Marla Janzen is an award winning SASKATOON REALTOR she takes action to sell her client's homes and find them the perfect new place to live while negotiating the best terms and price possible. She loves what she does and takes great pride in providing excellence in customer service to all of her clients. She is one of our TRUSTED SASKATOON REAL ESTATE EXPERTS listed on the SASKATOON DIRECTORY and loves to provide Trusted Tips that help the public! 

As we are gearing up for spring many of us are getting ready to put our current home on the market. Here are some tips to help increase the value of your home and get it ready for sale. If you would like me to do a walkthrough of your home to help you make of things you need to complete or a customized list of things that would be worth doing please email me at Marla@marlajanzen.com

Increasing your property Value

Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to other purchase option, etc. By attending to details that can have a positive impact on the value, sellers can significantly increase their chance of attracting qualified buyers willing to pay the asking price.Some tips to achieve a positive impact on value are:

•  Perceived size impacts value, even more so than actual square footage. Open floor plans make a room feel bigger than larger spaces with smaller rooms. Showing property that is furniture free, or at reduced clutter, helps to make the space feel bigger.
• Vacancy increases sale-ability. Property is easier to show and easier to sell, and quicker to take possession of when it is vacant at the time it is offered for sale. Evidence of problems to take possession of the property - such as encroachments, or tenants who wont allow buyer tours negatively impact value. Vacancy also helps the buyer walk through the property imagining ownership. Sellers should remove personal trinkets and family pictures as well as being conveniently absent during a buyer tour.
• Cosmetics are important.

- Fresh paint will always add more value than it costs.

- Clean or new carpet/flooring adds more value than it costs.

- Landscaping adds more value than it costs. At the very minimum, make the entrance area neat.

- If you can, add some colorful flowers and new sod.

- Take care of the obvious! The spot on the ceiling from the roof leak takes thousands of dollars from the perceived value and the offer price.

- Condition affects value.

Do a seller's home inspection to identify and fix the problem BEFORE closing. No point holding up your check a few extra days; plus a failed buyer's inspection could cost you the sale. Buyers will often bargain down your asking price to accomodate for property condition and repairs. If you can, remodel/update the kitchen and master bathroom. These two areas have a big impact on home buying decisions.Strategic renovations impact value and your bottom line. Don't spend more money to renovate the place than you can recapture in value on the sales price.

Find Marla Online at http://www.century21.ca/marla.janzen  she is a Century 21 Fusion Realtor Sakatoon based at 703 Circle Drive, Saskatoon..or checkout her listing in REAL ESTATE SASKATOON here on www.trustedsaskatoon.com  , Marla Janzen is your SASKATOON REAL ESTATE EXPERT.

Stay Trusted my friends SAFE and TRUSTED of course!

BARIATIC SURGERY : Reclaim a Healthier Lifestyle

As the only permanent weight loss solution, Bariatric Surgery can help you to reclaim a healthier life and look and feel the way you dream of… Our weight loss surgical centers of excellence feature Board Certified Physicians and Surgeons in gleaming facilities with only the most advanced technologies and services. As the world leaders in weight loss procedures, our partnered hospitals and clinics are dedicated to making your surgical experience as relaxed and stress free as possible and they guarantee the highest level of patient safety.

There are several different surgical bariatric options available to our clients, and while bariatric operations are major gastrointestinal procedures which alter the capacity and/or the anatomy of the digestive system, the reality is that losing weight permanently isn’t easy and it doesn’t happen overnight. You will need to make healthy changes that become a permanent part of your lifestyle.

Get connected to real people that have had weight loss surgery. These people are proud to share their stories of how their health has improved, they will discuss their past connection to food and the transformation they have experienced post-surgery, as well be there as a support system to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Our relatively low-cost pricing for VSG Gastric Sleeve (gastrectomy), the NEW Gastric Plication, Gastric Band (lap band) and Gastric Bypass surgeries allow you to get the first-class treatment you desire within your budget. The cost of surgery differs depending on the procedure you select and the destination you choose. Each option is affordable and full financing is available.

We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you on a road to health and happiness!

check out listings here in the Saskatoon Health & Wellness Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence.

Trusted SASKATOON HEALTH and SURGICAL WEIGHTLOSS experts right here in Saskatoon!

HERE IS A VIDEO OF GASTIC SLEEVE SURGICAL PROCEDURE ..WARNING THIS IS real surgery

Important Tax Information for First Time Homebuyers:

Do you Qualify for a First-Time Home Buyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit? The costs associated with purchasing a home, such as legal fees, disbursements and land transfer taxes, can be a particular burden for first-time homebuyers who must pay these costs, as well as save money for a down payment. To assist first-time homebuyers with the costs associated with the purchase of a home, the Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. The Credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009 to eligible individuals.

To find out if you are eligible, please visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhbtc-eng.html 

To obtain more information on the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhbtc-eng.html  

Find TRusted Saskatoon Mortgage Brokers here in the SASKATOON MORTGAGE Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence.

There are 1000's of people planning renovations, home improvements big and small..as well as some planning on building their own home, and doing all the research possible before they decide which home builder to TRUST with their DREAM HOME Plans in Saskatoon! DECORA HOMES are Trusted Saskatoon Home Builders DISTINCTIVE, CONTEMPORARY..They build to reflect your personality, they design to meet your needs.They build relationships at Decora it's ALL in the details. In this expert tip they answer questions the public asked about building a home. 

HOME BUILDER QUESTIONS FROM THE SASKATOON PUBLIC 

 "I'd like to ask the homebuilders what their biggest challenge is in earning a clients trust, and what strategies do they use in order to help their clients make the choice to work with them instead of the numerous other homebuilders in this city?"

Great question!  DECORA HOMES is a custom home builder and we pride ourselves on customer service, quality product and workmanship with unique and custom home design. In the home building market it can be confusing and overwhelming trying to find someone who is reputable,reliable and trustworthy,especially when you have so many options. I have included some important points to look at when you are choosing a home builder and what I believe makes Decora stand out from other builders and how we build trust and rapport with clients, subtrades, suppliers and other builders.

1. How did you feel when you first met the homebuilder or sales representative?

What was your first impression or gut feeling. Did you feel comfortable and were your questions answered to your satisfactory. I am a true believer of "go with your gut feeling". Clients have often told me that they knew after our first meeting if we were the right fit for them and that we were very honest and straightforward on what they could expect if they built with Decora.

2. Ask for references and referrals and contact them.

A reputable builder should offer to take you to the homes/and or renovations that have been done by the builder/contracter. Check the quality and speak to the clients who purchased the home or had the renos done. Find out what they have to say about the builder and how their experience was. References and referrals are how a business grows. At DECORA HOMES we give all our clients references and take them into clients homes to show them different plans, if required.

3. What associations are they a part of and what is their warranty?

We belong to Saskatoon and Region Home Builders Association,Canadian Home Builders Association, Energy Star Particpant, Exclusive 10 year Home Warranty and Trusted Saskatoon.com  

4. Has the builder had any complaints or lawsuits,etc filed against them?

There have never been any lawsuits/complaints filed against DECORA HOMES.

5. Does the builder/contractor have a service manager and project manager?

These are key components to a successful build or renovation. This assures that the project timelines and possession dates are followed, product arrives, is inspected and is accounted for, the tradespeople are arriving to their jobsites on their scheduled dates, trades and suppliers are following quality and safety standards and install of product is completed as per blueprints and plans. The service manager also communicates with the clients to provide service during and after the build to followup on any warranty or touch ups that need to be looked after. Service and followup are key!

6. How long has the builder/contractor been in business?

Is it their fulltime job, or is it part-time or a hobby? DECORA HOMES is a fulltime custom homebuilding company and has been in the constuction and masonry business for many years.

7. Who are the sub-trades and suppliers that they use and how long have they been working with them?

This is very important. Having established a committed working relationship with your trades and suppliers shows trust, loyality,consistency and reputablity.At DECORA HOMES we have excellent working relationships with our trades and suppliers and have worked together for several years. We understand how each other works and have a great deal of respect for each other. This is very evident when we take our clients into see our supplies or when they come onsite to meet the trades.

8. What locations do they build in and how many homes do they build a year?

We build all over the city and are also currently building acreage and estate properties,. We purchase lots throughout the city of Saskatoon on a yearly basis.

9. Awards and recognition.- Has the builder/contractor had special recognition for quality, customer service, uniqueness,etc?

We have been the recipient of numerous awards. Decora Homes make it a priority to know and understand the clients budget and expectations. We communicate constantly with our clients. We are honest with each other and if there is a question that I cannot answer on the spot, I will find out the correct information for the customer and get back to them ASAP! The customer is involved throughout the whole process. From blueprint design, to picking product and colors, electrical walkthrough to final inspection.

10. Does the business owner come on site? What is his/her involvement in the company?

At Decora Homes, Rick and Rhonda Iula make it a priority to meet and build a relationship with each and every client, and are in the office and on the job site on a daily basis We ask clients about past experiences they have had with builders/contractors. What did they like/dislike? We ask them what their main concerns are, and focus on creating a truly enjoyable homebuilding experience.

11. Does the builder/contractor use any online tools? 

We  use an online marketing tool targeted towards builders, trades, suppliers and clients. Clients can log into their buildertrend account and have access to their account 24/7. Each client can view a calendar of what is scheduled to be done at their home daily, which trades are at their home that day and changes to schedule. They can also send messages to us, or suppliers, view what products they have picked, access and approve change orders, view and add pictures, and see documents such as plans, quotes,etc. It is also a easy and reliable way for trades,suppliers,project and service managers to communicate.

12. Does the builder have an dedicated Sales Representative/Interior Coordinator to assist clients from beginning to end through their build or renovation?

Yes. For most people this is the largest investment that they will make in their life, and it is extremely important that there is constant communication between our clients and team. They are informed and involved in all decisions regarding their home. Every client is different therefore everyone's ideas and home will be unique. We work directly with the client to establish rapport and a relationship built on trust and honesty.We take the time to get to know our clients, what is important to them in a home, what type of floor plan would ideally fit their lifestyle/household , what are their likes/dislikes. Together we design or make alterations to a floorplan. We work together to create the home or renovation they have envisioned within their budget. Assisting a client with kitchen cabinets, granite, flooring, plumbing etc and watching 

DECORA HOMES are Trusted Saskatoon Home Builders

www.trustedsaskatoon.com  LOVES giving away prizes to our awesome Facebook fans as often as we can, and the latest contest was a Purrrrrrrfect example of that!

Here are the contest details: TRUSTED 'CATS' CONTEST!!

Trusted Saskatoon knows that the businesses featured on the Directory truly are the 'CATS Miaow' in this city....so the next contest involves one of those wonderful Trusted partners! Clare from Saskatoon said " They are very efficient, courteous and well trained"about one of the Trusted businesses ....Tell us which business it is by looking on the directory and you and a friend could be going to CATS at TCU PLace next Sat March 24th! This is a $200+ PRIZE !!!!! YOU MUST EMAIL the answer to Trusted Sasakatoon.com (sara@trustedcanada.com or through the contact us section of the website) ..don't forget your name and contact details......winner announced Thursday 22nd MARCH at 8pm!

The answer that 42 of our wonderful and very Smart fans got correct was:

COUNTRY WIDE MOVING AND STORAGE :

Cam and the Countrywide moving team deserve all the kudos they get ...they are a locally owned and accountable business and they really do an exceptional job of moving & storage (and that is an industry with HORROR stories! We know we hear them all the time!!) ..you can find them on the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of  excellence under the SASKATOON MOVERS & STORAGE CAT-egory.....they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON MOVER and they Guarantee you will have a great moving experience!

Now for the cynics out there that DO NOT Trust us when we say WE CAN indeed be TRUSTED when randomly choosing winners …we thought we would video the winner being chosen in the MOST random manner we could think of !!

ENJOY!