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Saskatoon’s Most Popular Neighbourhoods
Looking for the most popular neighborhoods in Saskatoon? We’re happy to share our knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect place to call home!
Nutana
First up, we have Nutana. This charming and historic neighborhood boasts beautiful tree-lined streets, a mix of character homes and newer builds, and a vibrant community feel. With Broadway Avenue at its core, Nutana offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes for residents to enjoy.
Riversdale
If you’re looking for a trendy and vibrant area, look no further than Riversdale. This neighborhood has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, and now offers a thriving arts scene, including the Remai Modern art museum and a variety of galleries and boutiques. And with its wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, Riversdale is the perfect place for foodies and night owls alike.
Downtown
For those looking for the hustle and bustle of a commercial district, downtown has it all. With a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities along the Meewasin Valley Trail, there’s always something to do in this lively neighborhood.
Stonebridge
If you prefer newer amenities, you may want to consider Stonebridge. Located in the south end of Saskatoon, this modern neighborhood offers a large shopping complex, movie theater, and a variety of parks and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy.
University Heights
Finally, for students and young professionals, University Heights is an excellent choice. Located adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan, this neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to townhouses and single-family homes. Plus, with easy access to the university’s facilities and amenities, University Heights is the perfect place to live and learn.
No matter your preferences, our team of realtors can help you find the perfect neighborhood in Saskatoon to suit your lifestyle and budget.
So why wait? Contact us today and let’s get started!
10 Things to Watch Out for When Looking at Homes
A walk-through of a potential home you might purchase it is crucial to look at it from an objective point of view. Look over the house in detail and jot down any potential outstanding issues. Here are a few things to watch out for when looking at homes.
Check the Floors
Floors can tell a lot about a home’s structure and plumbing. Look for sagging and unusual dipping near bathrooms and everywhere else in the house. If there are warps in the floors near bathrooms, it could be a telltale sign that some gnarly plumbing might be underneath. There could be structural issues if dips are present anywhere else in the home.
Notice Cracks in the Walls and Ceilings
Cracks should be considered and carefully reviewed. Some fine line cracks in drywall are usually nothing to worry about, but larger cracks in a brick wall, for example, cause concern. Larger cracks typically are a sign of movement of the walls and are a serious sign of structural problems. I was house hunting a few years ago. There was a large crack we could put our hand in on the basement ceiling by a post, a red flag went up, and we never put an offer on that home.
Pay Attention to Fresh Paint
Fresh paint is sometimes a good sign. If the entire home has been freshly painted, the homeowners want to refresh the home before new people move in. However, if the house appears like it has never been renovated for a while and there are patches of paint in the cellar or basement, it could be hiding something, such as water damage. If fresh paint is out of place, ask why it was done.
Look for Water in the Basement or Dampness
Take extra time to investigate the basement thoroughly. Look for water damage on the floor and near windows. Dampness or humidity might also be cause for alarm in newer homes. However, if the house is older, it usually comes with the territory.
Test the Windows
Open and close every window in the home to ensure they all work correctly. I wish we had tested the windows in our current home we have lived in for 13 years, because only 2 out of 10 windows open, which makes for an expensive air conditioning bill every year. Take note of the age of the windows or if inexpensive windows were installed. Changing the windows can be costly, and not changing them out leads to a lot of heat loss, increasing your energy bill.
Assess the Roof
Ask when it was replaced last and ask to see the warranty documents. Be wary of older homes with multiple layers of shingles, which can potentially have asbestos. Ask a professional for help to assess the roof if there are any glaring issues.
Note the Trees Outside
Trees are lovely to have dotted around the yard but look closely at them. Look for how close they are to the house, how many are there, and what types they are. Trees like elms not only have a lot of dropped leaves to manage but if they ever need to be trimmed, they must be appropriately remediated to prevent Dutch elm disease. Trees close to the home can have their roots grow and push into the basement walls, leading to many problems. If there are many trees on the property, they also have a high chance of growing into your main plumbing pipes, leading to sewer backup and many other issues. Trees can also fall during heavy storms and damage your home.
Look at the Plumbing and Electrical
Electrical and plumbing are hidden. However, there should be some exposed pipes and wires in the mechanical room to help you determine the age. Look at the electrical panel and ask if the homeowner experiences electrical shorts. Be wary if the electrical system hasn’t been replaced for a few decades.
Plumbing is a lot harder to tell if there are any issues. Hire a professional to walk through the home if anything is amiss. There are home water testing kits to test the water to ensure its lead-free or if anything else is in it.
Dig into the History
Find out how long the previous owner had that home and why they are selling it. A flipped home might be hastily finished, possibly leading to oversights in the future.
If the owner is present during the viewing, ask them questions about their home. Ask about repairs and who they were done by. When were the furnace and water heater repaired or installed, and are they owned or rented? Ask about all warranties on the repairs and if any are still valid.
After the Walk-Through, Follow-up
Check on permits and violations. If you are ready to put in an offer, work on investigating any open violations or permit issues the home might have. Also, check to see if there are any neighbour complaints against the property or homeowner. This could be a sign of problems with house repairs or sensitive, problematic neighbours.
Sometimes no permits are pulled for extensions or work done on the home. Be sure to ask the sellers if all the permits are in order, if the renovations look shoddy, follow up with the permit office.
When looking at homes, these few things to watch out for will help you in your house-hunting journey. If you are unsure after finding problems with the house, follow up with the homeowner or professionals to gain more insight.
Contact your local real estate expert today to let them guide you through the home-buying process.
Townhouses: Pros and Cons
The choice between a townhouse or a detached home can be confusing. Here are a few pros and cons of purchasing a townhouse and if it’s the right choice for you!
What is a Townhouse?
A townhouse is when one or more walls are shared with your neighbour but are independently owned dwellings. The units are well known for ease of living, featuring shared outside maintenance costs such as lawn care and snow removal.
What’s Better: Buying a Townhouse or a Detached Home?
Compared to detached homes, townhouses can offer a more modern look for a better price, and outside maintenance costs are pooled together with other residents, keeping the homes well maintained. Townhouses are typically built in higher-density populations, making them closer to more valuable amenities.
Whereas, in a single-family home, all the maintenance falls on the owner—which can be daunting. The detached house’s location has more impact on the cost, even if it is an older home that needs many renovations.
It is up to you which option you choose and what is best for you and your family. Ensure you also review the rules and regulations of the townhouse complex/corporation. You might discover extra condo fees, a cap on the number of inhabitants in one townhouse or pet restrictions.
How Are Townhouses Set up?
A townhouse can come in three set-ups.
1) A land trustee: only land around the unit is common ground with other owners in the complex. The owner is responsible for the unit.
2) Independent ownership: there are commonly shared property elements between the owners, like walls and backyards.
Or
3) Registered condominium corporation: The property and the building are shared responsibilities of every owner and usually come with extra condo fees.
What Features Should You Look for in a Townhouse?
The biggest perk of purchasing a townhouse is “maintenance-free living.” Ask about the townhouse agreement and any rules and regulations that it has to make sure it fits your needs as a buyer. Also, consider if the townhouse is within your budget and in your desired neighbourhood. Even if the townhouse is a brand new build, always consider getting a home inspector to verify it’s safe to purchase.
Is Buying a Townhouse a Good Investment?
Commonly, yes! Buying a townhouse is a good investment based on resale value. They hold up better value than their apartment condo counterparts. They could also be rented out reasonably quickly for extra income, with no yard maintenance required on your part. Real estate is a considerable investment, and hiring an experienced agent is essential in purchasing a property.
Tips for Purchasing a Townhouse.
Here are a few additional tips that don’t fit in with the above categories:
- Look at many options of townhouses in the areas you desire. Ask your real estate professional about the differences between the ones you view and if a townhouse or detached home is right for you and your lifestyle.
- If you are buying into a condo corporation, ensure that the reserve fund is sufficient for long-term planning. Ask for a copy of the most recent meeting minutes to gain insight into the current property maintenance, plus any additional information.
Should I Buy a Townhouse?
It depends! Buying any property is a lifelong investment, so choosing the right one can be difficult. Weigh the pros and cons of each unit you see and decide if it’s the right choice for you! Work with a trusted real estate agent to provide you with personalized advice.
9 Tips to Keep Houseplants in Winter
Plants are excellent stress relief, and the leafy greenery will brighten anyone’s mood. Winter is a time for staying inside, being cozy and hibernating. Plants also enjoy hibernating and resting in these months. Here are a few tips to take care of house plants over winter to not shock their system.
Cut Back on Watering
Consider watering less frequently depending on your home’s climate and sunlight conditions. However, plants might need the same amount of water if your plants are near heating vents or your home is warmer in winter than summer.
Instead of following a weekly watering schedule, poke the first inch of soil with your finger to check if it is dry or wet, and then proceed with watering. Always plan to under water plants even in winter. You can’t take back water once it is soaked in.
Pay Attention to Sunlight
The seasons change, as does the amount of sunlight plants receive. Think about moving plants to different locations in your home for the best dose of sunlight. If that is impossible, get a grow light from your local garden store! Also, make sure plants on window sills aren’t getting cold drafts. Consider moving them to a different location if they are. To ensure plants grow evenly, quarter-turn them once weekly for a well-balanced plant. I admit I never do that, and my plants are growing lopsided.
Don’t Worry About a Few Dropped Leaves
Winter often brings about cold drafts, and turning the furnace on can change your home’s conditions. Sometimes, the more demanding plants will drop leaves—try not to worry about it too much, as new leaves will grow in their place or above it! Leaves falling just means a plant is preparing for lower light levels.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Average household temperatures are usually perfect for most plants. Outside air from doors opening and closing can affect plants, so ensure your plants are far away from doors. Also, keep plants away from heating vents and radiators. Sudden changes in heat can negatively affect them too.
Cut Back on Fertilizer
Fertilizing is still great to use in winter. Instead of using it weekly, switch to bi-weekly or even monthly. Another great alternative to fertilizer is Marphyl organic fertilizer. It’s more about providing nutrients to the soil and less about enhancing plant growth. You may stop fertilizing altogether if you think your plants aren’t getting as much sun.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Pests will start to spring up in winter, and most enjoy warm, dry soil conditions. Check plants’ leaves, and underneath the leaves every time you water for signs of pests. Some common pests are gnats, scales, and spider mites. Gnats are easy to get rid of with high-quality cinnamon sprinkled on top of the soil. Scale is more challenging to get rid of, and you will want to alcohol swab each brown spot to remove them. The best defence against spider mites is to buy predatory spical mites, microscopic bugs that eat the spider mites and will not harm your plants. Insecticides can also treat pests, but from experience, using them multiple times can damage the plant.
Up the Humidity
Most house plants are of the tropical variety, and the tropics often have high humidity. Consider purchasing a humidifier for the colder months to offset the dryness of your home. Not only will you breathe better, but your plants will too! The second way to keep the humidity up is to cluster plants together. The third way is to put water-filled pebble trays under your plants that require it and/or mist your plants. Before misting them, research to see if they do well with wet leaves. For example, philodendrons, some hoya and calathea (prayer plants) don’t mind if their leaves are wet.
Dust Your Plants
The leaves on a plant use the sun for photosynthesis and air circulation. If the leaves are coated in dust and debris, it makes the plant work a lot harder to live. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust them gently, top and bottom. A wet cloth works too, but it might re-attract dust.
Resist the Urge to Re-Pot
In winter, plants go dormant and rest. It is best not to disturb them by re-potting them. The shock of re-potting can lead to stunted growth or loss of foliage—wait to re-pot during growth spurts like in spring and summer.
I hope you found these few tips helpful to keep your plants healthy and happy over winter. When in doubt, under water, fertilize less and ensure your plants get as much sun as possible, naturally or through a grow light.
Are you looking for a home this winter? Contact your local REALTOR® today!
7 Signs It’s Time to Upsize
Have you ever thought about upsizing your home and being unsure when to go for it?
Upsizing your home can be intimidating, but there are a few telltale signs it’s time to do so.
Your Family is Growing
Your family is growing quickly, and your current home is overflowing with stuff! That two-bedroom home may work for children who are okay sharing rooms, but they may want their own space once they grow up. Not only do children (and pets) take up space in our homes, the garage and backyard can quickly become full of stuff too.
Even if you aren’t busting out the seams of your house, but you plan for kids or many pets, it could be time to upscale before you run out of room.
Being Able to Afford It
One day you will be in a better financial position, and buying a house might be a significant next step. After all, as they say, a home is an investment. Perhaps you finally got a better-paying job or that promotion you have been working towards—if you have weighed the pros and cons, and feel you can afford a new home, now is the time to go for it!
Needing More Space
Even if your family doesn’t grow with kids or pets, there is still that basic human instinct of accumulating stuff—whether you have started a new hobby or just existing daily, things seem to pile up continually. Upsizing would allow you to spread out more throughout your home and possibly have better storage solutions.
More space in your home can also provide more room to get that trampoline you have always wanted or a hot tub—inside, perhaps you want more luxuries, such as furniture or appliances.
Bigger and Better Furniture and Appliances
Lifestyles changing is one thing, but what about just wanting everyday luxuries, like a larger couch or dishwasher? I would love a dishwasher in my kitchen. A finished basement is also on my list to entertain guests easier in a separate space with a wet bar and projector screen.
Making Room for Pets
If there is a reason to up-size one’s house, it is to allow for additional pets or provide a great space to take care of them—whether that be room to have their bed and food in or even an indoor pet bath and foyer.
Entertaining Guests
One of the reasons I want to have a larger house is to entertain guests easily and have bigger groups come over. The responsibility of gatherings usually falls on a few people in the group—but being able to host from time to time sounds excellent too.
Having a bigger home will finally allow you to comfortably invite over all those people you couldn’t have over before in your smaller accommodations.
Relocating
Relocating to a new area or another town will allow you to get more bang for your buck. We all have relocated at least once, which can open up an excellent opportunity to upsize your home.
Some homeowners might want to stay in the same home because of the memories made there, but sometimes running out of space might be a more significant reason to change houses. If you notice these signs, it might be time to upscale your home. Make sure all your finances are in place, and make a list of needs and wants before searching for the perfect house.
Your Local Realtor® can help you discover the best-upsized home for you!
How to Build the Perfect Snowman
Making a snow person was my favourite pastime when I was a kid. I used to create families of snow people, including pets, and a home for them to live in. There is a bit of science behind the snow consistency and the success rate of building the perfect snowman.
The Right Snow
Proper snow consistency is key to making a snowman. Look for dense, wet snow that falls or is already on the ground on a warmer day. Stay away from cold days or blizzards like snow falls for snow person building—nobody wants to be out there anyways.
Location, Location, Location
Make sure you find a perfect location for your snowman to show it off. When I was a kid, I used to build my snow person in front of our living room window, so I could gaze upon it and say hello! The best spot to build a snowman for longevity is in a shaded part of your yard and/or in the center area where you roll your snowballs.
Best Structure
Build your snow person like a “pyramid” with a large ball at the bottom. Medium-sized for the tummy and a smaller one for the head! The smaller the snowman, the more structure it will have. As you increase the size, it becomes less stable. Once in a while I would make a 6ft snowman with the help of my dad or grandpa to add the finishing touches.
Rolling it Up
Start by making a larger-than-average snow ball (you know, the kind you throw at someone)…then start rolling it around in the snow and watch it magically become larger. Roll it around until you can’t physically push it anymore or until you are happy with the size. Once the main snowball is ready, pack snow around the base to make it extra secure to the ground.
Flatten Each Ball
While rolling each ball, make sure you stop from time to time to pack it down and ensure it’s a solid ball. Remember to do this for building the actual snow person—pat down a flat area between each ball to strengthen the structure.
The Perfect Accessories
My mom always had an old box of too-small hats and gloves for us to use for our snow person. That way, if they blew away or someone needed it, we wouldn’t be sad to let them go. We also had a gravel driveway that provided many rocks for the snowman’s eyes, nose, and buttons—and a garden for a carrot for the nose. Deer would often come into the yard and eat the nose!
If you are going for a certain aesthetic, try matching the snow person to the scheme of your home or outside decor. Try an ugly sweater on it or an old jacket for an extra bit of whimsy. Don’t forget to add branches for the arms!
Building a snow person or a snow family is a lot of fun for the whole family or alone. Plus, being outside is a great way to boost your mood and get active.
Contact your Local REALTOR® today to find the perfect home and yard to build a snow person in.
Surviving Winter Blues
Here in Saskatchewan, winter is a drag, the snow, the ice, and the overall coldness. It is hard to leave your house, and being cozy is the ultimate goal. However, here is a helpful list of fighting off winter blues that can boost your mood and improve your mental health.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Often referred to as seasonal depression, it’s a type of depression related to the change of seasons—mainly in the colder, darker months, like winter. Some symptoms include:
- Depression
- Low Energy Levels
- Mood Changes and Social Problems
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Changes in Appetite or Weight
If you already experience depression year-round, these symptoms tend to worsen in winter.
What can you do?
There are a few key things you can do to help curb seasonal depression and improve your mental health during the long winter months. Even if seasonal depression doesn’t affect you, the suggestions below will boost anyone’s mood.
Get a Light Therapy Lamp
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be a great way to stave off winter blues. If you are working at a desk or need a few minutes of stress relief, try buying a bright light lamp that imitates natural sunlight.
There is a proper combination of light therapy based on timing, light intensity, and duration. Consult a doctor or the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you don’t hurt your eyes and have the best results. It is most effective early in the morning for at least 30 minutes—keep a light schedule to have the most impact.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins and is an excellent way to boost energy. Even moving your body 20-30 minutes daily can have tremendous benefits.
Taking up a winter hobby might be nice to get outdoors and get a little fresh air. This season I bought a complete winter gear kit to do winter walks and try snowboarding. If you want to try snowboarding, I recommend Optimist Hill, right in Saskatoon! Walking down the Meewasin trail amongst all the birds and trees is a surefire way to enjoy the outdoors. Having a friend to do these activities with is also a great way to get a chat in and boost your mood.
Pick one winter activity that you love or at least can tolerate, and try to do it a few times or more this winter season! If you feel like -20C is too cold, prioritize activities on good weather days. Sometimes it can be hard to take advantage of these if you work full-time, but if they fall on a weekend, there’s no better time to get outside!
Prioritize Social Activities
Staying inside all winter sounds like the best course of action but remember to prioritize socialization. The roads might be bad sometimes, but plan fun activities with friends and family when it’s safe. Having a close social group and having connections with various people will enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine. My favourite winter activities with friends are going to a cozy cafe, going to the art gallery, walking outside, and skating at a rink near my house.
Remember to Get Enough Vitamin D
We have already touched on the Light Therapy lamp. Still, real vitamin D is also required to regulate the amount of calcium, Magnesium and phosphate in your body, which is vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. The research on vitamin D and your health is limited, but it can’t hurt to try to get more in regularly.
Low sunshine throughout the winter months means less vitamin D from the sun, and luckily there are supplemental vitamins. Food can also be a great source of vitamin D, such as juices, milk alternatives, oily fish, red meat and eggs.
If you can, taking a vacation to a warm climate can be a nice break from winter blues and an excellent way to gain more vitamin D!
Be sure not to let winter halt your life entirely, and try something new this year to keep yourself active and healthy. These tips will hopefully get you out of that slump and encourage you to get out there.
Contact your local REALTOR® to find a wonderful home for those shopping endorphins this winter!
Halloween Treat > Caramel Apples
Since Halloween is coming up this Monday, I wanted to share my all-time favourite Halloween treat. My mother and I made them when I was a kid, and we gave them out to trick-or-treaters. Those days are gone, but the nostalgia still lives on.
Caramel apples are a super versatile treat. They are crunchy, creamy and delicious. Eat them plain or enjoy them with various toppings, like peanuts, melted chocolate, cookie crumbs, marshmallows or other delectable treats.
Before we begin, I want to warn you that making these can get quite messy and be prepared for a complete kitchen clean-up, but trust me, it’s worth the mess.
Apples that work best for this recipe are crunchy, firm apples, like granny smith, fuji or even my favourite honey crisp! Choose a small to medium-sized apple that is firm and round, with no soft spots.
After your apples are selected, you will need:
-a candy thermometer
– a heavy-bottomed saucepan
– a wooden spoon
– strong wooden sticks: we will be stabbing these into the apples, and they will act as the handle for the apple
– a pastry brush: to push the sauce down into the pan and remove the excess caramel from the apples
Ingredients:
8–9 cold apples
1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
2 cups (400g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 60g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prep:
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Scrub them to remove as much wax coating off as possible to help the caramel stick better. (organic apples with no wax coating might work nicely for this too).
Remove the apple stem so that the stick can be inserted into the apple easily later.
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat. Or grease the baking sheet with butter.
DO NOT use wax paper or parchment paper, as the caramel will stick to it.
Make the Caramel dip:
- Combine the heavy cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a 3-quart heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat.
Do not turn the temperature up or down– keep it at medium the entire time the caramel cooks.
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter is melted.
Once melted, brush down the sides of the pan with a water-moistened pastry brush and attach a candy thermometer to the pan, making sure the bulb is not touching the bottom of the pan (as you’ll get an inaccurate reading).
- Without stirring, let the mixture cook and bubble until it reaches between 235°F – 240°F.
Reaching this temperature should take about 15 – 20 minutes, though don’t use time as your guide because it depends on your stove.
Don’t be alarmed if your caramel is taking longer. Just use the candy thermometer as your guide.
The temperature will heat up slowly, then move quickly, so keep your eye on the pot.
Once at 235°F – 240°F, remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Avoid over-stirring, which can create air bubbles in the caramel (and then on the apple).
Allow caramel to cool for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
If caramel is too thin to coat apples, let it cool and thicken for 5-10 minutes longer.
Dip the Apples:
- Holding the caramel apple stick, dip the apple into the warm caramel, tilting the pot as needed to coat all sides of the apple.
Lift the apple up and swirl it around or gently tap it against the pot’s side to let excess caramel drip off.
***After dipping the apple in the caramel. If using extra toppings, place toppings on a shallow pile on a plate and roll the apple around in the toppings.
Place coated apples on the prepared pan.
Repeat with remaining apples.
Enjoy immediately or allow caramel to set about 45-60 minutes.
If you want to wrap the caramel apples in cellophane treat bags for travel/gifting, wait until the caramel has been completely set.
- Once completely cooled for displaying or serving, place the apples on wax paper or another nonstick surface.
Even when the caramel has been completely set, caramel apples may slightly stick to a serving dish.
To eat a caramel apple, you can bite right into it or sit it upright on a cutting board and cut slices around the stick. (Or pull out the stick and slice.) These are great for sharing!
- Loosely cover and store the leftover dipped apples in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Bonus Tips:
How to clean a sticky saucepan:
It’s not always easy or fun, but I have a helpful solution! When you’re finished making sticky caramel, simply fill the dirty saucepan with water until the water covers all of the candy residue. Place the saucepan on the stove over low heat. Let the warm water simmer and melt the sugar off the sides of the pan. Pour out the warm water, then let the tools sit until cool enough to handle. Rinse clean.
DO NOT double Batch:
I don’t recommend halving, doubling, or tripling candy recipes, especially this caramel.
Increasing or decreasing the quantity may work for baking, but the extra or decreased volume could prevent the candy from cooking properly.
Make separate batches instead.
