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 Bring Your Home to Life with a Gallery Wall

Decorating a blank wall can be a challenge. If you are looking for ideas, a timeless and interesting option to consider is a gallery wall. While there are no hard and fast rules, here are some tips on how to create a gallery wall you will love:

  • If you like clean lines, make a grid pattern of the same size and style pictures, or if you desire an eclectic look, use a mix of photos and art of different sizes and styles. 
  • For a pleasing aesthetic flair, use a cohesive colour scheme or repeat two to three colours and styles. 
  • Float mount your art to elevate its impact.
  • Before hanging, create the layout of your gallery wall on the floor, and space each piece about 3 inches apart.

For eclectic-looking gallery walls: 

  • Place one large piece of art off-centre so it’s not the entire focal point and place the second largest piece separate from it on a diagonal for balance.
  • Include a mini grid with up to four pictures of the same size, style, and frame aligned with each other. 
  • Mix horizontal and vertical pieces for visual interest.
  • Include dimensional pieces such as mirrors, textiles, kid art, and sconces to give the eye a break from the grid-like pattern.

Think of a big, empty wall as a blank canvas on which you can create a personal masterpiece of what’s meaningful and impactful to you.


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RECORD HOME PRICES IN APRIL AS INVENTORY REMAINS TIGHT ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan reported 1,470 home sales in April, marking a 10 percent decline compared to April 2024, the second-strongest April on record in our province. However, despite the year-over-year dip, sales remained significantly above the 10-year average for the 22nd consecutive month — a clear sign of continued market strength.
New listings were also down, falling over seven percent year-over-year and sitting 17 percent below the 10-year average. These persistent supply shortages continue to limit inventory recovery, even as sales ease slightly.
 
“Our market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with 22 straight months of sales outperforming long-term trends,” said Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “Although sales decreased in April compared to last year, this isn’t a demand issue — it's an inventory issue. The current inventory situation directly impacts our market’s ability to sustain even higher sales.”
At the end of April, there were 4,371 active listings across the province — up slightly from 3,851 in March. Despite this monthly increase, inventory was still down 18 percent year-over-year and remains nearly 50 percent below the 10-year average.
Tight market conditions continue to drive higher home prices, as Saskatchewan’s residential benchmark price rose to a record-high $360,500 in April —up from $353,600 in March and more than 6 percent higher than April 2024.
“We’re pleased to see our market weathering both economic uncertainty and ongoing supply challenges,” Guérette added. “It remains a challenging time for prospective buyers, but we’re cautiously optimistic that the slight rise in inventory this month is a step in the right direction.”
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Regional Highlights
Nearly every economic region in the province reported year-over-year sales declines in April. However, the Yorkton-Melville region was an outlier, reporting sales eight percent higher than April 2024 and over 18 percent above long-term, 10-year trends.
 
The Regina-Moose Mountain and Saskatoon-Biggar regions continue to experience the tightest market conditions in the province, as both regions report less than two-and-a-half months of supply heading into May.
 
Price Trends
Despite modest year-over-year sales declines, supply challenges and competitive market conditions resulted in price gains across nearly all regions of the province in April.
 
The City of Humboldt reported benchmark price gains of nearly 12 percent in April, while Melfort (11.3 percent), Moose Jaw (10.9 percent), Prince Albert (8.0 percent) and North Battleford (6.9 percent) all reported notable gains.
 
City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 365 sales in April, down 13 percent year-over-year but still well outpacing long-term, 10-year averages by over 26 percent.
 
There were 494 new listings in April, down four percent year-over-year and over seven below the 10-year average. Of note, 179 of the 636 units available at month’s end were already conditionally sold, leaving just 457 active units heading into May.
 
Regina reported a record benchmark price of $335,500 in April, up from $326,300 in March and over five percent above April 2024.
 
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon reported 440 sales in April, down nearly 16 percent year-over-year but 11 percent above the 10-year average.
 
New listings declined by 12 percent year-over-year and over 18 percent below long-term trends. Of the 681 available units at month’s end, 230 were conditionally sold, leaving just 451 units on the market with active status.
 
Saskatoon continues to set new price records, with a benchmark price of $422,600 in April, up from the prior record of $415,900 in March and over seven percent above April 2024.
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DIY Reed Diffusers

Do you want to make your home smell beautiful while creating a nice accent piece to add to your home? How about making a reed diffuser? It’s surprisingly simple and also makes a great gift idea for any occasion.

Materials:

  • A glass or ceramic vase-like container, glazed inside to prevent leaking, with a narrow opening at the top so the liquid will evaporate slower
  • ½ cup of sweet almond oil or safflower oil 
  • 25 to 30 drops of essential oils of your choosing (note that citrus oils evaporate quicker than other oils, but pairing these with another oil will help it last longer)
  • 4 to 5 bamboo skewer sticks (trim the pointy ends) or reed diffuser sticks

Mix the oils, add the sticks, and rotate them after several hours. Continue to rotate the sticks about once a week until they are saturated and then replace them and the oils as necessary. 

If you want the scent to travel up the sticks faster, add 1 tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol. 

Note: If you have a cat or dog, some essential oils are toxic to them, so check which essential oils are safe.


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Months of preparation pays off BIG!

Congratulations to my newest VIPs’ Alana & Chandler on your SRS® SOLD!!!

You were looking for a specific type a realtor; One who could provide a more personalized service, with experience, proven results and quality representation. You needed a guide you could trust to get you through the stressful & difficult process of selling your home, being you had no idea where to even start.  Our mutual friend, and fellow VIP Debbie, immediately referred my services as a perfect match.  

Upon first consultation, we bonded immediately.  I truly understood what you personally needed; while providing the best professional advice, hands on help, strategy and preferred timing that would achieve the highest price and quickest sale of your home, thus satisfying your desired requirements. After months of working purposefully & diligently towards the marketing plan, it was FINALLY time to list your property.  Despite the weight of the unknown, I delivered, as promised, your SRS SOLD with expert precision along with an exceptional over asking market price within your preferred schedule.  VICTORY!!!! ✊ #SRS® #RENE

Much appreciation & thanks for your months of on-going strength, hard work, co-operation, determination and commitment to ensure the execution of my selling plan demands. The amazing results of your sale could not have been achieved without your help.  I am truly honored to be your personal Realtor and new friend. I am so happy you are now free to move forward in your next chapter in life. Thank you so very much for the amount of trust you placed in me throughout this process, both professional and personal.  I am beyond happy to be the one to make this #SRSSOLD happen for you.  As your personal Seller Representative Specialist Realtor® for life, I will always be there to help should you or anyone you know need any assistance in the future.  May life bless to you with an abundance of happiness. ❤️

Big Thanks to my loyal, long time VIP Debbie, for speaking so highly of me and your words of recommendation of my style of service. Always Grateful. Thanks for liking how I sell real estate.

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We only need everything to go perfectly...Part 2

Congratulations to my VIPs’ Susan & Murray on your SRS SOLD!!!

When going through the process of buying a new property before selling your current, it can be complicated, difficult, time consuming and bring on un-wanted stress.  So, it is my job, through consultations, to establish the risks, provide expert based calculated market estimated predictions and arm you with insight and the best way to accomplish the process to achieve the most successful outcome. Though we had to overcome a big unexpected bump in part 1, part 2 went absolutely perfectly!!!!  Not only achieving my estimated exceptional over asking predicted sale price, the process of the conditional stage to the SRS SOLD was problem free.  Everything needed to go perfectly and it did.  It was a complete success from start to finish, meeting all desired timelines and expectations. WOO-HOO!!! ✊ #RENE #SRSSOLD. 

Thank you so much for your trust, following my professional guidance & selling preparation instructions. Your hard work & efforts were crucial in achieving this successful sale and I couldn’t have done this without you.  I am so honored to be your personal Realtor® and be the one, after 45 years, to help you sell your cherished home; Now it’s time for a new family to enjoy this home as much as you.  I will always be here for you; your friends & family should ever you need me. Wishing you greatness in health, happiness and fortune as you move forward.   ❤️ 

Once again, Huge Thanks to Cara for your referring words of recommendation of my service. So appreciative. Thanks for liking how I sell real estate.

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Stopping Scammers from Selling Your Home

Imagine a stranger sold your home while you were away. What a nightmare that would be. Unfortunately, some people have experienced this nightmare. Title fraud happens when someone steals the homeowner’s identity using fake identification or forged documents to take away their “title” to the property to do things like sell the property or re-mortgage it.

To avoid being a title fraud victim, read on for some tips.

  • Be wary about with whom you share personal information.
  • Check bank and credit card statements regularly, as well as your credit report for irregularities, and report any immediately.
  • Shred any documents containing personal information before disposing of it.
  • Retrieve your mail regularly to avoid mail theft.
  • When moving, ensure that you update your address with your contacts and service providers, and have your mail forwarded to your new address.
  • Search your property online periodically to see if it is fraudulently listed.
  • Get title insurance. It will cover losses from title fraud, the legal costs of restoring your right to the property title, and in the case your home was fraudulently sold, the unwitting buyer will get their money back.

Title fraud is more likely to happen when a property is vacant or paid off, or the owner is vulnerable in some way, such as being elderly or compromised.

By making proactive choices you can protect what is, for many people, their largest financial investment.


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We only need everything to go perfectly…Part 1

Congratulations to my newest VIPs’ Susan & Murray on your ABR® purchase of your perfect match condo.

I was so honored when you asked for my help based on a family members high recommendation of my service. After a few consultations, the best plan for you was put in motion, however this plan was a bit complicated with a lot of moving parts; Requiring perfect timing, expert knowledge and in our current market, a little bit of luck. Trusting in the guidance and advice given, we were a ‘GO’ for part ‘1’ of our two-part plan.  So, when the most perfect condo match hit the market, at the perfect time, I did what I do best; I made sure we were first to view and secured a lower than asking price conditional deal before any other competition had a chance. WOO-HOO!!!! Everything was going perfectly and timing was on point, until an unpredictable BIG bump hit. Setting us back and forcing the need for overtime which would be nearly impossible to get. But I fought hard and we did get the over time; And with hard work and the help of angles the condo was yours!!! ✊ #victorious #ABR® #RENE

Thank you for your trust & hanging in there when victory seemed impossible. Never ever give up.  Step 1 is now complete and we’re right on track for part 2.  We only need everything to go ‘perfectly’, again. That’s not too much to ask for right?  Wishing you an abundance of happiness and heartful enjoyment in your beautiful condo.   ❤️ 

HUGE Thanks to Cara & Andrew for your timely help & for your referring words of recommendation of my service. My utmost gratitude & appreciation. Thanks for liking how I sell real estate.

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Trust & Loyalty That Spanned Decades

Congratulations to my repeat VIP Elaine on your #SRSSOLD!!!!

21 years ago, I assisted you in purchasing this home. You were transitioning from another city and looking for your perfect Saskatoon home and I just happened to be the listing agent of this property.  I was a, barely 2 years, experienced rookie Realtor®, trying my very best to make a career in the challenging business of Real Estate. You trusted me then and it’s an honor to have retained that trust and our relationship over the decades and be the one you chose again to help you sell your long-time beloved home.  As your personal SRS® Realtor, I knew just the right strategy to ensure top dollar on your property and it worked!  A multitude of offers came in – over asking price- and your property was conditionally sold within a day.  Everything was going fabulously until a DUMB LUCK DIBILITATING GRENADE went off – blowing everything we worked for to bits. Now for many, this would have been a hard recover, but I knew exactly what to do and within hours secured another exceptional over asking price replacement offer on your home - which currently holds the highest sell price for direct comparable styled property to date - and still supplied an SRSSOLD for you by your preferred deadline.  BOOYA!!!! #RENE

Heartfelt Thank You for choosing me again to assist you in your real estate needs.  Words cannot describe how great it felt representing you again after 2 decades and accomplishing such an amazing result for you.  I have come a long way from the little girl Rookie you first met, but my devotion and desire to provide top notch service to my clients has stood the test of time.  I truly appreciate your trust & loyalty over the years. I am always happy to help should you or anyone you know need any assistance in the future.  Wishing you happiness as you transition forward in life. ❤️

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SURGING SALES DRIVE INVENTORY TO NEW LOWS AHEAD OF SPRING MARKET
Saskatchewan’s housing market continues to exceed expectations and defy national trends, with 1,277 sales across the province in March – up over eight percent year-over-year and 13 percent above long-term, 10-year averages.


New listings decreased by 2 percent year-over-year and remain nearly 30 percent below long-term trends. When paired with the twenty-first consecutive month of above-average sales, inventory levels continue to worsen across many areas of the province.


“Notwithstanding economic uncertainty and the ongoing threat of tariffs, Saskatchewan’s housing market remains remarkably resilient, once again posting above-average monthly sales,” said Association CEO Chris Guérette. “Many markets across the country are going to tell a very different story this month, which highlights the strength of our market – even in the face of significant headwinds.”


At month's end, 4,023 units were available across the province, up from 3,851 last month. Despite the slight month-over-month increase, inventory levels dipped by 21 percent year-over-year, remaining nearly 50 percent below the 10-year average.


Furthermore, Saskatchewan’s two largest markets continue to grapple with severe inventory shortages. When accounting for conditional sales set to close and leave the market, Saskatoon is entering April with just 0.98 months of supply, while Regina trails closely behind at 1.29 months.


Strong sales and persistent supply constraints continue to boost home prices across the province. Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $353,600 in March – up from $344,700 in February and over six percent higher than March 2024.


“The spring market is here. We continue to see near-record demand, and there isn’t enough inventory to meet that demand right now,” said Guérette. “Our message to those trying to navigate this market is simple: it’s going to be very challenging, patience is essential, and the expertise of a real estate professional is more crucial than ever.”
 
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Regional Highlights
All regions of the province except the Northern region reported year-over-year sales gains in March, with the Yorkton-Melville (up 13 percent year-over-year), Saskatoon-Biggar (12 percent) and Prince Albert (10 percent) regions leading the way.


The Regina-Moose Mountain and Saskatoon-Biggar regions continue to experience the tightest market conditions in the province, as both regions report less than three months of supply heading into a historically busy spring market. These two regions also reported the largest year-over-year inventory decrease, down 26 percent compared to March 2024.
 
Price Trends
Surging sales and declining inventory are again driving price gains across the province. In March, all cities except Estevan and Weyburn saw year-over-year price gains.


The City of Melfort led the way in price growth for a second consecutive month, with prices 22 percent higher than March 2024. Other notable gains include the cities of Prince Albert (up 11.7 percent), North Battleford (11.5 percent), Humboldt (11.1 percent) and Moose Jaw (10.7 percent).


City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 301 sales in March, down three percent year-over-year but still outpacing the 10-year average by 15 percent.


There were 418 new listings in March, consistent with March 2024 but down 20 percent compared to the 10-year average of 524. Notably, 172 of the 579 units available at month’s end were already conditionally sold, leaving just 407 reported as active.


Stable demand and ongoing inventory challenges continue to push prices higher in the Queen City. In March, the residential benchmark price rose to a near-all-time high of $326,300, up from $317,700 in February and over four percent higher than March 2024
 
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon reported 403 sales in March, up 11 percent year-over-year and 13 percent above the 10-year average.
 
New listings declined by one percent year-over-year and 27 percent compared to the 10-year average, resulting in the lowest months of supply heading into April since 2007. Of the 602 available units at month’s end, 195 were conditionally sold, leaving just 407 units on the market with active status – less than one month of supply when conditional sales are factored in.


Saskatoon reported a record benchmark price of $415,900 in March, up from $405,400 in February and over $25,000 higher than March 2024. 
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An Eye into Window Coverings

Window coverings help give a room a cohesive look while also serving practical purposes. So where do you begin when choosing the right ones?

First, decide on your priorities for each window, such as light control, privacy, room function, décor style, and energy savings. 

Once you know your priorities you can shop around. The three most common types of window coverings are:

  1. Shades — Typically, shades are made of a single piece of fabric that can be raised up or down depending on how much light and privacy is desired. Roman shades are a popular choice for their elegance and timelessness.

  2. Blinds provide a minimalist and modern look and are available in horizontal or vertical options. They are also a good choice for windows with drapery that sometimes need extra privacy. 

  3. Curtains — A good option for creating warmth in any room. Drapery panels also accentuate ceiling height and can make small windows appear larger. They work well for large windows and sliding doors and can exude a grand, elegant look. Or for a dose of charm in your kitchen, consider café curtains.

Whatever covering you choose there’s a variety of styles, light filtering options, and some even have motorized capabilities.

To “close the curtain” on this article, aim to match your window treatments with your overall interior design for a harmonious look and feel.


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Jump Into Spring Cleaning With DIY Natural Cleaners
As the first day of spring arrives, what better time than now to whip up some natural cleaners for a little spring cleaning? These are non-toxic so there are no harmful fumes or toxic residues, and if you have little ones you don’t have to worry about accidental poisoning. They are also better for the environment, as they are biodegradable and reduce plastic waste. Here are three easy-to-make, natural home cleaners.
 

Citrus-Infused All-Purpose Cleaner

  1. Fill a jar with citrus peels of your choice.
  2. Cover the peels with white vinegar.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 4 weeks.Strain the liquid and dilute it by combining equal parts of the citrus-vinegar solution and water into a spray bottle.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

  1. Sprinkle a quarter cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
  2. Add a quarter cup of white vinegar.
  3. Let the mixture fizz for 15 minutes. Optional: Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil for additional antibacterial effectiveness.
  4. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

Glass and Mirror Cleaner

  1. Combine 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Optional: Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant scent.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol.

Happy Cleaning!

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SASKATCHEWAN MARKET REMAINS RESILIENT AMID ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY
Saskatchewan reported 986 sales across the province in February, down one percent year-over-year but well above long-term, 10-year averages. Despite the slight year-over-year decline, sales levels remain on pace with 2024 levels through the first two months of the year.


New listings decreased by nearly 14 percent year-over-year and were down 29 percent compared to the 10-year average. When paired with near-record demand in 2024 and a strong start to 2025, inventory challenges are worsening in many markets across the province.


“Saskatchewan’s housing market continues to exceed expectations, as February marks twenty consecutive months of above-average sales in our province,” noted Association CEO Chris Guérette. “These figures are even more impressive when you consider how dire the inventory situation has been over this stretch, what we’re seeing right now is unprecedented.”


With just 3,851 units available across the province at month’s end, inventory levels declined by 21 percent year-over-year and remain nearly 50 percent below levels typically seen in the year's first quarter.


Home prices continue to rise across Saskatchewan, as the province reported a residential benchmark price of $344,700 in February, up from $342,600 in January and nearly five percent higher than February 2024.


“While several external factors are causing economic uncertainty across our nation right now, Saskatchewan’s housing market continues to experience strong demand through the first two months of 2025,” said Guérette. “Our market has demonstrated resilience through persistent supply challenges, and now we’re adding tariffs to the mix. A lot is being thrown at us, but we’re cautiously optimistic that our market will continue to weather this storm.”
 
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Regional Highlights
The Regina-Moose Mountain and Saskatoon-Biggar regions reported monthly sales that well outpaced historical averages. Regina-Moose Mountain and Saskatoon-Biggar also continue to report the tightest market conditions in the province, with inventory levels over 50 percent below the 10-year average in both regions.
 
The Prince Albert region saw prices increase by 10 percent year-over-year in February, while the Swift Current-Moose Jaw region saw prices grow by eight percent.
 
Price Trends
Strong demand and ongoing supply challenges continue to drive price gains throughout the province—with all but two areas of the province reporting year-over-year price gains in February.
 
The City of Melfort saw the largest year-over-year price growth in February, with prices over 21 percent higher than in February 2024. Other notable gains include the cities of Prince Albert (10.7 percent), Humboldt (10.3), and Moose Jaw (8.3).
 
City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 253 sales in February, down seven percent compared to February 2024. Despite the slight year-over-year decrease, February sales levels were over 30 percent above the 10-year average, with limited inventory preventing even stronger sales figures.
 
February saw 304 new listings added to the market, down five percent from last February and 19 percent below long-term averages. At month’s end, there were 514 units in inventory, 124 of which were conditionally sold and set to exit the market. Above-average sales and declining new listings resulted in just over two months of supply – the lowest level reported in February in nearly two decades.
 
Regina’s benchmark price rose to $317,700 in February, up from $316,300 in January and two percent higher than February 2024.
 
City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported 323 sales in February, up five percent year-over-year and over 25 percent above 10-year averages. While supply constraints continue to prevent further sales gains, year-to-date sales are over 22 percent higher than long-term, 10-year averages through the first two months of 2025
 
The Bridge City saw 381 new listings in February, down 12 percent year-over-year and nearly 30 percent below 10-year averages. At month’s end, there were only 581 available units, 156 of which were already conditionally sold. With less than two months of supply heading into March, Saskatchewan’s largest urban centre is reported near-record low inventory for this time of year.   
 
Saskatoon reported a benchmark price of $405,400 in February, up from $403,400 in January and nearly six percent above February 2024.
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