Rosewood Neighbourhood Saskatoon, SK. 

• Population: 2,207
• Home Ownership: 100%
• Personal Income: $55,230
• Dwelling Price: $457,548
• Walking Score: 7*
• Biking Score: 78*

Find out more about the Rosewood Neighbourhood Saskatoon Walking Score here.

Don’t let the low “Walking” score fool you, this is a beautiful area that is better on a bicycle. The bike lanes and flat streets make it ideal for a morning commute on two wheels. Saskatoon is becoming a better city for biking every year, that great for the Saskatoon environment AND the people!

So get a bike and move to Rosewood! You’ll love it here!

Deb  Murdoch of TMG the Mortgage Group says that buying a new home can be very stressful if you don't know the correct steps to a successful purchase. Since Fall is one of the busiest seasons for home buyers and sellers, Deb wants you to know the six steps to buying a home stress free and make the process a little easier with her help.

Step 1: Get pre-approved: It allows you to determine the amount you can qualify for your new home.

Step 2: Start Searching: Using a realtor, word of mouth or checking sites is very useful. Take a drive around the neighbourhoods that interest you and look for "for sale" signs because they may not be listed with a realtor.

Step 3: Make an offer to purchase: After finding the home you want to buy, making an offer of purchase to the seller allows the legal document to be outlined with details that you need to ensure a proper agreement. 

Step 4: Finalize your financing: Once your offer to purchase is accepted, your mortgage broker turns your pre-approval into a live deal. 

Step 5: Closing day: This is the day your receive legal possession of your new home.  You take steps with your lawyer for the payment process and to complete the deal.

Step 6: Moving: The most exciting time of the whole process is moving. Either moving yourself or hiring a moving company, the process can be stressful in an exciting time.

With Deb Murdoch having access to great rates in all of these categories, make your experience a happy one! 

These steps are only an overview of what you need to look for when purchasing a new home. For more details on each of these steps, check our Deb Murdoch's Feature Business Article here or visit her website at debmurdoch.com

In anticipation for this year's Home Styles Show we've been posting articles having to do with home improvement and home decor to our Facebook page, Pinterest, and of course to our blog. Well we are happy to announce that the week we've been waiting for has finally arrived! The home show is scheduled to kick-off this coming Thursday, March 19th - 3pm at Prairieland Park, with over 400 booths! 

The Home Styles Show is "the big event" in Saskatoon that truly speaks to the hearts of the renovation, home improvement, DYI types. With guest speakers Damon Bennett and Kate Cambell at this year's show, it's easy to see how people will be inspired to tackle their home renovation or custom home build with confidence after attending one of their speaking sessions.  

Now for those of us who may not have a home renovation or building project in the works, don't worry, because the home show also caters to those of us who might be in the market for a new home or are looking for lifestyle products like cookware and hot tubs! 

Speaking of being in the market for a new home, last week we met with local mortgage broker, Deb Murdoch, to discuss the benefits of working with a mortgage broker when purchasing a home, finding capital to renovate your home, and securing a great interest rate - click here to read the interview. Deb Murdoch will be at the home show this week and can be found at the First Avenue Furnishing's booth. Be sure to stop-by the booth to speak with Deb about your mortgage. 

Other local business found on My Saskatoon that will be exhibitors in this year's home show include: 

• BP Banister
• Decora Homes
• Dynamic Bath & Shower
• Glass Doctor of Saskatoon
• Haven Builders Inc. 
• Palliser Rooms EQ3
• Reed Security 

We're looking forward to this year's home show and can't wait to see all the local businesses in attendance!

photo credit - Home Styles

2015 Home Styles Details 

Show Times

• Thursday, March 19th - 3pm to 9pm
• Friday, March 20th - 12noon to 9pm
• Saturday, March 21st - 10am to 7pm
• Sunday, March 22nd - 10am to 5pm

Admission Rates 

Tickets available at the door - but CASH ONLY!!

Is it time to renovate that kitchen or put an addition on your home? Or maybe you're tired of paying those high-interest credit cards. Or you're considering purchasing an investment property. If you're self-employed, you might need a cash infusion. So, where do you get the money? Well, if you have enough equity in your home you might be able to borrow against it.

Here, Deb Murdoch, your Trusted Saskatoon Mortgage Expert, provides some information about utilizing your home's equity. 

Your home's equity is an asset you can use, either by:

• borrowing against it with a second mortgage

• or a home equity line of credit (HELOC)

• or by refinancing

There are pros and cons to all three options. Let's take a closer look at the possibilities!

Refinancing

This is an entirely new loan on the property, and pays out the existing mortgage. You can choose to refinance to take advantage of a lower interest rate or take out cash to pay off debts or to renovate. There has to be sufficient equity since you can only refinance up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV) through conforming lenders. However, if you're in the first year or two of a fixed-rate mortgage, the penalty to refinance may be onerous.

Second Mortgage

A second mortgage is a separate loan on the property, but is still secured by the property. This is a popular way to get much-needed cash quickly -- the application process is fast, as is the turnaround time. Second mortgage lenders focus on the property and the equity available. The interest rate will likely be higher because a second mortgage is riskier than the first. For example, in case of default, the first mortgage lender has the first right to proceeds from a sale or power of sale. However, there are situations when a second mortgage can be advantageous, especially if you already have a great mortgage rate on your existing first mortgage.

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC can be a stand alone first mortgage or an all inclusive collateral mortgage. The loan is approved using the same basic criteria as a mortgage loan. The full amount of the money is made available up front, and you can access as much or as little as you want. It's an installment loan that acts as a revolving line of credit. You access the credit line online, by using a cheque, credit card or by using your debit card. The "credit limit" is determined by the equity, but you'll only pay interest on the funds you use.

Whether you choose any of these options depends on your financial needs and situation. For example, if current interest rates are lower than the rate on your existing first mortgage, refinancing may be the best choice. However, if rates are up, taking out a second mortgage might make more sense. Or, depending on what your needs are, selecting a HELOC may be the way to go.

Stay Connected

Together, we can determine the best option that fits your needs. I will work closely with you to ensure you're achieving your financial goals. To find out which of the three options suits you, call me today.

Check out Deb's Spotlight Profile for her contact details and more information about her services!