Michael Kinar : Latest Blog Posts

New property listed in Aberdeen, Saskatoon NE

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:17 GMT

I have listed a new property at 132 Mcdonald ST in Aberdeen.

2012 Begins with a Sellers' Market

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:47:12 GMT

2012 BEGINS WITH A SELLERS' MARKET

Information summarized from SRAR February 1^st media release

In 2012 we are starting out with a market that favors sellers. The number of residential properties listed in Saskatoon was 528 units, down only 1% from last January while the MLS® sales were up 20% to 310 units. This resulted in an increase in the average selling price of 6% to $318,163.00. There were a total of 951 active listings for January 2012 which was also down 1% from last January.

The $300,000.00 to $349,999.00 price range recorded the most sales at 68 units, an increase of 51% from 45 units in January 2011. The highest average sale price of $377,757.00 remains in the neighborhoods on the far east side of Saskatoon which also has the most active listings and units sold.

Activity was slower in the areas surrounding Saskatoon. There were only 185 residential properties listed compared to 213 properties in January 2011 for a decrease of 13%. The number of sales was down 26% from 57 to 42 units year over year. In spite of this quieter activity the average residential sales price in the areas surrounding Saskatoon was up 3% from last January to $279,171.00.

The number of days to sell remained almost unchanged at 46 days within Saskatoon while listings in the area surrounding Saskatoon took 75 days on average to sell. The area with the shortest time to sell continues to be the north end of Saskatoon at 33 days on average.

If the supply of product continues to remain consistent with last year and if the anticipated increase in demand occurs, our city will remain in a sellers’ market with buyers competing for their purchases. It is expected that Saskatoon will continue to buck the softening price and activity trend taking place across Canada.

New property listed in Lakeview, Saskatoon Area 01

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:01:25 GMT

I have listed a new property at 405 802D Kingsmere BLVD in Saskatoon.

See details here

Don?t miss out on this one! 2 Bedroom, 1 bath, fourth floor unit with only three other units on the floor, if you want a quite place this is it. Great location for a great price; 10 min drive or 30 min Bus ride to U of S, close to many amenities along with being located in a quiet neighborhood. Along with a larger balcony and fire place, carpets were replaced in 2010, as well as an up graded bathroom featuring ceramic tiles, backsplash and flooring. Has in suite washer and dryer, all five appliances are included, as well as1 electric parking stall.

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sun, Jan 29 2-4 PM

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:01:18 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 152 McDonald ST in Aberdeen.

See details here

OPEN HOUSE: Sun, Jan 29 2-4 PM

Under construction... quality built 1119 square foot bungalow. Features include: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and double attached garage with direct entry. Other features include: stucco exterior, high efficient furnace, power vented water heater, and more! Located on a large lot in Aberdeen's newest subdivision. Purchase price includes GST and New Home Warranty. Close to K-12 school, rec complex, and only 18 minutes from Saskatoon.

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sat, Jan 28 2-4 PM

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:01:18 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 201 S AVE N in Saskatoon.

See details here

OPEN HOUSE: Sat, Jan 28 2-4 PM

Affordable Mount Royal starter home. This two bedroom home features many recent upgrades and renos, including: shingles, soffits, eaves, high efficient furnace, water heater, windows, bathroom fixtures, laminate flooring, kitchen counter tops and back splash. Open floor plan with nice traffic flow. Conveniently located laundry, close to the bedrooms. Lots of parking options, including on street, single concrete driveway and 24' x 24' garage pad. Includes fridge and stove. Close to west side shopping, and just a short drive to downtown. Immediate possession available. Owners say sell!

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sun. Jan 22 2-4 pm

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:01:36 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 152 McDonald ST in Aberdeen.

See details here

OPEN HOUSE: Sun. Jan 22 2-4 pm

Saskatoon to Lead the Nation's Growth: Conference Board

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:34:49 GMT

Saskatoon to Lead the Nation's Growth: Conference Board

2012 ‘Saskatoon to Lead the Nation’s Growth: Conference Board’, The Star Phoenix, January 11.

Despite a modest slowdown, Saskatoon will lead all Canadian cities in economic growth in 2012.

The Conference Board of Canada’s released its Metropolitan Outlook-Winter 2012 on Wednesday, an analysis of 27 Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs). It said Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina will benefit from solid global demand for their local resources to post the strongest economic growth among Canadian cities in 2012.

Saskatoon is forecast to lead the country in economic growth in 2012 with a four per cent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP). That is actually a slowdown from the estimated 4.6 per cent gain in 2011. The province’s booming primary sector is supporting gains in all industries, and employment is expected to grow by almost five per cent this year.

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/Saskatoon+lead+nation+growth+Conference+board/5980507/story.html#ixzz1jHHSfVBs

New property listed in Warman, Saskatoon NW

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:01:27 GMT

I have listed a new property at 548 Redwood CRES in Warman.

See details here

New property listed in Warman, Saskatoon NW

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:01:27 GMT

I have listed a new property at 501 Redwood CRES in Warman.

See details here

New property listed in Warman, Saskatoon NW

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:01:27 GMT

I have listed a new property at 428 Redwood CRES in Warman.

See details here

New property listed in Aberdeen, Saskatoon NE

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:01:19 GMT

I have listed a new property at Friesen Acreage in Aberdeen.

See details here

Affordable acreage opportunity! This house was an old country school. Features include: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, main floor laundry and 10' ceilings. This home needs some upgrading, but has a open layout and newer shingles on most of the house. There are outbuildings on the mature yard, including a double detached garage and older workshop. Lots of room to enjoy, 130 acres included. This acreage is West of Aberdeen, approximately 20 minutes from Saskatoon.

A Balanced Market Prevailed in 2011

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:10:52 GMT

A Balanced Market Prevailed in 2011

Information summarized from SRAR January 3^rd media release.

The ideal balance of buyers and sellers in 2011 resulted in a modest 5% increase in the average residential selling price in Saskatoon, which increased to $309,835.00. This was a record setting year for the total residential sales volume which totaled $1,247,705,573.00. The total number of residential sales for 2011 of 4,027 units was up 13% from 2010. The increase in the average selling price continues to make investing in real estate attractive without driving buyers out of the market place.

The average selling price in the month of December was $312,834 00, up 4% from December 2010. December saw 254 houses change hands, taking 45 days to sell on average. This was a whopping 37% over December 2010 which recorded 186 sales. The year to date increase in sales however was 13%. There were 275 home added to the Saskatoon Inventory in December which was consistent with the previous December.

Year to date, 7,051 homes were listed for sale up 4% from 2010.   There were 820 residential properties for home buyers to select from at the end of December.

The change in market activity surrounding Saskatoon was less than that of the city in December.   The number of properties that sold was up 8% from December 2010.   The average price in these areas in December was $261,852.00, a sharp decrease of 12% from 2010 when the average was $295,905.00.   However, the year to date average selling price was $279,861.00 up 8% when compared with 2010.   REALTORS® listed 91 homes in the areas around Saskatoon. That number was down slightly by 2% from December 2010.

It is anticipated that 2012 will be very similar to 2011 with steady increase in the average sale price.   The city of Saskatoon continues to work toward meeting the demand for serviced lots. Our population will continue to see a steady in migration as the availability of jobs remains strong.   Interest rates should continue to remain low due to struggling economies in some Canadian cities as well as our trading partner countries.

New property listed in Aberdeen, Saskatoon NE

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:01:38 GMT

I have listed a new property at 112 McDonald ST in Aberdeen.

See details here

Under construction... quality built 1160 square foot bi-level. Features include: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and double attached garage with direct entry. Other features include: stucco exterior, high efficient furnace, power vented water heater, and more! Located on a large lot in Aberdeen's newest subdivision. Purchase price includes GST and New Home Warranty. Close to K-12 school, rec complex, and only 18 minutes from Saskatoon.

Rapid Population Growth Poses Challenges

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:21:06 GMT

Rapid Population Growth Poses Challenges

Warick, J 2011 ‘Rapid Population Growth Poses Challenges’, The Star Phoenix, 29 December.

Saskatoon’s population is expected to reach a record 234,200 by year’s end, making it the fastest-growing city in Canada.

Roughly half of the growth is due to an influx of international immigrants. One-quarter of new residents come from other parts of Saskatchewan and Canada, while new births account for the final quarter, the City of Saskatoon says.

Saskatoon has grown by nearly 6,000 people in 2011, according to City of Saskatoon estimates. The growth rate of 2.5 per cent is the highest in the country and has been consistent for the past five years. The city’s Manager of Planning and Development, Randy Grauer, expects the trend to continue as long as the economy thrives and employment is plentiful. Grauer referred to international migration as the “game-changer”.

Saskatoon will require more than 10,000 new homes in the next three years alone, according to city estimates. Some have questioned why the city is planning to allow more than 80 per cent of that new construction in new suburbs, when there are many opportunities for more efficient, less expensive “infill” projects.

Grauer said the city is proud of its 19 per cent infill rate, saying it’s better than some other cities. He said the city cannot force denser infill development if neighbourhoods don’t want it and most residents who gave input at recent civic forums did favour more infill.

Population Continues To Soar, Quarterly Record Smashed

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:49:04 GMT

Population Continues To Soar, Quarterly Record Smashed

Couture, J 2011, ‘Population Continues to Soar, Quarterly Record Smashed’, The Star Phoenix, 21 December

Saskatchewan's population grew at a record pace in the third quarter of 2011, reaching a record high.

"There are 1,063,535 reasons to be pleased in Saskatchewan today," Premier Brad Wall told reporters Tuesday. "That's how many citizens we now are. That's a significant amount of growth in the last quarter. It breaks the record for quarterly growth in population in Saskatchewan, which was set the quarter before that. So obviously, it's very positive."

The number of people living in the province increased by 5,651 between July 1st and Oct. 1st, according to Statistics Canada data released by the provincial government. With that considered, Saskatchewan had the fastest growth rate of any province in the country for the third quarter of the year.

It was also the most growth ever recorded for the province in any quarter since Statistics Canada started keeping quarterly records in 1971. The previous record was 5,444, set in the previous quarter of this year.

"We have actually a clear goal on this," Wall said. "We'd like to be 1.1 million by 2015. We're on track to maybe beat that goal. Population is important because it's an indicator of two things - principally, that there is an economic opportunity for people to consider here, jobs for people, and also that there's a quality of life here."

In the third quarter, 6,355 people moved to Saskatchewan from other provinces while 5,821 left Saskatchewan to move to another province - a net gain of 534 people. There was a net international gain in the third quarter of 3,436 people and a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,681.

Saskatchewan's population has increased in every quarter since April 2006 and has grown by more than 70,000 people since that time.

New property listed in Langham, Saskatoon NW

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:02:10 GMT

I have listed a new property at 125 3rd ST E in Langham.

See details here

Great redevelopment site! This older home has additions, and features 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, main floor laundry, single detached garage, newer water heater and high efficient furnace. This house is on a corner lot, situated on two 50' lots, for a total of 100' frontage. Great opportunity to build two new houses side by side, or have a large lot (over a quarter of an acre). A short commute from Saskatoon on divided highway, and steps from high school.

Saskatchewan Leads Canada in Growth

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:57:07 GMT

Saskatchewan Leads Canada In Growth

RBC Economic Provincial Outlook, December 2011

RBC Economics has revised their 2011 Provincial Outlook, and has Saskatchewan leading the Country with 4.5% GDP growth.

The future continues to appear bright for Saskatchewan, as RBC’s analysts predict that we will continue to lead the nation in 2012:

“Nevertheless, the biggest differentiating factor for provincial growth

next year will remain the dynamism of the natural resource sector. It will continue

to be a catalyst for increased capital investment and production in resource-

heavy provinces. Saskatchewan and Alberta—both heavily dependent on

natural resources—will, therefore, stay at the head of the pack in 2012.”

According to the report, we can expect more of the same for 2013:

“Looking ahead to 2013, we believe that key underlying economic factors that

will shape 2012—for instance, the strengthening in U.S. demand, continued vigour

in global commodity markets, and fiscal restraint will remain in place. In our

opinion, the continuation of such economic influences will support similar results

in terms of provincial growth relative to 2012.”

The report also indicates that we will see steady growth in the number of housing starts, which is a direct result of the strong economic growth and in-migration that is accompanying it:

“One area of notable underlying strength has been residential investment. We saw an

acceleration of activity in the third quarter of 2011 with housing starts rising to

their highest levels since the recession. Such vigour has prompted us to revise

our forecast upward for Saskatchewan housing starts for 2011 to 7,400 units and

for 2012 to 7,600 units. For 2013, we project an even stronger 7,900 units, which

would be the highest annual tally since 1979. Residential investment is clearly

benefiting from strong economic growth and the positive effect this is having on

in-migration. In the second quarter of 2011, the province saw the largest net inflow

of migrants, both inter-provincial and international, on record since 1971.”

The report also makes mention of the manufacturing and wholesale trade being on a roll, as well as the expected continuation of increased investment in the resource sector.

Saskatchewan will continue to grow at a pace considerably faster than the national average:

“Evidence of strong natural resource production, and robust business and residential

investment spending so far this year confirms that Saskatchewan continues to

be in the fast lane. The good news even extends to the agricultural sector where

grain production is rebounding solidly after a poor 2010 harvest. We believe that

these sectors will contribute to a growth rate of 4.5% in the provincial economy

in 2011. While the bounce in the grain harvest will wane in 2012 (assuming normal

weather conditions), the province will, nonetheless, maintain a rapid pace

next year, decelerating only modestly to 4.2%. With a global economy on the

mend by 2013, we expect that demand for various natural resource commodities

will continue to be vigorous, thereby driving growth in Saskatchewan.”

You can read the entire report here: http://www.rbc.com/economics/market/pdf/provfcst.pdf

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sat, Dec. 10 1-2:30 pm

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:01:22 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 201 S AVE N in Saskatoon.

See details here

OPEN HOUSE: Sat, Dec. 10 1-2:30 pm

Saskatoon Needs 10,000 New Homes by 2014

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:06:52 GMT

Saskatoon Needs 10,000 New Homes by 2014

Warick, J 2011 ‘Saskatoon Needs 10,000 New Homes by 2014’, The Star Phoenix, 3 December.

Saskatoon will require 10,000 new homes in the next three years, and the vast majority will be built in new suburbs, stated a report going to city council Monday.

Little Change to Sales Year Over Year in November

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:07:14 GMT

Little Change to Sales Year Over Year in November

Information summarized from SRAR December 1st media release

Residential sales activity for Saskatoon REALTORS® in the month of November was 286, virtually unchanged when compared with November of 2010 which saw 282 sales. This number was also only down slightly from October when 309 properties changed hands. Total residential sales year to date sits at 3,776 up 12% from 2010. The $300,000 to $350,000 price range continues to be the most active with 64 sales. The average number of days to sell in the month of November was 47 days.

The average residential selling price in November this year was $314,541.00 which was only a 1% increase from the average sale price in November 2010. The year to date average selling price was $312,976, up 5% from the year to date average in November 2010 which was $296,222.00.

Properties listed in November totaled 451 up 12% from the same month a year ago. Year to date 6,777 homes have been listed for sale up 5% when compared to November 2010. There were a total of 1,084 active residential listings available at the end of November, representing a 4% increase compared to the active listing in November 2010.

The number of sales in areas surrounding Saskatoon (e.g. Martensville, Warman, Clavet, etc) this past November was down 5% from November 2010. REALTORS® listed 132 properties in these areas in the month of November. This is a notable decrease of 14% from November 2010. The average selling price in these surrounding areas was $277,797.00, up 7% from November 2010. During the month of November, in areas surrounding Saskatoon, it took 60 days for a property to sell on average.

In summary, the year to date activity in the Saskatoon market continues to remain steady with moderate increases to market values and sales volume. The upward trend is expected to continue with positive announcements on almost a daily basis in the resource sector. The challenge continues for the city of Saskatoon, as well as surrounding communities, to meet the demand for serviced lots.