Kevin Goyer 306-222-6333

Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example: Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.
• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in North America each year. So how can you prevent that from happening to your home? Here are a few less known home security basics:
• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you’re away during the day.
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target a home without an alarm system.
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.
• Don’t show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes.
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at your door.
Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call.

One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn.
So does that mean you should replace your windows?
That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.
• Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.
• Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
• If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
• Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
• Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.
• Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows?
Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.
Want more tips on increasing the value, and enjoyment, of your property? Call today.

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, you might be waiting until the “market is right”. After all, if the local market suddenly booms, your property will likely sell for a higher price.
That may be true. However, there are other factors to consider in your decision to list.
For example, will you be buying a new home as well? If so, then the higher selling price will probably be offset by the higher cost of the new property.
In addition, there may be characteristics of your home that will help sell it quickly and for a good price – today – regardless of the market conditions.
A good REALTOR® will help you make the right decision. Call today

This article coutesy GlobalTV Saskatoon:

A new report released Tuesday by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says housing starts in Saskatoon for 2011 were at its highest level since 1982.

CMHC says there were 2,994 total starts in the Saskatoon CMA last year.

That is an increase of 25.7 per cent from 2010.

For single-detached housing, construction started on 1,608 units during the year, a decrease of 1.8 per cent from the previous year.

Multi-family unit construction starts, which include semi-detached units, rows and apartments, were up 86.5 per cent from 743 in 2010 to 1.386 in 2011.

CMHC Senior Market Analyst for Saskatchewan Michael Fabiyi says an expanding economy and labour market in the province attracted migrants which “fuelled a pace of starts rarely seen across the province.”

Regina also saw an increase in 2011, with construction started on 1,694 new units, the highest annual output in that city since 1983.

Swift Current, Yorkton, Lloydminster and the Battlefords also had year-over-year increases in housing starts during 2011.

Read it on Global News: Saskatoon housing starts at highest level since 1982: CMHC

To say the last 10 years in the Saskatoon real estate market were interesting is a vast understatement. Momentous might be a better word. The big boom in 2007, price corrections in 2008. This chart shows just how much change we’ve gone throigh.
SRAR 10 Year Sale Report

The Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors released its year-end stats for 2011 today and they show a balanced market for the year past. Saskatoon Realtors listed 7051 Saskatoon homes in 2011 and sold 4027 of them, which is up 13% from 2010. The average price of a Saskatoon home sits at $309,835 at the end of the year which is an increase of 5% over last year. There are 812 active Saskatoon real estate listings right now on the Saskatoon MLS. Average time to sell a home in Saskatoon is 45 days.

Just listed 111 Grant Street in Saskatoon’s Forest Grove neighborhood. 660 sq ft 2+2 bedroom bungalow with 1 1/2 bathrooms. Room for a garage. Why buy a townhouse? $249,900 MLS

Just listed a like-new Walk-Out Bi-Level in Saskatoon’s Hampton Village neighborhood. 1091 sq ft, fully developed and landscaped. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and flexible possession date. $379,900 MLS

Just listed 3 new two storeys on Klassen Crescent in Saskatoon’s Hampton Village neighborhood. Great floor plans and kitchen designs. Maple hardwoods. Fridge, stove, microrange and built-in dishwasher included. Double detached garage. Great value in the Saskatoon market.

Just reduced and ready for immediate possession are 222 Fleming Crescent $399,900 MLS and 515 Padget Crescent $414,900 MLS in Saskatoon’s Willowgrove neighborhood. Make sure to view these Woodridge-built homes and compare the quality. You will be impressed.