Saturday, October 26, 2013

Don Iveson wooed us all

Edmonton's new mayor, Don Iveson,  won Edmontonians of all generations over in our recent Mayoral elections. 

"In an impressive showing right across the city, youthful mayor-elect Don Iveson won outright in all but six polling stations in the city election Monday, even overtaking rival Karen Leibovici in her own backyard of west Edmonton and crushing Kerry Diotte in the south" Read More

I'm not overly political but aside from attractive policy I just LIKED Don Iveson. He's very charismatic and seems to be a good leader for a youthful, growing and changing city.

Way to go Don! We're all very excited to see how your vision helps bring Edmonton to the place where it really should be...

not "Dedmonton" anymore.


Friday, October 18, 2013

Haunted Houses for sale

Lots of scary houses for cheap! 31 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms and 25 fireplaces - $4.5 million but haunted by nuns. No thanks! Get terrified here






Image courtesy of www.scaryforkids.com

Revitalizing older neighbourhoods

In our daily drives Todd and I count all the old houses being knocked down for the new mega houses constantly being built in our neighbourhood. Our south central location is close to a large greenspace, downtown and the airport. A perfect trifecta for Alberta's growing population.

My house is a 1950s  3 story A frame, one of the bigger original homes on the street. Otherwise, you see the bungalows that were easy to heat and build.

These bungalows are on the road to becoming scarce. More often than not when they sell they are torn down and not filled with a young family trying to save up for their dream home.

I personally love it. Of course I see the beauty in the old homes as I live in one myself, however, I can't help smile as I see the new home sales prices and do mental calculations as to how that new house will affect my home value.

Our neighbours perfected the balance of new and old by building up their bungalow. They kept the craftsmanship of the era but added the light (new windows), convenience and energy conservation of a modern home.





Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Alberta with a full belly

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., 2013
Volume 15, Issue 5

Dear Friends and Partners,

Giving thanks; what a pleasure it is to be able to give.

Now that bellies are full and chins-wagged over the Thanksgiving long weekend (here in Canada), take a moment to read over the news stories we've put together this month. It looks like we have much to be thankful for in Alberta; and truly, most of Canada.

Immigration is up, in-migration is up, unemployment is down and rates are low. Reap the up-cycle as you can.

And Thank YOU for taking the time to read our newsletter, I wish you a fruitful October.
South West Edmonton: 4-Unit Cashflow Property in Allendale


Turbo charge your portfolio. This side by side duplex with in-law suites is well located near UOA. Upgraded 2006 this property has front entrances for upper suites and back entrances to lower suites. Upper 2BD units have been upgraded as well as the two lower 2 BD suites with new laminate, kitchens and bathrooms. You'll find a double detached garage, adding extra income. Spacious upper units shine with original hardwood, new fixtures and paint. Excellent location near the UOA in the mature area of Allendale. A short walk to neighbourhood park, Whyte Ave, hospital and UOA. Fast access to bus routes and Whitemud Drive.

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Purchase price: $625K
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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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Calgary and Edmonton will be Canada's economic leaders in near future
Average annual growth of 3.1 per cent forecast for 2014-2017


By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, September 27th, 2013

CALGARY — Calgary and Edmonton will be the country’s economic leaders in the next few years, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
In releasing its metropolitan outlook on Friday, the board said both Alberta cities will average annual economic growth of 3.1 per cent during 2014-2017.

The provincial centres will regain top billing in the country after Saskatoon and Regina, who are forecast to lead the nation in economic growth this year of 5.2 per cent and 5.0 per cent, respectively. The board predicts Edmonton will be third in Canada in 2013 at 4.2 per cent followed by Calgary at 3.3 per cent.  FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE


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Enbridge planning $1-Billion pipeline to boost oil sands growth

By Carrie Tate, Globe and Mail, October 1st 2013

Enbridge Inc. wants to build a $1-billion pipeline to the oil sands designed to carry diluent  – a product needed to facilitate expansion efforts for energy projects in northern Alberta.
The pipeline company on Tuesday said it wants to build a line that would send 200,000 barrels of diluent per day between Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

Diluent is used to thin heavy crude and allow it to flow through pipelines. Without an ample supply of diluents, such as light oil, the energy industry’s plans to expand bitumen production in northern Alberta could be inhibited.  GRAB THIS STORY

 
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Alberta Sees Huge Growth Spurt
International migration also gallops ahead


By James Wood, Calgary Herald, September 27th, 2013

Alberta’s population has roared past four million, with a strong economy attracting newcomers from across Canada and around the world.
Population estimates from Statistics Canada released Thursday put the number of Alberta residents at 4,025,074 as of July 1. That represents a 3.5 per cent year-over-year increase — and the highest rate of growth since the early 1980s.

For the 12 months ending in July, the province gained 52,677 residents from other provinces — nearly double the amount from the same period a year earlier — and 52,551 international immigrants.  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.

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life." Robert Louis Stevenson 

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  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.




Friday, October 11, 2013

Watch out for rental scams!

I read this article about the dozen families that have nowhere to live because of a rental scam.

I've had about half a dozen people call me saying our ads were posted on Craigslist or some other site for half the true rental price, payable to a landlord who clearly wasn't me. 

Sadly, twice I've gotten teary angry calls saying they had rented my place and given someone the security deposit. It's a lot of money to lose and often saved up funds, hard to replace.

My tips to avoid rental scam:

Landlords:
Most effective is to put a 'For Rent' sign in the window with your phone number. Potential renters will drive by to check out the house and area. They will realize the discrepancy and hopefully call your number.

Tenants:
This is rough but a little common sense goes a long way. Is it plausible that a 4 bedroom house would be $1200? (whatever low price is being used to lure you in) In a 1% vacancy market you aren't going to be the one to get that crazy deal.

Always ask to see the inside of the house, don't send money without doing so.  I know in this case the owner may have been involved - that makes it really difficult. If you are moving to a town have a proxy look.

Ninety nine percent of landlords charge one month's rent as the security deposit UNLESS it's a huge apartment complex ie Boardwalk or Midwest. Low security deposits are a huge red flag!

If a "landlord" says I'm leaving tomorrow and you just have to send the money now - RUN. Typically if they were leaving they'd have a property management company manage the rental. The odd owner may go away and rent out his house but I would use extreme caution.