be sure to contact me!

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

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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.

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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 »

18. December 2007 by Kari Calder.

I think we all have heard about the condo conversions taking hold of our city, but the annual survey by the CMHC (Canada Housing and Mortgage Corp) has proven that our Saskatoon vacancy rate has fallen to an all time low with a 1.2% apartment vacancy rate. But, despite all that you hear about the rental increases, the average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Saskatoon is just under $700; up only $85 per month since last year. The north end of Saskatoon as well as Nutana are both almost at 0% vacancy.

One of the reasons behind this is the booming housing market in Saskatoon we have been experiencing. Unfortunately it is harder for first time home buyers to get started in the Saskatoon Real Estate market now that prices have gone up, but there are still many options to get people started in the market. Just talk to a Saskatoon Realtor ® about how you can get started (and feel free to contact me!). Real estate in Saskatoon is still attainable for many people if you talk to the right professionals about how.

One of the ways of combating this low vacancy rate and increased housing costs in Saskatoon has been to build suites in homes to help pay the mortgage. This benefits both the home owners as well as the thousands affected by the rental shortage.

We hope that the new government will address the issue as if they do not, we will see a huge problem in Saskatchewan very quickly.

Any opinions out there? Please give me your points of view on this topic and how it can be addressed. As a real estate agent in Saskatoon I see every side of the topic and it is nice to get opinions from real people out there. Thanks!

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

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