Monday, December 12, 2016

A scammer sent to jail.

It's very hard to find out that your hard earned savings have disappeared. Especially when the culprit shows no remorse. I'm glad to see there is a jail term.

We lost a small investment when LEAGUE crashed in Victoria BC luckily it wasn't our everything. The two men that started LEAGUE are out and free which irks many people. Especially those who lost their entire retirement savings.

"An Edmonton businessman convicted of fraud has been sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution to his victims."

The judge's written decision also noted that evidence established Iyer bought a family residence in his wife's name, bought expensive vehicles and travelled in an extravagant lifestyle. All of those purchases were paid for with money given to Trident by the investors.

Justice Andrea Moen noted that Iyer showed no remorse, steadfastly maintained his innocence and never tried to pay restitution." Read more here

Wednesday, December 07, 2016

Feeling good about your money

There's always the "What do you get them for Christmas?" conundrum. Every year I notice I have to try and come up with something I want. The two best gifts I ever got?

1. a sleeping kit sent to a child

2. a goat


I've always followed the millennial's prioritizing experiences over belongings.  Wouldn't you prefer to take a trip, have a nice meal or see that show rather than further clutter your house?

Obviously we have a lot more than we need in North America and even those in Canada who are earning less can look at this article and find ways to feel better about their financial health. 



Tuesday, December 06, 2016

Peter Kinch Mortgage Minute

"Some of the reporting and headlines recently have been borderline irresponsible so it’s important now, more than ever, to read beyond the headlines. Included in this week’s Mortgage Minute™ is an article suggesting CMHC could lose a $Billion – but when reading further, this is only in the event of a doomsday" Peter Kinch


Monday, December 05, 2016

Business in Edmonton Feature - Todd Millar


"A buyers market is generally defined as a period that favors buyers by offering an ample selection of property at relatively low prices and taking 3-6 months to sell" informs Todd Millar of Glenn Simon Inc., an Alberta investment firm. Read Here pages 64-68

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Happy Holidays - Goodbye 2016!

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



December 1st., 2016

Volume 21, Issue 10

Dear Friends and Partners,

Here we are at the end of another year. 2016 has been everything but uneventful across all fronts and around the world. We’re far from  smooth sailings with our local economy, but I think we are at least heading into calmer waters or getting those sea legs steady. I don’t think 2017 will be a banner year, but hopefully stability will increase with the energy sector. Although we are seeing some worrying signals and directional shifts from the federal government related to CMHC (check out Peter Kinch’s link here), plus populist environmental and trade agendas. Nonetheless - we will push forward. We will have a good year ahead! Opportunity is abound!

*This is our last newsletter for 2016, but the blog is continually updated.  Regular newsletters resume January 15th 2017*


Wishing you and your family a very wonderful December and New Year ahead!



South Central Edmonton: Queen Alexandra, Legal 6-Unit Cashflow 

Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting a low risk investment in a great area with 6 units under one roof - here it is. 6-unit with 5,600 sqft, steps from trendy Whyte Ave. and across the road from school. 5 minutes to U.O.A., 6 minutes to Hospital, 10 to downtown.

 This is property has many recent upgrades and offers a self contained basement unit. 3 X 1 bedroom units with balcony, 3 X bachelor suites. 1916 built, RF3 zoned building. 6 Parking stalls and single garage. Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Queen Alexandra.
Purchase price to include reserve fund and light renovation budget to make it standout - rolled into mortgage. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in this highly rent-able mature U.O.A. neighbourhood.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Queen Alexandra is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working downtown or attending UOA. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton’s growing centre and University Hospital.


Purchase price: $628,000
Total Investment: $179,000
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $91,846
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 51% or 10% per year


These 6 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!

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

Why Alberta still has the highest employment rate in the country, despite all the job losses.
Young population and older adults who continue to work to keep the province’s economy resilient, economist says


By Robson Fletcher, CBC News, November 7th., 2016

Alberta has seen tens of thousands of layoffs in the past couple of years but its employment rate — a measure of working-age people who have jobs — remains the highest in the country.

That seemingly contradictory situation is due to Alberta's relatively young population and the fact that older people in this province tend to keep working longer than other Canadians.

It also means Alberta's economy is relatively resilient, said University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe.  READ MORE HERE 


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

Debt-ridden Alberta should take a lesson from thrifty Texas on how to survive the oil boom and bust: report

By Geoffrey Morgan, Financial Post, November 17th, 2016

CALGARY — While Alberta and Texas both enjoyed 10-year economic booms thanks to high oil prices, the province’s “undisciplined” budgets during those years left it in a worse financial position than the state when crude tanked.

In a study titled “One Energy Boom, Two Approaches,” the  Fraser Institute compared the budgets and spending patterns of governments in Alberta and Texas between 2004 and 2014.
GRAB THIS ARTICLE

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

Opinion: Alberta’s economy may be poised for a turnaround, but province’s finances still on wrong track


By Steve La Fleur & Ben Eisen, Edmonton Journal, November 21st., 2016

Albertans got some welcome news recently, when ATB Financial suggested that the worst of the oil price downturn is over and that oil prices would continue to increase in 2017. 

This is, of course, encouraging for Alberta’s economic outlook. However, it’s important to recognize that while an increase in oil prices, and a return to economic growth, would help Albertans suffering from the province’s current economic malaise, it’s unlikely to solve the provincial government’s budget problems.

Specifically, unless the province reforms and reduces provincial spending, Alberta’s big deficits will likely persist for years — even if oil prices increase.  FOLLOW THIS STORY

 ===============

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.

“There is no decision that we can make that doesn’t come without some kind of balance or sacrifice.” -Simon Sinek

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.



Wednesday, November 30, 2016

This and that - November

Yedlin: Pipeline approvals put Canada's energy future in much clearer focus -

"Trudeau’s approvals of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain expansion and Enbridge’s Line 3 project — to triple volumes shipped on both pipelines — is a clear sign Canada has found a way to balance the importance of resource-driven economic growth and environmental stewardship.

And while this could yet prove to be a difficult process and there are valid questions about how the prime minister will stand up to the inevitable backlash and court challenges, it’s a long overdue first step." Read More Here

Ottawa approves two pipelines, rejects one while imposing tanker ban on northern B.C. coast
“Canada is a country rich in energy of all kinds,” Trudeau said in approving two export pipelines and rejecting a third. “There isn’t a country in the world that would find billions of barrels of oil and leave it in the ground while there’s still a market for it.” Jump Here

This is just weird and wrong HERE

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The weirdest map around

There is a quirky map showing what each country in the world excels at.

Canada ranks as #1 for Facebook addicts and USA corner the  spam emails market. 





More here


Monday, November 21, 2016

Tony Robbins Money Tips

I love Tony Robbins and listen to his audio-seminars every time I drive. His documentary Tony Robbins : I AM NOT YOUR GURU is on my watchlist on Netflix.

 His energy level is the best part. I feel pumped after listening to him speak and I'm sure I get more done on those days. 

20 best money tips of all time from Tony Robbins




Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Trumped

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., 2016
Volume 21, Issue 9


How about that U.S. Presidential election…? Like it, love it or hate it, it was something to behold. With opinions of candidates aside, what an amazing use (or abuse) of media and ‘social clout’ was displayed (pop stars, really?).

If you haven’t seen Idiocracy, this election mirrored elements of it. Nonetheless, change is good. And one thing for certain is that a shift has been made. It may take the next 4 years for it to fully manifest, but the people have voted and have won fairly.

Meanwhile back in Canadian politics… Silence.

Bonnie Doon Bungalow Conversion: 4-Unit, Reno-deal. Cash-flow central

Turbo charge your portfolio. This is currently a Side by Side that can be turned into a 4-Unit. * These are pre-renovation pictures *

Price includes interior, exterior renovation and landscaping costs. Great, soon to be 4-unit bungalow, 10 minutes from downtown; a winner to add to any portfolio. 1978 German built, well maintained.

Terrific access to local amenities in mature Bonnie Doon. As part of renovation package; all new appliances, shingles, flooring and suite upgrades. This property will have 2 X 2 bd suites added down. Plus 2 X 3 bd on the main. Features oversized double garage and pad. This property has a tried and true layout and is built to last. Purchase price includes reserve fund and large reno conversion costs to make the property shine! Renovations always present as a 10/10 on quality and style. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access to U.O.A and downtown and in the highly rentable and desirable neighbourhood of Bonnie Doon.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Bonnie Doon is a sought after mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working downtown and attending U.O.A. 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: $680,000
Total Investment: $160,000
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $108,076
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 67.5% or 13.5% 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!

------------------------------

Edmonton economy took hit in the fall, expected to rebound in 2017

EDMONTON JOURNAL
November 8, 2016

Edmonton’s economy contracted “sharply” last summer, but should improve modestly in 2017, city economist John Rose says.
In an update released Tuesday, Rose found that Edmonton’s 2016 gross domestic product and unemployment rate were worse in the third quarter of the year than he forecast last spring.

Construction and manufacturing were particularly weak.

Activity in these areas stabilized over the last two months and the rest of the economy is slowly growing, so the situation should improve modestly, Rose wrote. Read More Here.

-------------------------------

Edmonton real estate market burdened by job losses, stunted growth

'A weaker labour market, slower migration and reduced consumer confidence are tempering demand'

CBC News, Oct 26, 2016

Demand for new homes in Edmonton has "tempered" in light of a weaker market and reduced consumer confidence, according to new reports from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

According to the CMHC Housing Market Outlook and Housing Market Assessment released Wednesday, housing starts have slowed as stunted income growth, job losses and slowing population growth put a chill on the local market. Grab this story

-------------------------------

ANALYSIS: Why Calgary's and Edmonton's job markets are so different
Calgary's unemployment rate is going up, Edmonton's rate is going down. What gives?


By Tracy Johnson, CBC News, Nov 08, 2016

A curious thing is happening in Alberta's job market: While the province as a whole is suffering, with an unemployment rate of 8.5 per cent, Calgary and Edmonton are seeing their fortunes diverge, with Calgary taking the brunt of the downturn.

Two years ago, the two cities had similar unemployment rates of roughly five per cent. Last month, Calgary's rate hit 10.2 per cent, a multi-decade high, while Edmonton is sitting pretty (relatively speaking), with a jobless rate of 6.9 per cent — just below the national average. 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.


“Leadership is not about the next election, it's about the next generation.” - Simon Sinek

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Trump might be good for Canada

"Trump had expressed unqualified support for importing Canadian energy in general, and the Keystone XL pipeline in particular. Clinton, on the other hand, once a staunch Keystone backer, had chosen to flip and turn against it, as a way to appease the most left-wing Democrats. Canadians, and struggling Albertans especially, can renew their hopes that we might soon be sending up to a million more barrels of our oil every day to American refineries.

Just as importantly for Canada’s exporters, Trump has promised to slash U.S. federal corporate income taxes — those combined top marginal corporate rates are currently some of the highest in the world — from 35 per cent to 15 per cent. Eager to lure home the US$2.4 trillion of American corporate profits sitting idle offshore, Trump has shrewdly promised a one-time, low tax rate of 10 per cent that, if enacted, will encourage major corporations to repatriate their cash and reinvest it back in the U.S., a massive private stimulus program that will do much to spur demand for Canadian exports." Kevin Libin Financial Post Read more here


And don't forget the beleaguered Keystone XL 

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Happy All Saints Day

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., 2016
Volume 21, Issue 8

Dear Friends and Partners,


I write our newsletters a few days early in the hopes to have them out to you in time. Thus, we’re a few days before Halloween and I thought I’d repost some scary house stories.

10 Horrifyingly True Real Estate Stories from Curbed Readers,
Michelle Goldchain, originally published January 7, 2015.

"Last Halloween, we published three horrifyingly true stories from real estate agents. Despite raccoon carcasses and a naked woman, many of our readers found the stories to not be horrifying enough. Because of this, many decided to supply their own stories, definitely one-upping the ones we had. We compiled the 10 best stories from our readers, unedited and untampered with. We're unsure of just how "true" these stories are, but if you're looking for spooky stories to read at night, then these should help keep you up. If you think you can one-up these stories as well, feel free to add your own experiences in the comments. Read them all here …"

If those aren't scary enough try these:

22 Shiver-inducing stories behind America's most haunted houses HERE
True Canadian Ghost Stories HERE


Bonnie Doon Bungalow Conversion: 4-Unit, Reno-deal. Cash-flow central

Turbo charge your portfolio. This is currently a Side by Side that can be turned into a 4-Unit. * These are pre-renovation pictures *

Price includes interior, exterior renovation and landscaping costs. Great, soon to be 4-unit bungalow, 10 minutes from downtown; a winner to add to any portfolio. 1978 German built, well maintained.

Terrific access to local amenities in mature Bonnie Doon. As part of renovation package; all new appliances, shingles, flooring and suite upgrades. This property will have 2 X 2 bd suites added down. Plus 2 X 3 bd on the main. Features oversized double garage and pad. This property has a tried and true layout and is built to last. Purchase price includes reserve fund and large reno conversion costs to make the property shine! Renovations always present as a 10/10 on quality and style. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access to U.O.A and downtown and in the highly rentable and desirable neighbourhood of Bonnie Doon.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Bonnie Doon is a sought after mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working downtown and attending U.O.A. 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: $680,000
Total Investment: $160,000
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $108,076
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 67.5% or 13.5% 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!

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

Gary Lamphier: RMS Builders still among Canada’s fastest growing companies

By Gary Lamphier Edmonton Journal, October 28th., 2016

A year ago, RMS Builders joined a star-studded cast of promising junior firms when it was named the fastest-growing builder and the second fastest growing company in Canada.

The honour was bestowed on the low-profile, Edmonton-based general contractor and real estate developer by Canadian Business magazine in its annual Profit 500 rankings.

RMS earned the spotlight by generating 2014 revenues of more than $30 million, up an eye-popping 15,000 per cent over the previous five-year period. RMS has built its business one small step at a time, on bread-and-butter projects such as suburban hotels and car dealerships.

FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

===============
  
Gary Lamphier: Tepid economic growth to slow even further, says Bank of Canada

By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, October 19th, 2016

Although he’s more folksy and plain spoken than his predecessor, Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz doesn’t exactly peel the paint off the walls when describing the feeble state of the economy.

Like any central banker, Poloz speaks in code, doling out highly nuanced, carefully worded tidbits on manufacturing, housing, exports, investment and other key aspects of Canada’s $2-trillion economy.

But no matter how opaque his language, it’s hard to miss the central point of the Bank of Canada’s latest monetary policy report, delivered by Poloz Wednesday in Ottawa: Canada’s economy sucks. In fact, it sucks even more than he thought just a few months ago. GRAB THIS STORY

————————

Opinion: Time for Alberta to invest in a new kind of energy workforce

By Kerry Oxford, Edmonton Journal, October 28th, 2016


As a mechanical engineering technologist who’s been stuck in the boom-and-bust cycles of oil and gas, I’ve come to realize that it’s time for a change. We need to create a more stable and diversified future.

My work experience has taught me that much of what the industry has been doing is both short-sighted and unnecessary. Albertans and other Canadians affected by the latest commodity bust deserve a more stable economy — and that’s within our reach.

I was born in England but have lived in Calgary most of my life. When I was laid off from my welding job in 2009, I went back to school and got a diploma in engineering technology. When I was laid off again in 2015, I decided I would rather work for myself than be reliant on the volatile fossil fuel industry.  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.

“Don’t watch the clock. Do what it does and keep going!” 
-Sam Levenson

Monday, October 17, 2016

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

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 17th., 2016
Volume 21, Issue 7

Dear Friends and Partners,

My friend and I start every day by texting each other 3 things we are grateful for. The only rule is no repeats, each text must hold three new things we find to express our gratitude.

Sometimes there are backhanded; "I'm grateful I have kids who keep me up all night" or "I'm grateful it wasn't freezing when my dog wanted to go out at 2am" others for simple North American privileges "I'm grateful my water is safe to drink"or "I'm glad I have a nice warm house".

If you can do this for at least a month your view of your life and problems will change.

I'll leave you with this powerful quote:




Vice president of product at Airbnb

Courtesy of Airbnb


“I once sent an email to my PhD advisor at Caltech, Niles Pierce, complaining about something difficult I was struggling with. I saved his response. He said, ‘I guarantee you 100% that the tough problems you do decide to confront and master will be the experiences you value the most when you look back.’ That quote has always stuck with me in the back of my mind and encouraged me to seek out difficult challenges and get even more excited when things get hard.”


King Edward Bungalow Conversion: 4-Plex, cash-flow central

This is currently a Side by side that can be turned into a 4-Plex. Price includes renovation costs. Great, soon to be 4-unit bungalow, 10 minutes from downtown; a winner to add to any portfolio. 1967 built, meticulously maintained. Terrific access to local amenities in mature King Edward. New appliances, shingles, flooring and suite upgrades.

This property will have 2 X 2 bd suites added down. Plus 2 X 3 bd on the main. Features oversized double garage and pad. This property has a tried and true layout and is built to last. Purchase price includes reserve fund and large reno conversion costs to make the property shine! This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rentable and desirable neighbourhood of King Edward.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. King Edward is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working downtown and attending U.O.A. 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: $600,000 plus $75,000 Purchase Plus Improvements
Total Investment: $141,720
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $95,232
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 67% or 13.4% 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!

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

The new two solitudes: 'Alberta and the rest of the Canada'

By Robson Fletcher, CBC News, October 3rd., 2016

Sumara Diaz was laid off in February, and she counts herself among the lucky ones.

It was the first layoff of her 17-year career in Alberta's oil and gas sector, and she's well aware that many of her colleagues have been through the experience multiple times. She's spent the last eight months hunting for jobs, networking and trying to stay positive.

She doesn't expect much from others — she finds it hard to ask for help — but she says a little support from the rest of the country for the tens of thousands of other Albertans like her would be nice.

"Alberta has always been the strong province that has helped the other provinces," Diaz said.

FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

Opinion: George Brookman on Albertans’ growing anger, and Calgary’s future

By George Brookman, CBC News Canada, October 10th, 2016

"Nothing Ever Happens Until Somebody Sells Something."

Those words were spoken to me by my Dad when I was a very young little guy and they were repeated over and over as I grew. Today, both of my own daughters have heard them so often they will say "yes, yes Dad, we know."
Whether you want to get a date, convince your parents to buy a puppy, sell a house or a car, promote a fund raiser or convince your children about the merits of secondary education, the simple truth is that you are always selling. GRAB THIS STORY


————————

The state of Edmonton’d economy: House prices, migration and an economic outlook
A Q & A with Edmonton chief economist John Rose

By Alex Boyd, Metro, October 4th, 2016

In the latest bit of Alberta economic gloom, the Royal LePage House Price Survey detailed Tuesday that Edmonton average home prices declined by 3.1 per cent, to $374,712, compared to the same quarter last year.

We checked in with Edmonton chief economist John Rose about that number, the city’s economic outlook and other numbers he’s watching.

Q: How concerning is the decline number?

A: It’s very difficult to square that number with the information from the Edmonton Real Estate board last week, which indicated house prices in the Edmonton region were actually down less than one per cent. So I find the three per cent number a bit high. 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.

“You have to stay true to your heritage; that's what your brand is about.”  -Alice Temperley

Warm Regards,


Todd and Danielle Millar

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

I found this interesting...

How much Americans at every age have in their savings account.

Canadians aren't doing better. Clearly we have gone from a society of savers to a society plagued with debt.

How the wealthy think - "Don't look for jobs with the greatest salary potential. Rather, "focus on work that has the most fulfillment potential. Once you find it, invest so much heart and soul into your work that you become one of the most competent people in your field. You'll be rewarded with uncommon wealth." Self-made millionaire Steve Siebold  from his book "How Rich People Think"


Tuesday, October 04, 2016

This and That October 2016

The trouble with B.C. Premier Clark's jab at Alberta's oil economy - "In stating her support for the project, Clark happened to utter a phrase remarkably similar to one made countless times by pretty much every political leader in neighbouring Alberta.

“We want to make sure we can get these goods… to market,” she said.

Many were likely unamused by the irony of that statement, and with good reason. It was Clark’s government that responded to various calls from Alberta to get its own goods to market by imposing strict conditions on Alberta’s attempts to reach those markets.

Clark’s resistance emboldened opponents to new oil sands pipelines in her province, contributing to the economic challenges Alberta now faces as its oil sands industry continues to sell its output at a substantial discount due largely to a lack of market access new pipelines would have created. The B.C. Premier acknowledged those challenges in her comments." Read more here

Alberta announces $100M in investments to diversify economy - "Alberta has announced close to $100 million in investments as part of its stated goal to further diversify the provincial economy.

Economic Development Minister Deron Bilous said the money will be used to support job creation and innovation in the renewable energy and natural gas sectors.

He said almost $46 million will to go TransAlta Renewables to expand developments in clean energy.

Another $46 million will to Calfrac Well Services to further environmental innovation in the oil and gas industry." Read more here

Edmonton's real estate market holds steady despite economic slump - “Alberta’s economy has been under enormous pressure for some time, but the residential real estate market in the Edmonton census metropolitan area continues to hold,”

 “Prices and unit sales for residential homes are consistent with last year, down less than one per cent and two per cent respectively.” Steve Sedgwick, chairman of the Realtors Association of Edmonton, said in a statement -Read more here 

Alberta premier applauds Ceapro's new biotech facility as a model of economic diversification -
"Ceapro Inc.  - which employs about 30 people — specializes in taking raw materials, such as oats, and turning them into active ingredients in healthcare and cosmetic products. The company is opening a new facility which will provide jobs to another 30 . " Read more here






Monday, October 03, 2016

2017 - The Mystery of Alberta's Economy

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 3rd., 2016
Volume 21, Issue 6

Dear Friends and Partners,

 As we head into Q4 we’ve got a mix of conflicting reports on how bad and/or how good the economy is. A few years ago we forecast that Q2 2017 could be the turn around point.

I still think that may be, albeit a gradual one. If oil were to spike upward, then that would pull Alberta out of the fire until the last 2 years of accumulated debt can start to be repaid. Some of the ‘forward looking’ articles say we’re entering into a turnaround and hey, if that’s true, that’s fantastic news. I just don’t see a firm enough foundation for that yet.

King Edward Bungalow Conversion: 4-Plex, cash-flow central

This is currently a Side by side that can be turned into a 4-Plex. Price includes renovation costs. Great, soon to be 4-unit bungalow, 10 minutes from downtown; a winner to add to any portfolio. 1967 built, meticulously maintained. Terrific access to local amenities in mature King Edward. New appliances, shingles, flooring and suite upgrades.

This property will have 2 X 2 bd suites added down. Plus 2 X 3 bd on the main. Features oversized double garage and pad. This property has a tried and true layout and is built to last. Purchase price includes reserve fund and large reno conversion costs to make the property shine! This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rentable and desirable neighbourhood of King Edward.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. King Edward is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working downtown and attending U.O.A. 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: $600,000 plus $75,000 Purchase Plus Improvements
Total Investment: $141,720
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $95,232
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 67% or 13.4% 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!

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

Hicks on Biz: Dashboard shows Alberta in the dumper

By Graham Hicks, Edmonton Sun, September 16th, 2016

I am mystified.

The Alberta government’s Economic Dashboard, an up-to-date snapshot of the provincial economy, shows we’re truly in the dumper.

Compared to a year ago, Alberta’s unemployment rate has jumped from 6.1% to 8.4%, the number of jobs has dropped 22.6%, average weekly earnings are down 4.2% and Employment Insurance recipients are up 48%.

The only positive sign is the population has grown 1.8% to 4.2 million.

And yet downtown Edmonton is in the midst of a building boom, the likes of which we haven’t seen in 30 years.

READ THIS ARTICLE

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

Alberta’s Economy set to grow faster than any province next year

By Jesse Ferreras, Huffington post Canada, September 29th, 2016

Don't call it a comeback. Not a big one, anyway.

Alberta's economic growth is set to beat all Canadian provinces next year and the one after, says a TD Provincial Economic Forecast released Thursday.

Alberta is set to see GDP growth of over two per cent in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to rising oil production and new oilsands projects coming online, the forecast said. 

GRAB THIS STORY


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

EI Claimant numbers in Alberta up almost 92%

By Juris Graney, Edmonton Sun, September 22nd., 2016

Employment insurance figures continue to climb in Alberta, with the number of claimants up almost 92 per cent in the 12 months to July.

Statistics Canada’s latest data shows slightly fewer than 100,000 Albertans, or four per cent of the total labour force, claimed EI in July.

Almost two-thirds of those claiming benefits were men.

Percentage increases in the past 12 months in Calgary (96.2) and Edmonton (72.5) topped the nation as the number of provincial claimants jumped almost 92 per cent in the same period. 

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.

“No great thing is created suddenly.”  -Epictetus

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Linked In - "Why I think oil and natural gas are indispensible for the forseeable future"

It's very, very easy to forget how you got to where you are. Success, comfort and complacency can lead to amnesia regarding the amount of hard work and frugality it took to get to that level of success. (Think the anti vaccination movement for example)

".....Those of us in the industry know the products we develop are indispensable to the economies of the world. And so, even as we work our way through this low-price environment, we’re confident in the future.

During my 36 years with Chevron, oil prices have dropped 50 percent or more five times. In the most recent fall, oil went from a high of just over $115 a barrel to under $50 a barrel in just six months. When prices fall, industry pulls back on investment and scales back the workforce in line with activities. Ours is a long-term business, so we know that eventually supply and demand will come back into balance and prices will stabilize. The global economy depends on it.

The energy we produce enables light, heat, mobility, mechanized agriculture, modern communications, the health system that keeps us well, and the many electronic devices that keep us connected and entertained. It’s also the feedstock for everything from crayons to contact lenses, not to mention the basis of our roads and runways." Linked In Executive Editor Dan Roth

Read more here



Monday, September 19, 2016

"Don(na) Notley" and her windmills

At a cost of $10.5 Billion and bringing a whopping 7200 jobs. The windmills of Alberta seem set to waft a bad smell around the province.

"On Wednesday, NDP Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announced a plan to build 5,000 megawatts of additional “green” energy capacity in Alberta by 2030.

Be prepared to dig really deep into your pockets for this one. If the NDP are able to achieve this goal, it will only be because much of the $10.5-billion price tag is squeezed out of taxpayers." Read full article here

Can't wait to pay for this initiative and hopefully it produces more than the 4% of energy that Europe gets.

Friday, September 16, 2016

For the first time landlord ( or 60th)

 Even a seasoned landlord can forget the basics and start sliding into home base with their properties and that's when you get tagged out. I'm WAY to nice with arrears and I've had some spectacularly successful collections it's also gone the other way. That's why I hire out collections now. It's not my forte.

Some of the points are pretty basic you should KNOW exactly what your proprety will cashflow (or not) before you find it. That means all expenses. Otherwise what are you buying?

It's pretty solid advice because life is full of Murphy's Law moments....

What I Wish I Knew Before Buying Rental Property - Holly Johnson

Buying the right rental properties is a challenge in itself, but the act of being a landlord is by far the hardest part. However, owning rental properties can be the key to a great deal of profit and financial freedom if you do things the right way from the start – or at least learn from your mistakes along the way.
I wouldn’t change anything about our story, but I do wish I had known more about the business before we got started. If you are considering buying rental property, I hope you can learn from my mistakes instead of learning things the hard way. READ MORE HERE


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Nanny on Canada

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



September 15th., 2016

Volume 21, Issue 5

Dear Friends and Partners,

There is a fine balance to what we can control and what we should control. Simple things (can) become complicated when we add more government. As a landlord, these three topics struck me lately; landlords being responsible for delinquent tenant’s utility bills, tenants who are in abusive relationships being able to sever their leases without penalty and vacant home owners possibly facing tax penalties for buying a home and not renting it out or living in it.

All of these issues are important; people should be held accountable for paying their utility (and rent) bills. Women in abusive relationships should get help/alternate housing when fleeing a harmful situation and perhaps speculative real estate investors should face a levy when buying up real estate - the last one is a grey area.

What I find a conundrum is - why is the landlord the one to have to pick up the tab and pay out of his/her pocket to facilitate these social ideals/necessities? 

The unforeseen consequences vary from landlords tightening up who they rent to, crafting leases to protect themselves (which won’t under RTDS scrutiny), tenants in non-abusive relationships exploiting the laws by lying to landlords to break leases, or absentee homeowners getting into the rental market without the knowledge of how to price a rental or manage one - potentially resulting in losses to tenants and other landlords through improper management (at the result of avoiding a tax penalty).

What do you think? Comment here.

 Central NW Edmonton: Inglewood, Legal 6-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting a low risk investment in a great area with 6 units under one roof - here it is. 6-unit with 4,208 sqft, steps from Westmount mall and school.

Five minutes to Downtown, 4 minutes to Hospital, 15 to UOA all in trendy Inglewood. This is property has many recent upgrades and offers self contained units. 3 X 1 bedroom units, 2 X 2 BD  and 1 bachelor suite. 1966 built, R7 zoned building. 6 Parking stalls and large lot.

Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Inglewood. Purchase price to include reserve fund and light renovation budget to make it standout - rolled into mortgage. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rentable mature neighbourhood of Inglewood.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Inglewood is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working in downtown or NW Edmonton. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton’s growing centre and Misericordia Hospital.

Purchase price: $625,000
Total Investment: $171,000
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $93,057
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 54% or 11% per year

These 6 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 food sector booming as oil sector finds its feet

By Todd Hirsch, Globe and Mail, September 8th., 2016

Still dazed by oil’s price collapse in 2014, Alberta’s economy is gradually finding its feet. All eyes have been fixed on the drama playing out in the oil patch, but all the while other sectors have been quietly developing new products and markets.

The biggest surprise has been Alberta’s burgeoning food sector. In an ironic twist that many didn’t see coming a decade ago, the province has returned to its original roots in agriculture – but this time it’s producing consumer food products for the 21st century and finding lucrative markets around the world. It’s not just for wheat, canola and cattle. It is for niche products such as organic honey, high-protein bison, award-winning gin, unprocessed cereal products and high-value greenhouse vegetables.  READ MORE HERE 

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

Crude oil to carrots: Geothermal makeover eyed for Alberta’s old wells

By Reuters, August 9th, 2016

Disused oil and gas wells dotting Canada’s energy heartland may bear fruit for Alberta’s farmers under a proposal to use waste heat from the idle facilities to allow crops to grow, even in the country’s harsh winter conditions.

Provincial legislator Shaye Anderson wants the Alberta government to allow an old well to be converted to geothermal energy to heat an 8,000-square-foot greenhouse. Currently the wells can only be used for extracting hydrocarbons.  GRAB THIS ARTICLE

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

Cannon: Alberta First: Answering the global call-to-action on energy research

By Elizabeth Cannon & David H. Turpin, Calgary Herald, September 10th, 2016

Alberta and its universities are at a critical juncture. Alberta’s geography and history have made the energy industry a pillar of the province’s economy, and energy research and innovation a focus of its universities for decades. Researchers have been examining ways to discover, access and expand Alberta’s resources since the 1920s when Karl Clark patented a process for separating and recovering oil from the oilsands. In the last decade alone, more than 90 per cent of the world’s oilsands research publications have come from Canadian universities and research agencies, the majority from the University of Alberta and University of Calgary, with many of them resulting in major efficiencies and reductions to the environmental impacts of the industry.  FOLLOW THIS STORY

 ===============

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.

Tough times never last, but tough people do.” - Robert H. Schuller

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar



Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Started at the top, now we're here...

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



September 6th., 2016

Volume 21, Issue 4

Dear Friends and Partners,

It’d be easy to bemoan the economy and you’d think I’m doing that with the selection of news picks below. But, in fact I’m not. If there is one thing about Albertans, it's their resilience. Through hardship and challenging financial times, strong businesses has been forged. Alberta will rise like a Phoenix from the fire… and for now it is tough. I’m hopeful that 2017 Q2 will start to show some stability. If oil improves, that will smooth out the ride. In the meantime you can see what the young ones are starting up...

 Central NW Edmonton: Inglewood, Legal 6-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting a low risk investment in a great area with 6 units under one roof - here it is. 6-unit with 4,208 sqft, steps from Westmount mall and school.

Five minutes to Downtown, 4 minutes to Hospital, 15 to UOA all in trendy Inglewood. This is property has many recent upgrades and offers self contained units. 3 X 1 bedroom units, 2 X 2 BD  and 1 bachelor suite. 1966 built, R7 zoned building. 6 Parking stalls and large lot.

Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Inglewood. Purchase price to include reserve fund and light renovation budget to make it standout - rolled into mortgage. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rentable mature neighbourhood of Inglewood.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Inglewood is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working in downtown or NW Edmonton. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton’s growing centre and Misericordia Hospital.

Purchase price: $625,000
Total Investment: $171,000
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $93,057
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 54% or 11% per year

These 6 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!

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

Has Alberta’s economy hit bottom?


By Andrea MacLean, CTV Calgary, August 22nd., 2016

After more than 100 years providing Calgary with western wear and surviving many recessions and depressions, a Calgary landmark is closing its doors. The current economic downturn has proven to be too tough to weather says Brian Guichon, owner of Riley & McCormick.

“Our customer base is the downtown people who wear the western lifestyle and there’s 20,000 fewer of them living and working downtown Calgary,” said Guichon. “You just look at the numbers – our sales are going down. It’ll be a few years before it comes back and can we wait that long?”  READ MORE HERE 


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

Alberta’s financial troubles deepen as deficit swells by $500M
Shrinking provincial economy to take biggest 2-year hit since the early 80’s


By Kim Trynacity, CBC News, August 23rd, 2016

Alberta's already record deficit is projected to grow by more than $500 million, due mainly to the financial impact of the May wildfires in Fort McMurray, according to the province's latest quarterly update.
The latest fiscal update, delivered Tuesday by Finance Minister Joe Ceci, cites the wildfires as the main factor pushing the deficit $527 million higher to $10.9 billion.  GRAB THIS ARTICLE

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

More economic woe for Alberta as housing investments drop by a third


By Emma Graney, Edmonton Journal, August 22nd, 2016

Investment in Alberta’s housing markets has nosedived, another sign of the province’s shuddering economy.

Statistics Canada numbers released Monday show investment in housing construction in Alberta has dropped 30 per cent since June 2015, to $641 million from close to a billion dollars.

That’s the biggest drop of any province. Only Nunavut’s housing market took a bigger hit.

Alberta’s bucked the national trend, which saw an 8.7-per -cent increase year over year, to $4.4 billion in June.  FOLLOW THIS STORY


 ===============

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.

“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. When you have a lot of fun, you can do amazing things.” -Joe Namath

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

Friday, July 29, 2016

The Waiting Game

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


July 29, 2016

Volume 21, Issue 3

Dear Friends and Partners,

Even if you try and avoid the news, its tough to miss the tension and turbulence globally. U.S. politics alternates top position with terrorist attacks in Europe. Sadly, the attacks are winning as they increase with atrocity and devastation. Europe is in a war, whether they acknowledge it or not. Some will argue that we are too...

War, terrorism, Brexits, oil, elections - influence one another. Local economies, currencies and economic platforms react and adjust. In our newsletter we focus on economic drivers by studying macro/microeconomics and global economic trends.

Well, the trend right now is a big, ugly war ahead. Some may call it something else, but that is what it is. You can focus locally and see how good it is, sure, but I think we’ll start to see changes in our neighbour countries that will affect us. This may bode well for financial gains in long-term but the short-term trade off could be tense, tighter and diminishing daily life, until global ‘peace' is restored.

**Summer is upon us. Our newsletter will take a break and enjoy the weather, resuming September 1st. Read our blog for  updates.**

South East Edmonton: Ekota, Legal 4-Unit Cashflow



Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting a low risk investment in a great area with 4 units under one roof - here it is. 4-unit each 1300 sq ft, steps from park and school. 4 minutes to Grey Nuns Hospital, 15 to UOA and down town.

This is property has many recent upgrades and is completely self contained - tenants pay all utilities. 4 X 3 bedroom units with 3 bathrooms, built in dishwashers and in-suite laundry. 1978 built, newer roof, some windows, kitchen and laundry upgrades.

Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Ekota. This property has 8 parking stalls. Purchase price to include reserve fund and light renovation budget to make it standout - rolled into mortgage. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rent-able neighbourhood of Ekota.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Ekota is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working in SE Edmonton. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Anthony Henday and Grey Nuns Hospital Edmonton.

Purchase price: $905,000
Total Investment: $205,200
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $126,318
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 62% or 12% 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!

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

Varcoe: Watching the pendulum swing on Alberta’s fragile economy

By Chris Varcoe, Calgary Herald, July 23rd., 2016

ConocoPhillips Canada will cut up to 300 jobs this fall, while Encana Corp. expects to spend an additional US$200 million on capital later this year to drill more wells.
Oil prices slip below US$45 a barrel on Friday, while Canada’s largest driller says it’s noticed a positive change in customer sentiment in the past six weeks.

Like a pendulum swinging back and forth, the Alberta economy seems like it’s moving in opposite directions on an hour-by-hour basis.

“Sentiment is quite unsure,” said economist Warren Kirkland of TD Bank, which issued a report this week on the state of Alberta’s recession. READ MORE HERE 

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

Alberta’s economic downturn will be longest since early 1980s: TD

By The Canadian Press, July 18th, 2016

CALGARY -- A new report says Alberta's current recession is expected to shrink the economy by more than double the average of the past four recessions.
The TD Bank report released Monday said it estimates Alberta's economy will contract 6.5 per cent over 2015 and 2016, which would widely exceed the 2.7 per cent average retreat of previous economic downturns going back to the early 1980s.

The estimate came after TD tripled this year's expected GDP decline to three per cent, after factoring in the Fort McMurray fires and a higher than expected drop in industry activity.

"Based on our revised forecasts, the 2015-16 recession is likely to go down in history as one of the most severe using the GDP benchmark," TD wrote. GRAB THIS ARTICLE

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

Paula Simons: New EI numbers paint perplexing picture of Edmonton economy

By Paula Simons, Edmonton Journal, July 22nd, 2016

Just how bad is it?
According to new Statistics Canada numbers released this Thursday, the number of Albertans drawing Employment Insurance benefits jumped by 21.1 per cent between April and May of this year. As of May, there were 77,800 people drawing EI in Alberta — up 58.6 per cent from May, 2015.

Here’s where things get a little more complicated.

Almost one-third of those new EI beneficiaries came from the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo, where the number of EI recipients jumped by a whopping 141.6 per cent, almost entirely as the result of the Fort McMurray fire.  FOLLOW THIS STORY

 ===============

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.

“In a sense, terrorism blossomed in the advent of television. Television promotes terrorism in religion and politics” -Marilyn Manson

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Alberta This and That

Ottawa, Alberta politicians clueless on growing economy - “In speaking to entrepreneurs,” the minister added, “I’ll ask them do you want a tax cut or do you want more revenue in your business? Any day they’ll pick more revenue. If we can actually grow this economy, the possibilities are endless.”
And that’s where the cluelessness kicks in.
First, cutting taxes IS a way to increase revenue in a business. Indeed, it is the simplest and most direct way.
If governments take less of a business’ revenues through taxes, it immediately increases the revenue in that business.  Read more here

Trudeau fiddles while Alberta burns - "The longer Canada waits to build oil pipelines, the longer it will take for us to recover from the current economic downturn brought on by low world prices.
It should make Canadians’ blood boil to learn the federal Liberal government of Justin Trudeau is operating under the delusion no new pipelines are needed until 2025, so Ottawa has time to dither." Read more here

Do you have a HELOC on your home, vacation or rental property? - "If you have a Line of Credit (HELOC or LOC) on your property you are paying a much higher rate of interest to the bank.  Why not put some of that money in your own pocket instead of in the bank's? Your savings will likely be in the range of 1% or more of the outstanding balance.  That would amount to $3,000 per year or more on a $300,000 HELOC.

So let’s take a look at the details and at my philosophy around this.  I have split my thinking into two types of debt for purposes of this post." Read more here


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Fort Edmonton Park Revitalization

The facelift of Fort Edmonton Park hopes to increase tourism and add more permanent jobs in a floundering economy. $33.5 Million will make the very educational park a year round facility.

I've been there quite a few times with my children. From the actual Fort to the livestock to the currency and importance of the fur trade we learned so much about Edmonton's history.

 Read more here

Friday, July 15, 2016

Cloudy with a chance of gloom

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


July 15th., 2016
Volume 21, Issue 2

Dear Friends and Partners,

The tea leaves show a continued gloomy outlook for Alberta. For my two cents worth, I’d say Q3 of 2017 should be the turn around point unless oil goes up and gets us out faster. No real surprise there. We’ll most likely see the period of Q4, Q1and Q2 to be toughest for renters and job seekers. My mantra of 'prepare for the worst…’ should be taken to heart concerning tenanting and managing rents for the winter ahead.

And for those looking to buy…? The industrial/commercial sector is pretty beat up. If you are good at vetting tenants or have a good agent to do so, you can find a deal in the Nisku area with over 80 vacant properties there alone. You need the tenant (or the ability to find a tenant) if you plan on going out for financing. A strategy is to buy (or offer) at a reduced price now and vet your own tenant, then go for financing to extract capital after lease is in place. This is definitely not for the novice, but can be lucrative nonetheless.

For residential and commercial multifamily in Edmonton, the deals are around but you still have to hunt for them and keep a realistic expectation of rents. An upside remains; low mortgage rates.
Stony Plain: Legal 4-Unit
Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting to explore a little bit outside of Edmonton, visit Stony Plain - 30 minutes away. Great area, 4-unit, across from the park and near the centre of town.

This is property is in great shape and boasts 4 X 3bedroom units all with in-suite laundry. 1978 built, newer roof, some windows, kitchen and laundry. Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Forest Green.

 This property has a massive lot and room for RV parking. Purchase price to include reserve fund and light renovation budget to make it standout - rolled into mortgage. This property shines! This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rentable and desirable neighbourhood of Forest Green.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you.  Forest Green is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working in Stony Plain or Edmonton. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Stony Plain's growing status of a ‘bedroom community’ to Edmonton.

Purchase price: $635,000
Total Investment: $151,840.
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $91,074.
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 60% or 12% 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!

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

New economic forecast suggest gloomy times to continue in Alberta

By Keith Gerein, Edmonton Journal, July 13th., 2016

The second half of 2016 will fail to bring much relief to a sour provincial economy, new economic forecasts revealed Tuesday, while noting the energy and housing markets show mild signs of recovery.
The latest quarterly outlook from ATB Financial offered another gloomy prognosis for the province, warning of continued job losses in the oil sector this summer that will push the unemployment rate above eight per cent.  READ MORE HERE 


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

House prices post biggest monthly rise in a decade

By House Price Data Centre, Globe and Mail, July 13th, 2016

June showed the largest monthly rise in home prices in Canada in a decade, rising 2.3 per cent over the previous month, according to the latest Teranet-National Bank House Price Index. Year over year, prices are up 10 per cent. All markets except for Calgary and Edmonton tallied gains above the historical norm.
"What is even more striking is that this surge occurred after strong gains in the previous months. As a result, on a year-to-date basis, home prices are already up a whopping 6.8 per cent, well above the historical average of 4 per cent for the first six months of the year," said National Bank senior economist Matthieu Arseneau. — D'Arcy McGovern  GRAB THIS ARTICLE


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

Bank of Canada’s Poloz delivers cautiously optimistic update on Canadian economy

By Andy Blatchford, The Canadian Press, June 16th, 2016

OTTAWA - Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz says the country's economy is finally making progress after hobbling through the effects of the slow U.S. recovery, feeble exports and a stubborn commodity-price slump.

In a speech Wednesday, Poloz said while the economic situation remained complicated and uncertain, he was confident Canada was emerging from its stretch of slow growth.

Poloz pointed to signs that Canada is benefiting from a stronger U.S. economy, a robust level of household spending and a rebound in many non-energy export categories.   FOLLOW THIS STORY

 ===============

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.

“I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.” -Robert H. Schuller

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.




Friday, July 01, 2016

Turn it off

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


July 1st., 2016
Volume 21, Issue 1

Dear Friends and Partners,

Happy 149th Canada!

After the surprising outcome of Brexit last week, the sudden withdrawal of Boris Johnson in the Tory leadership race and the terrible attacks at Istanbul airport you bet Canada looks pretty calm. We certainly have our own problems be they political, economical, environmental or even extreme weather; the vast majority of Canadians have it pretty good. Let’s remember that (and the improvements we need to make) while we celebrate this Canada Day.

There certainly is a lot of opinion on which way oil is going. I had a good chuckle when I read ‘5 reasons why oil is going up’ right next to ‘Oil is still heading to $10 a barrel’. One thing is certain, they both will be correct at one time or another. Invest for the longterm and remember to breathe in between.

One thing that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is how fast paced our ‘good life’ in North America is. I returned mid June from a business trip to Europe. I toured factories, breweries and visited a selection of investment properties over 3 countries. What really struck me (as it does every time) is how productive and relaxed people are.  Of course this isn’t the same for all countries and lines of work, but generally people know how to ‘turn it off’ at the end of the day. That means that they go to work and do a good job, finish and then spend more time engaged with family, friends and community be it shopping or just living.

That’s a big contrast to our way of life here and it bears consideration… I’ll continue writing about this and welcome your comments on our blog. Find the balance.

Stony Plain: Legal 4-Unit
Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting to explore a little bit outside of Edmonton, visit Stony Plain - 30 minutes away. Great area, 4-unit, across from the park and near the centre of town.

This is property is in great shape and boasts 4 X 3bedroom units all with in-suite laundry. 1978 built, newer roof, some windows, kitchen and laundry. Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Forest Green.

 This property has a massive lot and room for RV parking. Purchase price to include reserve fund and light renovation budget to make it standout - rolled into mortgage. This property shines! This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rentable and desirable neighbourhood of Forest Green.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you.  Forest Green is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working in Stony Plain or Edmonton. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Stony Plain's growing status of a ‘bedroom community’ to Edmonton.

Purchase price: $635,000
Total Investment: $151,840.
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $91,074.
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 60% or 12% 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 will stay in recession this year before rebounding in 2017, Conference Board of Canada forecasts
Spring provincial outlook says real GDP will drop 2% in 2016 and rise 2.5% in 2017

By Larry MacDougal, Canadian Press, June 13th., 2016

Alberta's economy will remain in recession this year as the province struggles with its worst downturn in three decades, but there is a recovery on the horizon, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
In the federal research organization's spring provincial outlook, released on Monday, analysts predict Alberta's real GDP to contract by two per cent for 2016.

"Business investment in the oil and gas sector fell by $17 billion last year and, with oil and gas prices forecast to remain low, a recovery in 2016 is not in the cards," the report says. 

READ MORE HERE 


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

Oilpatch showing signs of life after string of deals
Recession isn’t over in the energy sector, but the mood is changing


By Kyle Bakx, CBC News, June 15th, 2016

Renewed interest from investors is spurring optimism in the oilpatch and helping at least one Calgary oil company pull itself from the brink of bankruptcy.
A few weeks ago, Penn West warned it may default on its debt.

The Calgary-based oil company was struggling to turn a profit. Its production was dropping, its shares were falling, and its long-term debt was nearly four times higher than its worth on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

No wonder some people were starting to write off the company.  GRAB THIS ARTICLE


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

Brad Wall Says oil and gas is losing the battle to environmentalists


By Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press, June 8th, 2016

CALGARY — The energy industry is losing the public relations battle against environmentalists and needs to redouble efforts to get out its side of the story, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said Wednesday.
"Today there continues an existential threat to this industry,'' said Wall.

"It's posed by ... some who just aren't that comfortable that we have all this oil and what oil might mean. And it's also posed by some who just want to shut it down completely.''

   FOLLOW THIS STORY


 ===============

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 is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.” -Confucius 

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.



Thursday, June 09, 2016

Best Places to live Canada and World

St. Albert made the top 5 in Canada. I would say with better amenities, lower taxes that Edmonton could be right there beside it. - here

In the world Canada is number 2 - here

Why are Canadians ashamed of being oil rich? - here

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

Market Snapshot

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


June 1st., 2016
Volume 20, Issue 10

Dear Friends and Partners,

Here we are starting into June. It is said that kids age you. What I interpret that to mean is that ‘kids make you aware of time.’. You begin to measure the year in terms of school, birthdays and sports events; that is a great blessing. How ever you count it, here we are.

The market has stayed relatively buoyant, all things considered. The recent uptick in oil and a strengthening CDN dollar are helping too. Rents have plateaued for the time being. Through good management and a lot of hustle, you can stay rented. Prices have softened considerably in certain neighbourhoods where inventory is ample. In the 4-10 unit multifamily market, you'll still need to hunt out the good (location & priced) deals. Edmonton and Alberta remain in a precarious position for the short-term (1-2+ years) but the long-term outlook is strong.

- Please note the next issue of our newsletter will be July 1st 2016. But don’t you worry; visit our Blog to stay updated until then! - 

North Glenora: Renovation Deal - Side by Side: 4-Unit + Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. Great area, non-conforming soon to be 4-unit (side by side duplex style) is 7 minutes to downtown; in the heart of North Glenora.This property can apply for legal suite zoning and upgrades to make legal.

This is property is in fair shape and can have upgrades done using a PPI strategy to add legal suites and upgrades. 1954 built, newer roof, some windows, kitchen and laundry. Terrific access to local amenities in sought after North Glenora. Includes a double garage and has a large lot.

Purchase price to include reserve fund and extensive renovation budget to build lower suites - rolled into mortgage. This property will shine! This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access downtown and in the highly rent-able and desirable neighbourhood of North Glenora.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you.  North Glenora is a mature neighbourhood that is convenient for tenants working downtown and attending Grant MacEwan. 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 includes projected $60K in renovations.

Purchase price: $625,000
Total Investment: $149,240
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $51,330
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 50% or 10% 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!

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

Gary Lamphier: Toronto transplant John Rose now Edmonton’s economic guru

By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, May 20th., 2016

After spending seven years abroad with Canada’s Foreign Affairs Department and more than two decades with some of North America’s largest consulting firms, John Rose had an epiphany.

It was early 2010, he was in his late 50s, his marriage was over, his children had grown up. His house had grown quiet. “Basically, I woke up one day and the nest was empty. I’d been in Toronto for 23 years and I thought, ‘What am I doing here?'”

“So I started looking around for other opportunities. Then I saw this ad for the City of Edmonton and I thought, well, I’d been consulting to municipal and regional governments for decades, so maybe it would be nice to be on the other side.”   READ MORE HERE 

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

Alberta Oilsands future appears strong economists say

By Gordon Kent, The Edmonton Sun, May 18th, 2016

The future of the oilsands looks bright despite the economic and environmental challenges they’ve faced over the last 18 months, a University of Alberta energy expert said Wednesday.
Oil prices that now hover between $45 US and $50 US a barrel are projected to rise to $80 US a barrel within five years, helping spur an extra one million barrels in daily oilsands production by 2030, said Carmen Velasquez, executive director of energy programs at the Alberta School of Business.

While that rise — to 3.5 million barrels of raw bitumen a day from the 2.5 million produced last year — is lower than earlier projections, expenses are also going down, she told an Economics Society of Northern Alberta luncheon.   GRAB THIS ARTICLE


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

Calgary Film Center opens for business

By Melissa Ramsay, Global News, May 19th, 2016

The Calgary Film Centre opened its doors on Thursday, bringing hope to Alberta’s oil-battered economy.

The facility, located at 5750 76 Avenue S.E., features three sound stages; one 20,000-square-feet, one 18,000-square-feet and one 12,000-square-feet.   FOLLOW THIS STORY


 ===============

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.

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” -William Shakespeare

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.