Century 21 Conexus Changed to Century 21 Fusion

July 22nd, 2011

I should write about a change in Century 21 Saskatoon that took place on July 1. We went from working under a bank, Conexus Credit Union, to becoming owned by Saskatoon real estate agents in less than a month. This was a good move for everyone I feel. We had our hands tied with the beauracracy of working under a banking system since I became a real estate agent in Saskatoon over 4 years ago. Conexus has now, I believe, sold off all of the Century 21 franchises across Saskatchewan.

Three Saskatoon real estate agents (and 1 spouse) purchased the Century 21 Saskatoon franchise and we are now called Century 21 Fusion. We take pride in advancing with technology while excelling at Saskatoon real estate sales. Gary Busch and Barry & Sandy Chilliak are the new agent/owners of Century 21 Saskatoon (Century 21 Fusion).

Some people ask me if it is a conflict of interest to have our Saskatoon real estate company owned by realtors in Saskatoon but little do they know Century 21 was one of the only ones that was not owned by Saskatoon real estate agents. So, is it a conflict of interest? Only if the owners are cherry picking the best listings when people call our company and are looking for a Saskatoon real estate agent to list their home for sale in Saskatoon.

Do I mind? If I minded I would have packed up my bags and left! With my 4 year annivesary having just passed as being a Realtor in Saskatoon I have not wavered from Century 21 Saskatoon as I enjoy my colleagues and I see the advantage of working with such a cohesive company. We have different things to offer than other brokerages in Saskatoon so I’m proudly sticking with them.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Fusion
653-8222

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

Who Really Wins in a Messy Divorce?

July 21st, 2011

Buying lottery tickets in Saskatoon with the aim to win the largest prize of all, the Lottery Showhome, is commonplace in Saskatoon and we have many opportunities every year. The Lottery Showhomes, typically located at the presitgious Saskatoon Willows Golf Course and subdivision, are always stunning and jam packed with hopeful ticket buyers. It all goes to a good cause with proceeds going to various charity organizations.

A recent CBC story about previous Lottery showhome winners really struck close to home as I was personally involved in the attempt to sell the home that was the centre of a long dispute between an estranged husband and wife. CBC news reported that my 1/2 of the sellers won the battle but it would be hard to say anyone ‘won’ in this case. Knowing my client as I do and the relationship he has with his boys I am happy it has all worked out for him but the expense and more importantly the time spent fighting is something they can’t get back.

Often when we see Saskatoon houses for sale they are the result of something negative like a separation, divorce, death, etc. Always a nice change when I meet sellers of Saskatoon homes who are selling their home in Saskatoon because they are combining households with marriage. Unfortunately though divorce definitely keeps the Saskatoon real estate market, and any other market in north america for sure, busy.

Moral of the story; money doesn’t buy happiness. Having a house is not necessarily having a home.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Fusion
653-8222

Posted in News, Personal, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatoon News, Saskatoon Real Estate | 1 Comment »

Looking Forward to Cirque du Soleil’s Drallion!

July 14th, 2011

I will be taking an evening off from selling houses for sale in Saskatoon tonight by attending a Cirque du Soleil show here in Saskatoon. I am sure I will still be checking my phone as I am a dedicated real estate agent in Saskatoon and somewhat a workaholic, but I won’t be out showing houses for sale in Saskatoon tonight.

A group of friends, my fiance, and myself have been looking forward to this evening for a few months. I actually only got to see my first true Cirque show in Vegas in May and I was BLOWN away! We will be attending the opening show tonight so hopefully they will have worked out any hiccups during their rehearsals.

Dralion runs tonight until Sunday at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon (aka Sask Place for those who know it as that!) I believe tickets are still available. It will be interesting to see how the performance and stunts differ from the stages that are built around the performances as this is a traveling act. At any rate, whatever they do it is all amazing to me as I give credit to the performers for their strength, agility, grace, etc.

It is great to see more shows coming to Saskatoon as our city’s population grows and the arts scene keeps on growing with it!

Kari Calder
Century 21 Fusion
653-82202

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

New Listing-Acreage Set Up for Horses, Pets and Family

July 14th, 2011

Last week I listed a wonderful acreage for sale near Saskatoon that is literally less than 10 minutes to the city and the new Super WalMart in Blairemore, one of Saskatoon’s newest subdivisions. This Saskatoon acreage for sale is on 80 acres (lots of water on the land though so not income producing) and the views from the back of the house are stunning. Beautiful sunsets across the water.

The walk out bungalow home consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open family/dining room with additional breakfast nook, and an updated kitchen with beautiful granite countertops. Large masterbedroom features a walk in closet and ensuite bathroom. Oversized double attached garage with a large mudroom into the house.

The immediate yard has an approximately 5000 sq ft multipurpose building (currently has 6 boxstalls for horses and a storage area for equipment, vehicles, etc). Outdoor riding arena is perfect for horse enthusiasts/owners.

Easy access to Saskatoon! A must see property if you want the convenience of the city with the serenity of acreage life without too much upkeep needed. This acreage for sale in Saskatoon won’t last long!

If you are looking to buy a house for sale in Saskatoon or you are looking to sell your home in Saskatoon ask me how I can help you as one of the award winning Saskatoon realtors (r).

Kari Calder
Century 21 Fusion
653-8222

Posted in Listings, Saskatchewan Real Estate, Saskatoon, Saskatoon Real Estate, Sellers | No Comments »

Vancouver-how embarassing!

June 16th, 2011

While I am more of a bandwagon hockey fan and am always proud to support Canadian teams (although they are most often just owned by Canada and not many Canadians actually ON the teams!?) I am embarassed by some of the fans in Vancouver after last nights loss. Going to game 7 and losing is nothing to be ashamed or angered about yet out of hand fans who were fuelled by drinking and mass hysteria gave in to the mob mentality and destroyed our reputation and a lot of physical property.

Normally us Canadians are so proud to be Canadian we wear our flags on our sleeves and our backpacks and wherever else we can stick it. Unfortunately, this incident has made national and world wide news and gained a lot of attention and will forever be remembered by the world. I’m still proud to be Canadian but happy to be from Saskatoon!

Unfortunate how such a small group of angry people can destroy an image. It was nice to see others in the crowd stand up to these troublemakers at the risk of having themselves harmed but to do the right thing. 100,000 people in one square can lead to disaster when people get out of hand and what could have been a good example of how peaceful Canadians are and how proud we are of our teams instead is a worldwide embarassment.

In the age of technology I am thankful that many of these guys will be caught and charged and hopefully will face lasting consequences to their stupidity.

I look forward to meeting with some clients this weekend who are looking at buying one of the houses for sale in Saskatoon and are coming from BC to see their reaction to the events. I also have a couple of Saskatoon real estate clients who have recently sold their house in Saskatoon and moved to British Columbia so I will be sure to touch base with them to see how this has affected them.

Kari Calder
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd
Saskatoon, SK

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

Saskatoon Ranked # 6 but # 1 with me!

June 1st, 2011

Moneysense recently came up on the hottest real estate markets in Canada and Saskatoon was #6 on the list. Amazingly to me Regina was #2?! Those of us true Saskatoon people would always say that Saskatoon is waaaaaay better than Regina but according to this article in Moneysense they had other criteria.

Taking first place for the second year is Moncton, NB. Houses are affordable and incomes are respectable. It is about half the size of Saskatoon and growing. Average house price here was pegged at $163,000.

Second place, as mentioned, is Regina and mainly because of its economy and lowest unemployment rate in Canada. Average house price takes quite a jump to $260,000. Regina was recently made a new Asia-Pacific gateway with the opening of a large grocery warehousing and distribution hub which added 800 new jobs to the city.

Third, fourth and fifth were Fredricton, NB, Winnipeg, Man and Saint John, NB respectively. Seems like NB is the place to live!

Saskatoon comes in at number 6 and mainly because of Saskatoon’s hot economy. We received the highest mrks for growing industry and rock bottom unemployment rate. We are the world’s largest potash producer and are home the one of the world’s largest publicly traded uranium companies (Cameco) but we are also growing in the technology and health sciences sectors. Most people don’t realize the impact of Innovation Place on the city.

From there we have Gatineau, Que with its government workers, Charlottetown, PEI which now boasts more than lobster and potatoes with its gorgeous historical homes and low home prices, and 9th on the list is St. John’s, NL and offshore oil industry and a nicel processing plant near by.

This article doesn’t mean that these are the city’s that you will get the best deals. This article shows best economies and growth. Our Saskatoon house prices aren’t a deal but our economy supports the prices and with all the different sectors the Saskatoon economy should remain strong for years to come. Our Saskatoon real estate market is a busy one and right now it is a balanced market so that means it is neither a buyer’s market or a sellers market but that there is enough product for both.  

If you are looking to get into the Saskatoon real estate market I work with first time home buyers in Saskatoon, investors, clients looking to move up or looking to downsize. I work with all types of buyers and enjoy working with people to find their dream home or at least to find something suitable for their needs.

If you are looking to put your house for sale in Saskatoon let me tell you about the Century 21 difference and how I will do my best to get you top dollar for your house. Working with a Century 21 Saskatoon real estate agent who takes part in the weekly meetings and Caravan system are a huge benefit to getting your home the exposure it deserves.

Posted in Buyers, Canada Real Estate, Current Market, Listings, Saskatchewan Real Estate, Saskatoon Real Estate, Sellers | No Comments »

Saskatoon’s Very Own Princess Shop

May 24th, 2011

I just read an article that made me smile and I wanted to pass it along. With all of the negativity, greed, selfishness, rudeness, etc that we endure in a day this article reminded me of my own youth and high school grad. Feels like a lifetime ago because it essentially is!

The Princess Shop, located here in Saskatoon, was featured in the Star Phoenix today. The purpose of this Saskatoon store is to let every girl feel like a princess at grad and not let the dollar amounts that are normally daunting to someone who is not mid to upper class take away from the experience every teen deserves.

Some of the girls are single moms, some of them are totally on their own but still want to succeed and take part and this program gives these girls something they otherwise would not be able to attain. Started in 2007, 2 local Saskatoon women held their first fundraising event in 2008 and that helped give them the momentum to support 39 graduates and it has escalted from there. They got the idea from a program on Oprah.

They are inspiring! As a Saskatoon real estate agent there are many opportunities to volunteer in Saskatoon and I have been volunteering on a financial basis for Easter Seals which is a great program, but I have been looking to find the right opportunity for me to volunteer some of my time as well and this looks like a great place to start! Realtors in Saskatoon often have hectic and crazy schedules that are completely unpredictable but there are other times when we can give more of our time to great causes and I think this one is fantastic!

As a female real estate agent in Saskatoon I recognize the need for mentorship and I really think what this program is about is wonderful. Congrats to the girls who had the vision to start this program and to the girls who have benefited from it!

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

New Listing in Arbor Creek

May 9th, 2011

Just listed on Friday a great family home for sale in Saskatoon. Popular Arbor Creek location this large home backs the berm for optimal privacy and there are no neighbours to the front. Close to the sports, water, and playpark in Arbor Creek this location is ideal.

This Saskatoon home for sale features new wood and porcelain tile flooring on the main, glass tile backsplash in the bright and open kitchen, slate/wood gas fireplace, main floor laundry, 3 large bedrooms up and fresh paint throughout. Garage is finished and ready for a gas heater, gas line for bbq, hot water tap outside is perfect for washing dog/kids, RV parking, and nicely landscaped.

Original owner homes and pride of ownership is evident. Oversized garage, exposed aggregrate driveway and stamped concrete patio with gazebo included.

Come see this great home for sale in Saskatoon before it is gone! I have had an offer already and have 4 more showings booked within the next 24 hours so I am sure this Saskatoon home for sale won’t last long.

If you are looking for a Saskatoon realtor contact me to help you get the advantage of our auto emails and a leg up on the other consumers looking to buy a house for sale in Saskatoon. If you are looking to put your house for sale in Saskatoon give me a call as it all comes down to pricing it right to get action and top dollar. If you overprice your house for sale in Saskatoon you often end up with market damage so end up with less and more hassle.

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

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

Iconic Stone House Demolished

May 9th, 2011

Make way for more condos for sale in Saskatoon’s east side as the iconic stone house on the corner of Clarence and College was demolished this week.

The owner is considering a lawsuit against the city. The City, along with the new owner of the property Remai Ventures Inc, made the decision to demolish the house this past week. Claiming the ground had softened and causing the house to lean it was considered a liability and there was no indication as to when it would be moved so the decision was made. A moving company lifted the home six weeks prior but due to the house not conforming with the neighbourhood in which it was intended to be moved to, the city denied the move. The second location chosen by the owner was impossible for now due to low lying power lines and washed out roads.

Two adjacent properties were pillaged by Habitat for Humanity for reusable items before the demolition. The owner is very discouraged and claims that the home was renovated in 2006 and is upset about the environmental impact and felt it could have been given to help with the homeless people or people in need.

As a Saskatoon real estate agent I drive the city everyday and drive by this home many times a week and I, for one, felt this structure was an eyesore and I am happy to see it gone. It was a unique home in Saskatoon for sure but not an attractive one!

Now there will be new condos for sale in Saskatoon once these east side units are built. Currently there are other condos for sale near the U of S and the prices reflect their high end nature so I am very curious to see what these ones will be like. Location location location!

If you are looking for a condo for sale in Saskatoon contact me as I help many people buy condos for sale in Saskatoon every year and am very familiar with the Saskatoon real estate market.

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

Posted in News, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Real Estate, Saskatoon, Saskatoon Events, Saskatoon News, Saskatoon Real Estate | 1 Comment »

Saskatoon Real Estate Market Update

April 19th, 2011

I tried to book appointments yesterday for some out of town buyers and found that about half of the houses for sale in Saskatoon that I was calling for have already had offers or have sold. The Saskatoon real estate market has been busy so far this month. We have seen 208 properties sell or have conditional sales on them this month alone throughout Saskatoon. These Saskatoon real estate listings consist of both houses and condos for sale in Saskatoon.

The listing inventory is at a healthy level right now which aids in creating a balanced market so it is not favouring one particular group. It appears the $350,000 and under range is still very popular.

There are 10 houses for sale in Saskatoon that exceed $1,000,000 and 16 properties for sale under $100,000.

I have still been busy with first time buyers in Saskatoon but have also been listing and helping Saskatoon real estate clients move up into their second and third homes.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd

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

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