Thursday, November 29, 2012

November This and That

Alberta Economic Snapshot for Nov. 17, 2012 Troy Media - "The rest of Canada just doesn’t understand the importance of the oil sands to the economic future of the country; at least that’s the message from a Deloitte study released this week. According to the report, “government revenues related to the industry raised close to $22 billion and provide indispensable support for social programs Canadians value.” The report goes on to suggest if the social license to develop the oil sands is revoked there is no ready alternative to these funds. Canadians from coast to coast need to be aware of the trade-off. Of course there are other issues at play."

Alberta's Economy the best in Canada in 2011 - "Alberta’s economy grew at the fastest rate among the provinces in 2011, expanding 5.1 per cent compared with an increase of 4.0 per cent in 2010, according to Statistics Canada.

The federal agency reported Monday that exports in the province advanced 9.2 per cent, more than four times their pace in 2010. Consumer spending rose 3.4 per cent, driven by household outlays on durable goods, notably new trucks and used motor vehicles, and services. Business investment was up 7.6 per cent, despite a 5.2 per cent decline in investment in residential housing."
Alberta’s economy grew at the fastest rate among the provinces in 2011, expanding 5.1 per cent compared with an increase of 4.0 per cent in 2010, according to Statistics Canada.
The federal agency reported Monday that exports in the province advanced 9.2 per cent, more than four times their pace in 2010. Consumer spending rose 3.4 per cent, driven by household outlays on durable goods, notably new trucks and used motor vehicles, and services. Business investment was up 7.6 per cent, despite a 5.2 per cent decline in investment in residential housing.


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DetXytml

Alberta's Economy keeps market strong - "With Alberta’s economy moderating — but remaining above the national average — the province’s housing markets look to be balanced in 2013, with prices modestly increasing, says a federal agency.
Alberta’s strong net migration, strong full-time employment combined with a low unemployment rate, and continuing low mortgage rates are all contributing to the healthy outlook, said regional economist Lai Sing Louie of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
“The oilsands are Alberta’s ace in the hole — it’s driving our economy,” Louie said at a recent presentation of CMHC’s Alberta economic and housing market outlook."
With Alberta’s economy moderating — but remaining above the national average — the province’s housing markets look to be balanced in 2013, with prices modestly increasing, says a federal agency.
Alberta’s strong net migration, strong full-time employment combined with a low unemployment rate, and continuing low mortgage rates are all contributing to the healthy outlook, said regional economist Lai Sing Louie of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
“The oilsands are Alberta’s ace in the hole — it’s driving our economy,” Louie said at a recent presentation of CMHC’s Alberta economic and housing market outlook.


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Alberta+economy+keeps+market+strong/7597332/story.html#ixzz2DevVUE76

With Alberta’s economy moderating — but remaining above the national average — the province’s housing markets look to be balanced in 2013, with prices modestly increasing, says a federal agency.
Alberta’s strong net migration, strong full-time employment combined with a low unemployment rate, and continuing low mortgage rates are all contributing to the healthy outlook, said regional economist Lai Sing Louie of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
“The oilsands are Alberta’s ace in the hole — it’s driving our economy,” Louie said at a recent presentation of CMHC’s Alberta economic and housing market outlook.


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Alberta+economy+keeps+market+strong/7597332/story.html#ixzz2Det0ZA7b
With Alberta’s economy moderating — but remaining above the national average — the province’s housing markets look to be balanced in 2013, with prices modestly increasing, says a federal agency.
Alberta’s strong net migration, strong full-time employment combined with a low unemployment rate, and continuing low mortgage rates are all contributing to the healthy outlook, said regional economist Lai Sing Louie of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
“The oilsands are Alberta’s ace in the hole — it’s driving our economy,” Louie said at a recent presentation of CMHC’s Alberta economic and housing market outlook.


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Alberta+economy+keeps+market+strong/7597332/story.html#ixzz2Det0ZA7b
Alberta’s economy grew at the fastest rate among the provinces in 2011, expanding 5.1 per cent compared with an increase of 4.0 per cent in 2010, according to Statistics Canada.
The federal agency reported Monday that exports in the province advanced 9.2 per cent, more than four times their pace in 2010. Consumer spending rose 3.4 per cent, driven by household outlays on durable goods, notably new trucks and used motor vehicles, and services. Business investment was up 7.6 per cent, despite a 5.2 per cent decline in investment in residential housing.


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesUBeix
Alberta’s economy grew at the fastest rate among the provinces in 2011, expanding 5.1 per cent compared with an increase of 4.0 per cent in 2010, according to Statistics Canada.
The federal agency reported Monday that exports in the province advanced 9.2 per cent, more than four times their pace in 2010. Consumer spending rose 3.4 per cent, driven by household outlays on durable goods, notably new trucks and used motor vehicles, and services. Business investment was up 7.6 per cent, despite a 5.2 per cent decline in investment in residential housing.


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesUBeix
Alberta’s economy grew at the fastest rate among the provinces in 2011, expanding 5.1 per cent compared with an increase of 4.0 per cent in 2010, according to Statistics Canada.
The federal agency reported Monday that exports in the province advanced 9.2 per cent, more than four times their pace in 2010. Consumer spending rose 3.4 per cent, driven by household outlays on durable goods, notably new trucks and used motor vehicles, and services. Business investment was up 7.6 per cent, despite a 5.2 per cent decline in investment in residential housing.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesUBeix
“For the most part, Western Canadian provinces have been relatively shielded from the fiscal and economic troubles lingering in external markets,”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesFQvA8
“For the most part, Western Canadian provinces have been relatively shielded from the fiscal and economic troubles lingering in external markets,”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesFQvA8
e: helopment of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2Des22wdY
Development of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2Des22wdY
Development of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2Des22wdY
“Development of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DerqCCQd
“Development of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DerqCCQd

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Alberta Economic Highlights -2012

From the Alberta, Canada Website:

"From the beginning, the story of Alberta has been tied to the remarkable wealth of the land offered by diverse landscapes, fertile soils, rich forests, and more recently, oil and energy resources. Albertans continue to bring to this land their dreams and aspirations, realizing opportunities, responding to challenges in a spirit of entrepreneurship and industry, their hard work rewarded by beautiful, healthy Alberta that is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Today, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world are drawn to Alberta - its energy, optimism and success.

The people of Alberta enjoy a very high quality of life, including the lowest overall taxes in Canada. Albertans have the highest disposable incomes in Canada, the lowest unemployment rate, and a big, beautiful backyard to enjoy all year long. That’s why so many people think Alberta is an ideal place to live, work , and do business." 



There is a presentation  up from August 2012 the great thing is these presentations don't take a degree in Economics to understand. That is why they are so informative for the layperson to get a feel of what is happening in our province.

Get your PDF here

Monday, November 26, 2012

Delegation the key to Peace of Mind

I used an judgement enforcement company for the first time this month. I had a tenant who was so pernicious and ridiculous that I couldn't deal with this person any more. It dawned on me that receiving 10 - 15 absurd emails a day was something I didn't have to deal with. The only trouble was I've often prided myself on doing everything related to management so it was a big leap for me to hire someone to do something I'm perfectly capable of doing.

Then I realized -as landlords and business owners there is a lot that we delegate, taxes, cleaning, repairs and the list grows as your business grows. There comes a time when you are managing that you have to remove yourself from a tenant situation and let someone totally impartial do the job. Credit Info Canada did everything and the only time they contacted me was to tell me the job was done and there was an order to vacate against the tenant. 

I love that.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Finally Back on Track

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


November 15th., 2012
Volume 13, Issue 6

Dear Friends and Partners,

Fantastic news last week about Fort Saskatchewan's $5.7B up-grader approval. Work is slated to start as early as spring 2013 and requires 3000 full time jobs for three years - and there will be a job spin off creating an additional 3000+ support/industry jobs.

 I remember these same headlines in 2003 starting to creep in. I think the growth spurt this time will be more manageable than the sharp increase and decline we had last time around. So, position yourself well, we've got a lot of green-lights lining up ahead.















Renovation Special - South Central Edmonton: 4-Suite Cashflow Property in Avonmore
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 1965 built suited side by side bungalow with separate entrance to lower suites. Upgraded upper suites are a 1 X 2bd and 1 X 3bd fully self contained, bright units. Renovations at time of purchase include flooring, paint and appliances. The lower units each have a 1 bedroom 900 sqft suite. Features down include new bathrooms, tiles, counters and flooring. Features include en-suite laundry. The yard is a divided and fenced. There is a double detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing additional revenue. Additional upgrades after purchase will include new windows and exterior/upper suite modernization. 10 minutes to U.O.A., 5 Mins to Whyte Ave, Bonnie Doon 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 South central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Avonmore is an established and desirable neighbourhood featuring highly rentable area; 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 trendy South side. 

Produces $397.22 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.


Purchase price: $575K Total Investment: $132,120K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $72,069.88K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year + $397.22 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!


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Communities Around New Upgrader Project looking Forward To Economic Impact

By Julia Parish, CTV News Canada, November 8th 2012

On Thursday, Sturgeon County officials said a major upgrader project, with significant economic spinoffs, has been confirmed – and construction is set to start in early 2013.

Officials said the joint project called the North West Redwater Partnership Sturgeon Refinery Project (NWR) was announced by partners North West Upgrading Inc. and Canadian Natural Upgrading Limited.

Once it’s finished, the project will be billed as the world’s first clean bitumen upgrader, and the first one to be built in the province in decades.

“This is the first upgrader that’s been done in Alberta in the last nearly thirty years,” Energy Minister Ken Hughes said. “This is a very important step forward.”

In a release, Sturgeon County Mayor Donald Rigney said the project was the result of ten years of work with the team behind the project.   GRAB THIS STORY


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Energy Sector Grapples With Acute Labour Shortage

By Yadullah Hussain, Financial Post, October 29th 2012
Any legitimate job offering $80,000-plus as a starting salary should be an easy sell to students in these troubled economic times, right? Wrong.

“Even in Alberta there is a poor connection in the K-12 education system to find balanced information about the oil and gas industry,” says Cheryl Knight, executive director and chief executive of the Petroleum HR Council of Canada. “The environmental messaging is much more attractive and probably easier to make interesting for students everywhere. It is a key problem that our industry faces, even just outside my door.”

The Calgary-based organization, partly funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program and supported by prominent bodies such as the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, says this is just one of a number of challenges facing the energy industry.   FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE


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Edmonton's low Unemployment Rate Second Only To Regina's

By Edmonton Journal, November 2nd 2012

EDMONTON - The city’s unemployment rate remained the second lowest in the country in October, according to Statistics Canada.
Unemployment in the Edmonton census metropolitan area (CMA) dipped 0.2 percentage points from the previous month to 4.3 per cent, the federal agency said. It’s the second month in a row that Edmonton has posted the nation’s second-lowest jobless rate among CMAs. Only Regina, at 3.9 per cent, was lower in October.

The federal agency said Alberta had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada in October, at 4.5 per cent. That was up 0.1 percentage points from September.  READ MORE HERE


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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.

"Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance."
  -Ruth E. Renkel

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.







Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Ahhh snow!

What a beautiful day outside if you're looking out your window. Driving in it not so nice. Days like this remind me of why Edmonton should become a winter city. We could play it so well.

Yesterday's balmy 7C made me think- what if winter in Edmonton stayed this way? Last year was warm what if it just keeps getting warmer? It would certainly change the dynamic of the city. I wonder if Edmonton would explode in population growth as it became "easier" an easier place to live. 

The jobs are enough to beckon many but some must still stay away because of the extreme temperatures. I'm thinking the call of the loonie is compelling enough to get a good winter gear and get out here.

I even bought a pair of Sorels this year the serious up to your knee -40C ones. They are awesome. This coming from a girl who tottered around in 4 inch oxblood Italian leather boots her first year in Edmonton. They now slump salt stained in the back of my closet waiting for summer.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Don't Be Spooked By Change

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


November 1st., 2012
Volume 13, Issue 5

Dear Friends and Partners,
Do you get a little nervous when you're about to make a big 'change'? Some things I jump right into and others make me feel apprehensive. It was a big step for us to leave our successful business overseas and return to Canada. It was a lot of hard work to set up our property management arm but it is also a big success.

We recently went through a transition with one of our team members. He ran one of our repair crews and the job him and his team did was a valuable part of our business. We came to a point where we are growing and improving but  his team was slipping into contentment. In order for us to move forward, operate our business better and serve our clients more attentively - we needed to let him go.

We had a bit of trepidation about this (aside from the personal relationship we have with him; as we tried to increase skills and motivation to keep him on board) as it is a real challenge to find and retain, reliable, skilled staff in a booming Edmonton. But - we did it. We let go of the fear, set specific targets and attracted (with much screening) the person and team we needed.
I think approaching this transition from an empowered and excited belief we created and improved the crew we needed.  Makes you wonder - what things do you put up with because they are to hard or daunting to change? Imagine the liberation you will feel being freed from your situation.

Just do it!












Reno Special - South Central Edmonton: 4-Suite Cashflow Property in Avonmore

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 1965 built suited side by side bungalow with separate entrance to lower suites. Upgraded upper suites are a 1 X 2bd and 1 X 3bd fully self contained, bright units. Renovations at time of purchase include flooring, paint and appliances. The lower units each have a 1 bedroom 900 sqft suite. Features down include new bathrooms, tiles, counters and flooring. Features include en-suite laundry. The yard is a divided and fenced. There is a double detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing additional revenue. Additional upgrades after purchase will include new windows and exterior/upper suite modernization. 10 minutes to U.O.A., 5 Mins to Whyte Ave, Bonnie Doon 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 South central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Avonmore is an established and desirable neighbourhood featuring highly rentable area; 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 trendy South side. 

Produces $397.22 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.


Purchase price: $575K Total Investment: $132,120K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $72,069.88K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year + $397.22 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!


=========================
Alberta's Oil Riches Driving Canada's Economy: BMO

By Lauren Krugel, Canada Press, October 9th 2012

CALGARY — Canada’s economic growth is being driven by resource-rich Western provinces, according to a Bank of Montreal report released Tuesday.

Alberta leads the pack, with the bank predicting 3.5% real GDP growth this year, falling back a bit to 2.9% in 2013.

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

The energy sector’s strength has attracted workers from elsewhere in Canada to Alberta, which has the country’s lowest unemployment rate at 4.4%.  GRAB THIS STORY


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U.S. Market For Oil Strong and Enduring: U.S. Consul General

By Sheila Pratt, Edmonton Journal, October 10th 2012
EDMONTON - Despite a drop in demand for oil in the United States, Alberta producers will always have a strong market south of the border, says Peter Kujawinski, the new U.S. Consul General in his first visit to Edmonton.

Though he’s been in Alberta less than a month, Kujawinski has already visited the oilsands and his Calgary office is welcoming the first American tradesman to Fort McMurray under the new labour mobility agreement — all which signal of the importance of the oilsands in the Canada — U.S. energy relationship, he told the Journal in an interview.

While U.S. demand for oil has “flatlined’ in recent years, that should not affect Alberta’s export prospects, said Kujawinski, adding that the economic downturn of 2008 was one reason behind the flat demand.  FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE


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Lamphier: Ontario Wants Bigger Slice of Oilsands Pie
Alberta Steel Manufacturers Also Fighting for Their Share


By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, October 11th 2012

EDMONTON - Despite the tepid global economy, oilsands activity continues to ramp up, generating jobs and wealth across Alberta and beyond.
The importance of the oilsands as a key driver of national economic growth seems to be lost on B.C. Premier Christy Clark, who has attacked Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project to score political points at home, in a bid to win re-election.

But the government of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty — a once-vocal oilsands critic who is facing huge political pressures of his own — is singing a far less parochial, more magnanimous tune these days.

Just a few months ago, McGuinty (along with federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair) griped publicly about the negative impact Canada’s high-flying “petro-dollar” was having on Ontario’s export-driven, manufacturing-based economy. READ MORE HERE


 ===============

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.

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."  -Andre Gide

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.