Edmonton Real Estate Investor: alberta economic growth

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

April 18th., 2017

Volume 22, Issue 07

Dear Friends and Partners,

Hope you had a Happy Easter. Here are a few updates from the news below.

South Central Edmonton: Forest Heights, 4-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. For those wanting a low risk investment in a great A+ area with 4 renovated units under one roof - here it is. This 4-plex is steps from ravine and school and 5 minute drive to downtown 8 mins to U.O.A. 6 minutes to Hospital.

This is property has many recent upgrades and offers 4 X 2 bedroom units. Stylishly renovated up and down with coin laundry in basement. 1963 built, 6 parking stalls and wide front yard.
Terrific access to local amenities in sought after Forrest Heights. 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 rentable mature neighbourhood.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Forest Heights 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.

Purchase price: $692,000
Total Investment: $156,400
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $90,462
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 58% or 12% per year

These 4 (non-conforming) 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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Jobs data more good news for Alberta but concerns remain

By Gordon Kent, Edmonton Sun, April 20th., 2017

Edmonton is sharing in Alberta's recent strong job growth as the city continues to recover from tough times created by the crash in oil prices.

The capital region gained 6,400 jobs last month, part of the province's unexpectedly large increase of 20,400 positions that was concentrated mainly in the categories of finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing; wholesale and retail trade; and manufacturing. READ MORE HERE
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New startups optimistic despite sluggish economy Alberta economy

By Kyle Bakx, CBC News, April 4th, 2017

Aja Horsley was working a stable job as an agriculture researcher for a Calgary college when she decided to leave and launch a startup. Seven months ago she entered the business of selling honey, and she is now selling her product on store shelves in every province in the country.

Horsley is one of a number of entrepreneurs spurning the downturn to start a new business, according to city data.

In fact, she credits some of her sweet success to the sluggish Calgary economy: it compelled her to try her absolute hardest. GRAB THIS ARTICLE

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Two Alberta economies: 20,000 new jobs, but not much for laid-off energy workers

By Reid Southwick, Calgary Herald, April 7th, 2017

The latest jobs report spins a tale of two economies in Alberta.

Statistics Canada’s labour market survey for March shows that 63,000 people — roughly the population of Medicine Hat — have been unemployed for six months or longer.

There haven’t been this many workers out of a job for so long since before the recession began. It suggests the pain of mass layoffs in the oilpatch continues to be felt by many Alberta families.
FOLLOW THIS STORY

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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.

“Spring is Nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party!”.” -Robin Williams

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.

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., 2014
Volume 17, Issue 4

Dear Friends and Partners,

Summer sure came to halt here in Edmonton, Calgary even more so. 'What happened?’ asked all my cucumbers, withered and frozen on the vine. Despite a JOLT of winter the summer has been great - I hope yours has too.

We’re starting to see more Single Family Residential properties coming on the market and even a mortgage rate decrease. On Tuesday BMO listed a 5 year fixed rate of 2.99% to take advantage of fall home shoppers. The few points off won’t make too much of a difference to your cash flow, but will spur would-be home buyers to get active in the market after a lazy summer.

One of the best strategies for home owners to take advantage of low rates is to increase their payments as if their rates were higher. They can pay down equity faster or save the extra cash and apply it towards a down-payment on a rental. Edmonton's multi-family inventory remains tight. There is a small handful of decent properties out there, however the price point tends to be higher than what an investor needs to make it work. With that said, we continue to work with unlisted properties and pocket listings to make deals happen. You have a good window ahead for Q4/Q1 to add quality revenue property to your portfolio - take advantage of it!

Below are a few fairly stock snippets from an article on the upside of property investing and the hard work associated with it - believe me, there is a lot more of both!

"Ms. Jansson is in good company. Thousands of Canadians rely on residential income properties, whether close to home or abroad, to help them feather their financial nests.”

“It’s like any business that you want to enter. It’s all about time, money and expertise. If you don’t have the time, you at least have to have the expertise and you have to have the money to make it fly,” says Phil McDowell, a mortgage broker in Calgary.” Read the whole article here

Central Edmonton: Inglewood 4-Unit Cashflow (Purchase Plus Improvement Deal)

Turbo charge your portfolio. This 1950 built Raised-Bungalow-Style 4-Plex is located in the heart of Inglewood, minutes from trendy 124th and downtown. The airport revitalization project is sending ripples of improvement throughout this area. Easy access to the Yellowhead as well as many parks and schools to enjoy in this character -rich neighbourhood.

This property has front entrances to the 2 X 2BD main floor units and lower entrances for the 2X 1BD suites.

This property was built as a RF3 duplex and is noted as having lower-level suites in the tax assessment. This is a purchase plus improvement deal, meaning that we wrap the ($25K) renovations into a new mortgage.

Ensuite laundry to be added. Property has 1 x double detached garage . Excellent access to downtown, transit and St. Albert.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Inglewood is a great mature area that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAIT.

HUGE upside potential due to the quality of the building, great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core. Purchase price factors in renovations.

Purchase price: $664,000K
Total Investment: $152,930K
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $86,096.28K
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% 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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Painting a picture with numbers, the story of Alberta

By Karyn Mulcahy, CTV Edmonton, August 21st., 2014

We’ve heard it time and time again, Alberta is a prosperous province with a booming economy, but how do we actually stack up, numbers wise? The Alberta Office of Statistics and Information has answers.

"Last year the population in our province jumped by 3.5%, which is triple the national average. More than four million people now call Alberta home. The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in the province sat at $1,190 in April of 2014, with the cheapest rent found in Medicine Hat ($739 a month), and the most expensive in Fort McMurray ($2.061). Workers earned the highest average weekly wages in the country ($1.108.01), 22% more than the national average, and the unemployment rate sat at only 4.6%, the second lowest in the country after Saskatchewan." FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Arctic route for Alberta could trump stalled B.C. pipeline projects

By Justin Ling, Special to Financial Post, September 5th, 2014

Alberta’s plan to get its landlocked oil to overseas markets by way of Arctic shores might just become a reality — and sooner than the stalled Northern Gateway or Keystone XL projects.

The plan, until recently dismissed as dubious by some skeptics, may have finally found the right combination of winning conditions: a hunger for resource development in Yellowknife, a desperate need to find new markets for oil-sands bitumen, an aggressive push from the federal government to reduce environmental oversight in the territory, and the changing northern climate. GRAB THIS STORY

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Pembina Pipeline strikes Billion-dollar energy deals

By Bertrand Marotte, The Globe and Mail, September 2nd, 2014

Pembina Pipeline Corp. has struck a deal to build a West Coast propane export terminal in Portland, Oregon and is also tapping into the prolific North Dakota Bakken play with the acquisition of an ethane pipeline.
Calgary-based Pembina said on Tuesday it plans to develop a 37,000-barrel-per-day export facility in Portland’s port at a cost of about $500-million (U.S.). 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.

“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself." - Paul Bryant

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.

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., 2012
Volume 13, Issue 7

Dear Friends and Partners,

I took part in pretty good workshop last week and here's one of the takeaways I got;
"If you want people to listen to you, listen to them". Simple enough, right? Something good to practice everyday and double time over the holidays.

At this event we were seated in tables of 5. I immediately noticed that my partner for the morning session had a real knack at asking excellent questions and then listening empathetically to the reply. Actually, it really wouldn't have mattered if her questions weren't as good as they were, it was at the quality and depth of her listening.

I asked her what line of work she was in and it turned out that she is a psychologist. Now you don't need to be a psychologist to listen well, but granted she's honed her skills. Nevertheless speaking with her reminded me of the effectiveness asking a few quality questions can bring. The real skill can be found in and waiting, listening and drawing out your partners reply - and not necessarily comment on it, just acknowledging it.

Another useful comment the speaker made was to 'Grow your strengths and manage your weaknesses'. It's a fairly popular adage and also a powerful one, especially when you apply it to the people that you work with, your family and your kids. Have them tell you what they perceive as strengths/weaknesses and then build them up whenever you have the chance. If you have kids you know they will love this exercise and your wife will tell you without asking!

Cashflow King - Great Price Killarny 6 Suiter

Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded 1969 built 1 and a half story 6 unit property with separate entrance to lower suites. Most units upper units have been renovated. You'll find spacious 3 X 2bd upstairs and bright 3 X 1bd units downstairs. Renovations at time of purchase include new roof, 2 HWT and furnaces. The 3 lower units are each 700 sqft 1 bedroom suites. Features down include some new tiles and flooring. There is common laundry down. The yard is large and partially fenced. Additional upgrades after purchase will include new windows and exterior/upper suite modernization. 5 minutes to Yellowhead, 15 to Fort Saskatchewan, 10 minutes to downtown and NAIT. Fast access to the Wayne Gretzky Drive and on bus routes.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient North central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Kilarney is a mature and desirable family neighbourhood that will benefit from the downtown airport ripple effect. Highly rentable area; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's improving North East.

Produces $415.11 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.

Purchase price: $595K Total Investment: $138,918K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $75,410.23K. 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!

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Alberta Oilsands to Propel Canadian Economy for Next 25-30 Years, Report Says
EDMONTON - Many Canadians don’t realize how vital the Alberta oilsands are to the national economy, and the need for a public dialogue based on facts is critical to the success of the industry, says the co-author of a report by a leading financial advisory firm.

“The oilsands are going to be the economic engine for the country for the foreseeable future, for the next 25 to 30 years, and it is akin to the impact of building the national railway in the 1880s,” said Marc Joiner, a partner at Deloitte in Toronto.

The firm’s report, Gaining Ground in the Sands 2013, outlines 10 obstacles and opportunities and cites the need for a national debate and some kind of unified action and direction, perhaps along the lines of the Canadian energy strategy being promoted by Alberta Premier Alison Redford.

The Deloitte report lists some facts about the oilsands, including the estimated generation of $2.1 trillion in economic benefits over the next 25 years and 905,000 jobs across Canada by 2035. Outside Alberta, about $5 billion each year in supplies and services will be flooding into the province, primarily from B.C., Ontario and Quebec, states the report. GRAB THIS STORY

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Finding Skilled Workers a Tough Job All Over the World, Not Just Alberta

By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, November 27th 2012

EDMONTON - With the lowest jobless rate and the fastest-growing economy in Canada, Alberta is again grappling with labour shortages.
The situation isn’t yet as severe as it was at the height of the last boom, but if existing trends persist, a repeat of 2006-2007 may be just a year or two away.

Which is why Alberta government and business leaders have spent the past year pounding the table, warning of a looming shortage of more than 100,000 workers by 2020.

What is less well known, however, is that Alberta’s labour challenges are hardly unique. If anything, the global competition for qualified workers will get far tougher in the years ahead. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Calgary Top Real Estate Investment Market in Canada, Edmonton Ranked Second

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, November 12th 2012

CALGARY — Calgary has been ranked as the top real estate investment market in the country followed by Edmonton by the Real Estate Investment Network Ltd.
In its Top Alberta Investment Towns report, REIN said that Alberta’s economy has come out on top after a few years of economic turbulence.

The report identifies towns and regions poised to outperform other regions of the province over the next three to five years.

And none is better than Calgary.

“After a couple of roller-coaster years, Calgary is back on a roll. The return of jobs to the city, as well as greatly reduced office vacancy rates show us that the city’s short slump has come to an end,” said the report. “Recording a GDP growth of three per cent in 2011, and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, it’s no wonder Calgary is sitting as one of the top places in North America for property investors. When you combine the economic fundamentals, the population growth, and a burgeoning provincial economy, it is easy to see why so many businesses and people have come to call the city home. 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.

"Hard times arouse an instinctive desire for authenticity." -Coco Chanel

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

===SPECIAL NOTICE: NO CASH, BUT GOOD CREDIT? CALL US TODAY TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN OWN INVESTMENT PROPERTY===
P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's daily blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

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

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

The federal agency reported Monday that exports in the province advanced 9.2 per cent, more than four times their pace in 2010. Consumer spending rose 3.4 per cent, driven by household outlays on durable goods, notably new trucks and used motor vehicles, and services. Business investment was up 7.6 per cent, despite a 5.2 per cent decline in investment in residential housing."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Alberta+economy+keeps+market+strong/7597332/story.html#ixzz2Det0ZA7b

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

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesUBeix

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

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesUBeix

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesFQvA8

“For the most part, Western Canadian provinces have been relatively shielded from the fiscal and economic troubles lingering in external markets,”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2DesFQvA8

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2Des22wdY

e: helopment of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2Des22wdY

Development of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+economy+best+Canada+2011/7569734/story.html#ixzz2Des22wdY

“Development of the oilsands is expected to continue to drive economic growth in Alberta, despite the recent slide in oil prices. Tight labour markets – the unemployment rate is down to 4.5 per cent – have boosted wages and consumer spending. Alberta is forecast to lead all provinces in growth for the second consecutive year, with real GDP set to expand by 3.4 per cent in 2012.”

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

From the Alberta, Canada Website:

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

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

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

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

Get your PDF here

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

January 15th., 2012
Volume 11, Issue 8

Dear Friends and Partners,

Welcome back! So, how were the holidays - did you have a grand time? Are you excited about the year ahead? Of course there remain many question marks concerning the economy, pipelines, global-financial stability - but living pinned by fear, is not living at all. So many GREAT stories get drowned out when you listen to the news. You have to search for the bright ones.

I was driving through Nisku, an industrial area just outside of Edmonton. I saw 'help wanted' signs on the splotchy ice covered lawns of factories and brightly coloured signs touting 'good opportunity-apply inside' were sprinkled along the artery roads. Employers in Edmonton felt the labour crunch tightening six months back.

Last year the energy sector saw many large multi-billion dollar projects get the green light. The construction industry that builds the projects and material spinoffs, are already busy and anticipate 2012 to be the beginning of massive construction starts.

With BMO offering an insanely low 5 year fixed rate of 2.99%, it looks like 2013 is positioned to carry more main-stream optimism with a wider segment of the economy flourishing in Alberta and Western Canada. Of course nothing is guaranteed and any mix of local or international strife could derail a good thing, but over the next decade the growth will continue through the peaks and valleys.

When it comes to planning your year ahead (and the next 5) here are some critical questions to ask and a few links to help you measure along the way. The questions are courtesy of San Francisco based Career Coach Suzannah Scully's blog.

1. What are you most proud of in the last year?
2. If there were a newspaper headline describing this past year for you, what would it say?
3. What unfinished business do you want to resolve before the year end and when will you do it? (i.e. lingering relationships, apologies, goals yet to achieve)
4. When were you most excited about life in this past year? What were you doing? Who were you with?
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently in 2011?
6. What new dream for yourself did you achieve?
7. Where did you let fear hold you back from a goal you had?
8. What was boring to you this year that you hope to change for next year?

Now, get out there and make your dreams happen!

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South Central Edmonton: Cashflowing Two-Suiter in Capilano

Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded 1959 built 2-plex with separate entrance to lower suite. 2 stylishly finished suites; 1192 sqft upper 3 bedroom unit with beautiful hardwood, plus a spacious 2 bedroom 850 sqft. suite down.

The upper suite has newer windows, faux fireplace, fresh paint and original hardwood. There is a common laundry room in basement too. The lower unit has new paint, bathroom and toilet. Lower suite walks out to a shared fenced yard.

There is a 2 car detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing in additional revenue. 20 minutes to U.O.A., 15 mins to NAIT, Grant MacEwan and Downtown. Fast access to Wayne Gretzky and on the bus routes.

These pictures show the detail and care that went into building this quality home.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient South Central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Excellent established neighborhood featuring many heritage homes; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's ravine area.

Produces $264.75 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.

Purchase price: $335K Total Investment: $77,300K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $42,810.67K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year

Poised for massive growth. These 2 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: renovation costs, 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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Alberta's Economy To Lead Nation: TD Report

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald. January 10th 2012

Alberta's economy is forecast to lead the country this year and next year, according to a report by TD Economics.

The provincial economic update also sees employment growth in Alberta topping Canada for 2012 and 2013 as well.

The TD Economics report predicts Alberta will see real gross domestic product growth of 2.6 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2013 compared with 1.7 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively across the country. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Alberta Rides Strong Job Creation Wave

Province's unemployment rate remains lowest in country

Alberta enjoyed a banner year for job creation in 2011, though new figures show employment changed little from November to December.

Data released by Statistics Canada Friday said the country added 18,000 jobs last month. Few of those came in Alberta, but the province tallied 77,500 new jobs for the calendar year of 2011. Of the past 15 years, more jobs were added only in 2006.

"There were job gains in just about every sector," said Darrell Winwood, public affairs officer with Alberta Human Services. "This was the second-best year for job gains since 1997." The main industries of growth, said Winwood, include construction, health care, social assistance, and both wholesale and retail trade. READ MORE HERE

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Real Estate Market Healthy, Agents Say

By Lewis Kelly, Edmonton Journal. January 5th 2012

Edmonton wrapped up a stable year in real estate in December, the Realtors Association of Edmonton said Wednesday.

"It is a relief to report on the stability and health of the local real estate market," said Chris Mooney, association president for 2011. "With prices and sales varying within a small range, there is a solid base going forward into the 2012 market."

Mooney mentioned the European debt crisis and a depressed housing market in the U.S. as major concerns, but emphasized that the energy-based economy of Alberta in general and Edmonton in particular keeps the local housing market buoyant. GRAB THIS STORY

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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.

"Difficulties come when you don't pay attention to life's whisper. Life always whispers to you first., if you ignore the whisper, sooner or later you'll get a scream." -Oprah Winfrey

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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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.

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"After being particularly affected by the recession and late to the recovery, the Alberta economy is once again hitting its stride with “robust crude oil prices” and an increase in drilling activity, says a report by TD Economics." Calgary Herald

I think we are. It is a long, dark walk out of the recession though. Will the next 'boom times' be sweet enough to erase and make us forget the sourness of the down-times? Probably not, and that is a good thing.

The growth ahead seems to be much more steady than the big spikes of 2006 and 2007. I also think this growth period will stretch out much further too - leading into a bigger, more diversified province.

Again we are reminded about Alberta's unique, geopolitical ties to the Middle East. Likely the violence and unrest in Libya will be noticed to impact oil prices primarily in the short-term. What is subtler is the long-term shift already underway that positions Alberta as a 'safe oil' country.  

Granted this phrase was coined as a market strategy aimed to take heat off from the environmental bad mouthing that was taking place, but truly Alberta is growing into the 'safe oil' role. And to note many improvements have been put into action to ensure improved environmental responsibility that few other countries would have the ability to honour and act upon so quickly.

Our global trading partners are increasingly keen to watch the alliances Alberta builds, and how those relationships will affect other countries and economies around the world. The latent impact of overseas turmoil will prove itself as adding yet another, stronger layer, to Alberta's stable (key) global foundation.  

Of course our newsletter is about real estate and not buying oil stocks or covering riots across the world. When I look at buying a property, I'm constantly thinking 'what will this city, neighborhood, road be like in the next 5+ years?' Most of the time the impacts will be local; new LRT or an improving demographic. But in Edmonton there are significant global changes that affect our real estate too, and that is why I touch on some of these larger economic drivers, like oil. For example the economic landscape may of course change in Kelowna, B.C. but not quite to the degree that it will in Edmonton, Alberta.

We are fortunate to have another great opportunity here like we did in pre-boom days. Property prices are low, mortgages rates are low, people are moving into the province and there is massive job growth in the works. Political instability abroad, coupled with higher oil prices and large local energy expansions will create higher real estate prices here. You will get greater cashflow and potential appreciation in Edmonton real estate as Alberta plays an increasing role in geopolitics.  

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 lose ourselves when we compromise the very ideals that we fight to defend. And honour those ideals by upholding them not when it is easy, but when it is hard." -Barack Obama   Warm

Regards,
  Todd and Danielle Millar 

"Alberta’s economy will lead the nation next year, according to a report released today by TD Economics.

The bank’s Canadian Economic Outlook report said the province’s real Gross Domestic Product growth will be 3.5 per cent in 2011 after a 2.8 per cent hike in 2010.

In 2009, during the recession, Alberta’s economy contracted by an estimated 4.9 per cent from the previous year.

TD Economics is forecasting real GDP growth of 3.6 per cent this year and 2.5 per cent in 2011 for the entire Canadian economy.

In 2009, Canada’s economy contracted by 2.9 per cent."Read more

The Alberta website is an incredible source of information regarding everything from the province's economic forecast to investing to relocating there. For investors it provides an excellent resource for decision making.

Recent updates:
Alberta Weekly Economic Review - Some points include Alberta's inflation remains low, steady manufacturing growth, a slight decline in sales figures and Alberta leads in population growth

January 2010 Weekly Economic Review -"See monthly and quarterly indicators on the performance of the Alberta economy, and comparisons to other provinces, including":

agriculture
bankruptcies and incorporations
domestic trade
energy
exports
housing
international travel
labour force
manufacturing

Regardless of what is happening in the short term Alberta, specifically Edmonton and Calgary are the best places to keep your money for long-term returns.

"Cowtown is Wowtown but Edmonton isn't far behind, says a report released yesterday that gave Calgary a top-of-the-class grade on a global scorecard for overall economic prosperity.

Calgary was the lone metropolis in a survey of international commerce heavyweights to earn an A grade in the Calgary Economic Development-commissioned Conference Board of Canada report.

Edmonton was third. Dallas was sandwiched at second between Alberta's two major centres in the 23-city ranking.

Such results aren't surprising for Calgary, which accounts for 5% of national gross domestic product, despite a local economy cooled by the recession, said Cowtown Mayor Dave Bronconnier."

"The next 20 years will not look like the past 20 years in terms of growth," "Don't get trapped into where we are now, but look forward to the key drivers of trade," "There will be recovery and the response from trade will come quickly." Chris Holling, executive managing director, global trade and transportation advisory services, IHS Global Insight.

Today I was sitting in my rocking chair trying vainly to put Ronan to sleep. Luckily he is a very uncomplicated baby and only cries for three reasons. After repeatedly checking for the obvious culprits I realized how much his needs reflected those of the world.

Food - Is he hungry?
Fuel - (bear with me here) Does he have gas?
Fertilizer - Is his diaper dirty?

Don R. Campbell sites "F3" - Food, Fuel and Fertilizer as the backbone of western Canada's economic stability and wealth. Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan are rich in these three crucial resources and have impressive supplies in a time of rising food and fuel prices.

The picture is so much bigger than quarter to quarter real estate prices or the state of the stock market day to day. Alberta and western Canada will have a strong economy as long as the world has these three basic needs.

"It's being invested for the future in a way that will help Alberta take meaningful action on climate change without endangering jobs, the economy or our ability to support public services," Ed Stelmach on $4Billion set aside to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Alberta oil sands have had some pretty bad knocks in the press recently. Alberta is leading the world in recycling and consistently strives to improve it's image as a source of clean oil. This new allotment of serious funds will help to show the world that Alberta is taking climate change seriously.

Click Here And Listen in to 90 minutes with Don Campbell as he breaks down what is REAL and what's not in real estate markets from B.C. to Ontario. You can even download the MP3, all for FREE!

A slew, actually doubling to be precise, of new Wal-Marts opening across Alberta will offer more jobs and bargain prices for Albertans.

"Alberta is a wonderful part of the country . . . and it's a wonderful place to do business," "It's always been one of our strongest markets." "..your economy has been booming for a long time and with that strong economy it means even more growth and more demand for general merchandise and food." Andrew Pelletier, vice-president of corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Canada

The stores will range for 100,000 sq ft to almost 200,000 sq ft (imagine losing your child in there!) and will be a combination of new stores, expansions of existing stores and relocations.

I would be off my game if I didn't at least mention the very important, some would say shocking, announcement Ed Stelmach made announcing that, yes, Alberta will increase oil sands royalties by January 1, 2009.

The increases mean that the money Alberta collects from the energy business could be a staggering 20% higher than the original forecast for 2010, which would equate to a $1.4-billion increase into the province's treasury.

What started it all?

A report by Alberta's provincial panel said royalties had not kept pace with world energy markets, that all projects in the booming oil rich region should be paying more.

"Albertans do not receive their fair share from energy development."

"The energy industry has been a phenomenal driver," "It not only affects Alberta ... It's going to set the direction for where this industry goes and where Alberta goes the next five to 10 years." Greg Stringham, vice president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

Alberta has been negatively compared to Venezuela where President Hugo Chavez ran out foreign oil companies first by incredible royalty increases followed by nationalization.

Many oil companies have threatened to stop and or delay future work in Alberta if the panels recommendations were followed to a tee. However, they may have already taken the increase in royalties into account as this is not a new phenomena but something that has been happening in all oil rich countries over the past 5 years.

"Our first reaction to the Alberta government's recent royalty review panel report was that it was authored by a visiting delegation of Venezuelans," Deutsche Bank North America analyst Paul Sankey

However, Ed Stelmach is generally seen as being modest on the panel's recommendations and perhaps he has come to a decision that is both balanced and fair for our province.

Though there may be some layoffs in the oil sands there is still enough boom out there that in a year this will all be forgotten. Only time will tell how much of an impact this will have for the oil companies and exactly what there reaction will be.

"We will adjust to any royalty changes and we can do so with the confidence that we have an array of very good investment opportunities that will allow us to continue adding shareholder value over time," Petro Canada CEO Ron Brenneman

Some Articles of Interest:

A Quagmire in Alberta over Royalties - Interview with Dr. Brownsey a political science professor at Calgary's Mount Royal College

Alberta increases royalties charged to energy companies- "We recognize energy is a volatile industry. There is risk and there is reward. So when oil prices go up, the royalty goes up,"Ed Stelmach

Is Alberta out of step with the world? -"You would think from the anguished cries of the oil companies that the Alberta government's decision to increase royalties was a bolt from the blue. Far from it."