Tuesday, October 16, 2012

This and That October

House building booms again - “There is a feeling in Canada that the economy is performing well. Interest rates have kept people in the market,”  “As long as people feel they have a job. the future looks okay, they have money and interest rates are where they are, people will continue to look to get into the market.” says Don Lawby, chief executive of Century 21 Canada Click Here

There is hope after the floods - The City of Edmonton is offering those affected by the floods this July some monetary relief. For the next three days you can go to City Hall with proof that your insurance won't cover damages to your property. Click Here

I was on Whyte Ave and saw and saw some amazing photographs of Edmonton in the early and mid 1900's. The city was bustling in both photos and made make think of how Albertans are used to booms and of course busts. Check on the City of Edmonton Virtual Archive for glimpses into our city's history




 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Some Like It Hot


Alberta Oil Sands Investment Real Estate News®
Glenn Simon Inc., Suite 1217, 5328 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1-888-780-5940 Fax 1-888-276-4517
www.glennsimoninc.com   email: info@glennsimoninc.com


October 15th., 2012
Volume 13, Issue 4

Dear Friends and Partners,

Although we've seen house prices stay relatively strong this year in Edmonton, when the cold weather sets in prices tend to lag. It is a strange phenomenon of colder climes; would be home buyers don't like to traipse through snow to find homes (investors do though ;)

How well they perform or how poorly depends on the property type (condo, bungalow, bilevel, etc.), condition and location of property. For example we've seen suited homes in desirable South East neighbourhoods selling in under 4 weeks. But townhouses in similar areas taking 3 months or longer.

So the good news? It's a great time to buy the right (townhouse) property in the right area for you.

The downside? If you are trying to sell your townhouse or a property that needs a little love, get renovations done in the kitchen and bathrooms, market heavily and stage it. You need to be head and shoulders above what the other sellers are doing in your market.

Alternatively, with the tighter rental market we're experiencing it may be an idea to rent over the winter, do renovations and list in a warmer month when sellers are more active.











Renovation Special - South Central Edmonton: 4-Suite Cashflow Property in Bonnie Doon

Here's a renovation special that offers value and will turbo charge your portfolio. We've added all costs to renovate and calculated post-reno projections - currently renovations have not been started. Soon to be: Upgraded 1971 built suited side by side bungalow with separate entrance to lower suites. Upstairs you'll find two upgraded 1100 sqft, 3 bedroom suites per side with some upgraded windows, appliances and new laminate. The lower units each have a 2 bedroom 850 sqft suite. Features down include new carpet, windows, and shared laundry area. The yard is a divided, shared, fenced area, and there is a double detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing additional revenue. Some upgrades include new windows and paint. 10 minutes to U.O.A., 5 Mins to Whyte Ave. and Downtown. Fast access to the Yellowhead and Whitemud via Wayne Gretzky Drive, on bus routes. These pictures are pre-renovation.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient North central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Kensington is an established neighborhood featuring strong rental base; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's improving downtown area. 

Produces $485.57 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.


Purchase price: $600K Total Investment: $139,479 K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $83,680. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 60% or 10% per year + $485.57 Cash Flow


These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!


=========================

Edmonton Gains 6000 Jobs As Unemployment Rate Holds Steady - Statistics Canada

By Edmonton Journal, October 5th 2012

EDMONTON - The Edmonton region continued to churn out jobs in September, according to Statistics Canada figures released Friday.

The Edmonton census metropolitan area gained 6,000 jobs in September from the previous month and saw its unemployment rate hold steady at 4.5 per cent, the agency said. Its labour force also grew by 6,000.

The same region also generated 23,800 jobs in the 12 months since September 2011, or a 3.5-per-cent year-over-year increase.

Edmonton had the second-lowest jobless rate among major cities, behind only Regina at four per per cent. Calgary’s 4.7 per cent was third lowest. The Calgary CMA saw employment drop by 1,700 or 0.2 per cent from the previous month but it was up 15,400 jobs or 2.1 per cent year-over-year. Alberta had the country’s lowest unemployment rate at 4.4 per cent, a rate unchanged from August.  GRAB THIS STORY


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University of Alberta Beats Edmonton Oilers 135-1: Report
Economic impact of institution on provincial economy pegged at $12.3B


By Dan Barnes and Dave Cooper, Edmonton Journal, October 12th 2012

EDMONTON  - A report by two professors from the Alberta School of Business claims the University of Alberta has an annual economic impact of about $12.3 billion on the provincial economy, an amount they say is 135 times higher than that of the Edmonton Oilers.
“We essentially took the economic impact of the university divided by the revenue of the Oilers in 2009. And so it’s basically that,” said Dr. Anthony Briggs, who co-authored the report with Dr. Jennifer Jennings. “The Oilers’ number is more the fuzzy one because the region doesn’t necessarily see all that revenue, so it’s sort of an ambitious number for the Oilers.”

The study replicates the methods of other Canadian regional impact studies, beginning with the University of British Columbia economic impact study in 2009 and later adopted by Simon Fraser University in 2011 and the University of Ottawa in 2012.  READ MORE HERE

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Albertans In Upbeat Mood About Economy
Business Owners and Consumers Have Positive Outlook


By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, October 3rd 2012
CALGARY — From business owners to consumers, there is a spring in most people’s steps these days, an upbeat mood about the Alberta economy despite some turbulent economic waters elsewhere in the world.

On Tuesday, a report by BMO Economics said Alberta’s economy continues to outperform amid rising oil production and accelerating inward migration. The report said the province will sit atop the Canadian leaderboard this year, with growth hitting 3.5 per cent before falling back slightly to 2.9 per cent in 2013. In Canada, GDP growth is expected to hit 2.2 per cent this year and 2.0 per cent next year.

“The energy sector remains the key driver of economic activity in the province, with crude bitumen production up 16 per cent year-over-year through the first half of the year, and the Energy Resources Conservation Board expecting  oilsands output to more than double by 2021,” said Robert Kavcic, economist with BMO Capital Markets.

Recent surveys by PwC and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business have painted a rosy mood for Albertans.

There’s no surprise there when you take a look at the latest economic indicators.  FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE


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I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

"Patience, persistance and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success."  -Napoleon Hill

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar


===SPECIAL NOTICE: NO CASH, BUT GOOD CREDIT? CALL US TODAY TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN OWN INVESTMENT PROPERTY===

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's daily blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit our website and take advantage of the Resource Tools and product section including REIN's #1 real estate books and Quick Start homestudy sets at a discount. Get your copy of the Canadian Success Stories book and the 2010-2014 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

           


 

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Mixed Messages

Today I was looking for Alberta news and all the reports are amazing.  For example we'll lead the country in economic growth through 2013 and our unemployment will be among Canada's lowest. It all sounds amazing. I'm thinking of the bumper sticker that says "Please God Give Us Another Boom and I Won't Waste It This Time" It would seem that your pleas were answered.

However, on my slow, slow drive down Calgary Trail today. (A sign of our booming city is how rush hour slowly becomes an hour early on each side) I heard on CBC that the IMF predicts another recession for the global economy.

“As we forewarned, the global economic slowdown is deepening and Canada's overheated housing market looks to be self-correcting,” “We expect these external and domestic forces to dampen Canada's economic growth this year and next.” David Madani, economist with Capital Economics

The housing market they are speaking of is only really in two places Vancouver and Toronto. It's not really a Canada wide thing.

I know Alberta is the best place to be for the next ride. I'm wondering how bumpy it will be but thanking my lucky stars that I'm in the best place to weather it. Low unemployment, high salaries, low taxes. Really, you couldn't position yourself any better.

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Two biggest myths about Edmonton

I used to make the old "Deadmonton" joke for years because I actually lived near here in the 80s and remember driving through town and literally seeing tumbleweeds blow down the streets. It left an impression of desolation on my teenage mind.

I'm going to take that  back that that is one of the two biggest myths about Edmonton, AB.




1. Edmonton has nothing going on - Edmonton is such a vibrant city. Every week there is some event or festival that is often free or has reasonably priced entry. In fact Edmonton is called the Festival City. With our young family we are always able to find something really interesting and fun to do pretty much every weekend.  Look at what's happening in Edmonton now Click

2. Edmonton is hard on the eyes - It's actually a beautifully evolving city. Where before there were gravel parking lots we are seeing really nice buildings pop up. The river valley is amazing and my place, near the ravine, is such a beautiful area. It's really a disservice to not give Edmonton the credit its due.


Wednesday, October 03, 2012

10 Year rate - Lock in or?

Here is a great look at locking into the 10 year rate. Especially as it's predicted that rates will rise again around 2016.

Peter Kinch's take is that you need to really think about the lending environment we'll be in when you renew now for a 5 year term. In 2017, after the hike, who knows what kind of rates will be offered?

I'm offended now by a 5.49% but I once had 7.15%. Second mortgages are often double these figures.

My bank manager likes to tell me about her 18% mortgage rate so we really really can't complain.

Watch the mortgage minute


Tuesday, October 02, 2012

 I always do an inner wince when I hear a new university student say they are taking English or History. I wonder what do you do with that now? Personally if I were to re-train I would go straight to a trade. I even think about doing it now for fun.

One women I met got her truckers license just in case her husband ever left her. She did long haul trucking for 5 years too. How cool I thought and liberating.

So what are the best fields to go into?

Check here

Monday, October 01, 2012

From Paris to Edmonton - Alberta Attracts

Alberta Oil Sands Investment Real Estate News®
Glenn Simon Inc., Suite 1217, 5328 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1-888-780-5940 Fax 1-888-276-4517
www.glennsimoninc.com   email: info@glennsimoninc.com


October 1st., 2012
Volume 13, Issue 3

Dear Friends and Partners,

My last newsletter was about sharpening the saw. I hope that you took some time away to do just that, as I did. One thing I learned is that it is tough to sharpen anything but your nerves while driving an Edinburgh roundabout with crying kids in the car. But, maybe on some level I was at least resting another part of my brain by being fully engaged in the moment.

Danielle and I met many interesting people on our trip to Scotland and France. We were asked a lot of questions about emigrating to Canada, the price of a home and what salaries range from. It seems that the majority of folks living in major cities such as London, Paris and Edinburgh (not surprisingly) found it toughest to get ahead.

The price of owning a home is exorbitant in comparison to the median salary; akin to buying a home in downtown Vancouver. Folks that own their own home, enjoy the lifestyle they have, or live in a rural setting where expenses can be more affordable, didn't necessarily want to move. However, there was an undeniable current of interest in moving to Canada. Several people we met knew not only of the Rockies in Alberta, but of the oil sands. Their opinion was one of opportunity, not the common environmentally-negative one that we hear about in the media.



Shortly before we left we tenanted a property with a fellow from Aberdeen, Scotland. He was hired in the U.K. to work in the oil and gas field for an open contract. He immediately sees the benefit and opportunity of living in Edmonton from his salary, quality of housing, accessibility, friendliness of people and the chance to get ahead. We have something special in our city, making it important to grow and diversify for generations to come.





Renovation Special 

 















Bonnie Doon, Edmonton: 4-Suite Cashflow Property

Here's a renovation special that offers value and will turbo charge your portfolio. We've added all costs to renovate and calculated post-reno projections - currently renovations have not been started. Soon to be: Upgraded 1971 built suited side by side bungalow with separate entrance to lower suites. Upstairs you'll find two upgraded 1100 sqft, 3 bedroom suites per side with some upgraded windows, appliances and new laminate. The lower units each have a 2 bedroom 850 sqft suite. Features down include new carpet, windows, and shared laundry area. The yard is a divided, shared, fenced area, and there is a double detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing additional revenue. Some upgrades include new windows and paint. 10 minutes to U.O.A., 5 Mins to Whyte Ave. and Downtown. Fast access to the Yellowhead and Whitemud via Wayne Gretzky Drive, on bus routes. These pictures are pre-renovation.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient North central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Kensington is an established neighborhood featuring strong rental base; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's improving downtown area. 

Produces $485.57 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.


Purchase price: $600K Total Investment: $139,479 K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $83,680. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 60% or 10% per year + $485.57 Cash Flow


These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!


=========================

Calgary, Edmonton To Lead Economic Growth As Energy Investment Remains Strong

By Mario Toneguzzi, Postmedia News, September 18th 2012

"Without a doubt, I expect that Alberta is going to be the envy of the country moving forward into closing out 2012 and into 2013"

CALGARY — Calgary and Edmonton are forecast to be the fastest growing economies in Canada over the next four years, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s Metropolitan Outlook-Autumn 2012 released Tuesday.
“Energy-related investment in Alberta is expected to stay vibrant throughout the next four years. For instance, about $29-billion worth of energy-related projects are now underway in the province, and nearly $86-billion worth of projects are proposed for the future,” said Mario Lefebvre, Director, Centre for Municipal Studies, for the board.  GRAB THIS STORY


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Lamphier: Professors From Top Business Schools Flock To University Of Alberta

By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, September 21 2012

EDMONTON - They come from some of the leading business schools on the planet — institutions that command the same level of respect as corporate heavyweights like Apple, IBM and Google.

Indeed, three of them — Columbia, Oxford’s Said Business School and Pennsylvania’s Wharton School — rank in the top 10 and six are listed in the top 50. And now, thanks to an intensive recruiting drive over the past year, a whole crop of new additions from these big-name institutions are faculty members at the University of Alberta’s School of Business.
We’re talking about A-list B-schools here, such as Columbia, Wharton, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Oxford, Rochester, Indiana and Illinois. Every one of these schools holds down a spot in the Financial Times’ 2012 rankings of the top 100 MBA programs in the world. READ MORE HERE


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Army Of Innovators Lines Energy's Road to Success
By James Berkow, Financial Post, September 11th 2012

The challenges facing Canada’s energy industry — to turn one of the most energy-and emissions-intensive resource extraction processes in the world into something more environmentally sustainable — dwarf the innovation hurdles facing other industries. To overcome them, an interconnected army of innovators is key.
“People always ask me why this is so hard,” said Robert Donahue, a consulting research engineer at the Syncrude Ltd. research-and-development (R&D) centre focusing on the restoration of depleted mine sites to their natural state, and a former University of Alberta geotechnical engineering professor. “I tell them I’m trying to reconstruct the earth and I’m trying to do it without geological time on my side. I need to do it in human time.” FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE


 ===============

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

"A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart."  -Jonathan Swift

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

===SPECIAL NOTICE: NO CASH, BUT GOOD CREDIT? CALL US TODAY TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN OWN INVESTMENT PROPERTY===

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's daily blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit our website and take advantage of the Resource Tools and product section including REIN's #1 real estate books and Quick Start homestudy sets at a discount. Get your copy of the Canadian Success Stories book and the 2010-2014 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.