The coronavirus pandemic has caused problems with supply in just about every industry, not just lumber. Last summer, we saw a shortage in everything recreational, from ATVs to RV's, batteries, and patio cushions. The computer industry is still trying to meet the demand of new home office and gaming PC needs, and doesn't show signs of stopping. And if you’ve been considering any home renovations or woodworking project, you’re likely no stranger to the skyrocketing prices of lumber due to the higher demand. But how has this shortage of lumber affected home prices?

Home Improvements Leading to Short Supply of Lumber

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forced lockdowns resulted in closed lumber mills. Then those in lockdown started making improvements

Recently I shared 6 Tips for Buying Land. In that article, I highlighted the fundamentals for buying bare land in Canada. When you buy a city or suburban home, the transaction is usually straightforward. Beyond the building inspection, there are everyday things to consider, like rights-of-way, easements, surveys, proximity to public transit, land leases, air traffic flight paths, distance to amenities, and future local development plans. These typical items will apply to any rural land purchases like easements, surveys, and coming local development plans. However, some areas are different when buying farmland specifically. Let’s have a look at some tips for buying farmland.

Work With a REALTOR®

In the case of buying land, it is recommended that

For most people, buying a house is the single largest purchase they’ll ever make.  Wanting to ensure you get a good deal is only natural. But how can you really know? It’s not like you can ask the seller how much the other buyer is offering, and in a seller’s market there are likely to be multiple offers and competing bids.

Having said that, you still don’t want to overpay just because the market is hot. Of course, the price is not the only determining factor in deciding whether a home is a good purchase—location and condition are also integral factors. With that said, as your REALTOR®, I have many tools I use to help you ensure you get the best deal possible.  

Comparables

When you show interest in a property, and before we even discuss a

Our local economy has been struggling to say the least, so as you’re making plans for this summer 2021 in the Saskatoon area, consider staying closer to home and supporting local!  We are lucky to live in such a great city and province and I’m sure there's a lot you haven’t yet explored that’s close to home. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, here are a few local ideas to get you started!

Top 13 Family Activities in Saskatoon

Looking for something to do that’s close to home and only takes an afternoon? Here are some of the top family activities in Saskatoon:

1. The Remai Modern Museum is a public art museum in Saskatoon, situated along the west bank of the South Saskatchewan River. If you and your

In the past few decades, it has become more and more popular to purchase a fixer-upper as a way to invest in real estate. With the invention of the internet and YouTube, any DIY-er can quickly learn how to do practically anything—from refinishing hardwood flooring to mudding and taping walls. Removing that old popcorn ceiling? No problem! Opening up the wall between the kitchen and the living room? Simple! 

With a fixer upper, a real estate investor has the choice to contract the work or put in some sweat equity to really increase their ROI. Of course, the end goal is to make a profit when it comes time to sell. Whether the plan is to sell immediately or to live in the home for awhile and sell in the future, this can be a very realistic way to

When you want to know what your home is worth, it’s easy to get confused between a home valuation and a property appraisal. Though they may seem to be the same thing, and in a lot of ways are very similar,  there are some very important differences between the two you’ll want to know in order to better understand the value being determined.

What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

A Comparative Market Analysis, also simply known as a CMA, is a method of property valuation completed by real estate professionals used to estimate the value of residential properties. Your REALTOR® will examine previously sold properties with similar features in your area to create a report to help you determine a realistic listing price for your home buyers may be

Wide open spaces. Views as far as the eye can see. Fresh air. Peace and Quiet. These may be some of the main reasons why owning a rural property appeals to you, and it’s an amazing dream, though it’s not without its pros and cons. But if after weighing the odds, it’s finally time to start hunting for that perfect piece of land, here are some tips to consider along the way:

Avoid Buying Land Without a REALTOR®

You’re more likely to find suitable land when you work with a qualified real estate agent who has experience with buying and selling lots, acreages, and farmland. An agent who keeps their finger on the pulse of land in your area will let you know the moment something new hits the market, and their experience will be invaluable when

Living in a city is great. Out of milk? The solution is simple with a quick run to the grocery store. Want to spend a night out and not worry about a ride home? A cab is just a phone call away! Many young people are drawn to city life for the convenience that it offers and so their journey into adulthood usually, but not always, begins in a city setting.

But perhaps as you grow older, and as the city of Saskatoon and its surrounding suburban communities continue to grow, you find yourself wishing for some peace and quiet, and the freedom that comes with not having to worry about the neighbors. It’s the pull of simplicity and the dream of having space to do what you want, when you want.

Those idealistic wishes may have you, like many others,

One of the best things about buying a home is no longer waiting on a landlord to fix any issues that may come up in your living space. On the other hand, one of the worst things about owning a home is that any issues that do arise on your property are entirely your responsibility. That’s why, when you become a homeowner, one of the most important things you need to do is familiarize yourself with the most common tasks you may need to complete should an issue ever arise. Here are some of the top contenders:

1) How to Shut Off Your Water

Water damage can be one of the most costly repairs you may encounter as a homeowner. And knowing how to stop it before it gets out of hand may just be the difference between a few minutes with the mop and a

Earlier this year, with the statistics forecasting our best year yet, no one could have imagined the impact of COVID-19 on the Saskatoon real estate market. Self-isolation and social distancing were things we had never even dreamed of and they quickly became our reality without much warning. Soon after, the market slowed dramatically, leaving both buyers and sellers worried what the future would hold. 

Luckily, though, the warmer weather brought with it a sunnier outlook, and as recoveries continue to rise, so do sales. This means, if you’ve been toying with the idea of selling your home in 2020, this summer is a fantastic time to do so—and here’s why:

#1 - Awesomely Low Interest Rates

With the current economic climate in the state that it is