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Shantelle McCrea: The Realty Consultants Group

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Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Shantelle McCrea: The Realty Consultants Group

TRCG The Realty Consultants Group Not your typical realtor. Not your typical realtor bio. You loathe typical people real estate bios. Don't worry. I do too. Yes. JK!

They’re like cardboard – stiff, bland, and identical to every other bio out there. Instead of boasting ad nauseum about awards and accomplishments you’re not interested in. I'm taking the novel approach of actually giving you what you want – real answers to questions you’re probably wondering right now

Will you return my calls and emails ? Without question

I realize this is one of the major fr

ustrations the general public has with dealing with agents. I get dozens of calls and emails daily. I work hard to reply as quickly as possible. Here’s what I can tell you. I’m honest and candid. I take pride in being approachable and friendly. And if you need a quick real estate brain, or a strong dose of honesty, you’re in the right place. Loyalty to family, clients, and friends is one of my core values. Do you have experience doing exactly what I need ? Until you tell me what you need, there is no way of knowing. These are “strong suits” of mine:

• Working with expired
• Relocation
• First time home buyers

If your goal or situation isn’t represented on the list, don't worry. Contact me anyways. If I can't help, I can get you referred to an another agent who can. What kind of work are you really good at ? On a personal level, I’m pretty good at cooking( I make a mean lasagna!), and I’m not too shabby at gardening (I’ve been told I have a green thumb). On a professional level, here are the skill-sets that I’ve developed over the years.

• Listening
• Been patient
• Negotiating

What do clients think of you ? My clients are better suited to answer this for you. Here’s what some of them have said. "Shantelle was amazing throughout the entire process of the sale of our house. She went above and beyond to to finalize the offer by coming to our home on the morning of her wedding day for us to sign the accepted offer. I would and will recommend her to all my friends and family looking to sell or buy a home. She is thoughtful, intelligent and cares about every little detail of the entire process. Shantelle truly cares about her clients and it was proven by the lengths she went to in dealing with our house!"
Karen Denomy, Humboldt, SK (Seller)

"Being in sales and business, first impressions are important to me to establish a level of trust. I knew plenty of Realtors from a variety of brokers but Shantelle really made an amazing impression and she worked at my speed and she covered my critical points and made it an amazing experience right from the first interaction. She was prepared and knowledgeable and my husband and I were very happy with her service from day one. Shantelle really puts her clients needs first and she went above and beyond and I am so happy to refer her to my friends, family and colleagues because I know she is the best choice. I couldn't be happier with her service. Thank you from Scott and I!"
Shana Stevens, Saskatoon (Buyer)

"Shantelle is a very polite, knowledgeable and professional Realtor. She is patient and always there if you need her. She will advise you of the kind of home that's suitable for you based on your circumstances but won't pressure you to buy a house you'll live unhappily ever after. Shantelle, you are the best. One day I'll bring you a baby lioness from Africa as a pet! But seriously though, I'd recommend any of my friends to buy their homes through you." MHULA N. KITINDI, SASKATOON (Buyer)

"Shantelle is a very personable and friendly young lady that is willing to go above and beyond what any other sales person I have used in past. She is knowledgeable and has a good grasp on what the market is like when you need to know." Rudy and Joan Wiebe, Martensville, SK. (Seller)

"Shantelle went above and beyond to make my first home buying experience a great one. She patiently answered my questions, and was always professional." Sheila Quintaine Delisle Sk. (Buyer)

Quick snapshot
• Accredited buyer representative course
• Power of Negotiation course
• Kinsmen Martensville & Wish it Foundation-Volunteering
•. Accredited seller representative course
•. Professional Standard Committee-SRAR

03/28/2026

The Universally Designed Bathroom Is in Demand

Wet rooms and accessible design are growing in demand among bathroom remodelers, according to the 2025 Bathroom Trends Study, produced by the home remodeling site Houzz.

One in six renovated bathrooms now feature a wet room—an open-concept space where the shower or tub flows seamlessly into the rest of the room, without a bulky enclosure.

Homeowners are drawn to this layout for its versatility. It maximizes space, creates a sleek and modern look, and offers accessibility for all ages and mobility levels.

Bathroom design is increasingly being shaped by universal design principles. Forty-one percent of design and remodeling professionals report that homeowners are remodeling with aging household members in mind.

Some top accessibility features include:
-Low-curb or curbless showers
-Additional lighting
-Nonslip flooring
-Grab bars
-Built-in seating
Also, today’s spacious wet rooms are prioritizing easy movement less-fuss maintenance, such as through large format tiles—12 x 24-inch rectangles—that make it easier to keep clean.

03/25/2026

The 10-Minute Test: Quick Staging Tweaks That Can Make a Massive Difference

1. Clear tables and countertops
Counter space is considered negative space. Architect-turned-abstract artist Amrish Malvankar explains that negative space influences emotion—and so you can harness these psychological effects to boost a listed house’s marketability. It’s why Clint Collin, the owner of Houston Furniture Rentals, is big on clearing and wiping down kitchen and bathroom counters. Collin says that most homeowners pay closer attention to those rooms—so focus your efforts there to make every second count. He recommends having disinfecting wipes handy to clean these areas quickly.

2. Let the light in
Neutral-colored curtains, drapes, blinds, shades and shutters lend character to otherwise bare and drab windows. However, they should take a backseat—and let the spotlight shine on the sun. Using abundant daylight can make the space appear larger, and it’s an inexpensive, easy way to stage a house limited in square footage.

3. Freshen up the air
Scents can affect people’s emotional state. They can evoke personal memories, so filling the indoor air with a pleasant smell can lift the mood of visitors.

4. Hide highly personal items
A properly staged house should be devoid of any trace of the current owner’s relatives, likes, interests and beliefs, allowing buyers to imagine themselves living there. Hiding the seller’s personal belongings out of sight is a must. Discreetly tucking away all highly personal items belonging to the current owner of the house, including family photos, refrigerator magnets and toiletries. Not seeing any reminders of the current homeowner maximizes the impact of the initial walk-through, as potential buyers can then more easily envision themselves living in the house.

5. Make the beds
The bed is the focal point of any bedroom. Its appearance sets the tone for the rest of the room. An organized bed makes the area look clean, inviting and well maintained. Make the bed, topping it off with accent pillows and having it feel inviting.

6. Handle clutter systematically
Relentless decluttering is one of those simple staging ideas that works like a charm. Ensuring the house is mess-free is essential. However, it can be challenging to keep everything spotless and organized for constant home vistors. Develop an efficient decluttering process you can apply to any room, and you’ll see that this chore magically becomes easier. It could even mean having a go-to basket or under-bed tote to stash items away on the fly.

03/23/2026

Typical Conditions You’ll Encounter During a Home Sale

Common conditions you’ll come across in a real estate transaction

There’s a lot to consider beyond the price point of a home, and agreed upon conditions help ensure protection and a smoother sale. These are some of the more common conditions you’ll encounter during a home sale, though they won’t all be present in every offer.

Appraisal contingency
Buyers have the right to request an appraisal of the home to compare its true value to the asking price. If the home is appraised for less than what the seller listed in the contract, the buyer may not be approved for the mortgage asking price, re-negotiations may commence, or the buyer may walk away with their deposit.

Home inspections
While not a legal obligation, one of the most important and highly recommended conditions to include is a home inspection to ensure the property is structurally sound. Though sellers will occasionally foot the bill, home inspections are usually paid for by the buyer with an inspector of their choosing so they feel confident in the results.

Financing
A financing condition or clause lets a seller know the buyer’s offer to purchase the property is conditional on obtaining their financing. The condition affords the buyer time—usually five to seven business days—to confirm their ability to obtain mortgage approval. This protects the buyer in the event the home appraisal comes in low and they’re not approved for the amount offered.

Escape clause
Usually stipulated by the seller, this clause allows the seller to “escape” or terminate the agreement based on a condition. A common use of the escape clause is when a seller has accepted a conditional offer on their home whereby the buyer requires 10 days to secure their financing. If the seller is receiving better offers during this time, the escape clause allows them to provide the original conditional offer 48 hours to complete the sale and if they can’t, the sellers have the right to go with a new buyer.

Land survey review
A survey review differs from a home inspection by way of surveying the grounds the property is on and again, while not required, it’s strongly advised to pay for a qualified, chartered professional to survey the property.

Cleanliness
Who doesn’t want to move into a clean home? This condition specifies the requirement for the home to be professionally cleaned before you move in.

Fixtures and chattels
If you expect to have appliances when moving into the new home it’s important to write it in the contract so you’re not met with an unexpectedly bare home on moving day. Make sure everyone is aware of what’s staying and what’s going.

03/22/2026

7 Warning Signs the Roof Is at Risk This Winter

1. Sagging or uneven roof surfaces
One of the most serious red flags is a roof that appears to sag or dip in certain areas. This indicates structural weakness that could lead to catastrophic failure under the load of snow. Snow can weigh 20 pounds per square foot when wet, and a weakened roof simply can’t handle that kind of pressure.”

What to do: Contact a structural engineer immediately. This isn’t a DIY fix and requires professional assessment before winter arrives.

2. Missing, cracked or curling shingles
Damaged shingles create entry points for moisture, which can freeze and expand, causing further damage during winter months.

What to do: Replace missing shingles and repair cracked ones before the first snowfall. Even small gaps can lead to major problems when ice forms.

3. Ice dams forming along gutters
If you noticed ice dams last winter, your roof likely has insulation or ventilation issues that will worsen this year. “Ice dams form when warm air escapes through your roof, melting snow that then refreezes at the edges. This creates a dam that forces water back up under your shingles.”

What to do: Improve attic insulation and ventilation. Clean gutters thoroughly and consider installing heat cables as a temporary solution.

4. Interior leaks, damp patches or water stains
Any signs of water intrusion inside your home indicate your roof's protective barrier is already compromised.

What to do: Trace the source of leaks immediately. Water can travel far from the actual roof damage, so you may need professional help to locate the problem

5. Blocked or damaged roof vents
Proper airflow prevents ice buildup and helps maintain consistent roof temperature. Blocked vents create hot spots that lead to uneven snow melting.

What to do: Clear debris from vents and replace damaged vent covers. Ensure soffit vents aren’t blocked by insulation from inside the attic.

6. Excessive icicles or gutter stress
While some icicles are normal, large formations indicate poor drainage and potential structural stress on your gutters and roof edge. When gutters start pulling away from the house or you see oversized icicles, that’s your roof telling you there’s a drainage problem.

What to do: Clean gutters completely and check that downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Repair any loose gutter brackets.

7. Visible granule loss on asphalt shingles
Excessive granules in gutters or bare spots on shingles mean your roof’s protective coating is wearing away, making it vulnerable to winter damage.

What to do: If granule loss is widespread, a roof replacement is likely needed. Isolated areas can be repaired with new shingles.

03/20/2026

3 Color Trends Mixing Up Spaces—And Which One Could Sell Best in Real Estate

Here’s how each trend is expected to shape home design in 2026.

1. Loud Luxury: Bold Personality
If quiet luxury was all about restraint, Loud Luxury is the opposite—playful and personality-driven, Kantz says. She describes it as perfect for those who love expressive color, along with meaningful objects and layered in patterns—not clutter, but curated character.

Kantz emphasizes saturated greens and jewel tones, such as jade, are popular colors with this style—and are expected to continue to be major color trends into 2027.

Loud Luxury can work in living rooms, powder rooms or anywhere you want to make a bigger style moment, she says.

Ways to channel Loud Luxury:
-Add color through cabinetry or an accent wall
-Use bold furniture fabrics or patterned pillows
-Highlight architectural details with deeper tones

2. Cozymaxxing: Brings Warmth and Calm
Kantz describes Cozymaxxing as “extreme comfort”—a multisensory environment built on layers of texture, warmth and ease. “You want people to picture themselves snuggling by the fireplace or decompressing after a long day,” she says. Colors with this style often include more neutrals, like creams, taupes and warm grays. She says this style often fits best in living rooms and bedrooms.

Ways to channel Cozymaxxing:
-Favor warm wood tones
-Layer in textures, such as through throws, pillows and plush rugs
-Design spaces for softness and emotional ease, like by creating a reading nook

3. Tropical Escapism: Brings Joy and Optimism
Tropical Escapism is the “feel good” style of 2026. This style channels vacation energy through resort-inspired items. It’s not about theme décor, but about infusing lightness and joy through color pops, Kantz says. She says the color palettes could include guava pinks, sun-washed oranges, greens, breezy acquas and tropical wood tones. Kantz says the trend appears most as accents—like feature walls or accessories—but it can also be great for smaller spaces in the home, like the powder room.

Ways to incorporate Tropical Escapism:
-Add pops of color, like guava or coral, in accessories such as throw pillows
-Layer in lighter wood tones
-Introduce watery blues that blend in with existing grays and whites

03/18/2026

A Home Stager Reveals 3 Hot Design Trends for 2026

Here are three key design trends I have on my radar for the new year that will refresh, reimagine and reinvent a home.

Curves That Comfort
Scalloped, circular shapes and curves are strongly trending. This form is approachable, comforting and creates a sense of luxury without trying too hard. Rounded kitchen islands say “let’s get social.” Curved ottomans and couches in intimate gathering areas display sculptural sophistication and style. In my market in Atlanta, a popular trend has become arched doorways from the mudroom to the kitchen or the family room into the master bedroom. These curvy shapes are hugging spaces and creating welcoming interiors.

Nature-Mimicking Texture
Embrace the not-so-perfect as nature-based materials take center stage in kitchens and baths. These might include natural marble, polished metal or rustic and raw-like wood and stone. Natural elements deliver textures that set the mood for comfort and completeness, offering a distinctive look that creates more personalized, memorable spaces. In my market, this trend is also showing up in wallpaper that has a 3D-like texture and that also can act as a sound-dampening layer in, say, a golf simulator room.

Soft Story-Telling Classics
Sustainability is top of mind, but it’s coming from reaching into the past. Vintage pieces are “in,” but it’s by using them strategically that evokes a special feeling of home. Furniture that is reusable, remade or repurposed has a story. We’re also finding this trend comes with unexpected classic patterns being reimagined.

Overall, these three design trends reveal how consumers are wanting to live and what they value—and it’s being reflected in home staging to help spaces resonate more with home buyers’ preferences, too.

03/16/2026

Wood Cabinets Overtake White as Top Choice in Kitchen Remodels

Wood cabinetry has officially edged out white as the most popular choice in kitchen renovations, according to Houzz’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Study, which surveyed more than 1,700 homeowners about their latest kitchen remodeling project.

For the first time in recent years, wood has emerged as the top cabinet choice, selected by 29% of renovating homeowners, marking a six percentage point jump from last year. That rise pushed wood tones just ahead of white cabinets, which slipped to 28%, down five points from last year.

While white no longer holds the top spot, it remains firmly in the mix. Off-white cabinets accounted for 15% of renovations.

Fewer homeowners prefer more colorful cabinets but among those who do, green (6%) has now surpassed gray (5%). Blue, beige, black and greige continue to be niche options, each appearing in fewer than 5% of remodeled kitchens, according to Houzz.

Contrasting Cabinets Still Popular
Nearly one-quarter of homeowners opt for contrasting upper and lower cabinets, known as the tuxedo kitchen. In these designs, white remains the dominant choice for the upper cabinets (at 40%), followed by off-white (19%) and wood tones (17%), according to Houzz’s remodeling survey.

However, for the lower cabinets, darker finishes take the lead, notably with wood finishes at 37%, followed by blue (19%) and green (14%) rounding out the top choices. Meanwhile, black and gray lower cabinets were the least common choices, the Houzz survey finds.

Among the most popular wood finishes for kitchen cabinets: Medium tones lead the way at 15%, followed by light wood (11%) and dark wood finishes (3%).

03/14/2026

‼Designing a Kitchen in 2026: Six Trends to Watch‼

Designing a kitchen in 2026 is less about chasing trends and more about creating a space that truly works for how you live. Kitchen renovations are being driven by function, personalization and smarter storage—reflecting a shift toward kitchens that blend style with intention and isn’t just centered on aesthetics, according to Houzz’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Study, reflecting a survey of more than 1,700 homeowners about their latest kitchen renovation project.

Here are a few remodeling trends that emerged from Houzz’s 2026 kitchen trends report.

1. Start With Storage—and Build From There
Built-in storage is becoming the foundation of kitchen design. More than three-quarters of renovating homeowners say they’re adding specialty features, with pantry cabinets (47%), walk-in pantries (16%) and butler’s pantries or prep kitchens
(7%) leading the way. These spaces help keep clutter out of sight while helping to ease daily tasks.

More task-specific zones also are getting added, such as beverage stations, coffee bars, specific baking areas and even snack stations. These are turning kitchens from one-size-fits-all layouts to purpose-driven areas.

“When storage is thoughtfully designed, from customized drawers and pull-out shelves to walk-in pantries, it reduces clutter, improves efficiency and makes the kitchen easier to use every single day,” Misty Callaway, designer of Callaway Homes, says in the Houzz report. “These features help homeowners get more out of their space.”

2. Warm Materials Replace All-White Kitchens
When choosing finishes, more homeowners are moving toward warmth and natural texture. Wood cabinets now top the list, edging out white for the first time in years. Medium-toned woods lead this comeback trend, followed by lighter finishes. This signals a return to organic material preferences.

Timeless choices reign, with Shaker cabinets remaining the most popular choice, followed by flat-panel designs.

Another timeless choice emerging through the cabinet hardware leans toward practical and streamlined. Bar pulls dominate—over knobs—and most often are in brushed nickel, followed by black or brushed gold.

3. Countertops, Backsplashes and Contrast
White and off-white countertops remain popular, but contrast is playing a larger role—especially when it comes to the kitchen island. For the island, more homeowners are choosing a countertop color that differs from the kitchen’s other countertops. Wood has become the most popular island countertop choice.

4. Islands as Multifunctional Workhorses
Kitchen islands are getting bigger—and busier. About half of renovated islands exceed seven feet in length, with rectangular shapes far outpacing L-shaped island designs. More than half of homeowners also are integrating appliances—like dishwashers and microwaves—into their islands, turning them into central hubs for prep, cleanup and casual dining.

5. Appliances That Work Smarter
Upgraded appliances are less about flash and more about function. Homeowners are choosing refrigerators and ovens with features like adjustable temperature zones, water filter alerts, remote monitoring and precise controls—tools that aim to simplify their daily life and improve efficiency, according to the Houzz report.

Stainless steel remains the clear favorite for the appliance finish. Fewer than 6% of renovating homeowners opted for white, black or black stainless appliances.

6. Designing for the Long Term
More than half of renovating homeowners are planning kitchens that can adapt to their future needs, as age-in-place features grow in demand. This has prompted a greater focus on features like pull-out cabinets, additional lighting, wide drawer pulls, rounded countertops and nonslip flooring, according to the Houzz survey. Also, customized storage solutions—like pull-out waste bins, spice drawers and revolving corner trays—are becoming more common.

03/13/2026

What to Expect on Closing Day

Closing vs. completion vs. possession days
In Canadian real estate, completion day and closing day are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they can mean slightly different things depending on where you are and what your contract says.

Completion day is the day when the purchase is legally finalized. The buyer’s lawyer transfers the funds to the seller’s lawyer, the title is registered at the land titles office, and the deal is officially complete.

Closing day is often used to mean the same thing, but some provinces and contracts distinguish it from possession day (the day the buyer is allowed to physically move in).

The buyer’s closing checklist:
In the days (or weeks) before you close…

-Finalize everything with your lawyer: Sign all the transfer papers, mortgage documents, land title forms, and the statement of adjustments.

-Set up utilities and services: Transfer electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, timed so everything will be ready to go when you arrive.

-Sort out your home insurance: Talk to your insurer well before your move so your policy takes effect the moment you take possession—you don’t want a gap in coverage. Cancel your current home or renter’s insurance, but time it so you’re covered through your move.

-Organize mail forwarding and address updates: Set up Canada Post forwarding and notify your bank, credit card companies, and service providers of your new address. Cancel pre-authorized home-related payments to avoid accidental charges after you’ve moved out.

03/12/2026

10 Top Remodeling Projects to Prioritize!!

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the following home projects offer some of the highest estimated cost recovery at resale:

New steel front door: 100% (estimated return based on upfront cost)
Closet renovation: 83%
New fiberglass front door: 80%
New vinyl windows: 74%
New wood windows: 71%
Basement conversion to living area: 71%
Attic conversion to living area: 67%
Complete kitchen renovation: 60%
Minor kitchen upgrade: 60%
Bathroom addition: 56%

03/12/2026

Furnace Filters for Home: Cleaner Air and Efficient Heating

It really comes down to two important jobs. First, it protects your furnace by stopping dust and debris from building up on its internal parts (because no one wants their heating system working harder than it has to). Second, it helps improve your indoor air quality by capturing the particles that circulate through your home every time the heat turns on and in Canada, that’s a lot.

During our colder months, furnaces can run for hours each day. A clean filter helps keep air moving smoothly, which means more consistent heating from room to room. According to Natural Resources Canada, replacing a clogged filter can also improve your system’s efficiency, helping reduce energy use and, in turn, your monthly utility bills.

When a filter gets too dirty, airflow becomes restricted. That can lead to uneven temperatures (why is the basement freezing, but the living room feels like a sauna?), higher energy consumption, and something called short cycling — when your furnace turns on and off more often than it should. Over time, that extra strain can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.

The good news? Swapping out a filter is one of the easiest ways to protect your comfort and your furnace all winter long.

Address

440 4th Street East
Saskatoon, SK
S7H1J5

Telephone

+13062606998

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