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If you want to transform a room into something that’s functional, beautiful and perfectly matched to your taste, then you might want to hire an interior designer.

 

It’s an interior designer’s job to come up with imaginative ideas that will wow you.

 

It’s a myth that interior designers just deal with paint colors, décor and furnishings. In fact, according to the Interior Designers Institute, these professionals have the training needed to handle all aspects of a renovation or remodeling project, including selecting and managing contractors. They can direct a project from beginning to end.

 

If you want to renovate your basement into a stunning home theatre and gathering place, an interior designer can:

 

• Draw out several concepts for you to choose from,

 

• Purchase the best building materials,

 

• Hire the contractors, and

 

• Manage the project.

 

He or she can even pick out classic movie pictures for the walls!

 

There are many professional associations that have “Find an Interior Designer” links on their websites.  In Canada, it’s the Interior Designers of Canada (www.idcanada.org).  In the U.S. check out the Professional Association for Interior Designers (www.asid.org). 

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Imagine this scenario...

 

You purchase a new home and move in. A few weeks later, you hear a strange rumbling sound. It’s the furnace. It’s only a year old, yet it’s sputtering like it’s twenty. You realize you’ll have to call in an HVAC contractor to get it fixed.

 

You’re thinking, “Ouch! This is going to be expensive.”

 

Well, maybe not. You see, since that furnace is relatively new, it might be covered by its original warranty — even for you, the new owner.

 

But a warranty is useless if you don’t know it exists.

 

Recent studies suggest that upwards of 50% of people pay to get items fixed that were actually covered by a warranty. So, when purchasing a new home, be sure to ask this simple question: “What warranties do you have for items, materials or workmanship in this house?”  

 

Warranties are common on new stoves, fridges, washers, dryers and other big ticket appliances. Some such warranties are transferrable, which means they are still in force when the items pass from one owner to another.

 

Even less expensive items, such as electronic thermostats and automatic garage door openers, may be covered by a transferrable manufacturer’s warranty.

 

If the home you’re purchasing is relatively new (say, less than 10 years old), the builder’s warranty may also still be in force. That can be handy if a structural problem arises.

 

Even recent renovations, may have come with a labour and/or installation warranty of some kind.

 

As you can see, warranties are everywhere! The more you’re aware of them, the more you’ll save when something needs repair or replacement.

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The warm weather in July appears to have taken some of the purchasers out of the Saskatoon market with a monthly decline in unit home sales of 16% compared to July of 2016. The year to date unit sales are down nearly 4% for Saskatoon compared to the first seven months of last year. Sales in the region surrounding Saskatoon increased just over 17% for the month compared to last July, while the year to date numbers declined slightly by 2.6%. Year to date there have been a total of 2,155 unit sales within Saskatoon and another 596 in the region surrounding the city. The total dollar volume recorded for Saskatoon and region year to date is $989 Million off 5% from last year.

The number of active listings in Saskatoon has reached a new peak at 2,210 with an additional 1,125 properties available in the market outside Saskatoon. At the current rate of monthly sales it would take just over seven months to liquidate the current inventory completely. The average home is taking approximately 50 days to sell which is consistent with the past two July’s. The homes that are selling are seeing a sale price that is at 96.7% of the asking price. “These stats would indicate to me that those who are serious about selling are pricing to market and getting very close to their asking price and in much less time than the current 50 day average.” According to Jason Yochim CEO with the Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS®. 


The number of listings taken year to date in the Saskatoon and region market is consistent with last year at 8,693. In Saskatoon there have been 5,795 properties listed since January 1st, very similar to numbers for the past two years.

Prices continue to show signs of slight decline as well. The average sale price in July of 2017 was 6.4% lower than July of 2016. Year to date, the average price has slipped from $351,855 to $348,960. The median price year to date also decreased slightly from $335,000 to $329,500. The Composite Home Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for July declined by 2.2% compared to last July. The HPI is considered to be the best indicator of the trend in home prices and measures the rate of change month over month. “Based on the theory of supply and demand it is reasonable to expect that prices are not likely to strengthen until the number of active listings declines.” comments Yochim. “It is important to remember that these changes in pricing are an aggregate of the entire market and will vary based on area, type of home and availability of similar properties to the subject. Access to this information is critical to accurate pricing and can be obtained through consultation with one of our members.”  -Source: August 2017 SRAR News Release 
 
Looking for sound market advice?  As REALTOR® and Nationally Accredited Buyer Representative - ABR®, Seller Representative Specialist - SRS® and Real Estate Negotiation Expert - RENE, I can provide you with this advice. Call today. 
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I have listed a new property at 418 Costigan RD in Saskatoon.
Excellent value & location on ideal family bungalow in desirable Lakeview. Fully developed and well maintained this 4 bedroom home is move-in ready. Featuring updated flooring & trim, paint inside & out and newer windows & doors. There’s a gorgeous, rough-rock, wood burning fireplace in living room. Master bedroom has an en-suite. The classic oak kitchen showcases black & stainless steel appliances and garden doors off the dining room give convenient access to the 16x16 wooden deck and very private backyard encased in mature trees. The open-concept basement has a spacious family room, a unique curved bathroom accented with wood cedar ceiling, large 4th bedroom and additional office/den as well as ample storage. Additional features is the charming front landscaping, side entrance to kitchen & basement and extended concrete drive which leads to a 20x24 finished double garage. Includes; central air, central vaccum, underground sprinklers and 5 appliances. Close to amenities, English/French emersion and Catholic schools and the serene Lakeview park & pond. A wonderful home & neighborhood to raise a family in.
$359,900MLS
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I have listed a new property at 409 100 Chaparral BLVD in Martensville.
"The Roan" - This fantastic 2 storey duplex in Chaparral Ridge offers an affordable maintenance free, quality lifestyle within the small city comforts of Martensville and is only minutes to Saskatoon. Built by North Prairie Developments, the main floor features a bright, open-floor living concept accented by an attractive kitchen showcasing dark cabinetry and large windows providing an abundance of natural light. Curved staircase leads to 2nd floor laundry, bathroom and 3 bedrooms with Master featuring a walk-in closet. Basement is open for personal development. The front, South facing enclosed covered deck, accessed from the living room, enhances neighborly interactions and the complex offers ample visitor parking and beautiful landscaping. Includes 2 personal electrified parking spaces located directly in-front of the unit, key-less entry and 6 appliances. Low condo fees & taxes and being located near amenities, stores & schools makes this an ideal property for the young professional, single parent, first time buyer, downsizing empty nesters, or addition to a revenue portfolio. Set up your private viewing today!
$209,900MLS
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