Got Paint?

March 21st, 2008

I visit a lot of homes in the Saskatoon and surrounding area and one thing that I notice very regularly is that a lot of home owners have paint cans sitting in their basement, garage or some other corner of their home.  We as home owners collect paint on regular basis whether it’s doing renovations or just creating a new project.  Painting definitely is part of owning a home.  Paint is one of those things that people just don’t know what to do with.  You know you can’t toss it away in the garbage or dump it in the sewer so usually paint cans tend to pile up.  I know for myself I have probably 5 or 6 half full paint cans that I will never use again and until recently didn’t know what to do with them.  Sarcan in conjunction with the Product Care Association now provide a way for you to recycle your paint.  Household paint can now be dropped off at over 70 recycling locations across Saskatchewan without charge.  The collected paint is then reused, recycled into other products or used for its energy value.  Every Sarcan depot also maintains a supply of leftover paint for reuse, which is available to the public without charge.  Below is a list of the types of paint they will accept:

  • Interior & Exterior – latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, enamel and oil-based paints.
  • Varnishes & urethanes
  • Stains
  • Barn, fence & porch paints
  • Concrete paints
  • Deck & floor paints (including Elastomeric)
  • Drywall paints
  • Primers
  • Undercoats
  • Driveway (non-tar based) paints & sealers
  • Block fillers
  • Stain blocking paints
  • Shellac
  • Wood finishing oils & stains
  • Rust paint
  • Stucco paint
  • Paints for metal
  • Wood & masonry water repellants
  • Marine paint (containing no pesticides)
  • Non-catalyzed & non-nitrocellulose laquers.
  • Aerosol paint cans up to 600g

Be sure to visit the Sarcan and Product Care websites to find out restrictions on what they will not accept and for further information on their recycling programs.

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

Posted in Environment, Saskatoon | No Comments »

Your Recycling Information Centre

March 21st, 2008

I have always been someone that tries to do their part when it comes to recycling.  I am firm believer that even the smallest effort does make a difference in the long run.  There are so many small things home owners can do to help the environment.  In many cases for home owners, taking the environmentally friendly path will reduce your overall costs as well.  As a Saskatoon real estate agent I always like to provide my clients information on recycling and ways for them to reduce their costs in their homes.  Over the next few months I will provide readers information and tips on recycling in the city of Saskatoon and surrounding areas.  Be sure to visit often and find out how a few small things can make a big difference for the environment and also potentially lower your costs for your home.

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

Posted in Environment, Personal | No Comments »

Saskatchewan Leading Canada in Inflation

March 21st, 2008

Inflation is a word that no one likes to hear but for those of us living in Saskatchewan, we are experiencing it more than anyone else in Canada.  According to the latest reports from Statistics Canada the cost of living in Saskatchewan increased 3.2 per cent during the past year.  Saskatchewan currently has the second highest inflation rate in the country, just behind Alberta at 3.6 per cent.  For people who have lived in Saskatchewan for a long period of time you will know what I mean when I say we have enjoyed a pretty reserved inflation rate over the years.  Our housing markets have been pretty stable with few large spikes in costs.  This is perhaps one of the reasons why people in Saskatchewan are feeling the squeeze more than ever.  The main reason our inflation rate has increased so dramatically is because of the current Saskatchewan real estate market.  Saskatoon’s real estate market alone grew over 52% in 2007.  Every month that passes we are setting new real estate records and there is more new development happening than ever before.  The Saskatchewan economy is driving the real estate market.  For people that currently own property and are considering upgrading this is an excellent time to start thinking about it.  If you are interested in learning more about what your current home would value in the Saskatoon real estate market call me for a free home evaluation.  If you have been sitting on the fence and been contemplating getting into the real estate market, wait no more because each day you wait the market is growing and it will become more difficult to get what you want when you are finally ready to jump into the market.  For all of your questions on the Saskatoon and surrounding area real estate market be sure to contact me!

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

Posted in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan News | No Comments »

New Fire Station For Saskatoon East Side

March 18th, 2008

For those people who currently own real estate or are looking to purchase real estate on Saskatoon’s east side you will be happy to know that the city of Saskatoon have approved a new fire station to be built on the cornerof Herold and Slimmon Roads in Lakewood.  The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5.4 million.  The construction of the new fire hall is planned to start in 2009 with a completion of that year.  The new fire station is intended to provide fire response within four minutes to East College Park, Briarwood, Lakeridge and Rosewood which is a new area the city of Saskatoon is currently planning.  For more information on this story visit the Star Phoenix.

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

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

Investing In The US Real Estate Market

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

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 »

Saskatchewan Income Growth Leads The Nation

March 16th, 2008

A recent article published in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix indicates that Saskatchewan lead the nation in income growth between November 2006 and November 2007.  The article indicates employment earnings increased an average of 6.9 per cent.  This number is significantly higher than our neighbors with Alberta sitting at 5.6 per cent and Manitoba at 5.8 per cent.  This is extremely important news for Saskatchewan residents and especially for those looking to purchase real estate.  One of the major concerns that is being echoed throughout our province is that with the dramatic increase in real estate no one will be to afford a home with Saskatchewan salaries.  With the Saskatoon real estate market leading the charge and with growth of over 52% last year alone people have expressed concern.  There is an indication that salaries are increasing in our province though which is important to balance the increasing costs of living.  Our economy is helping drive the increase of real estate.  We just need to hope that salary increases keep up fast enough to the increasing costs of living.

Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.

Posted in Personal, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan News | No Comments »

Brad Wall Driving Lessons

March 16th, 2008

For those of you who keep up with the local Saskatchewan news I am sure you have heard all about the recent developments with Premier Brad Wall.  On Tuesday the Premier made an unscripted comment stating that he has previously taken his 14 year old daughter out on Saskatchewan roads and gave her a driving lesson.  This was immediately acted upon as the legal age that someone can receive a learners driver permit is 15.  Within the same day this story was in several news papers and then on Wednesday the NDP raised the matter in the legislature starting the premier should offer an apology for breaking the law and then joking about it.
For curiosity sake I took a poll of my friends and family and asked most people when the first time they drove in Saskatchewan was.  For those of us from Saskatchewan the majority of us had all driven a vehicle before we were 14 with permission from our parents or with them in the vehicle.  I definitely believe that having a legal driving age is an important and yes what the premier did was wrong but is this small mistake which he has apologize for worthy of all of the media coverage.  The fact that the NDP took time out of the legislature to bring this up and discuss it is frustrating.  There are much bigger matters to discuss and things to decide on when running our province instead of bringing up something like this.  I am definitely not alone on my thoughts on this as published in a recent article in the Star Phoenix; many Saskatchewan residents have offered private property to teach his daughter how to drive.

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

Posted in Personal, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan News | No Comments »

New Listing 2339 St. Patrick Avenue

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 2008 HomeStyles Homeshow Review

March 16th, 2008

I am happy to say that this years Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association 2008 HomeStyles Homeshow was a great follow up to last years.  I attended the show on Saturday in the mid-afternoon and at that time the parking lot was near capacity and the home show itself was bustling with activity.  I was happy to see a good mixture of returning exhibitors and new ones.  I was able to listen to Jim Caruk who was a guest speaker and is the host of the television show, Real Renos on HGTV.  For myself I am always interested in seeing some of the new building materials including flooring, fixtures, bathrooms, cabinets, countertops, etc.  You can get some great renovation ideas for your Saskatoon home by attending these booths and asking questions.  I found everyone to be extremely friendly and helpful.  I am very interested in hearing your thoughts of this years home show and anyways that you think they could have improved it. 

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

Posted in Saskatoon Events | No Comments »

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