Before Old Man Winter arrives, now is the time to consider how you can save on your heating bill. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
2. If you don’t already have one, install a programmable or smart thermostat to program the temperature for different times or control remotely.
3. Open the curtains or blinds during the day and close them at night to keep the heat in. 
4. Close doors in unoccupied rooms.
5. Change your furnace filters regularly and schedule an annual HVAC inspection to keep it running efficiently.
6. If you have a ceiling fan spin it clockwise on the lowest setting to help trapped heat move down. 
7. Use a humidifier. Moist air feels warmer than dry air.
8. Ensure your vents are clear to allow the air to flow freely.
9. Wear warm clothes and use lots of blankets when resting.
10. Get cookin’. The warmth from the stove and oven will help warm your home.
11. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when the coals are completely done burning, and use a draft stopper to cover the fireplace opening.
12. If you have an attic or crawl space, make sure it is well-insulated, which can save you an average of 15 percent on your heating bill.

With a little thought, you can stay toasty while saving money this winter. Happy saving!

Did you know radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? With November marking Lung Cancer Awareness Month, now is an opportune time to ensure radon is not affecting you and your loved one’s health.

Radon is an odourless, colourless, tasteless radioactive gas that can be present all around us from uranium breakdown in rock and soil. However, sometimes it can be present indoors at unsafe levels. When inhaled, the radon gas particles decay in the lungs, releasing bursts of energy, potentially causing lung cancer.

Radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around service pipes, or other openings between the house and the ground. It can be found in all types of homes, condos included. In condos, unsafe radon levels are most commonly found on the ground floor, however, it can also be found on upper floors.

The only way to know if there are unsafe radon levels in your home is to be proactive and get a testing kit or have a professional test your home. It is recommended to get the long-term test, as levels can fluctuate day-to-day. If you detect unsafe radon levels in your home a radon mitigation system can be installed and typically reduces radon levels by more than 80 percent.

So, give yourself peace of mind, and if you haven’t already, get your home tested for radon.

Saskatchewan reported 1,520 sales in October, the highest monthly sales level ever reported in October. Sales were over 21 percent higher than last year’s levels and 36 percent above long-term, 10-year historical averages. Sales levels improved across all regions of the province in October, contributing to a year-to-date gain of over 8 percent.

Despite modest monthly growth in new listings, the sixteenth consecutive month of above-average sales in Saskatchewan led to further inventory declines – with inventory at the lowest point in October since 2007. The steepest inventory declines were experienced in homes priced below $300,000, while the only monthly inventory gains were reported in homes priced above $600,000.

“Saskatchewan continues to benefit from several positive economic factors supporting above-average housing demand across our province,” said Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “Unlike some parts of the country, housing demand remains strong despite significant inventory challenges – as demonstrated by a sixteenth consecutive month of above-average sales.”

Strong monthly sales, combined with lower inventory, resulted in the months of supply falling to just above three months across the province—an exceptionally low figure for the month of October. The relatively tight market conditions throughout much of 2024 continue to place upward pressure on prices, as nearly all Saskatchewan communities reported year-over-year benchmark price gains this month.

Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $343,400 in October, down slightly from $343,800 in September. While a slight month-over-month price decrease is expected and in line with seasonal factors, the October benchmark price is nearly six percent above October 2023 – with prices improving across all property types compared to last year.

“We typically see less sales activity in the fourth quarter of the year, and when you factor in the scarcity of inventory, the demand we’re seeing that led to record October sales is quite impressive,” said Guérette. “Recent rate cuts are expected to support even stronger demand – with inventory levels below near record lows in some markets across the province, it is a challenging time for prospective buyers right now.”

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Regional Highlights
Year-to-date sales rose across all active regions of the province in October, with many regions reporting levels well above long-term, 10-year trends. New listings were met with strong sales, resulting in widespread inventory declines across the province.

The Saskatoon-Biggar (2.41 months of supply) and Regina-Moose Mountain (2.62) regions continue to report the tightest market conditions in the province, while conditions remain tight in all other regions relative to long-term trends.

Price Trends
Tight market conditions supported year-over-year benchmark price growth across all regions of the province in October – with the most significant year-to-date growth occurring in the Saskatoon-Biggar Region.

The City of Moose Jaw is again reporting the largest monthly price gains, with prices over 11 percent higher than last year. Meanwhile, all Saskatchewan cities reported year-over-year price gains in October.

City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 364 sales in October, an increase of 18 percent year-over-year and 47 percent above long-term, 10-year trends. Further sales gains in October contributed to 3,447 year-to-date sales, the highest year-to-date sales figure ever reported through October in the Queen City.

New listings continue to struggle to keep pace with surging sales, resulting in a 31 percent year-over-year inventory decline and less than two months of supply available on market.

Regina reported a residential benchmark price of $321,000 in October, up from $320,700 in September and five percent higher than October 2023.

City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported a record-high 444 sales in October, a year-over-year increase of 17 percent and nearly 30 percent above long-term, 10-year averages.

Strong sales levels continue to prevent any significant inventory relief in the Bridge City, as the 803 units available on market reflect the lowest level reported in October since 2006, with less than two months of supply available across the city.

Saskatoon reported a residential benchmark price of $402,600 in October, up from $401,800 in September and nearly seven percent higher than October 2023.