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West Central, SK Real Estate News

By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
Reported sales in Saskatoon - 439 - increase of 8% from 2012 Reported sales in surrounding area of Saskatoon - 117 - increase of 13% from 2012 Average selling price in Saskatoon - $353,315 - increase of 3% from 2012 Average selling price in surrounding area - $327,062 - increase of 9% from 2012 Number of new listings in Saskatoon - 715  Number of new listings in surrounding area - 294 Total active listings in Saskatoon - 1182 Total active listings in surrounding area - 917 Number of active agents - 620 Saskatoon posted its first year-over-year gains in terms of sales for the year as the market appears to be heating up for a busy summer. View a full market report and search homes for sale in Saskatoon and the surrounding area at my website! Any questions about the market? Feel free to co...
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
Reported sales in Saskatoon - 344 - decrease of 6% from 2012 Reported sales in surrounding area of Saskatoon - 114 - increase of 14% from 2012 Average selling price in Saskatoon - $336,068 - increase of 3% from 2012 Average selling price in surrounding area - $322,484 - increase of 14% from 2012 Number of new listings in Saskatoon - 613  Number of new listings in surrounding area - 238 Total active listings in Saskatoon - 1081 Total active listings in surrounding area - 847 Number of active agents - 614 The number of sales in Saskatoon increased significantly from February as the market has picked up after it's incredibly slow start to the year. The average selling price continues to crawl higher even with sales being down. You can find a full market report here.
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
I think this video does a great job of showcasing what a successful real estate brokerage provides for you. Century 21 Fusion in Saskatoon is one of the top Century 21 offices in Canada, and for good reason. I am very happy with my decision to use them as a hub for my business.
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
Saskatoon has quickly become a very eco-friendly city over the last few years, with initiatives ranging from curbside recycling to local farmers markets and the opening of many trendy second-hand clothing stores. Bicycling Recently, the city and local businesses have taken on the initiative to provide a bicycle valet service at almost every summer event. This further encourages residents to leave their cars at home and use their bike to get around.  The city of Saskatoon has also created a number of guides which rank the streets of the city for cycling as well as providing information about the bike paths around the city, which are ever growing in number. It's not uncommon to see someone biking through the snow in -30C weather. Recycling Saskatoon has just begun to roll out a curbside "...
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
As lending rules have tightened up in Canada over the last year, we've seen an increase in the number of days on market for lower, entry level homes. I attest this to the fact that younger people are continuing to rent instead of doing everything in their power to save up and purchase their first home. There are a number of reasons that owning a house is far superior to renting. 1. You are building equity - if you could have a nicer home for the same price you are renting for PLUS be able to sell that asset for more than what you paid for it in the future, would you? 2. Ability to re-invest in your home. Upgrades to your kitchen, basement, bathrooms, yard, flooring, etc. will all bring a return to you in the future. 3. Pride - let's be honest, it feels a lot nicer to be able to say you ...
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
When looking to purchase commercial real estate, a large number of the available properties will never hit your local MLS. Often times, properties will be shopped around through a network of known buyers before they are made available to the public. In order to be one of the known buyers or prospective buyers who is contacted when the potential selling of the property becomes available, it is vital that you remain in constant contact with your Realtor as well as any other potential points of contact for the transaction.  If a property has been listed on the MLS, it is likely that it has already been passed over by a large number of commercial real estate buyers in your city. Be sure to have a thorough inspection done on the property and if it is an existing business make sure to complet...
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
It's one of the biggest questions facing first time homebuyers and empty nesters. Is a house or a condo the right choice for them? House 1. Your own yard to enjoy with privacy from your neighbours. 2. Usually a larger living space. 3. You own the land which retains value. 4. No condo fees - but usually higher taxes as well as the costs of utilities which are often covered with your condo fees. 5. Freedom to do as you wish with your property and home - you are not governed by bylaws of a condo association. Condo 1. Very little maintenance required - no shoveling of sidewalks, mowing lawns, weeding, cleaning eavestroughs.  2. The exterior of your building including your windows are the responsiblity of the condo association. 3. Often times shared amenities like a games room, swimming pool...
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
Reported sales in Saskatoon - 265 - decrease of 18% from 2012 Reported sales in surrounding area of Saskatoon - 85 - decrease of 11% from 2012 Average selling price in Saskatoon - $329,726 - increase of 6% from 2012 Average selling price in surrounding area - $260,215 - increase of 4% from 2012 Number of new listings in Saskatoon - 480  Number of new listings in surrounding area - 209 Total active listings in Saskatoon - 1040 Total active listings in surrounding area - 808  Number of active agents - 607 So far this year the number of reported sales has been down quite a bit year-over-year, the market appears to be picking up in the last week though, so we will see how March is. It's good that while in a slow market at the very moment the average selling price still continues to increase...
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
Transform Your Home from Winter to Summer with These Easy Tips As the warm, hazy days of summer come slowly into view, we tend to start to think of how we can transform our winter houses into summer paradises. It’s not that difficult to ease from a warm, winter home into a breezy summer one if you follow these tips. Remove Winter Accessories During the winter months we tend to have accessories to keep us warm, like heavy blankets and draperies, fire logs, heaters and anything that keeps us warm and cozy. Once the summer hits however, it generates its own heat, so remove any accessory that isn’t needed. For example, put away those thick blankets, space heaters and dark drapes; instead put up bright sheer draperies and bring in fresh flowers to brighten and freshen the room. Bring Out the...
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For the third consecutive year, Saskatoon is the fastest growing city of any census metropolitan area in Canada, according to StatsCan. Saskatoon grew at a rate of 40.4 per thousand, the first time a city has grown at that rate in over 15 years. The population as of July 1, 2012 was 284,000, an increase of 11,200 from July 1 of 2011. Saskatoon is also the youngest city in Canada, according to StatsCan. The median age of residents of the city is 34.9, well below the national average of 40. There's no question that Saskatoon is the place to be in Canada and an economic hub of the prairies. Search Saskatoon homes for sale and contact me at your earliest convenience to figure out how we can get you into the new (move over Toronto) centre of the universe!
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
Reported sales in Saskatoon - 222 - decrease of 10% from 2012 Reported sales in surrounding area of Saskatoon - 204 - increase of 10% from 2012 Average selling price in Saskatoon - $335,168 - increase of 10% from 2012 Average selling price in surrounding area - $379,312 - Increase of 4% from 2012 Number of new listings in Saskatoon - 571  Number of new listings in surrounding area - 204 Total active listings in Saskatoon - 1015 Total active listings in surrounding area - 738  Number of active agents - 600   Visit our website for a full Saskatoon real estate market update.
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By Susan Zwarych
(Century 21 Fusion)
As I've just become licensed in Commercial real estate now, and it's a far different game than residential real estate, I felt I'd share with you some of the basics of commercial real estate that I've learned over the last few months while studying for my exam. Commercial Real Estate 101 - an introduction to commercial real estate If you have any questions for me about commercial real estate or the Saskatoon real estate market in general, feel free to post them here!
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By John Pearce
(Royal Lepage Saskatoon Real Estate)
2011 Residential Sales Market Begins on a Positive Note The 2011 residential resale market started on a positive note with Saskatoon REALTORS® assisting 195 home buyers with the purchase of their dream home. This number was up 10 % from January 2010 when 178 homes were sold. The $300,000 to $350,000 price range continues to be the most active. The average number of days to sell in the month of January was 43 days. The average residential selling price in January was $300,353.00 this number up 11 % from January 2010 when the average selling price was $270,265.00. The average residential price is derived by taking the month's dollar volume of homes sold and dividing that number by the unit sales number. The percentage of change should not be used unilaterally as prices vary from area to ...
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By John Pearce
(Royal Lepage Saskatoon Real Estate)
  Demand for Residential Housing Softened Slightly     For the month of September unit sales were down by 13% with 304 units selling as compared to 351 units selling in September of 2009.Year do date unit sales are down 7% with 2,830 units having sold. The average time on the market was 39 days. The greatest sales activity remains in the $300,000.00 to $350,000.00 price range. The average residential selling price in September was $312,582.00 up 12% from September 2009 when the average selling price was $279,457.00. Year to date the average selling price is also up 6% and stands at $294,465.00. The increased average selling price indicates sustained activity in the mid to upper price range. Another contributing factor is with new home construction being active numerous new homes are bei...
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Protecting Your Privacy While Your Home is on the Market      Numerous people are likely going to spend a considerable amount of time browsing through your home while it is on the market. If you are living in the home while it is for sale, your personal things will be on show too and potential buyers might look through drawers and other items that are inside your home. Your privacy and security may become an issue when showing your home, so it is important to consider all your options before you welcome someone into your home. For many individuals, it is very important for them to protect their privacy, while others are simply concerned that buyers will make assumptions about them and judge them instead of simply judging their home. However, the importance of protecting your privacy is ...
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Condo Living - A one Bedroom Condominium Opens Doors to Creativity      In her new one-bedroom loft in the lakeshore neighbourhood, Sarah enjoys a stunning city view. By focusing on what she was creating in her new space instead of what she was giving up, she was not only able to simplify her lifestyle but found new ways to use some of her most prized possessions. Less square footage doesn't necessarily equate to less living. Sarah said while entertaining a small group of friends in here stunning city view location within walking distance of her workplace and health club in downtown neighbourhood. Sarah's new space fits her tastes and lifestyle, having lived with her husband Jim and there two children for over 22 years, she realized that she was a slave to her house. "My two kids had mo...
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By John Pearce
(Royal Lepage Saskatoon Real Estate)
From Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® Inc Residential Home Sales Soften in the Month of July Home buying activity was down slightly in the month of July with 357 homes selling down 18% from July 2009 when 438 homes were sold. Year to date unit sale numbers are down 4% with 2,217 homes having sold as compared to 2,304 selling in 2009 at this time of year. The majority of the sales activity remained in the $300,000.00 to $350,000.00 price range. The average selling price remained strong at $289,715.00 up 2% from July 2009 when the average was $283,531.00. Year to date the average selling price is $290,515.00 up 5% from 2009 when the average year to date number was $277,490.00. The higher average selling price indicates continued strength in the mid price range homes. In July it ...
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By John Pearce
(Royal Lepage Saskatoon Real Estate)
Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® Inc   Residential Resale Market Maintains Momentum Saskatoon's real estate market maintained its momentum throughout the first quarter. Unit sales were up 28% from March 2009 with 361 homes being sold as compared to March 2009 when 282 units were sold. Year to date 775 properties have exchanged hands that number up 10% from 2009 when 704 properties exchanged hands. The average days on market has dropped to 30 days with some areas having as low as 22 days to sell on average. The average residential selling price in March was $282,615.00 up 6% from March 2009 when the average selling price was $266,620.00. The average selling price year to date is $282,270.00 up 3% from 2009 when the average price was $274,555.00. The highest number of sales year...
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By Shah Ahmed
(REMAX Saskatoon)
Renting vs. Buying a House Am I better off renting or buying a house? - This is a very old question. Before you decide, you need to answer the following:   1.  How often do you expect to move in the future? More than once a year Once every two years Not for at least 5 years If you expect to be moving a lot (every couple of years or more) then you probably shouldn't buy your own home. Every time you buy or sell a home you incur significant costs (selling commissions alone average 6 %). Unless you get lucky and the value of the home you purchased goes up by at least 10 %, you'll be losing money.   2.  How stable is you employment situation? Very stable Probably stable  Not stable at al If your employment is not stable, you probably shouldn't be considering buying your own home. Home owner...
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How to Use Your Credit Card Wisely Whether you shop online, by telephone or by mail, a credit card can make buying much easier; but when you use a credit card, it's important to control your spending. Use a credit card wisely and you can reap benefits like cash back, bonus points and airline miles, not to mention a better credit score. Use it unwisely and you could end up under a mountain of debt. Here are some useful tips on using credit cards. 1. Avoid paying debt at 18% Credit cards can be very useful if you are able to pay off the balance each month. However, when you start paying interest at 18% or more, the advantages are easily outweighed by the very high interest payments. Therefore, always seek to pay off the balance and avoid these rates of interest. Negotiate with your credi...
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