Construction projects aren’t cheap, and with horror stories of construction companies running off with money for uncompleted or shoddy work, it’s important to do your due diligence when hiring a contractor. If you are looking to hire a contractor, read on for some helpful tips.

• Get five to six quotes for comparison. 
• Make sure they are applicably licensed and insured. Ask for proof and check for validity.
• Ask to see their past work through three references, check online reviews, and their status on the Better Business Bureau website.
• Have a signed contract by both parties detailing the project, the time frame, the payment schedule, warranty description if offered, and how unexpected issues might be handled, such as unintended damage to your property. Ensure you are excluded from liability to pay a subcontractor if the contractor does not pay them. For big projects, consider hiring a lawyer to review the contract.
• Avoid paying cash, as reputable companies pay their taxes. 
• Avoid contractors who offer services door-to-door (many scams are associated with this). 
• Make sure you get a receipt that specifies “paid in full.”

A little due diligence before hiring a contractor can save you a big headache, and get things done right the first time. 

Also, remember recommendations are a great starting point when getting quotes, and I’m happy to provide them to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Every October, Fire Prevention Week arrives, making it the opportune time to review important fire safety reminders to help prevent a horrible tragedy like a house or condo fire from ever happening. Here are some helpful reminders:

• Make sure you have working smoke alarms (changing the batteries every daylight savings time is a great way to remember, but you should test them every month), and ensure there is a smoke alarm on every level of your house and in every sleeping area.
• Never leave a stove unattended and keep oil away from heat sources.
• Keep your heaters away from anything flammable.
• Replace any damaged electrical cords.
• Don’t leave candles or fires unattended. Use a screen for fireplaces to prevent sparks from flying.
• Have your heating system serviced regularly, including your chimney if you have one.
• Remove lint from the dryer lint trap after every use and clean out your dryer vent annually.
• Only plug power bars into a grounded outlet, never plug extension cords and power bars into one another, and only connect light-load appliances into power bars (e.g., computers, lamps, chargers, etc.)

It can be easy to overlook preventative fire maintenance when we get busy with life, so keep these tips in mind to reduce your risk of a tragedy.

Saskatchewan reported 1,398 sales in September, an eight percent year-over-year increase and nearly 15 percent above long-term, 10-year trends. September marked the fifteenth consecutive month of above-average sales in Saskatchewan, with sales levels across the province amongst the strongest ever reported for the month.

Strong gains in the detached sector drove much of the year-over-year sales growth, accounting for nearly 73 percent of monthly sales. Sales levels also improved across nearly every region of the province, with year-to-date sales currently on pace to be the second highest on record.

“Record population growth, favourable economic conditions, and an improving labour market continue to support strong demand in Saskatchewan’s housing market,” said Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “When paired with easing lending rates, these factors are, without question, contributing to a fifteenth consecutive month of above-average sales.”

New listings trended down in September, a two percent year-over-year decline and over 16 percent below long-term trends. The pullback in new listings relative to sales resulted in a 17 percent year-over-year inventory decline, nearly 40 percent below the 10-year average—the lowest level reported in September since 2007.

Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $343,800 in September, down from $344,700 in August and nearly six percent above September 2023. Meanwhile, all Saskatchewan cities reported year-over-year benchmark price increases – with the largest increase (13 percent) in the City of Moose Jaw.

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Regional Highlights
Year-to-date sales growth has been largely driven by gains in the Regina Moose-Mountain, Saskatoon-Biggar, and Swift Current-Moose Jaw regions, which account for 81 percent of all sales in the province. Meanwhile, sales activity in the Prince Albert and Yorkton-Melville regions remains in line with last year’s activity while still outperforming long-term trends.

The Saskatoon-Biggar region continues to report the tightest market conditions in the province, with inventory levels nearly 45 percent below the 10-year average.

Price Trends
All provincial economic regions reported year-over-year price gains in September, with the strongest price growth occurring in the Saskatoon-Biggar and Swift Current-Moose Jaw regions.

With prices nearly 13 percent higher than last year, the city of Moose Jaw reported the largest price gain in September, followed by Yorkton at eight percent and Humboldt at over seven percent.

City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 320 sales in August – the second-highest level on record for the month – up five per cent year-over-year and 19 per cent above long-term, 10-year trends.

Strong sales figures were met with declining new listings, resulting in a 23 percent year-over-year decline in inventory, over 40 percent below long-term trends.

The City of Regina reported a benchmark price of $320,700 in September, up from 319,700 in August and nearly five percent above September 2023.

City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported 432 sales in August, an increase of 16 percent year over year and 24 percent above long-term, 10-year trends.

Limited supply options continue to prevent even stronger sales figures in Saskatoon. Monthly inventory levels remain over 46 percent below the 10-year average and the lowest reported in September since 2007.

The City of Saskatoon reported a record benchmark price of $401,800 in September, down from $404,900 in August but nearly seven percent higher than September 2023.

Sooooo, this happened - Woo-hoo! ✊
September was busy but so very rewarding on a multitude of levels. I never get tired of helping Real estate dreams come true. Big heartfelt Thank You to my VIP clients for your trust and liking how I sell real estate as well as to all the professionals who worked hard along with me. Without you, awards like this couldn’t happen. Much appreciation to all.

With AI rapidly infiltrating every area of our lives, home design inspo is no exception. There are a variety of AI interior design programs or apps to choose from, many with free versions or trials, and for a fee, you can access advanced features.

So how can you use AI for home decorating? It depends on the program you are using, but with some, you can upload a picture of your existing room, select a design style you like, and it will provide you some renderings for ideas.

With some programs, you can also visualize a specific piece of furniture in a room, or get suggestions for furniture layout, lighting, paint colours, and space optimization.

To get other fellow human opinions, some programs have community boards where you can post your designs to get feedback and suggestions.

If you want to take it a step further, there are programs where you can work virtually with an AI program and an interior designer at a fraction of the in-person cost.

Just remember, AI capabilities are brought to their fullest potential if used properly, meaning:

• Be as specific as possible with your prompts.
• Have measurements, photos, and links to current furniture.
• Experiment with different AI design programs for different ideas.

And, of course, don’t forget human creativity. Since AI relies on pre-existing data, it’s best used as a supplementary tool to human imagination.

Saskatchewan reported 1,507 sales in August, a seven per cent year-over-year decrease but over 12 per cent above long-term, 10-year averages. Despite a slight pullback in sales, August marked the fourteenth consecutive month of above-average sales, and year-to-date sales remain seven per cent higher than levels reported last year.

A modest gain in new listings relative to sales resulted in the sales-to-new-listings ratio trending down from levels reported over the last few months, preventing an even more significant monthly decline in inventory levels. However, inventory levels slid by 17 per cent year-over-year and remain 40 per cent below long-term averages.

“Unlike many other parts of the country, sales in our province continue to outperform historical averages for a fourteenth consecutive month,” noted Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “Saskatchewan’s relative affordability, when paired with employment gains and falling unemployment rates, continues to support strong housing demand in our province.”

Easing supply levels, especially in the lower price ranges, are again placing upward pressure on home prices. In August, Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $344,700, a six-percent year-over-year gain.

“Inventory levels remain over 40 per cent below average province-wide and in our two largest centres – and we’re seeing the impact that can have on prices,” said Guérette. “Nearly all regions of the province saw year-over-year price growth in August, as high as 11 per cent in Moose Jaw and 9 per cent in Saskatoon – that’s very significant.”

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Regional Highlights
Regina-Moose Mountain was the only economic region to report a year-over-year sales increase in August, while many regions continue to report sales levels above long-term, 10-year trends.

All regions except the Northern region continue to report year-to-date sales well above the 10-year average – with the strongest sales levels occurring in the Regina-Moose Mountain, Saskatoon-Biggar, and Swift Current-Moose Jaw regions. Meanwhile, the Saskatoon-Biggar region continues to report the tightest market conditions in the province.

Price Trends
Home prices trended up across nearly all economic regions of the province in August, with the largest monthly gains occurring in the Swift Current- Moose Jaw (nine per cent year-over-year) and Saskatoon-Biggar (eight per cent) regions.

With prices nearly 11 per cent higher than last year, Moose Jaw reported the largest price gain in August, followed by Saskatoon at eight per cent. Meanwhile, Regina, Estevan, Weyburn, Swift Current, Melville, Yorkton, Humboldt, Meadow Lake, North Battleford, and Prince Albert all reported year-over-year price gains in August.

City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 387 sales in August, up eight per cent year-over-year and 29 per cent above long-term, 10-year trends.

With a year-to-date sales total of 2,765 units, 15 per cent higher than last year, the Queen City continues to report strong sales despite persistent inventory challenges. Monthly gains in new listings were not enough to offset strong sales levels, as inventory levels declined by 22 per cent year-over-year and remain over 40 per cent below long-term, 10-year trends.

The City of Regina reported a benchmark price of $319,700 in August, up from $318,400 in July and three percent above August 2023.

City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported 457 sales in August, a 13 per cent year-over-year decrease. Despite the slight sales dip, August sales levels were 14 per cent above the 10-year average.

Limited supply options continue to prevent stronger sales figures in Saskatoon, as inventory levels remain over 48 per cent below long-term trends. While a monthly gain in new listings did support modest inventory relief, Saskatoon continues to report the tightest market conditions in the province.

Tight market conditions continue to place upward pressure on home prices as the City of Saskatoon reported a record benchmark price of $404,900 in August, a year-over-year increase of over eight per cent.