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How To Invest in Revenue Properties Without a Penny of Your Own Money
2009-10-26 01:56:00
Unique opportunity exists to own and invest in cash-flow producing income properties without putting up any money for the down payment.Canadians with good credit and steady jobs are now in the driver's seat when it comes to investing in Edmonton, Alberta. The current economic downturn is time to celebrate for savvy, forward thinking people who see opportunity amidst crisis. Owning a portion of a revenue property provides investors with a stream of cash flow and potentially large payouts all without the hassles of being a landlord."There are many frustrated Canadians wondering how to get involved in real estate investing. Seeing this as a market niche we started to research ways to help folks with little capital or experience get into what may be the best buyers market we have seen in a while.I knew that there had to be a way for these would-be-investors to get started without them going into debt" said Todd Millar, investment director of Glenn Simon Inc.This system allows investors...
More About: Money , Invest , Revenue

Stay variable or lock into fixed rate mortgage?
2009-10-24 01:51:00
This Globe and Mail article tries to answer the question burning in every mortgage owners mind, "Should I stay variable or lock into the fixed rate?" They end by saying it's up to you. Well, what should you do?Canadians are enjoying the lowest interest rates in history. A few of my mortgages were at 1.65% for a while providing incredible cash flow after all other expenses were paid. But around the net and on the news we're hearing that rates will rise probably in June or maybe earlier. It all depends on the economy's health.Generally speaking variable rates will do better for you in the long run. Now, the gap between variable and fixed is so large, you might get huge increases in rates and the amount your mortgage costs you every month.There is no clear cut answer but wait and see. It all depends Canada's economic health in early 2010.If the global economy recovery looks strong:“could force the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates aggressively, driving variable mortgage ...
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Keep investment real estate cash flow positive.
2009-10-22 00:45:00
In a recession it's easy to see that buying for cash flow is the only way to go. In a hot market everyone banks on equity. Which can be a very tenuous thing.The most important thing is how much cash flow you are getting at different rates. We are seeing the lowest interest rates in history but when they rise how will your investment perform. Will it still cash flow at 6% interest? How about when vacancy rates increase and you get a drop in rents?This is called stress testing your property. Although many people see cash flow at one point only - today's rates and today's rents the income will fluctuate leading to some unfortunate surprises.What to do:1. Do your property's income and expense numbers at a range of rates and of rents2. Know the scenario your property will and won't cash flow3. Have a good reserve fund to cover the skinny times.You don't retire or get rich by owning property that takes money out of your pocket every month.
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Investment , Real , Cash

REIN on Facebook!
2009-10-21 09:00:00
Alberta REIN has a Facebook page with all the events, seminars and up to date economic information available for everyone. Take a look or become a fan to meet like minded investors.I went and looked at some of the member's photos with the Real Estate Investing In Canada all around the world.Good things come to those who read!

Edmonton the city of entertainment
2009-10-19 05:55:00
I went to the EEDC website to get updated on statistics and the city's economic outlook (sadly not updated since May) but ended up getting sidetracked by events.There is seriously a lot going on in Edmonton. Festivals, groups, fashion shows, city wide events there really is no need to stay at home being bored.This month there are dozens of events happening this month lots are kid friendly and all look like a lot of fun. Enjoy!
More About: Entertainment , City

We're all selling something.
2009-10-16 04:08:00
It's often said that we are all selling something. You may not be a salesperson by trade but even the act of getting married is selling yourself to someone.Now that we can avoid the dreaded "Can I help you with something?" by shopping online, how does it affect those who sell? And those who buy?"Stephanie Flanders asks her panel of top business guests about the fine art of salesmanship. Now we can all bypass those eager shop assistants and go online, are salesmen on the way out - or just getting a makeover?"Listen here
More About: Selling

Alberta #1 in Population Growth
2009-10-13 23:38:00
Even in a recession Alberta is still more attractive than the rest of Canada. The province's population growth has lead the country between April and June. The reason is compared to the rest of Canada where unemployment rates are in the high nines Alberta still has a lot to offer with rates in the mid sevens.Population growth is always a good thing, it increases housing prices, retail sales and when the economy picks up again a willing labour force. It can put a strain on the infrastructure but overall the effects are positive.
More About: Growth

Rental Properties and Insurance Coverage
2009-10-13 02:11:00
If you've every played Cashflow you've probably got the "Natural Disaster/Toxic Pollution" card that wipes out your property unless you have an "All Risk Insurance " card and have been paying the $200 premium.Image - lovelylisting.comIn Canada property insurance is structured under three types:Standard - protects against "named perils" including such things as fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, theft, and specific types of water damage.Broad- is a level up from named perils and is called "all risk" this includes such things as faulty workmanship and some types of wear and tear.Comprehensive - provides all risk coverage to the dwelling and the contentsIf you're renting your property you want to avoid Comprehensive as the tenant is responsible for insuring their own belongings. Although we recommend all our tenants have this insurance.As housing prices rise and fall you must make sure that your insurance covers your property at the current value. If your house has increased ...
More About: Rental

Peter Kinch on Canadian Mortgage Rates
2009-10-12 00:34:00
If you're riding the variable rate it can be scary sometimes, it can even keep you up at night. With interest rates at historical lows people are starting to wonder when and how high rates will go. Peter Kinch, The Number 1 Mortgage Broker in Canada, has insight on what to expect in the short term and in the next 2 to 4 years.He points out that interest rates are at their lowest ever which is attracting buyers to the market in turn firming up prices. Housing affordability is very good right now so take advantage while you can.He also expects rates to go up 3% in the next 2 to 4 years.Watch the full interview here on CTV News.Small piece of trivia Mr. Kinch lived in the same city I do in Japan and we have mutual acquaintances - Six degrees of separation!
More About: Canadian

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!
2009-10-10 02:58:00
This long weekend in Canada is Thanksgiving . We are hard pressed to find a whole bird here in Japan and even if I did I don't know where I'd cook it.When we do cook Thanksgiving dinners are legendary at my house. Todd is a FANTASTIC chef and always puts out delicious meals that leave everybody wanting more. There never are any leftovers...In the expat community there are a lot of people alone for many holidays so it's nice when we have impromptu parties with people of all nationalities bringing a dish. I guess it's a true rendition of the original Thanksgiving of sharing.We have so much to be thankful for; even the bad things that happen teach you to be thankful. When bills come due and tenants leave or rates go up and rents go down everything is a learning experience. Every hurdle you clear brings you that much closer to your goal.Todd, Ronan and I are really grateful for our excellent team, our mentors, our friends and family and most importantly our partners. We're look...
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Yeah for Canadian Real Estate!
2009-10-08 03:58:00
Canadian real estate is on the road to recovery."On balance, given the recent unbelievable strength in the Canadian housing market, the modest downshift in sales in August should not be seen as anything other than a brief respite in what has been a remarkable recovery in the sector," said TD Securities economics strategist Millan Mulraine."Even so, we believe that Canadian housing market activity in the coming months will be relatively tepid as the sector consolidates the gains made since January." Read More
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Canadian , Real

I'm one!
2009-10-07 12:00:00
Today is my son's first birthday. You can see in the photo we've already got him hard at work answering phones.What a fantastic year together and I'm really looking forward to all the great things to come. First steps, days at school, first tricycles and first school plays...We've had some nice celebratory lunches with friends all over Utsunomiya. My favorite has been the lunch my mentor gave where she said, it's to award you for surviving the first year of motherhood. No kidding.This month also brings another special day the 7th anniversary of Glenn Simon Inc.October has become the month where great things are born!

The Frugal Landlord - 3 Ways to find tenants cheaply.
2009-10-06 07:33:00
I went to my local book exchange library today. After living in Japan for 10 years I've pretty much read all the English books at all three of my city's libraries.The book exchange often has some reading gold that you can borrow and keep for free. I've gotten tons of business books, travel books, biographies and novels there.Today I was pleased to find The Frugal Gourmet cook book. When I was a kid I remember watching the show and him always taking a sip of wine and well that's about all I remember. I guess it didn't make THAT much of an impression on me but I thought the book might help me overcome my sometimes unambitious cooking.Then I got to thinking about land-lording and how you could use the Frugal Gourmet premise when finding tenants. So here it is 3 ways to get champagne tenants on beer advertising budget.1. Place your ads wisely - Newspaper and online advertising have become cheaper over the past few years but how about spending no money at all? It's old school bu...
More About: Find

Hey nice yard! 5 Tips to not get burned by contractors
2009-10-03 02:55:00
Is not what people are going to be saying when they go by our property that just had sod laid. A local Edmonton landscaping company came laid some dead sod, left sod pallets blocking the access to the garage and a pile of junk on the property.Yes, we paid them for this.In advance.And that was our mistake.How do YOU avoid this mistake?1. Don't pay any company the full amount until a satisfactory job has been done - give them half or even a partial payment. If they insist on getting paid upfront you should start to wonder about your recourse if things don't end up as planned.2. Get a reference list of clients and call a couple- Why not. It may take about 1 hour of your time and even if they all give raving reviews people will always tell you their opinion. If a company is reluctant to give references start to ask yourself why. Trust me one hour on the phone is much cheaper than the time and cost to you to rectify shoddy work.3. Closely monitor the job until done - Drive by every d...
More About: Tips , Yard , Nice

Come on Edmonton - "Suite-n" up the deal
2009-10-02 00:53:00
I own several properties and currently provide some affordable housing. I'd like the opportunity to provide more affordable housing by suiting some of my properties.I tried to apply for a grant to put a suite into a property of mine but was summarily rejected because I am not an owner-occupant.Why? Why? Why?Our friend Tim summed it up nicely. People don't want their neighborhoods getting messed up with a bunch of rental properties with suites. Really who can more effectively manage suites a landlord with experience or a home-owner who will give it a shot and then learn the hard way about tenant issues?Chances are the investor/landlord with 10-20-30-40 homes has more skill in operating a rental that an owner-occupier. This also paves the way for better communication and less disputes between lower income tenants and owners.The grant should be expanded to allow owners who don't reside in the prospective houses a chance to "suite"up. We can avoid tent-city as a greater amount of af...
More About: Deal

The Power of Focus
2009-09-28 02:16:00
We spent a weekend in Saitama with our good friends Joji and Harue. We often spend any holiday we can with them but this time was a very special visit. We went to celebrate their moving into their dream home.This has been several years in the making. Jorji and Harue have really succeeded with their business, meeting their goals and life dreams.They've built a fanatastic 3 storey commercial residential mix with Seibu Net Home on the main, tenants on the second floor and a fantastic living space on the third.The roof, which has a spectacular view, will be turned into a green space where Harue can relax and Joji can practice putting. It's all located near the bustling stationThey really stayed focused, worked hard and put everything into making this dream come true. The one thing that Harue said that really inspired me was " It came a lot faster than we expected." They had some difficult times after the Lehman Brothers collapse but put their heads down and stayed on track to thei...
More About: Power , Focus

Keep your cash in your pocket.
2009-09-26 00:45:00
Cashflow. Cashflow. Cashflow. What happens when it stops? As Rich Dad Kiyosaki says the minute an asset starts taking money out of your pockets it's no longer an asset. It's an alligator that will eat you.Not literally. But cash draining out of your pockets, bank accounts and piggy banks every month is every investor's nightmare. Chris Davies' - Two Ways to Stop Bleeding Cash helps you determine how serious the bleeding is and possible ways to staunch it. It's excellent advice.One thing I've learned and forgot and then learned again is to buy positive cash flow properties. The constant flow of income is crucial to the health of your investment's bankbook and can be used to purchase more assets in the future or improve the assets you have.If you have negative cash flow on an otherwise good property MAKE SURE your cash reserves are big. You'd be surprised how one big repair or a few months vacancy can eat through your cash reserves.This is SECOND to trying to make the pro...
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Edmonton Real Estate Market
2009-09-24 01:45:00
The market in Edmonton is finally balanced again. Although prices are a little lower, less than 1%, than what we saw in August last year."Although sales numbers cooled a bit after record sales in June and July, we are still experiencing the strength of the market in Edmonton," said Charlie Ponde, president of the Real tors Association of Edmonton.June and July saw sales rise 28% over the same period one year before; low interest rates and great deals were probably behind the jump in activity. Seasonality could be in effect as well were winter saw a near freeze. The market picked up in the warmer weather.Alberta's economy will make a comeback in 2010--strong enough to contribute to the national recovery, yet modest enough so that we don't see the problems associated with the break neck growth we saw in the mid 2000s.
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real Estate Market , Market

Could this be true?
2009-09-23 03:11:00
Every field has it's star professionals, those who play in the top 1 or 2% and really make the money.Panhandling apparently is no exception. Edmonton police claim that some panhandlers make up to $400 a day and that one even lives in a high-rise condo in the downtown area.At first I felt slightly disgusted by this. Why should this person beg other people for money and live better than some of them who generously give to him?Then I realized people make money all kinds of ways and if his talent is begging....... It's not so uncommon apparently as a quick Google search yielded up "panhandling tips"I personally wouldn't make my money leeching off of others. It's better to provide a service than demand money.My biggest concern is the true poor and needy that aren't getting what they need because charity is being given out on the street rather to organizations with proven track records and history.The only other thing I can say is you know a region has a great economy when begging ...
More About: True

Japan's Silverweek- spend money and relax.
2009-09-19 04:21:00
This year is the first year that a group of holidays in September is being called "Silver Week". We have always had Golden Week in April but this is the first time we've have 5 days off in a row in September. It's not a common holiday and the next time the dates fall in a row like this will be 2015 then 2026 so we better relax while we can.Some believe it is the Democratic Party's attempt to jump start the economy with more spending and workers using up more of their paid holiday leave.“Promoting longer paid holidays is an effective way to expand domestic demand, not only in the travel industry but in retail as well, said Yoshiki Shinke, senior economist at Dai- Ichi Life Research Institute. “Legislation and an awareness campaign for companies are necessary” to get people to take all their holidays."We're doing our usual trip to the cabin to relax amongst the wild monkeys in Kirifuri, Nikko. I'm on a cooking and baking spree with banana chocolate chip bread, home-made...
More About: Money , Relax

Spending now to save later.
2009-09-16 14:13:00
There has been a lot of money changing hands this month in Edmonton. It is all good stuff too, which you can read about in the links below.A new conference and exposition center, community health facility (a really BIG one) and a ramp up in infrastructure to name a few.All of that creates strong short and long term jobs, which are great for kick-starting the economy.The oilsands deal with China is pretty impressive to boot. I wouldn't say it pulls us out of a recession yet, but you can read the articles and decide for yourself.Recession is over, says economistBy Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, September 12, 2009Rising commodity prices will fuel modest economic growth in Alberta in the next two years as demand for energy grows in the world's emerging markets, says a national economist. Canada's recession is over and the country will lead all G-7 peers in economic growth next year, paced by Alberta's strong energy sector, said Benjamin Tal, senior economist with CIBC World Marke...
More About: Spending , Save

Real Estate Prices Stabilizing in Alberta
2009-09-15 03:10:00
"The difference in the resale housing market now, compared to the beginning of the year, is night and day and nowhere is this more evident than in the West," said Dale Ripplinger, association president."Homebuyers recognize that interest rates and prices have bottomed out, and are taking advantage of excellent affordability before prices and interest rates move higher."A five-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular among consumers, is still available for less than four per cent at some financial institutions.Variable-rate mortgages, tied to prime, remain at about three per cent and are not expected to rise until June. The Bank of Canada has pledged not to change its lending rate until then -- but it is not an ironclad guarantee.The low rates seem to have worked and have the market even hotter than in 2007, a record year. July sales in 2009 were 3.9 per cent above the previous July high set in 2007.It has been a stunning reversal for a real estate market that had almost ground to ...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Alberta , Real

More female grads ready for the oilsands
2009-09-12 00:39:00
After an intensive 17 week course, 15 women are ready to go out there and move some heavy equipment around."Wanda Wetterberg, operations manager for Women Building Futures anticipates that the exodus of baby boomers from the workplace, combined with the student’s hands-on experience with loaders, graders and dozers, will help open the doors wider for women in the field. “There is and will continue to be quite a heavy demand for heavy equipment operators,” she said, adding that the same holds true in other trades. “Even if the construction industry has slowed down a bit, the demand for operators is still pretty high. And it certainly does pay well. That’s what our students are looking for,” she said"For now gone are the days when 12 year-olds are working at fast-food chains and restaurants are closing due to restricted staffing.Any women who are interested in taking the course should contact Olds College or Women Building Futures
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Housing affordability improves
2009-09-10 00:40:00
Until this recession housing prices where slowly and steadily creeping out of the territory of affordable for many first time buyers.The truest example of this was a "starter home" in Vancouver for $700,000. Of course location and other market comparables would set aside this property from the rest, it's still not in my idea of the starter home region. Vancouver's housing affordability is still an unbelievable 63%. That means 63% of income must be devoted to mortgage payments.Now we now why Vancouverites are so svelte - they can't afford food!Housing prices cooled and low interest rates brought back affordability but how long will it last? According to some experts not so long."The two major contributors to the significant improvement during the past year or so — the decline in mortgage rates and the drift down in prices — appear to have reached turning points." "Supply of properties for sale is dropping as demand bounces back, which is working to heat up prices again in many...

Three Years To Belize
2008-06-07 02:59:00
As REIN members one of the best parts of belonging to a group of highly focused investors is that you constantly hear success stories that fuel you to reach your goals.One story that has really inspired me can be found on the ONE LIFE blog spot. After three years of hard work and laser beam focus to their end results, this Canadian family was able to follow their dream of seven months sailing around the Caribbean and Bahamas.The best part is all the wonderful things they do; from touring a nutmeg factory to scuba diving to burying a treasure chest to be unearthed in 20 years. Their journey seems like the perfect way to bring a family closer and really and truly spending quality time together.It's a must read and so interesting you'll want to be booking a flight as soon as you leave the blog.
More About: Years , Belize

For Canadian Stagers
2008-06-06 05:14:00
From Canada.com: "How does a home that has been on the real-estate market for months suddenly sell for $100,000 over the asking price? The answer, according to a new HGTV series, is home staging, the art of neutralizing a home with upscale furniture and art to create a showroom perfect space. The Stagers exposes the high-pressure world of home staging, going behind the scenes at DEKORA, a leading Canadian home staging company. The Stagers airs Tuesdays at 11 p.m. beginning July 1 on HGTV Canada." I'll be sure to watch this because no sane seller would say no to $100k over the asking price.

2-For-1 Houses In San Diego
2008-06-06 04:06:00
I found this interesting article on Reuters about a savvy developer who is offering "Buy One Get One Free" on row houses in the San Diego area. With the purchase of a $1.6 M luxury home in the upscale city of Escondido in northern San Diego County, you can get a $400k row house for free! Great marketing and a gutsy way to improve your sales figures. The townhouse aren't too shabby either- with four bedrooms, four baths, six car garages and swimming pools they aren't exactly sheds. "We are targeting a niche market of investors who are interested in the opportunity to buy a new home for themselves and get a free rental property or second home for family members," developer Michael Crews Read More Click Here
More About: Houses

When The Going Gets Tough
2008-06-04 12:50:00
It's time to pick up a good (audio)book and get a dose of motivation. Sometimes if you have big goals there are moments when you really wonder if you will ever reach them, no matter how positive you are. My silver bullet at these times is my audible.com account.Although I may not have time in my day to sit back and read a book, anytime I'm in my car I turn the drive into a seminar for motivation, sales tactics, marketing and business ideas.Some great books I have heard recently (links open into Audible info pages):How to Become a Rainmaker (Unabridged) Jeffrey J. FoxFreakonomics (Unabridged) Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. DubnerIt's Not About the Bike Lance Armstrong and Sally JenkinsThe Tipping Point Malcolm GladwellSmall Is the New Big Seth GodinMade to Stick Chip and Dan HeathTake Command Kelly Perdew
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This And That May 2008
2008-06-02 07:12:00
Tax hikes on the way for 2009, Edmonton council warns - As property tax bills land in mailboxes throughout Edmonton, city council is already warning that next year's bills will be at least nine per cent higher. A city report released Wednesday estimates municipal taxes will need to be raised by at least 9.4 per cent to help cover the costs of running the booming city. Wal-Mart doubling Alberta supercentres-"Alberta is a wonderful part of the country . . . and it's a wonderful place to do business," "It's always been one of our strongest markets." "your economy has been booming for a long time and with that strong economy it means even more growth and more demand for general merchandise and food." Andrew Pelletier, vice-president of corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Canada "This mean more jobs for Albertans" Alberta Avenue gets a facelift - Alberta Avenue, the 27-block stretch of 118th Avenue north of downtown, is getting a facelift. Crews are beginning work on "streetscaping" five...
More About: 2008

Alberta 2020 Video - Alberta Oil Sands
2008-05-31 07:38:00
Alberta oil sands have proven oil reserves that will and can supply oil for many major markets around the world. This video is very interesting and very well done.
More About: Video , Alberta , Sands