Saturday, November 30, 2013

Fort McMoney

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 30, 2013
Volume 15, Issue 8

Dear Friends and Partners,

Earlier this week, I watched and played parts of Fort McMoney, an interactive documentary-game about the town of Fort McMurray. The quality of the game is top notch and it uses real people as its characters. What is unique about the game is that it allows you to interact with the people of Fort Mac within the game and with users, live-online, to debate and decide "the future of Fort Mac".

On first blush it looks to be leaning on the 'Oilsands are BAD' environmental side of things (dark images, sombre music and a bleak feeling dominate) but there is some key oil proponents featured inside the game. This program has a kind of ‘choose your own ending’ feel to it as well. Check it out if you are interested in the northern oil economy.

I'm really impressed with using this type of media as a device to engage and influence people. Really, think about it; if I want to speak to a younger audience I can create an interactive game, an older audience may feel more comfortable engaging with a video/documentary, and finally the 'choose your own ending' gives you that nostalgic feeling of control that you find in those old flip books where you decide the outcome.

In the best light, Fort McMoney hopes to engage people in a conversation about a recently charged topic (oil extraction). At worst, it is a savvy piece of media manipulation that plants its subtle 'opinion' by letting you feel that you've actually chosen that same outcome. The premise of the game is that you 'decide the fate' of Fort McMurray - the town that is already living, growing and yes, deciding its own path. But, hey, I get it. It's an important topic and its brilliantly presented. Play it yourself and tell me what you think about it.





North East Edmonton: 4-Unit Cashflow Property in Baldwin

Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal-4plex is located in the mature and transitional area of Baldwin. Upgraded in 2000 this 1973built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry.

There are 3 X 3 BD and 1 X 2BD.  Newer boiler. Suites are in good condition, but will require modernizing by our reno team. This property has been rented to long-term, senior citizen tenants.

You'll find a double detached garage, adding extra income. Spacious upper units have original hardwood, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Good access to Belvedere LRT, Fort Road and downtown. Fast access to bus routes and Saskatchewan Drive.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient north east area with easy access to transit and downtown. Baldwin is a mature/transitional area. Highly rent-able; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $640K
Total Investment: $148,418K
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $82,026.58K
Your pre-tax Total ROI: 55% or 11% per year 

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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Strong belief in oil industry's economic clout drives pipeline approval: poll


By Bruce Cheadle, The Canadian Press, November 22nd, 2013

OTTAWA - A new poll suggests a broad cross-section of Canadians see the oil and gas sector as vitally important to the national economy, an attitude that in turn appears to be driving up support for pipeline construction.
Almost nine out of 10 respondents to the Harris-Decima poll, 87 per cent, said they believe oil and gas development is economically important, while a clear majority — 53 per cent — ranked the sector as the most important in Canada.

The telephone poll of just over 1,000 respondents also found a majority of respondents in favour of the proposed west-to-east pipeline from Alberta to Atlantic Canada, as well as the Northern Gateway pipeline to the B.C. coast.

A slim plurality of respondents, meanwhile, said they oppose the Keystone XL pipeline to the southern United States.  FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE



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Poloz rejects OECD report urging rate hikes for Canada

By Barrie McKenna, The Globe and Mail, November 20th, 2013

Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz took exception to an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development report urging the Bank of Canada to start raising interest rates by the end of next year.
Mr. Poloz said Wednesday that he is comfortable with the central bank’s decision last month to shift to a neutral stance on rate hikes, abandoning an 18-month pledge to eventually raise rates to more normal levels. He suggested that the Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development likely applies different judgments and models than he does to project where the economy is headed.  GRAB THIS STORY


 
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Alberta tops energy investment, but pipeline bottlenecks a threat: Fraser Institute


By Amanda Stephenson, The Calgary Herald, November 18th, 2013

CALGARY - A new Fraser Institute report suggests Alberta is the third most attractive jurisdiction in the world for oil and gas investment, but that could change if crucial pipeline proposals aren’t approved soon.

Of the 864 industry executives who responded to the think tank’s 2013 Global Petroleum Survey, 62 per cent said their assessment of Western Canada as an investment venue would deteriorate if pipeline bottlenecks continue to constrain movement of oil to Eastern Canada, export markets overseas, and U.S. refiners. One respondent described pipeline constraints as “the single biggest risk to the industry today in Western Canada.”  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.

"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."  –Jean Jacques Rousseau

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.




Thursday, November 28, 2013

Wow I failed at this....

or at least got really tired before I could finish. Even as a in-migrant to Edmonton I thought with all my driving around and Real Estate I would have the neighbourhoods down. Turns out with 377 of them I have only the smallest clue.

Click that 'hood gives you 20 random Edmonton neighbourhoods and you have to find them on the map. Did I mention it's timed? If you feel like you know the city you can skip the newbie version and go straight to the second level. It's harder than it seems.

Neighbourhoods only a few streets wide, nestled in between industrial areas and some with highly misleading names (unless you have an incredible grasp of history). Just part and parcel of growing Edmonton. 

Don't even get me started about the new build areas. 




Friday, November 15, 2013

Lest we forget...

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., 2013
Volume 15, Issue 7

Dear Friends and Partners,

This year we took our boys to the Remembrance Day laying of the wreath at the City Hall Cenotaph in Edmonton. Both of our fathers fought in World War II. It's a unique topic to explain to 5 and 2 year olds, respectively.

Later at the Prince of Wales Armouries, our sons were able to play interactive games based on the amazing amount of memorabilia on display. Very informative, eye opening and fun for all. We saw an amazing snuff box that looked like this.

While growing up I really didn't stop to reflect much about the war. I found this year was different; maybe because I have kids, maybe because of the world now. Nonetheless it was a great learning experience and a time to pay respect.

Not to be a total downer this newsletter, but with typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines, here is a great link to TRIPLE your giving power if you so choose too.  UNICEF*

*For every dollar donated by individual Canadians to UNICEF Canada from November 9th to December 8th, 2013, the Government of Canada will contribute a dollar up to $100,000. UNICEF’s generous corporate supporters will be matching all donations for Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, excluding the Government of Canada donation match, up to $25,000.


 North East Edmonton: 4-Unit Cashflow Property in Baldwin


Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal-4plex is located in the mature and transitional area of Baldwin. Upgraded in 2000 this 1964 built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry.

There are 3 X 2 BD and 1 X 1BD.  Boiler was replaced 8 years ago. Suites are in good condition, but will require modernizing by our reno team. This property has been rented to longterm, senior citizen tenants.
You'll find a double detached garage, adding extra income. Spacious upper units have original hardwood, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Good access to Belvedere LRT, Fort Road and downtown. Fast access to bus routes and Saskatchewan Drive.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient north east area with easy access to transit and downtown. Baldwin is a mature/transitional area. Highly rent-able; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $640K
Total Investment: $148,418K
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $82,026.58K
Your pre-tax Total ROI: 55% or 11% per year 

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!


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

Yedlin: Energy literacy gaps need remedial filling

By Deborah Yedlin, Calgary Herald, November 13th, 2013

In the absence of gatherings such as first ministers meetings, it's become apparent to both provincial and business leaders that if differences are to be solved and a spirit of co-operation achieved to the benefit of the country, it is up to them to make sure it happens.

We have been seeing signs of this in recent months: The strong support shown by New Brunswick premier David Alward for Premier Redford's Canadian Energy Strategy and Ontario's Premier Kathleen Wynne stating while in Calgary several weeks ago, that she recognized the importance of the industry to her province's economy and that it would be hypocritical for her not to support a Canadian energy strategy for that reason.

More recent signs include the framework agreement governing pipelines crossing from Alberta into British Columbia, in return for B.C. supporting the Canadian Energy Strategy initiative and, on Tuesday, a trade mission organized by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal arrived in Calgary to explore opportunities for collaboration - either in Alberta, in Quebec, or both.   FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Jim Flaherty projects $3.7B surplus for 2015-16

By Susan Mas, CBC News, November 12th, 2013

"We'd like to see the Keystone XL pipeline built, so would a majority of Americans. I hope that comes to pass because that would very much help us with commodities exports," Flaherty said.  GRAB THIS STORY

 
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B.C.'s Montney natural gas basin estimated to be world class


By Gordon Hoekstra, The Vancouver Sun, November 6th, 2013

VANCOUVER — A joint federal-provincial government report released Wednesday estimates there are huge, greater-than-expected natural gas resources in the important Montney gas basin that straddles British Columbia and Alberta.
The B.C. government claims the Montney estimate more than doubles the amount of natural gas resources in British Columbia, which will help underpin the province’s effort to launch a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry to Asia.

The Montney contains 449 trillion cubic feet of natural gas — inferred from geological data — that can be extracted economically, according to the study conducted with the co-operation of the National Energy Board, B.C. Oil and Gas Commission, the Alberta energy regulator and the newly created B.C. Ministry of Natural Gas Development.  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.

"Life isn't as serious as the mind makes it out to be."  –Eckhart Tolle

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.














RESAAS: The Evolution of Real Estate

I like this video it is well done. I think it is a little dated as many real estate agents use the marketing tools mentioned in conjunction with a whole plethora of modern marketing techniques. You find agents on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Active Rain and I've seen QR codes on ads for properties.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

This and That

The end of the year always bears reflection on what we've done in the last 11 - 12 months. The goal sheets I crafted at the end of 2012 are examined and my highlighter joyfully crosses off what I can mark as done. I would say that the crossing off of goals with a highlighter is one of my favorite things.

Once the highlighting frenzy is over I start thinking about the next year. Not only my goals but how our economy locally, provincially and nationally will fare.

 Alberta's outlook for 2014 looks sunny with a chance of headwinds . REIN puts Edmonton back as the top town to invest in but Calgary looks good as well.

"(Don) Campbell said both cities are poised to be economic leaders in Canada in 2014 and 2015 and therefore the forecast for in-migration and housing demand remains very strong."

There is a lot of uncertainty in the US and Europe if things stay on track globally it will bode well for Canada. It's been a while since we've had B.C, Alberta and the potential of  the east coast all gearing up at the same time.

At any rate we can all do our part for the economy by something as simple as having a cold beer
Campbell said both cities are poised to be economic leaders in Canada in 2014 and 2015 and therefore the forecast for in-migration and housing demand remains very strong. - See more at: http://www.reincanada.com/RealEstateNewsView/tabid/72/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/350/Edmonton-housing-market-overtakes-Calgary-in-investment-ranking.aspx#sthash.E92SAIXf.dpuf

Friday, November 01, 2013

The Mortgage Minute Oct. 29, 2013 (+playlist)

Winds of 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., 2013
Volume 15, Issue 6

Dear Friends and Partners,

Fall winds of change are blowing good things our way. October proved to be a busy month with the Mayoral election, new city councillors and a green light for $13.5B Shell & Total Energy project in Fort Hills.

With the vacancy rate hovering around 1% and a surplus of approximately 12,000 jobs for hire, coupled with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, things are starting to ramp up in Edmonton area. Of course a strong headwind may blow us of course, but for now things are looking good.

 North East Edmonton: 4-Unit Cashflow Property in Baldwin






Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal-4plex is located in the mature and transitional area of Baldwin. Upgraded in 2000 this 1964 built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry.

There are 3 X 2 BD and 1 X 1BD.  Boiler was replaced 8 years ago. Suites are in good condition, but will require modernizing by our reno team. This property has been rented to longterm, senior citizen tenants.
You'll find a double detached garage, adding extra income. Spacious upper units have original hardwood, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Good access to Belvedere LRT, Fort Road and downtown. Fast access to bus routes and Saskatchewan Drive.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient north east area with easy access to transit and downtown. Baldwin is a mature/transitional area. Highly rent-able; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $640K
Total Investment: $148,418K
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $82,026.58K
Your pre-tax Total ROI: 55% or 11% per year 

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 economy at the top of the pack: BMO Report


By Michael Franklin, CTV Calgary, October 30th, 2013

According to a report from BMO Economics, Alberta’s economy is still the best among all the other provinces in the country despite suffering a hit during June’s flooding.
Robert Kavcic, a senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, says that Alberta’s real GDP will expand by 2.5 percent this year and 3.3 percent in 2014.

Kavcic admits that the initial impact of the flood was clearly negative, the subsequent repair and rebuilding activity is expected to turn things around.

“The Province estimates that repair and rebuilding activity will add 0.2 percentage points to real GDP growth in 2013," said Kavcic.

Job growth is also remaining strong in Alberta, with projected growth of 3.6 percent year over year in August.

"Alberta again leads the country by a healthy margin in job growth; the private sector has more than offset a 1 per cent year-over-year drop in public-sector employment," said Mr. Kavcic. "The labour market remains relatively tight with the jobless rate holding below 5 per cent - the second lowest in Canada. Alberta continues to draw steady inward migration flows from other provinces." FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Alberta and Saskatchewan Workers looking at Biggest Pay Raises in 2014: Report

By Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press, October 22nd, 2013

CALGARY – A report from the Conference Board of Canada suggests it’s better to be a rig pig on the Prairies than a health-care worker in Ontario from a labour perspective.

The board’s forecast released Tuesday says workers in Alberta and Saskatchewan will fare the best in wage increases next year largely due to a shortage of qualified employees in the energy sector.

“The divide between East and West persists. Frenzied resource development and near-bottom unemployment rates mean that Alberta and Saskatchewan are again expecting to offer the highest pay increases next year,” said Ian Cullwick, vice-president of leadership and human resources research.

The report projects average increases of 3.7 per cent in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The lowest average increases are expected in the Atlantic provinces at 2.5 per cent and Ontario at 2.6 per cent.

The Canadian average for non-unionized workers is anticipated at 2.9 per cent in 2014.

The information is based on the responses of 411 employers across the country to a survey conducted between June and August.  GRAB THIS STORY
 
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Shell joins energy rush, green lights new Alberta oil sands project


By Jeffrey Jones, The Globe and Mail, October 31st, 2013

Royal Dutch Shell PLC has given the green light to a new steam-driven oil sands project, putting the Anglo-Dutch oil major among a handful of companies announcing big northern Alberta energy developments in the last day.
Shell said it is going ahead with the 80,000 barrel a day Carmon Creek project in the Peace River area of Alberta. It did not give a price tag for the project in a news release on Thursday, though a spokesman said it will be in the billions, rather than millions, of dollars.   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.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."  –Henry Ford

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.