For sellers, the blog delves into strategies for pricing properties competitively, staging homes for maximum appeal, leveraging online listings, and working effectively with a real estate agent. It provides indispensable advice on how to navigate negotiation processes with potential buyers and close deals successfully.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an experienced buyer, a homeowner looking to sell, or a savvy investor, this blog promises practical advice and insider tips to guide your real estate journey. With its expert advice and comprehensive information, it is your go-to resource for all aspects of buying and selling homes.

Before you start browsing listings and booking home viewings, there’s one critical step every buyer should take—getting mortgage pre-approval. Not only does this help define your budget, but it also shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready.

Here’s what you need to gather to get mortgage approval:

1. Income Documentation

If you are an employee:

  • Letter of Employment (dated within 60 days)

  • Most recent Paystub (dated within 30 days)

  • Most recent T4 (required if income includes hourly, bonuses, commissions, or overtime)

If you are self-employed (sole proprietor):

  • Notice of Assessment (NOA)

  • T1 General Tax Return

  • Statement of Business Activities (T2125)

  • Proof of Tax…

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As a real estate professional in Saskatoon for over 15 years, I’ve seen many shifts in the housing market—but this year has brought a new kind of conversation to the table: what a home is listed for may not reflect what it will sell for.

Saskatoon’s housing market continues to experience low inventory and high buyer demand, resulting in multiple offers and sale prices soaring $10,000, $20,000, and even $50,000 above list price. It’s a tough reality for many buyers who are just starting their home search. In fact, the most difficult conversations I’m having with clients right now aren’t about finding the perfect home—they’re about adjusting expectations and understanding true market value.

That doesn’t mean every home sells above asking. Some are…

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Saskatoon Opens the Door to Secondary Suites in Semi-Detached Homes

In response to increasing pressure on housing availability and affordability, the City of Saskatoon has officially approved a significant zoning change: property owners of semi-detached homes can now add secondary suites. This pivotal decision will bring long-term benefits to homeowners, investors, developers, and future buyers.

With inventory at historically low levels and the demand for housing steadily rising, this move by city council offers a practical solution. By legalizing secondary suites in semi-detached dwellings, Saskatoon is empowering current homeowners to generate rental income from their properties and making it easier for buyers to qualify for a mortgage using…

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What to Know Before Buying a Home with a Basement Suite in Saskatoon

Adding a basement suite to your real estate purchase is a smart way to offset your mortgage, boost resale value, or house extended family. In Saskatoon, homes with secondary suites are in high demand—but not all suites are created equal. Whether you're buying your first home or adding to your investment portfolio, here's what you need to know.

Legal & Regulatory Considerations

Before anything else, confirm whether the basement suite is legal or non-conforming. The City of Saskatoon has specific zoning requirements (R2, R2A, RM, etc.) that determine whether a home can have a secondary suite. Always ask the seller or your REALTOR® for building permits, suite registration, and…

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Navigating Escalation Clauses in Saskatchewan

As a real estate professional in Saskatchewan, it’s important to stay current on evolving best practices, especially when it comes to competitive offer strategies like escalation clauses.

An escalation clause allows a buyer to automatically increase their offer price if higher competing offers come in. While this strategy can help buyers remain competitive without initially overpaying, Saskatchewan’s Real Estate Act requires that every offer clearly state a specific purchase price — not just a vague "X dollars over another offer."

Key points from the latest guidance:

  • Offers must have a clear purchase price even if an escalation clause is included.

  • Escalation clauses are permitted but…

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Saskatoon’s Real Estate Market is Moving Fast—Here’s Why “Presentation of Offers” Could Be Your Best Strategy

The Saskatoon and area residential real estate market is hotter than ever. Homes are selling fast, and inventory is at an all-time low. As a result, sellers and their agents are being challenged to think strategically about how to navigate the pace while still maximizing sale prices.

The Traditional “First Come, First Serve” Approach

Historically, Saskatoon has operated on a “first good offer wins” model. In this scenario, sellers often accept the first strong offer they receive without necessarily giving other interested buyers the opportunity to view or bid on the home. While this method works in some cases, it may not always yield the…

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Great news for potential homebuyers about a significant update from the Canadian government that could impact many first-time buyers. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland recently announced a new policy set to take effect on August 1st, which extends the amortization period for insured mortgages from 25 to 30 years, but only for first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes. This change is designed to make monthly mortgage payments more affordable for young Canadians who are increasingly finding themselves priced out of the market due to high rents and home prices. While this policy specifically targets new construction, it's a positive development that highlights the government's recognition of the challenges facing first-time buyers.

In addition…

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Five Simple Home Decor Hacks to Transform Your Home

Are you looking for ways to quickly and easily update the look of your home decor? We’ve got you covered! Here are five simple hacks that will help you add some flair and style to any room in your home.

1. Make use of vertical space – Maximize the space in any room by adding wall-mounted shelves and hanging planters. This allows you to make use of otherwise unused vertical space, creating a dynamic and interesting look that adds character to your decor.

2. Add a pop of colour with accessories – Brighten up any room with a few strategically-placed accessories in vibrant colours. A throw pillow here, a patterned rug there…these small touches can have a big impact on the atmosphere of a room,…

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Moving Checklist: What to Do Before and After You Move

Moving can be a stressful experience, but there are ways to simplify the process. Moving requires plenty of planning and preparation to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. To help make your move stress-free and organized, here’s a checklist filled with tips on what to do before and after you move. 

 

Before Your Move:

• Decide which items you want to keep, donate, or sell

• Create an inventory list of all the items you plan to move 

• Book movers or rental truck 

• Notify utility companies about your move date 

• Pack up your non-essentials first 

• Take pictures of all furniture before moving to document its condition

• Label boxes clearly according to…

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Open Concept vs Traditional Home Design: Which is Right for You?

Home design has long been a hot topic for homeowners and prospective buyers. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to determine which home design is best for you or your family. Open concept vs traditional home layout is often a point of contention when it comes to making an informed decision about a house. 

 

Open-concept designs are becoming increasingly popular due to the modern appeal they offer. Open-concept homes offer an airy feel and allow for more natural light in the living space. The lack of walls between rooms also allows more opportunity for socializing and entertaining. On the other hand, traditional layouts provide more privacy with separate rooms…

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