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.

Understanding the Saskatchewan Option Clause in Real Estate Transactions

When buying or selling a property in Saskatchewan, it’s important to understand every clause in your real estate contract—especially the Option Clause. This clause, outlined in the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association Form 801, plays a critical role in situations where a property remains on the market while a conditional offer is in place.

What is the Option Clause?

The Option Clause allows a seller to continue showing their property and receive other offers even after accepting an initial offer with conditions. If the seller accepts another offer, they can give written notice to the first buyer, triggering a set number of hours for that buyer to remove all conditions.

How…

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When selling or leasing property in Saskatchewan, situations may arise where you need to stop marketing your property or completely end your brokerage agreement. The Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association’s Withdrawal or Cancellation of a Seller’s/Landlord’s Brokerage Contract form (Form 902) outlines two key options: Withdrawal and Cancellation.

Understanding these options ensures you protect your rights while meeting your contractual obligations.

Option A – Withdrawal

Withdrawal means marketing activities for your property stop immediately, but your listing agreement remains in place until it naturally expires or is formally cancelled. This may be the right choice if you plan to resume selling or leasing later but want to pause marketing for…

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When purchasing residential real estate in Saskatchewan, buyers are presented with the option to pursue ancillary services that help evaluate the property’s condition, legality, and value. These services are critical to reducing risk, protecting your investment, and ensuring peace of mind in your new home.

Provided by professionals like appraisers, engineers, municipal authorities, and home inspectors, these optional—but highly recommended—services can uncover hidden issues or confirm a property’s sound condition.

Below are the key ancillary services buyers should consider during the purchasing process.

12 Key Ancillary Services & What They Mean

  1. Appraisal Report
    Estimates a property’s value, often required by mortgage lenders.

  2. …

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In Saskatchewan real estate, a Limited Dual Agency arrangement arises when a brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. This scenario is governed by the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association's Limited Dual Agency Acknowledgement Form (Form 204, revised 01/2023), which outlines how these relationships are managed to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with legal obligations.

What is Limited Dual Agency?

Limited dual agency occurs when:

  • The same brokerage represents both the buyer and seller.

  • The same salesperson, or different salespeople from the same or different branches of the brokerage, act for both parties.

This situation requires explicit acknowledgment from both buyer and…

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What is a Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS) and Why It Matters in Saskatchewan Real Estate?

When buying or selling a home in Saskatchewan, transparency is key. The Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS)—developed by the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association—is a form designed to help sellers disclose what they know about the condition of a property. It’s an important tool for both parties to reduce risks and promote an honest transaction.

Seller Responsibilities

Sellers are encouraged, but not legally required, to complete the PCDS. However, even if they decline to fill out the form, they are still legally obligated to disclose known material defects—especially those that are not easily visible (called latent defects). Sellers…

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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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