North Ridge Realty : Blog : Latest Blog Posts

Top Saskatoon Pubs to Check Out on the Weekends

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 14:59:00 GMT

“Honey, where do you want to eat tonight?”

“I don’t care. You pick.”

It’s an age-old conversation heard across North America. If you have found yourself in the middle of an indecisive argument before ending up at your regular hotspot for the third week in a row, here are some local Saskatoon pubs to check out this weekend.

The Rook and Raven – A locally owned and operated gastropub, this happening spot has been a go-to spot in Saskatoon’s downtown since opening in 2011. Known for its friendly service, fair prices, and quality food, The Rook and Raven is a great place for a night out or a quick lunch.
Winston’s – A traditional English-style pub in the heart of downtown Saskatoon, Winston’s is a must visit if you enjoy a variety of craft beers and authentic English food. Located in the historic Hotel Senator, you will feel transported when you walk through the doors.
Congress Beer House – Congress is known for its wide alcohol selection and locally sourced ingredients. They make their own burgers and have taken pub food to a whole new level. Grab a pint on a Friday night and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
The Yard and Flagon – Located in Saskatoon’s Broadway district, the Yard and Flagon is an Irish-style traditional pub with good food and a wide selection of tap and bottled beers. Their rooftop patio is the perfect place to relax after a long week.
Hose & Hydrant – This fire station turned pub is a great place to go on a Thursday night in Saskatoon. Why? Its ½ price wings on Thursdays. Beyond that, the fire station atmosphere creates a fun, exciting place to enjoy delicious food and great company.

So, the next time you’re feeling indecisive check out one of these top rated Saskatoon pubs.

Affording a Second Property in Saskatoon

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:59:00 GMT

Having a second property can look different depending on your stage of life. Some people choose to purchase a cabin or summer home. Others, who are usually more advanced in years, may choose to purchase a timeshare or second property somewhere warm for the winter. Still others might choose to purchase a second property to rent out for extra income.

There are some important questions you will want to ask yourself before you decide to purchase a second property, such as, “can we afford a second mortgage?” or, if the Saskatoon property is a rental space “am I ready to deal with potentially difficult tenants?” It is important to seriously consider the financial cost before purchasing a second property to make sure that it won’t add financial strain to your life.

Another important thing to consider is what type of second property you will purchase. A holiday home and a rental property have different value for mortgages and other financing options. Knowing what you want to buy is an important step in figuring out whether or not you can afford to purchase a second property.

The other important factor is looking into the various financing options such as HELOCs, home equity loans and conventional mortgages. Talking with a financial advisor can help to shed some light on what the best financing options before you start to browse.

If you are ready to purchase a second property, or a first property, come talk to us at North Ridge Realty. Our realtors would be happy to help you find the perfect new home in Saskatoon!

Mortgage vs. HELOC: What’s the Difference?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

One of the biggest questions you will ask yourself when deciding to purchase a new home in Saskatoon is “how am I/how are we going to pay for it?” Currently, there are two main options for paying for your home (assuming that you do not have the savings to pay for the whole home outright). These options are a conventional mortgage or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Here are some differences between the two financing options:

Mortgages are structured – Typically, a mortgage has a fixed time period (amortization), fixed payments, and in some cases a fixed interest rate. HELOCs on the other hand are entirely open. Interest rates with a HELOC fluctuate with the prime rate, there is no fixed time period, and no set payments which can be a great option if you want flexibility.
HELOCs can be re-borrowed – A HELOC allows you to take money out of the line of credit multiple times, which offers the ability to borrow against the HELOC for home renovations, emergencies, or the down payment on a second property. Mortgages are a one-time loan that cannot be re-borrowed (unless a second mortgage is taken out).
Mortgages are stickier – With conventional mortgages, there are penalties for paying it off early or for paying more annually than a set percentage of the mortgage (usually 20%). With a HELOC, you can pay off the loan as quick as you want and there are no limits to how much you pay at a time, however, if you miss payments on either structure there may be repercussions.

If you’re looking at purchasing a new home soon, talk to your banking institution about your financing options and then come talk to us.

Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profile: Bloomin’ Rosewood

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:03:00 GMT

Rosewood is a community located on the South-East end of Saskatoon just north of the interchange for Highway 16 and Boychuk Dr. The community is a bustling hub, built to help preserve and protect an area of wetland located just east of Boychuk Drive. Eventually the community will hold 12,000+ residents in a variety of housing situations including condos, townhomes, single family homes, and rental suites.

Once the community is completed it will reach all the way to the new Costco on Zimmerman Road. The area with Costco, dubbed the Meadows Market will also feature other businesses such as Marshalls, Visions Electronics, McDonalds, Scotiabank and others. The area will be a commercial hub where residents of Saskatoon can access all their essential needs in one area.

Having only been around for a few years, the Rosewood Community Association is hard at work getting recreational sports leagues started and developing a sense of community for Rosewood Residents. They have started an annual community garage sale which will take place on August 25th this year. They currently offer yoga, barre classes, and babysitting courses at a small fee and have drop-in sports programs which are free with a community association membership.

Rosewood is a community that is ready to explode in Saskatoon as the hottest place to live. Get yourself into the up and coming neighbourhood before it’s too late. Talk to our professional realtors about opportunities in Rosewood!

Free Things to do in Saskatoon This Summer

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:01:00 GMT

It’s the wonderful time of the year where the sun is shining, and the kids are out of school, the air is warm, and ice cream is an every night affair. When summer hits, it can be difficult to come up with activities that don’t require you to spend a lot of money (although going to the movies to get some air conditioning is sometimes necessary).

If you have a big family, we suggest you save movies for Toonie Tuesdays at the Rainbow and instead check out some of these free things to do in Saskatoon:

Walk the River – The River Valley is beautiful in the summertime. If take an evening or afternoon stroll along the river, you may just see something you’ve never seen before (like an Aqua Car). Make sure you check out the Broadway Bridge Painted Rock collection and try to find Mario or the Transformers symbol.
Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park – Although certain elements of this park do require money (the train, carousel, and Ferris Wheel), the playland itself is free to roam. It includes fun kid-friendly activities such as a splash pad, climbing area, and sand play area.
U of S Museum of Natural Sciences – Located on the University of Saskatchewan campus the Museum of Natural Sciences is full of interesting artifacts. On their website they have a printout for a Museum Scavenger Hunt which will likely keep the kids entertained for a few hours at least.

Summertime is meant for family bonding, if you take advantage of these places and use a bit of imagination, you will definitely have a great summer.

Tip Time: Keeping Saskatoon Home Renovation Costs Low

Sat, 10 May 2025 15:03:00 GMT

Deciding to renovate your Saskatoon home is a huge decision with a lot of factors involved. If you’re thinking about renovating your home, our first suggestion would be to talk to the experts at North Ridge Renovations to get your free estimate. Our second suggestion would be to read these tips and prepare yourself to renovate your home:

SET A BUDGET – The first, and most important, step in renovating any part of your house is the budget. Deciding your spending limit will help keep your expectations in check and sticking to your budget will make the financial strain of renovating manageable. When you have a budget grounding your perspective, it will hopefully keep you from overspending.
GET ADVICE – Before you start busting down walls or tearing up carpet, take some time to get advice from contractors, renovation experts, and/or friends who have recently renovated. Take advantage of free estimates from renovation companies and collect a variety of opinions on cost, time, and overall stress.
TRUST YOUR GUT – Once you’ve made a decision, stick to it. Second guessing yourself can increase the cost of renovating by holding up the progress, paying for the new materials, and potentially the de-installation of the original choice (This isn’t HGTV with unlimited resources). If you’re an indecisive person, ask someone you trust to give their opinion – either you will agree with them, or you’ll disagree. Either way, you’ll gain a clearer perspective.

Whether you’ve just started contemplating renovations or if you’ve been planning for a while, we hope these tips will help you enter the renovation season with confidence and certainty to create the Saskatoon home you’ve always dreamed of. Looking for a change beyond renovations? Let’s chat.

Backyard DIYs for the Perfect Summer in Saskatoon

Sat, 10 May 2025 15:01:00 GMT

Summer time is upon us and that means that backyard BBQs and campfires. If your Saskatoon backyard is looking a little less than ready for those summertime get-togethers, we have a few simple and inexpensive DIY projects to help create your very own backyard oasis. We hope you are ready to host all the summertime soirees this year.

Outdoor Entertainment Table – This table is a stellar idea for anyone looking to host a backyard BBQ. Multipurpose drink storage allows you to make the most use of the space in your backyard.
Palette Table – Palettes are a great way to build outdoor furniture. They’re cheap, durable, and when painted in a bright colour – absolutely stylin’. This DIY is great because you can tweak it to fit your size needs and your personality.
Brick Bench – We love this DIY because it is so customizable. You can make it as tall as you want, as long as you want, and you can really let your personality shine through your fabric choice. Feeling inspired? We suggest painting the bricks.
Palette Bar – Making another appearance on our list is palettes. This DIY bar is great if you love having buffet style summer BBQs, or if you want to show off your bartending skills (margaritas anyone?).
Easy Pergola – Pergolas are a great way to create some shade and add some awesome aesthetic to your backyard. If you like to be super thrifty, this option is even better because it claims to be “super frugal.” Customize your Pergola with lights, vines, or fabric.

If you want more ideas on how to DIY the perfect patio check out this list with 100 DIYs for the backyard and get ready to enjoy your Saskatchewan summer in style. Need a home with a bigger yard? Come talk to us!

Tip Time: Six Ways to Make Moving Stress Free (Part Two)

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 15:02:00 GMT

If you missed our blog post with the first three points, check them out! Because moving is such a big life transition, we felt that our tips couldn’t be contained into a single post so here are three more tips to make your moving day/week a breeze.

Put ‘em Together – The easiest way locate things post-move is if you keep similar items together. Instead of having three books in the living room boxes and twelve in your bedroom box, make a book box and put them together. Unpacking will be much simpler when things are organized.
Overestimate your box needs – We tend to think that we don’t have “that much” stuff in our homes, that is until we need to pack everything for a move. Don’t get caught in the days leading up to your move scrounging around the local supermarkets for spare boxes or cramming everything imaginable into the already overstuffed boxes.
Clean out the Fridge – Try to make your last grocery trip two weeks before the move, this will force you to use up as much of your food as possible making moving a bit lighter and who knows you may find something you forgot you had in the freezer (like extra cookie dough). This is especially prevalent if you are moving a long distance as some food will not survive a longer journey (and throwing out food would be a waste of money).

We hope you’re feeling a bit more prepared for your next move. If you’re thinking of moving, and haven’t purchased anything yet, check out some of our North Ridge Homes for Sale.

Tip Time: Six Ways to Make Moving Stress Free (Part One)

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:02:00 GMT

Moving to a new home can be an enormous task that is exciting but also induces the desire to rip out all of your hair. It is a great way to purge your belongings and get rid of things you don’t need or use, but certain aspects of moving require significant time and effort. Here are some tips that we think will help make the transition to your new Saskatoon home super easy.

Colour code your labels – If people are helping you move, this tip is a necessity. It works best with coloured stickers or markers. Each room is assigned a colour, then as the boxes and bags are unloaded your helpers will know where things are going so that your kitchen utensils don’t end up in the bathroom. Just make sure you have legends posted around the house and if you’re super organized coloured paper on each door/wall.
Don’t procrastinate – The biggest stress of moving is when it’s two days before moving day and you still haven’t touched the downstairs closet or the kitchen. Pack as much as you can as early as you can, so the final days leading up to the move can be dedicated to cleaning and packing those essential items.
Pack an essentials bag – Nothing is worse than finally being moved in to your new home and having to tear open every box to find your pajamas or toothbrush. Packing an overnight bag with clothing, bathroom essentials, and other items you know you will need the first few days will help keep the stress levels at a minimum.

Stay tuned for the next 3 tips to help you feel like moving is almost the same as taking a vacation. If you’re ready to start your moving journey by finding a new Saskatoon home, talk with us.

Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profile: Rockin’ it in Stonebridge

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:04:00 GMT

Do you want to live in a neighbourhood that has activities constantly? Do you love playing pickleball or watching movies outdoors in the summertime? Stonebridge is the place for you. Located on the south end of Saskatoon, living in Stonebridge gives you quick access to Circle Drive and Downtown.

With amenities such as Walmart, Home Depot, and Sobeys, you know that your needs will be met. Moreover, many local businesses are located in Stonebridge from Chiropractors to Advertising, Wealth Management to Automotive – Stonebridge truly is a one-stop neighbourhood.

When you venture beyond the commercial areas you will find numerous parks, walking paths, and beautiful ponds, the perfect place to spend your evenings. Stonebridge is one of the more established newer neighbourhoods, and even has a community associate which runs programs such as yoga, pickleball and youth soccer.

As the most populated neighbourhood in Saskatoon, you can be certain that Stonebridge is a worthwhile place to live, over 11 000 people think so! As an ever growing and developing community, it is truly a neighbourhood of possibility and opportunity.

Once you experience the community of Stonebridge, you will never want to leave. Check out our available homes, or head over to North Ridge Developments if you’re looking for townhomes or apartment style condos. We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Top Canadian DIY Blogs You Should Definitely Check Out

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:05:00 GMT

There are blogs about anything and everything. Some are useful and others not so much. We’ve compiled a list of the top Canadian DIY blogs that will blow your mind while providing useful money saving tips for decorating and renovating your Saskatoon home.

Dans Le Lakehouse: Tanya is a DIY-er who is gaining hype across the country for her insane DIY projects including painting a car, turquoise kitchen renos, and home restorations. Her videos are easy to follow and super creative.
Poppytalk: Jan and Earl, the duo behind Poppytalk, have attracted over 9 million followers with their clever DIYs, Ikea hacks, and Jan’s glamping creativity. Poppytalk has been featured in Wired, Design Sponge, Canadian Living, InStyle and Inside Out magazines.
Rambling Renovators: Jen, the creator of this blog, is unique because her site features an entire section dedicated to garden and patio DIYs. If you’re looking to vamp up your backyard this summer, Rambling Renovators should be one of your first stops.
Echoes of Laughter: As a native Nova Scotian, Angie, the creator of Echoes of Laughter, has a unique coastal style in her DIY projects. Her site also contains a vast array of recipes.
Making it in the Mountains: The simple DIYs for upcycling and home decor projects on this site will spruce up those nooks and crannies and make your home Instagram worthy. Kristi, the writer of the blog, loves farmhouses and vintage charm – which really shows up in her DIY and home renovation projects!

Fall in love with the old, the new, and the DIY. There is no way you will be able to browse these sites without finding something that inspires you to update the decor of your Saskatoon home! Looking to purchase a new home? Get in touch.

Tip Time: Five C’s to Prepare Your Saskatoon Home Listing

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:05:00 GMT

If you are thinking about moving to/within Saskatoon and you need to sell your current home, the “to-do” list may feel long and overwhelming as you prepare to move and sell your home all at once. Here are a few things you will want to consider doing before you list your home:

Compile Documents – Receipts for repairs and updates, instruction manuals, and other important documents pertaining to the house should be compiled and kept together. These documents can be helpful in enticing potential buyers and will also make sure you don’t accidentally take something important with you to your new home.
Clutter Clear Out– Now’s the time to sift through the boxes in your storage room and declutter your clothing closet. Donating the clothes you no longer wear will make moving lighter as well.
Clean Crevices – Taking the time to do a top-to-bottom clean of the entire house will really help the listing, it will also make the moving out clean up significantly faster.
Cultivate the Land – The exterior of the house is just as important as the interior, taking the time to clean up the landscaping, weed the garden, and prune dead branches will increase the curb appeal.
Capture the Magic – Take the time to get pictures when everything is spotless (and kid free) to give your home the best chance of a quick sale.

If you’re looking to list your Saskatoon home, North Ridge Realty here to help you find your dream home. Get in touch today and start preparing for your home selling experience.

Saskatoon Decor Don’ts: Top 5 Decor Faux-Pas to Avoid

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:06:00 GMT

If you want your Saskatoon home to be “on-trend” and worthy of Home Living Magazine, the worst thing you could do is commit a dreaded decorating faux-pas. Here are our top five decor don’ts, avoid them and keep your home looking magazine ready.

Too many throw pillows – When it takes someone two minutes to sit on the couch or five minutes to crawl into bed because they spend so much time moving throw pillows around, you know you’ve gone too far. They can be a great way to show your accent colours or incorporate a pattern, but with pillows less is more.
Colour overload – Choosing the colour palette for a particular room (or your entire house) is exciting, but try sticking with a maximum of three – one main and two accents (and at least one neutral tone). Too many colours can be overwhelming and feel disorganized or chaotic.
Being a cookie-cutter – Don’t be afraid of unique pieces of art or furniture that really show who you are; they will give your home a personalized touch. Garage sales and online vendors (such as Kijiji and VarageSale) are a great way to find those one of a kind pieces.
Cramming in furniture – Find larger pieces (i.e. couches, dining room tables, etc.) that fit in the space you have. Trying to fit an oversized couch into a studio apartment will make everything feel cramped.
Let someone dictate your decor – While all of these tips are great, at the end of the day what matters most is that you love the home you live in. Don’t let someone tell you how to decorate, trust your instincts and preferences!

Looking to purchase a new home that’s ready for your decorative spark? Come talk to us and we will find the Saskatoon home you’ve been looking for.

Tip Time: Keeping Your Saskatoon Home Clean

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:06:00 GMT

Some people love cleaning. If you are not one of those people, we get it. Sometimes, the idea of cleaning your home can feel daunting. You might be thinking, “I never have enough time, then everything piles up into a huge task.” If you’re ready to ditch the day-long cleaning overhaul for a manageable routine, here are a few ideas we think might help:

Set a daily schedule – If you schedule a set of tasks each day, it will make cleaning feel less daunting. Choosing one area of the house to focus on everyday will help keep the whole house clean without having to spend an entire day cleaning.
Pick up every day – Taking 10-15 minutes each evening to clean up the day-to-day clutter around the house makes the days for cleaning each room more manageable. Put dirty laundry in the hamper and put your snack dishes into the dishwasher – trust us, it will save you time.
Build a routine – Set aside half hour in the mornings or right when you get home from work and do your cleaning for the day during that time. By adding cleaning into your daily routine, it will eventually form into a habit and make it easier to stick with it. If you miss a day, don’t try to catch up. Continue on your schedule and clean it the following week.
Reward yourself – Knowing that your post-work glass of wine and an episode of your favourite show are waiting for you when you’ve finished makes it easier to complete the tasks at hand. Find your motivator and use it!

We hope these tips help you feel more at home, if not, then maybe it’s time for a change. Check out our Saskatoon homes for sale.

A Look Back at 2018 Decor Trends to Modernize Your Saskatoon Home.

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:07:00 GMT

It seems like every year a new trend or decor fad appears, and people instantly jump at the chance to update their home furnishings. If you want to have the most stylin’ house in Saskatoon, here are four decor trends we love:

High Contrast – Having artwork or furniture that provides an intense contrast is not only appealing to the eye but creates an illusion of depth. For example, if you have light flooring, try a dark coloured rug, or use a white framed mirror as an accent on a dark wall.
Brass Accents – For years the trend of brushed silver and chrome has dominated the design world because of its sleek appearance. However, many designers are beginning to opt for the warmer tones of brass and copper which create a cozier atmosphere.
Rich Colours – Move over pastels, the jewel tone era has arrived! A lot of trendsetters are opting for deep, rich colours to decorate their Saskatoon homes. Evidence of this trend can be found in the deep purple that is the Pantone® Colour of the Year (check out our blog to see how to use the Pantone Colour of the Year in your Home decor).
Bold Patterns – This trend isn’t necessarily new; however, the patterns of preference have changed. The days of geometric patterns are quickly disappearing as trendsetters are opting for bold florals, tropical patterns, and pineapple print.

So, now you know some of the 2018 trends. If you read this and thought, “these would be great if only I had a new home in Saskatoon to decorate,” we can help. We have a variety of houses and condos for sale, come and talk to us to find your dream home to decorate!

Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profile: Kensington, A Lifestyle Choice

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:08:00 GMT

As one of the newer developing neighbourhoods in Saskatoon, Kensington is a great opportunity for anyone looking to live near all the major amenities while being close to the open road. Kensington is located on the west end of Saskatoon, between 22nd Street West and 33rd Street West. Currently in Phase 2 of development, the neighbourhood of Kensington is bright, vibrant, and teeming with possibilities.

Located near the Blairmore Suburban Centre, the Shaw Centre, and Confederation Drive, you are never more than a few minutes away from swimming at the Shaw Centre Pool or dining at one of the various restaurants. With a lot of options for groceries, banking, leisure, and shopping, Kensington is the perfect place for people who like localized amenities.

What’s even better, you’re only about 7 km from downtown. Luckily, Kensington is located on the same side of the South Saskatchewan River, so you never have to worry about bridge traffic. Kensington combines modern lifestyles with traditional living spaces creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Beyond the traditional amenities, Kensington also has two large green spaces which feature great walking paths around two feature ponds – the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.

Interested in buying a new home in Saskatoon? We think that Kensington is the right neighbourhood for you! Take a look at the North Ridge homes for sale, or look at North Ridge Development’s homes in progress. Or, if you would rather talk face to face get in touch with one of our sales consultants.

Tip Time: Staging Ideas to Enhance Your Saskatoon Home For Sale

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:08:00 GMT

Staging is an art form. It can take any space and show it in the best light. Here are a few tips on staging your Saskatoon home that we’ve found very helpful, especially if you plan on DIY-ing it:

Clear up clutter – Make sure you clean up the excess clutter around the house. Recycle or donate things you don’t need and organize the things that must stay. An organized home helps the buyer feel more comfortable in the space.
Update the essentials – When a buyer walks into your home, the place needs to feel fresh and new. A fresh coat of paint can help liven up the space. The cupboard doors or carpet may also be worth updating. Studies show that if a buyer feels they need to replace significant items they might reduce their offer, which may be more than the cost of replacing those items yourself.
Highlight the possibilities – Showing the buyers all the possibilities of a specific area of the house will pique their interest. You want to show the intended purpose of each room but also hint at all the potential a space has to offer a buyer.
Don’t sell empty – It may be easier to vacate the premises and leave the home empty, but it can actually make the home feel smaller. Some people have trouble visualizing how furniture would fit into a room. If you show them an example of a room’s layout, it allows them to see the opportunities within that space.

For more tips on making your house sellable, check out our blog on curb appeal, and then come talk to us at North Ridge Realty, we would love to help you sell your Saskatoon home.

Incorporate the Pantone® Color of the Year in Your Saskatoon Home

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:14:00 GMT

2018 is the year of Ultra Violet. Or in Pantone® speak 18-3838. If you want to know exactly what this colour looks like click here, and see this “thought-provoking and mysterious shade.” From fashion to beauty to graphic design, every industry will build off of the colour of the year and it’s colour harmony profiles to develop trendy, sleek, and fresh designs.

If you’re looking to make a splash with the Pantone® Color of the Year, here are a few ideas to incorporate it into your home decor:

Paint an accent wall – A colour as bold as Ultra Violet may not be suited for an entire room, but accent walls are a way to be subtly bold. Don’t be afraid to add some texture to the wall.
Paint a canvas or two – Pick up some canvases at an art store, take some painters tape or stencils and give it a go. If you’re not sure how to hang your canvases check out our blog post about hanging artwork (link to blog about artwork). Check out some examples below! If you’re feeling adventurous, use some of those Pantone colour harmonies to create a multi-dimensional abstract art piece.

[IMG Source: https://society6.com/product/shattered-tourmaline-magenta_print?curator=suzzincolour]

[IMG Source: http://wallartys.com/geometric-wall-art-metal-diy/purple-rectangle-geometric-wall-art-home-decoration-unique-crafthubs-brown-wallpaper-background-abstract/]

Accent Pillows – This tip might be trickier, but accent pillows are a great way to add a pop of colour. If you can’t find any in-store in the colour you want, try painting it yourself! Accent pillows are a great option if you’re looking for something that can be changed frequently.

At the end of the day, decorating is all about embracing your creativity and finding the style that works for you. However, if you’re looking for a change in the form of a new home, come talk to us! We would be happy to help you find the perfect home.

Up the Ante: Help Boost Your Curb Appeal in the Saskatoon Market.

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 15:09:00 GMT

Unfortunately, the cliché is true, and many people will judge your home by its cover. So, the first impression is vital to getting a quick sale. Any person looking to purchase a new home in Saskatoon (especially when looking online) will decide whether or not they want to view a house based on the pictures in the listing.

Thus, your first step is to have good photos taken of your entire home. Once people have decided to view your home, the first thing they will see is the front yard and exterior of the home. While there are some people who don’t care very much about the exterior, it will impact the buyer’s overall perception of your Saskatoon home.

In preparation for listing, the best way to notice the parts of your house that may need cleaning or repairing is to look at your home as if you’re a buyer. Alternatively, get a friend to come take a look at your home and tell you what they notice – sometimes, fresh eyes see things you might’ve missed. One area that buyers look at is the roof, so, make sure that your shingles are in good repair and that none are missing.

Another way to up curb appeal quickly is to hose everything down with a pressure washer. A clean driveway/walkway and clean siding will improve the appearance of your home without breaking the budget. A final tip for your Saskatoon home is to make sure the window coverings are open every time you have a showing, as this lets in natural lighting and creates a sense of openness throughout the home.

These are just a few quick ways to increase your curb appeal and help you sell quickly. Looking to sell your Saskatoon home? Call us to get started.

Tip Time: Avoiding Errors When Choosing Your Saskatoon Home’s List Price.

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:11:00 GMT

If you’re getting ready to sell your home in Saskatoon and have no idea what a good asking price is, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when they are determining their home’s list price.

1. Being Unwilling to Negotiate– Homes are rarely sold for its exact asking price, so it is a good idea to make sure that you list your Saskatoon home at a price with some flexibility. If you’re unwilling to negotiate, you might turn away serious buyers.
2. Pricing Too High to Start – Flexibility is important but so is having realistic expectations. Starting out at an outrageously high price will likely harm your chances of selling quickly. Statistically, homes priced closer to its value sell faster than those that start high and adjust downwards.
3. Not Basing Your Price on Homes that are Sold – Anyone can list a home for any price they want. However, it’s a good idea to look at homes that have sold recently in your Saskatoon neighbourhood. Looking at these homes as opposed to the competition will give you an accurate depiction of the housing market and help you price accordingly.
4. Picking a List Price Based on Emotion or Need – Listening to your realtor or appraiser about what your home is worth is extremely important. Choosing to list your Saskatoon home based on what you personally think the home is worth or based on what you need financially will likely lead to an unrealistic price.

If you follow these tips, your home is going to be set up for a successful listing and hopefully a quick sale. Our team at North Ridge Realty is here to help answer any questions around selling or buying a house or any general questions about real estate in Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profile: Brighton, Redefining Neighbourhood

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 15:15:00 GMT

As Saskatoon continues to grow and spread, new neighbourhoods are cropping up throughout the city. One of these new neighbourhoods is Brighton, located just South of Highway 5 (which turns into College Drive) on the east end of Saskatoon. This neighbourhood focuses on being an all-inclusive community with exciting activities such as a spray park, toboggan hill, and an open air amphitheatre, Brighton is redefining what community looks like.

With an emphasis on commuter and pedestrian friendly streets, and widespread access to transit, Brighton will be a people-oriented community built to last. At North Ridge Realty, we are excited to partner with North Ridge Developments to be a part of the ongoing development of this exciting new community.

North Ridge is excited to be invested in the new kind of development project that is focused on the people who will live there – designed with care and attention. If you’re ready to watch a neighbourhood being built around you, check our homes for sale in the Brighton community or contact us (link to contact information) for more info on building your dream home in the dream community.

Take a look at the Brighton community website to get a feel for just how exciting this new community will be.

Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profile: Reminisce in Montgomery Place

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 15:15:00 GMT

A neighbourhood built on veterans and their families, Montgomery Place is a true community of diverse individuals in the heart of Saskatoon. Many of the street signs are dedicated to major battles and personnel from the Second World War and the Korean War; and each year, as a remembrance of the origins of the community, Montgomery Place holds an outdoor Remembrance Day celebration.

This remarkable community was named a Historic Site in 2016 and features many gardens, parks and walking paths. Montgomery Place is built on the hard work and dedication of the veterans who turned an area of land into a genuine community of people. The Montgomery Place Community Association offers programs for younger people such as Girl Guides and Boy Scouts and is a community dedicated to raising up the generations to come with honour, respect, and genuine values.

Throughout the years, the community of Montgomery Place has both thrived and suffered but always come through stronger and more established. Some of the time honoured traditions have been flourishing in the Montgomery Place community for years such as the garage sale that takes place on the first Saturday of May every year and various community classes such as Outdoor Yoga and Fitness.

Located in the South-West end of the city, Montgomery Place includes some luxurious condo buildings intermingled with the historic homes of the past. If you’re looking to find a place in history look no further than Montgomery Place, get in touch with us about the possibilities that await you.

How’s It Hanging: Artwork Advice for Your Saskatoon Home

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 15:14:00 GMT

Decorating your new home in Saskatoon can be a big task. Not only do you have to pick out and stage the furniture, but also tastefully add photos and artwork to the walls. Some people lack the spatial awareness to look at a wall and decipher how to hang artwork/photos. So, here are a few tips to help you decorate your home like a pro:

Determine the layout – A trick for gallery walls or to hang more than one piece, is to use painters tape and paper to figure out spacing and visually see what the wall or staircase will look like. It will save you having to readjust after you’ve hammered in the nails.
Don’t be afraid of overlap – If hanging art is too much of a hassle for you and you’d rather just put your photos on a shelf, don’t be afraid to layer them. Doing so creates depth and frees up space for other items.
Hang it at the right height – When hanging a single piece nothing is worse than it being too high or too low. Check out this formula to know how high to hang your photo/artwork
Line ‘em up – Hanging multiple pieces in a row that are different sizes can be tricky, so make sure to line up the middle of the pieces, not the top, as it will be more visually appealing

Whether you’re just moving in or redecorating the most important tip about decorating is to be creative and to trust your gut. If you’re looking for a new home that you can decorate with your creative spark, get in touch and we will help you find that perfect home.