Edmonton Real Estate Investor

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 1st., 2015
Volume 19, Issue 5

Dear Friends and Partners,

It didn’t feel like a boom did it? The last five years were Alberta’s recovery and peak, before we navigate into a potentially downward trend. You can argue all day long that we don’t have boom and bust cycles here and you’d be right… But what we do clearly have are up and downward trends.

Over the last 5 years we’ve seen a fairly good economy and I think the shift into a slower economy is becoming more gradual than decades before. The gradual shift from high gear to low gear is becoming ever-so-slightly, softer. That’s a good thing.

It shows as a province, an economy - that we are better navigating through the cycles.

Here is an excerpt of an article we wrote 6 years back. The information is timeless and will help you understand and manage your rentals.

How to Keep Investment Properties Tenanted with Long Term Renters

"The purpose of your investment real estate is to produce positive monthly cash flow and sell for an increased value at some point in the future. The only way rental real estate will be successful is to have excellent hands-on partners in the venture, otherwise know as tenants. Great tenants are crucial to the financial success of your rental property. In fact it’s been said that the property isn’t an asset without great tenants in it. So where can you find the elusive great tenant? They’re only elusive if you don’t know how to attract them. By being open minded and pro-active, pumping up your ads and sweetening the deal you can attract great tenants like bees to honey."

BONUS Good ad writing advice:
Simple Ways To Make Your Rental Ads Stand-Out

North East Edmonton: Highlands Legal 4-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This terrific legal four-plex features separately titled suites. 1971 built, located half a block to Ada Boulevard and the river valley.

Walking distance to schools and transport. Close to downtown and Wayne Gretzky Drive. This property has separate entrances to each suite; 3 X 3 bd and 1 X 2 bd, double garage, plus pad. This property was purpose built and is in fair condition.

Investment capital includes $50K budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rentability. This is a turn-key deal. Good access to downtown and in a great, mature neighbourhood.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Highlands is a mature neighbourhood that is desirable for tenants working in the East and downtown. 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: $725,000
Total Investment: $166,575
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $97,062.50
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 58% or 11.6% 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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Why Canada’s last great hope for the oil sands is no slam dunk

By Claudia Cattaneo, Financial Post, September 28th, 2015

As major bitumen pipeline options keep falling off the table, Kinder Morgan’s TransMountain pipeline expansion is becoming the last big hope to open a new market for Western Canadian oil this decade.
With Enbridge Inc.’s proposed Northern Gateway stuck trying to increase aboriginal support in British Columbia, TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone XL expected to be rejected by the White House in the coming weeks, the start date for TransCanada’s Energy East proposal pushed back to 2020 at the earliest and a marine terminal at Cacouna, Que., cancelled only the $5.4-billion TransMountain expansion (TMX) remains on track for completion in 2018. You know the reasons: Aboriginal pushback, climate change and anti-oil activism, mistrust of corporations and governments, etc.

So, it’s TMX or bust – literally. GRAB THIS STORY

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Alberta’s economy could recover in 2016, ATB’s Todd Hirsch says
Glimmer of hope depends on oil rising to $60, dollar staying weak and other sectors performing well

By CBC News, September 21st., 2015

The worst of the economic downturn could soon be over for Alberta's energy sector, according to the chief economist at ATB Financial.

There are signs the province will rebound enough to see modest growth by the second half of 2016, Todd Hirsch said on the Calgary Eyeopener Monday ahead of his address to the 2016 Economic Outlook presented by Calgary Economic Development and ATB Financial at the BMO Centre.

"So that's the good news, the bad news is that's still probably eight to 12 months away, so we do have a bit of a slog here to get through," he said. READ MORE HERE

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More layoffs anticipated as recession takes hold in Calgary and Alberta

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, September 21st., 2015

More job layoffs are anticipated from now until Christmas as Calgary and Alberta fight through a recession this year, but the Bank of Canada Governor says the economy is able to handle the challenges presented by a volatile resource sector.

Stephen Poloz said resources make up more than a quarter of the Alberta economy and “we’ve had to learn how to deal with large swings in their prices.”

“Any economy that relies on natural resources is naturally going to be challenged by large movements in their prices,” Poloz told a record crowd Monday at the annual 2016 Economic Outlook put on by Calgary Economic Development at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.

“These shocks are more than just swings in Canada’s national income. They also force businesses to make decisions about the way resources such as their capital and labour are allocated. These decisions often lead to difficult adjustments, but they are necessary for maximizing our economy’s potential.” FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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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.

“Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty.“ - Jacob Bronowski

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

===SPECIAL NOTICE: NO CASH, BUT GOOD CREDIT? CALL US TODAY TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN OWN INVESTMENT PROPERTY===

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., 2015
Volume 19, Issue 4

Dear Friends and Partners,

I hope that your summer has been awesome. I’ve been busy with my boys, gardening, camping and enjoying as much of the Albertan summer as I can. Real Estate in Edmonton tends to take a break as well. You’ll see longer than average DOM for average properties just due to the lack of traffic. Sought after locations and incredibly well priced deals, still go fast. The multi-family market has been slower than usual with less than stellar listings on the MLS/CLS. That’s not to say that sales don’t happen - several, excellent pocket listings have been bought and sold this past month.

With the federal election looming just 5 weeks away I’m finding some buyers hesitant to commit to a purchase and some (albeit not many here) sellers anxious to unload if over 60 DOM. What that means if you’re a buyer is that you may be able to wiggle a better purchase price between now and the election results. For seasoned investors the election timing doesn’t play such a big role in making a purchase, other than leveraging a sale. Seasoned investors have a plan in place to operate their property in a down or an up market. There are pros and cons to both and money making opportunities for each.

One maddening trend that I am starting to see is inexperienced ‘investors’ getting nervous about filling their vacancies. I’m starting to see ads for reduced rents, security deposits and even ‘1 month free’. This is a poor strategy and one that pulls all investors down. There are many strategies to employ (we list a lot here and in our media section of the website, look for “How To” articles.) that will help you get a better tenant and offer them value without dropping your rents below market value.

If you’re having trouble renting a property now, give me a call and I’ll fine tune your ad and give you some tips to help. Smart investors have a good buying season ahead - give me a shout to see what investment properties we have that fit for you.

P.S. Want a cool mini-guide to investing in a downturn? We published a terrific booklet back in 2011 titled “3 The Critical Landmines You Need To Avoid When Investing in Real Estate”. I’d like to send it to you. Simply reply back with “3 Critical Landmines” in the subject line and your email and we’ll hit you back with a free copy.

South East Edmonton: Holyrood 4-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This terrific Side by Side duplex features separate (not legal - but potential to legalize) suites down. 1957 built, located on a quiet cul-de-sac, across from school and park. Walking distance to schools and transport. Close to downtown and Wayne Gretzky Drive.

This property has separate entrances to each suite; 2 X 2 bd and 2 X 1 bd, double garage, plus pad. This property was purpose built and is in fair condition. Investment capital includes $30K budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rentability. This is a turn-key deal. Good access to downtown and in a great, mature neighbourhood.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Holyrood is a mature neighbourhood that is desirable for tenants working in the south end and downtown. 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: $625,000
Total Investment: $146,090
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $90,498
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!

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

Edmonton has low risk of housing correction, new report says

By Alicja Siekierska, Edmonton Journal, August 4th, 2015

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says Edmonton faces a low risk of having to deal with a housing market correction despite a slumping economy.
The organization released results from its House Price Analysis and Assessment, which is designed to detect problematic conditions in housing markets across the country.

Edmonton and Vancouver were the only two cities on the list of 15 that were cited as low risk in all four categories considered — overvaluation of home prices, overbuilding, price acceleration and overheating. GRAB THIS STORY

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Alberta housing market forecast to rebound 2016

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, August 20th., 2015

After a tough year in 2015, Alberta’s resale housing market is expected to rebound in 2016, according to a report by RBC Economics.
The bank’s senior economist, Robert Hogue, is forecasting sales in the province to dip by 17.8 per cent this year from 2014 to 59,000 transactions — the largest drop in the country.

But Alberta is then expected to see the biggest year-over-year hike in sales in 2016 of 7.1 per cent to 63,200 units.

Despite the drop in sales this year due to a slumping economy and continued depressed oil prices, the average sale price in Alberta is forecast to climb by 0.7 per cent to $378,500 and grow by another 2.1 per cent next year to $386,600. READ MORE HERE

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Update on housing - no boom - no bust.

By John Clinkard, Journal of Commerce, September 8th, 2015

While the term "recession" may have applied to some sectors of the Canadian economy in the first half of the year, it certainly does not apply to Canada's housing market. This view is strongly supported by the fact that, after exhibiting back-to-back declines in December of 2014 and January of this year, due in part to the negative impact of low oil prices on Alberta and colder than normal weather on the rest of the country, home sales have trended steadily higher since February.

Moreover, despite the very weak start, the volume of sales in the first seven months of this year are 5.4% higher than during the comparable period in 2014. In addition, year to date, home sales are up in seven of the ten provinces led by British Columbia (+21.4%), PEI (+11.6%), and Ontario (10.1%). FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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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.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.“ -Walt Disney

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.

If you have some free time this weekend you could read the 160 pages of the 2015 Growth monitoring report and Edmonton Growth study released this week.

In short Edmonton is an economic leader and is growing city with a young demographic. Over the next 50 years the city is expected to double in population.

"Alberta continues to lead the country in economic growth. Its economy has grown on average by over 4% per year over the last three years and is forecast to grow by 3% per year over the next three years. The Edmonton-Calgary corridor demonstrates this economic activity having generated 60% of Canada’s overall job growth for the year ending July 2014. The Edmonton Region plays an important role in the Alberta economy, given its proximity to the world’s third-largest oil reserve. Edmonton has been leading or among the leading Canadian cities in terms of GDP growth over the past three years with that trend expected to continue for another five years.

Strong economic fundamentals in Edmonton have created the need to accommodate
growth. Edmonton’s population grew by roughly 60,000 from 2012 to 2014, an increase of 7.4%. Much of that increase is mainly due to young adults migrating into the city. Housing starts have been pacing the population averaging 10,000 new housing over the last two years. The growth pressures to accommodate the added population have been strongest within south Edmonton. For example, 45% of the added population over the last two years occurred within the two southern most Wards. Demand for industrial land has been just as strong. The average annual absorption rate for the past three years –206 net hectares –is in the order of 85% higher than the previous eight year average. These growth demands are applying pressure on Edmonton’s supply of land for future residential and industrial development." City of Edmonton Growth Study

• The City of Edmonton continues to grow “up,” “in“ and “out.” The current findings confirm the complexity of maintaining growth balance between core, mature and established neighbourhoods and developing or “new” neighbourhoods.

• A demographic shift is occurring in mature and established areas of the city. The population is ageing and households are decreasing in size. There will be a significant increase in lone person and two person households.

• The 2014 Edmonton Municipal census counted 877, 926 people, 60,428 more residents from 2012.

• The Edmonton CMA is comparatively much younger than major Canadian city regions with a median age of 36 years 2015 Growth Monitoring Report

There are a lot of beautiful neighbourhoods listed. I have rentals in 4 of them and never have a problem renting them because they are hip and desireable areas.

It depends what you are looking for, if you work in Fort Saskatchewan none of these would be great except maybe the highlands (which is also surrounded by some very interesting neighbourhoods) Some are well located in you bike or use transit but access to major routes would take longer.

Ritchie is one of my favorite we lived there for a while. Such great neighbours, airport in 20 minutes and downtown in 10 minutes. It's transitioning quickly and what we bought our place for four years agos would get you a 2 bedroom tear down now.

Every time I go out I try and think of a reason to go to Westmount to get a brownie from Dutchess Bake Shop.

Look at the full list here

I got the email newsletter from CREW today.

First thing that caught my eye was "How to spot a bad property manager"the article spoke of what property managers were doing wrong but not really how to spot a bad one.

Well, I can tell you from experience how to select a good one.

1. Be a tenant - call one of their listings and see how they act and answer. See how the response time works how they book showings and even go to one.

Down the street from one of my rentals a property management company had a For Rent sign up for 3 months. It was a pretty hot rental market and no need for the sign to be up that long and the property vacant that long. It made me want to pull title and give the owner a heads up.

2. Ask other investors - straight from the horses mouth.

Todd and I posted a question on REIN forum about 6 years ago related to Edmonton's best worst property managers. It still gets comments and people still add information to it. It's a goldmine.

3. Ask for their maintenance team contact numbers - seriously the one thing I have learned in real estate is to talk to the maintenance people.

They will tell you all kinds of stuff. How fast they go out. If they are getting paid on time. Anything about the management ask them they MIGHT tell you. I also want to talk to the guys see if they are learning plumbing on my properties.

So communciation and reporting can only be tested once they are hired, make sure you get a good PM before handing them your hundreds of thousands of dollars of assets.

What's happening in real estate markets outside of Toronto and Vancouver?

Edmonton
"Unlike its sister city, Calgary, Edmonton’s housing market hasn’t felt quite the same pinch from falling oil prices. Sales rose 2.4 per cent in June and prices were up 2 per cent from a year earlier.
Yet while home prices have so far avoided a crash, Edmonton has witnessed a different type of housing-market phenomenon this year: a boom in rental-apartment construction. " Jump here

Beautiful Historic 1912 Tudor Edmonton Mansion sells Jump

Oil slump hits Fort McMurray
"Fort McMurray renter Richard Mayers and his family are now paying $2,700 a month for a four-bedroom home, down from $3,200. It’s a much-needed price break because Mr. Mayers recently was laid off as operations manager at CEDA International Corp., which provides industrial maintenance services for the oil-sands industry. Read more

This is how much it costs to live in Calgary vs Edmonton
Alberta may be facing a less-than-ideal economy, but people are still coming to the province in search of employment.
Despite a loss of 5,000 jobs in June, over the past year Alberta has still gained 22,800 jobs, up 1 per cent, according to the latest employment figures from StatsCan.
Bank of Montreal economist Robert Kavcic told the Huffington Post most of Alberta's job losses have been in the oil patch, so far, with the cities "somewhat insulated."

So we decided to compare what it costs to live in Calgary versus Edmonton, as a newcomer to the province. Jump 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

July 30., 2015
Volume 19, Issue 3

Dear Friends and Partners,

** Summer is here and your newsletter is heading to the beach! Issues resume again September 15th. Our Blog keeps going though - so check in regularly. **

With the sun shining and summer in full swing, it's hard to imagine winter being 3 months away… I want to remember these seasonal changes (the cycle) and do my property maintenance now, so that I’m prepared for winter. I want to prepare now, for the next real estate cycle (downturn) that is coming. It’s not good or bad, it just is. You can take advantage of ridiculously low mortgage rates, conservative buys and position yourself well with rental properties during the next buying period.

I’ve attached a few links below to articles on property investment and tips to help prepare and manage downturns, including this article we wrote in ’09:

How To Keep Investment Real Estate Profitable In Any Economy

Wherever your real estate investment is located—provided you bought it at the right price and terms—there are many ways to keep your property profitable. If you analyze your real estate, update and improve your investment team, review your long- and short-term investment plans and stay focused on the end result; your real estate portfolio will be a rock solid fortress that can weather any storm.

Analyze

The first and most important thing is to carefully analyze your portfolio.

What properties are doing well?
Are there properties that are slowly leaking dollars like a dripping tap?
If so how can you fix them?
If you don’t know the hard numbers on your properties, then you are risking everything that you have worked for. Keep your budgets in line and carefully evaluate every purchase and renovation. Once you have a better idea of where you stand, you can start to recession-proof your properties. First, your customers are your tenants, so learn how to keep them happy and decrease vacancies. For example:

Provide Internet or free cable
Give lease incentives or rewards for rents paid on time, or even the best garden.
Increase your revenue by adding rental units to your properties or other moneymaking add-ons like renting garages separately, extra parking spaces or coin-op laundry facilities. You can also refinance your mortgages with longer amortizations, increase rents where reasonable or rent your properties furnished.

Evolve and involve your team
Is your property management up to par?
Are you getting discount rates for a big portfolio?
If you have few properties are they being managed in a way that will help you grow your portfolio?
Are their rates competitive and are they keeping your property in excellent resale condition?
Streamline your team. I don’t mean fire everybody and do it all yourself, but rather make your team out of the best players available in your area. Once you have the all-star team, get their input and advice, use their knowledge and experience to protect and improve your assets and your position in the market. Accountants can help you lower your taxes, lawyers can protect your assets, bookkeepers keep you aware of money liquidity and property management can up the cash output of your investment property.

Be aware

Be aware of longer-term trends and statistics. Don’t get caught up in the moment—especially when making decisions. There are both positive and the negative things that are happening in headlines. Take both sides into account and be realistic as you evaluate what’s really going on. Review your business plan both short-term and the long-term and adjust it as necessary. Don’t knee-jerk react, but also don’t drift back and forth without any solid goal in site. Have multiple investment strategies all with a clear exit in place.

This is not the first economic downturn the world has seen nor will it be the last. What is important is to mind your business and your properties to make them profitable no matter what comes your way.

Recession proof rentals HERE and HERE

North West Edmonton: Sherwood 4-Unit Cash flow

(Not one of my target areas, but still a solid property.)

This massive Side by Side duplex features separate (not legal) suites down. 1963 built, located across from park. Walking distance to Parkview School and less than 10 minute drive to West Edmonton Mall. Close to downtown and Whitemud. Good access to downtown and transit.

This property has separate entrances to each suite; 2 X 3 bed and 2 X 2 bed, double garage, plus pad.

This property was purpose built and is in fair condition. Investment capital excludes $15K (PPI) budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rent-ability. The funds are returned at end of renovations once bank appraisal is complete.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Sherwood is a mature neighbourhood that is desirable for tenants working in the west end of the city. 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: $579,000
Total Investment: $139,856
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $78,179
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% or 11.2% 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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Tax expert pushing for new tax in Alberta

By Kevin Maimann, Edmonton Sun, July 20th, 2015

One of Canada's most influential tax experts is pushing for a new tax in Alberta.

Dr. Jack Mintz, who is currently on the Economic Advisory Council for federal finance minister Joe Oliver, spoke Monday during a business luncheon to the Rotary Club of Edmonton.
Mintz was invited to give his views on the economic and social priorities of Alberta's new government.

He said a 7% Harmonized Sales Tax -- which would mean adding 2% to the federal GST, with the added tax to be collected by the Canadian Revenue Agency and remitted to the province -- would bring in over $1 billion. GRAB THIS STORY

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Alberta Economy: Province needs to nurture its economic gazelles

By Stephen Murgatroyd, Troy Media, July 21st., 2015

EDMONTON, AB – A colleague suggested to me recently that Alberta should stop talking about diversifying its economy. Instead, he said, we should talk about broadening the economic base.
He is right.

Of course, the province’s economy is diversified now – somewhat.

For example, Alberta opened its forests to forest companies back in the 1970s, which led to the province becoming home to North America’s largest pulp mill (Athabasca’s ALPAC), as well as several other mills. Our mills and lumber firms are efficient, productive and significant players in the Alberta rural economy, with some 18,000 jobs and significant exports ($2.7 billion in 2014). It is a $5.4 billion industry. READ MORE HERE

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National Post View: Stop delighting in Alberta’s misery

By National Post, July 24th, 2015

Alberta, a province with a population of about four million, has been dominating the country politically and economically for the past decade. But with tanking oil prices, industry layoffs, pipeline leaks, agricultural disasters and NDP political successes, many in the rest of the country are feeling a sense of schadenfreude: the delight in Alberta’s economic — and political — misfortunes.

To at least some extent, their feelings are understandable. It was not long ago that Alberta was at the top of its game: from the rise of Stephen Harper, to the increasing importance of the energy industry as central Canadian manufacturing faltered; Ontario’s debt rose and Quebec’s fiscal situation spiralled as Alberta remained blissfully debt free. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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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.

“My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud.“ -Henry Rollins

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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., 2015
Volume 19, Issue 2

Dear Friends and Partners,

When I lived in Japan I was acutely aware of the changing seasons. Spring would start like clockwork on the ‘official calendar day’ and not merge, but explode into summer a little shy of three months later. The Japanese have holidays (like we do) mixed in and out of the year; some reflective of the seasons, others of religion, royalty, birth and death. I find that Edmonton shares a burst of seasonal changes as well albeit some seasons do tend to drag on (yes, winter that is you).

Albertans seize the summer! When the weather is good, it's time to head to the lake, river or mountain. It’s also time to take a break. I firmly believe that claiming a minimum of one ‘rest day’ every six is crucial for mental, physical and creative health. Having young children, my rest days have tended to stretch longer but the trade-off forces me to work more efficiently (sometimes longer) on my work days; compacting them if you will.

I have added a few links below showing the benefits of unwinding and the increase in performance that can be attained. The second link starts strong and has some great points throughout.

"It's Sunday evening but instead of relaxing with your family, you're sitting in front of your home computer. There are just a few emails you have to send out before the week starts, a couple of projects you want to complete in the quiet before the phone calls and urgent emails begin arriving the next morning. You're tired, and vaguely cranky to find yourself working on what's supposed to be a day of rest. But it needs to get done, so you push through….” JUMP

"Ask any physician and they will tell you that rest is essential for physical health. When the body is deprived of sleep, it is unable to rebuild and recharge itself adequately. Your body requires rest….” JUMP

North Central Edmonton: Westwood 4-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This 4 unit, 1973 built, RF-3 zoned property is located 2 blocks from NAIT. Walking distance to Kingsway Malland St. Basil School.

It’s a short drive downtown and to Royal Alex Hospital. This property has separate entrances to each suite; 2 X 3 bd and 2 X 2 bd, massive double garage, plus parking pad for six cars.

This property was purpose built and is in good condition. There are good upgrades; HWT, cabinets and flooring. Investment capital includes $10K budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rent ability. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access to downtown, transit and college.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Westwood is a mature neighbourhood that is desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAIT. 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: $585,000
Total Investment: $139,040
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $80,817
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 58% or 11.6% 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 growth expected to slow down, but not stop.
New neighbourhoods and central core saw majority of growth, mature neighbourhoods didn’t fare as well

By CBC News, July 3rd, 2015

Despite tough economic times in Alberta, Edmonton's city planners say the city will continue growing in 2015 — both up and out.

Yesterday saw the release of the city's second growth analysis, Our Growing City. The report shows that, even with the economic slowdown, Edmonton continued to expand last year.

"It was really a banner year for growth," said Kalen Anderson, director of urban policy for the city.

Anderson noted that in 2014, the city saw more than 12,000 new permits for housing units. Despite the city's recent push for more infill in mature neighbourhoods, the report suggests that the suburban fringe and the downtown core continue to draw the greatest numbers. GRAB THIS STORY

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Alberta housing market weathering the storm

By Myke Thomas, Calgary Sun, July 11th, 2015

The Alberta housing market, as a whole, has weathered the headwinds of a slowing economy in 2015 better than many expected, says Todd Hirsch, chief economist at ATB Financial, in the Alberta Economic Outlook for the third quarter of the year.

“Despite a weaker energy sector and shaky consumer demand, housing starts (in Alberta) have continued to hold up quite well over the first half of the year. In May, builders began construction on just over 34,000 homes (on a) seasonally adjusted annualized rates (basis),” says Hirsch. “Even though this is a bit below the 12-month average, Alberta’s housing market is reacting reasonably well to the current economic landscape.” FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Canada must avoid Greek entitlement

By Anthony Furey, Calgary Sun, July 3rd, 2015

It's a sad day in Canadian politics when a possible future cabinet minister applauds the latest news in the current Greek tragedy.
Niki Ashton, the MP for Manitoba, and a prominent voice in the NDP caucus tweeted "NO to austerity! YES to democracy!" in celebration of Greek voters' rejecting the latest bailout terms offered by the European troika on Sunday.

Ashton also re tweeted more severe and more popular comments made by author and far-left celeb Naomi Klein: "Nobody should be forced to sign their own death warrant. So many Greeks voting no to blackmail and terror. Powerful day.” 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.

“Unless a man has trained himself for chance, chance will only make him look ridiculous." -William Mathews

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 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

If you haven't been downtown Edmonton in a while you should take a look. We counted more than 5 cranes working in the downtown core. The changes are exhilarating albeit frustrating for driving.

The most spectacular is the new arena and the Ice District - here is an amusing video from Edmonton Journal about the name "Ice District" not quite sure about the Romulan comparison.

If you think were you live is bad take a look at this JUMP (If your place is worse you need to move)

Oil prices are falling and the NDP aren't going to make any Rae like mistakes in Alberta.

Alberta's young population's first step into home ownership is often a condo. Condos are stylish, well located and a reasonable price.

There is a lot to know about buying a condo because there are monthly fees and assessments that could (will) be looming in the future.

"Find out exactly how much you’ll be paying in condo fees and evaluate whether you’re getting good value for your money. Dig into the health of the reserve fund, because that’s a good predictor of whether you’ll be levied any special assessments if you buy. Ask if there are any claims or actions aimed at, or prompted by, the condo corporation. How much are your utilities? Who pays them?" Real Estate Matters Jump Here

If you're in your condo for the long term there will be repairs and as the condo ages the cost of repairs increases. That's why the reserve fund is so important. Even new condos can have huge repairs and assessments like the one in Calgary.

Your money will be well spent getting a condo document review to make sure there are no red flags in the finances of the complex you are buying into.

Some horror stories about assessments (Ontario) Here

Service Alberta Condo Tip sheet Here

Really good assessment information 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

June 30th., 2015
Volume 19, Issue 1

Dear Friends and Partners,

I was going to start talking about death, but I figured what the hey, let’s lighten up the mood a bit and talk taxes. That seems to be the order of the day. With our new NDP government here, we quake with worry at every exhale of impending tax increases. With the federal election looming in October, we hear talk of taxes. Even in my fair city (or should I say, especially in my city…) talk of a staggered, three year (18%) property tax increase to fund the Valley LRT is probable. Some taxes are necessary and good, others…. not so much.

If you haven’t read this fun parable on explaining taxes, have a read now. It’ll bring a chuckle or a tear to your face. Happy Canada Day!

The cost of dinner - The Globe and Mail Tim Cestnick

"Each and every day, 10 men go to a restaurant for dinner together. The bill for all 10 comes to $100 each day. If the bill were paid the way we pay our taxes, the first four would pay nothing; the fifth would pay $1; the sixth would pay $3; the seventh $7; the eighth $12; the ninth $18. The 10th man – the richest – would pay $59. Although the 10 men didn’t share the bill equally, they all seemed content enough with the arrangement – until the restaurant owner threw them a curve.

“You’re all very good customers,” the owner said, “so I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily meal by $20. I’m going to charge you just $80 in total.” The 10 men looked at each other and seemed genuinely surprised, but quite happy about the news.

The first four men, of course, are unaffected because they weren’t paying anything for their meals anyway. They’ll still eat for free. The big question is how to divvy up the $20 in savings among the remaining six in a way that’s fair for each of them. They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33, but if they subtract that amount from each person’s share, then the fifth and sixth men would end up being paid to eat their meals. The restaurant owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each person’s bill by roughly the same percentage, and he proceeded to work out the amounts that each should pay.

The results? The fifth man paid nothing, the sixth pitched in $2, the seventh paid $5, the eighth paid $9, the ninth paid $14, leaving the 10th man with a bill of $50 instead of $59. Outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. “I only got one dollar out of the $20,” said the sixth man, pointing to the 10th man, “and he got $9!” “Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too! It’s not fair that he got nine times more than me!” “That’s true,” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get back $9 when I only got $2? The rich get all the breaks!” “Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!”

The nine outraged men surrounded the 10th and brutally assaulted him. The next day, he didn’t show up for dinner, so the nine sat down and ate without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they faced a problem that they hadn’t faced before. They were $50 short.

The moral

There are a couple of lessons to be learned here. The first is an observation from my wife: If the 10 individuals had been women, they probably would have figured things out. But in all seriousness, I’m going to suggest that the approach taken by the restaurant owner in the story is exactly the right approach to divvying up tax cuts. It’s how our system should work. The people who pay the highest taxes should get the greatest relief from a tax cut, in absolute dollars.

The fact is, if you overtax the rich, they just might not show up for dinner next time. After all, there are plenty of good restaurants around the world."

This story is relevant today because both the Conservatives and the Liberals have proposed to cut taxes – in different ways. The Liberals have said that they would offer no tax cuts to the rich, but would instead increase the tax burden on the highest earners. The problem with this, of course, is that pushing any taxpayer’s marginal tax rate to 50 per cent or higher (which would be the case for many Canadians, particularly in provinces that also have taken steps to increase the marginal tax rate for the highest earners) will absolutely cause those folks to explore new ways to bring the tax burden down. And in the end, it may drive some to leave.

Tim Cestnick is managing director of Advanced Wealth Planning, Scotiabank Global Wealth Management, and founder of WaterStreet Family Offices.

North Central Edmonton: Westwood 4-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This 4 unit, 1973 built, RF-3 zoned property is located 2 blocks from NAIT. Walking distance to Kingsway Malland St. Basil School. It’s a short drive downtown and to Royal Alex Hospital. This property has separate entrances to each suite; 2 X 3 bd and 2 X 2 bd, massive double garage, plus parking pad for six cars. This property was purpose built and is in good condition. There are good upgrades; HWT, cabinets and flooring. Investment capital includes $10K budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rentability. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access to downtown, transit and college.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Westwood is a mature neighbourhood that is desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAIT. 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: $585,000
Total Investment: $139,040
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $80,817
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 58% or 11.6% 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: Edmonton’s economy not too hot, not too cool

By Graham Hicks, Edmonton Sun, June 19th, 2015

This is extraordinary.

A year ago, the global price of oil plummeted – from $100 (US) a barrel to $50 to $60, where it seems to have come to rest.

Ours is an energy-based economy. Every other time oil and/or natural gas prices fell, in 1983, 1998 and 2009, Metropolitan Edmonton suffered. Unemployment rates jumped, jobs dried up, housing prices fell, folks left town. GRAB THIS STORY

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

Canadian crude in high demand amid shortages

By Jeffrey Jones, The Globe & Mail, June 8th, 2015

Brisk demand along with supply disruptions due to Alberta’s wildfires have propelled Canadian heavy crude oil prices to their highest this year.
Recent prices for Western Canadian Select heavy crude, a blend of bitumen from the oil sands and conventional heavy oil, reflect an unusually narrow discount to North American benchmark oil. The weakened Canadian dollar has also boosted returns for Canadian producers, even as OPEC holds firm on output to keep world prices low in a bid for more market share. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

Gunter: Oil and gas sectors given raw deal in Alberta throne speech

By Lorne Gunter, Edmonton Sun, June 15th, 2015

I guess if you like the government deciding who can and cannot make donations to political parties, you loved Monday’s throne speech.

Likewise, if you buy into class envy and angrily believe “the rich” should pay more taxes — and businesses large and small, too — you’re probably ecstatic.

Otherwise, Monday’s blueprint for the new NDP government, delivered by new Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell, was, as Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said, “disappointingly thin.” 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.

“Tolerance is another word for indifference." - W. Somerset Maugham

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 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

"Problems make you better, stronger, wiser and more creative. If we had a pill for that we'd all be addicted. Yet we demonize problems, run from them, and think they are awful and shouldn't be happening.

We have a story of a future perfect world and it's a story that ruins the even better world than that right in front of us. It's the story that has you desiring something other than the opportunity in front of you. That desire is what keeps you from being a time warrior.

Don't use desire that way. Don't use it for longing and wishing. Use it for instant energy." Steve Chandler

I see both sides. Of course I want employees to make a livable wage. It can only be good for the economy right? But what if the minimum wage increases 47% in 3 years. Seems a bit of a burden for business owners. It looks like the increase will start October 1, 2015 at $1.00.

"It’s madness to believe that putting such a burden on businesses and non-profits won’t have an impact. Economists normally argue that minimum-wage increases don’t cause a rise in unemployment, because most minimum-wage earners (52 per cent of them in Alberta) are young people working part-time in service industries and going to school. No one else wants the work, especially in strong economies. Service industries, such as the fast-food business, just keep hiring and pass the expense on to customers." Read more

Here is the argument for a $15 minimum wage. I enjoy the comments below. Especially this:

"Exactly. I too am a business owner. I pay entry level 12 dollars per hour now and their supervisor draws 17 per hour. If I have to give me entry level people 15 then I have to give the supervisor 20 or 22. And up it goes, add to that CPP, EI, etc. etc........"

Hopefully this means less defaults on rentals.

Where did Chinese investment go? Read more

Is Capital Expenditure leaving Alberta? Jump

I love Jean Haner's work:

"Jean married into a Chinese family when she was in her 20s, and began to learn about Chinese culture, philosophy and medicine from her very traditional mother-in-law. It wasn’t until after her wedding that she discovered the family had her face and birth date evaluated to see if she was a “lucky” match for her husband, and that even the date and time of the ceremony had been determined according to what would bring the most luck for the family.

She went on to study the deeper foundations of these ancient principles of balance and health with many teachers over the years, and learned that it has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with learning to be true to your nature."

One of her areas of expertise is Chinese Face Reading. Certain features in your face reflect your personality type and your history ie the size and shape or ears or prominence of cheek bones.

I once noticed at Telus World of Science that all the astronauts had the same nose... could that mean that nose reflects the personality traits of an astronaut? I don't know. We need to avoid the Naturalistic Fallacy as well.

Her blog today is a slightly different vein but so interesting:

"A few years ago, right before his book, “Blink” came out, I had the joy of sitting across from Malcolm Gladwell at dinner and listening to him tell stories about his research for the book.

One thing he’d done was interview people who train professional bodyguards.

He said as part of the training, each person is shown a line drawn on the ground and told, “Walk along this line, and no matter what happens, stay on the line.”

So, the trainee starts to walk along the line, and out of nowhere, a snarling attack dog charges right at him. Of course, he shrieks and runs off the line.

Then he sees the dog was on a leash that ended 2 inches from the line.

He gets back on the line and begins to walk again, and this time the attack dog comes back, OFF the leash.

The dog leaps on him and at this point each person in this exercise basically loses all control in total terror!

Then he sees the dog is muzzled and cannot hurt him.

This training goes on and on with different experiences, until that person can walk the line, have anything happen and still stay on the line, in balance and unstressed."Read more here.

If you read some of the news, it's time to batten the hatches an look for cover.

It’s going to be a really brutal year for Alberta’s economy — but next year should be better

Oil-price drop has put Alberta’s economy into ‘tailspin,’ Conference Board of Canada says

Then others say the worst is passing but it's not totally over.

“The parade of bad news has been stemmed a little bit. We’re no longer hearing week after week of these layoffs and all kinds of things we were hearing back in January and February,” said Hirsch. “We still might hear about more. In fact, I’d be surprised if we don’t.
“There’s probably still more weakness to come but I think the worst of the bad news is probably already behind us.” Todd Hirsch, chief economist with ATB Financial

To see the most important indicators of Alberta's economy take a look at the Economic Dashboard

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 15th., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 10

Dear Friends and Partners,

Today the legislature sits for the first time with new government. We’ll have the throne speech later today that will set the tone for the coming year and hopefully shed light on which points of the NDP’s pre-election speech they will move forward with. There is a heady array of topics in the air amidst a teetering oil price of nearly $60bbl. Talks, thought to be long dead, of a refinery, new minimum wage and royalties all make the backdrop.

Calgary RE market is definitely in the slow-down cycle, Edmonton tends to be 12-18 months behind so a fall slowdown looks likely. For long-term investors there will be buying opportunities.

Uncertainty in the market turns would-be-buyers back into renters, so if you can play the long game there is success in turmoil.

South Central Edmonton: Strathcona 3-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This Capital Housing approved 3-unit, 1950 built, RA-4 zoned property is located half block from park in Old Strathcona.

Walking distance to U.O.A, Mill Creek Ravine, shopping, clinics school, 5 minutes from downtown and Whyte ave.

This property has separate entrances to each suite; 2 X 2 bd and 1X 1bd plus parking for six cars. It was purpose built and is in fair condition. It is rare to find a triplex in this area at this price point.

Has some upgrades; windows, HWT, electrical and main sewer. Investment capital includes $25K budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rent-ability.

This is a turn-key deal with excellent access to downtown, transit and parks.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Strathcona is a trendy, sought after neighbourhood that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending UOA. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-4 zoning 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: $485,000
Total Investment: $111,755
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,849
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year

These 3 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 Rachel Notely’s Alberta NDP is still considering building an oil refinery
Under Alberta’s new government, the argument against a new oil refinery may have sprung a leak

By Paul Haavardsrud, CBC News, June 3rd, 2015

Rachel Notley's new Alberta NDP government is kicking a dead horse by even considering a new oil refinery, at least according to downtown Calgary.
Accepted oilpatch wisdom suggests the market, which hasn't put up the cash for a major new gasoline-producing refinery in North America since 1984, has already made the decision for her.

Why, then, is Notley's government still pledging to crack open the file and take another look?
"I believe there is a better way to build Alberta's economy, to put refineries like these at the heart of our future growth and prosperity," Notley told supporters at a campaign event in April held in front of a row of upgraders near Edmonton.

For oil types, such talk is like seeing the smoking gun that proves an NDP government simply doesn't understand how the industry works. READ MORE HERE
===============

Free pizza for life helps close real estate deal in Portland

By Shelby Sebens, Reuters, June 4th, 2015

PORTLAND, Ore. - In Portland's hot real estate market where some homes are getting dozens of offers and bidding wars have sent prices skyrocketing, one buyer found a way to stand out among the rest: Offer free pizza every month for life.
Donna DiNicola, owner of DiNicola's Italian Restaurant in southeast Portland, might have been joking when she offered the pizza, but it worked. Her offer for a 900 square foot (83.6 sq metre) house in southeast Portland for her 23-year-old son was accepted.

"It was really a joke," she said. "I swear to you I did not know that made it into the paperwork."

DiNicola, who has been in business for 38 years, saw the Portland market heating up and encouraged her two sons to start looking. GRAB THIS STORY

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

Saskatchewan goes to Alberta to steal some oil business
Sask economy minister trying to lure oil patch to move investment

By Kyle Bakx, CBC News, June 10th, 2015

In front of several hundred people from all facets of the oil and gas industry, Saskatchewan's economy minister pitched his province as the land of stability.
Bill Boyd began and concluded his speech boasting about the province's safe and secure resource royalties, a contrast to Alberta where the NDP government is pledging to review its royalties.

Boyd sees an opportunity to capitalize on the uncertainty in neighbouring Alberta and steal away some business. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

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.

“Persevere and get it done." - George Allen, Sr.

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 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

Peter Kinch - Debt, The Fed and Your Mortgage

Lamphier: No wonder Vancouverites hate oil pipelines - "Why would Vancouverites risk an oil spill in Burrard Inlet or English Bay, one that could soil the city’s beaches for years and drive a stake through the city’s sizzling property market? It makes no economic sense." JUMP

House prices or not I don't think anyone wants an oil spill in their backyard or on their beach.

Good times, bad times: As Alberta's economy busts, it's film industry booms - "It’s not movie magic, even if it may have seemed that way. During the Depression, the movie industry is said to have experienced a major boom. People may have faced chronic unemployment, long food lines and a general lack of hope, but they also packed themselves into movie theatres." JUMP

Scroll down to the Keep Rolling Alberta 2014 Highlight reel. It's really well done.

What a sad day in Edmonton. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Const. Daniel Woodall. #EPSstrong Learn about our fallen hero here

This will be the new norm for homes in the coming decades. It's very exciting to see it happen in Edmonton first.

"A house in the McKernan neighbourhood has become the first in Canada to earn a net-zero certification from Natural Resources Canada, one more step toward making the new technology mainstream.

Third-party certification means anyone buying the home can be sure of its claim — that the home generates as much energy as it uses during an average year. "JUMP

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 2nd., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 9

Dear Friends and Partners,

Despite the turmoil, change and a sluggish economy, there are many new commercial buildings being proposed downtown. If oil can keep above $60 bbl and climb further, the growth of the downtown core should continue.

There is concern that non-government backed buildings will be shelved if the economy falters for a prolonged period. Currently though, developers are taking an optimistic approach with two new high-rise developments tabled this week.

In addition to those, check out the proposed $100M expansion to Gilead's pharmaceutical campus (below) and the new jobs it will create. Despite a rocky outlook for the next 18+ months, the underpinnings of the economy remain relatively stable and present good opportunity for the longterm investor.

South Central Edmonton: Strathcona 3-Unit Cashflow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This Capital Housing approved 3-unit, 1950 built, RA-4 zoned property is located half block from park in Old Strathcona.

Walking distance to U.O.A, Mill Creek Ravine, shopping, clinics school, 5 minutes from downtown and Whyte ave.

This property has separate entrances to each suite; 2 X 2 bd and 1X 1bd plus parking for six cars. It was purpose built and is in fair condition. It is rare to find a triplex in this area at this price point.

Has some upgrades; windows, HWT, electrical and main sewer. Investment capital includes $25K budget slated for further renovations to modernize, improve value, aesthetics and rent-ability.

This is a turn-key deal with excellent access to downtown, transit and parks.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Strathcona is a trendy, sought after neighbourhood that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending UOA. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-4 zoning 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: $485,000
Total Investment: $111,755
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,849
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year

These 3 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 uncertain economy and stalling housing market seen boosting demand for rentals

By Robert Tuttle and Katia Dmitrieva, Bloomburg News, May 19th, 2015

Kurt Kerschner, a 46-year-old electrical engineer from Austria, was ready to buy his first home after moving to Calgary with his family in the fall.

With the housing market in oil-rich Alberta at a standstill after the crude price crash, he’s now considering staying in the apartment he rents, concerned he may be stuck with a house he can’t sell should work dry up.

“Initially, we planned to buy but now we are not sure,” he said in a May 14 phone interview. “If you sell the property, maybe you can’t sell it immediately.”

Rising demand for rental housing is good news for Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust and Mainstreet Equity Corp., two of the western Canadian province’s largest apartment building owners. READ MORE HERE

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

Lamphier: Stantec CEO sounds optimistic note on new government, economy

By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, May 21st, 2015

EDMONTON - Stantec chief Bob Gomes has seen it all since he assumed the top job at the Edmonton-based engineering consulting firm six years ago.

From the Great Recession of 2008-09 to the abrupt crash in oil prices over the past few months to the decimation of Alberta’s 44-year-old Progressive Conservative dynasty, there have been fireworks galore.

Through it all, Gomes has guided the acquisition-driven company and its 15,000 employees to steady growth, relentlessly expanding its range of services, its geographic footprint and its revenues.

Today, Stantec operates in all of Canada’s provinces and territories, dozens of U.S. states, and several far-flung foreign markets, from Great Britain to the Middle East to India. GRAB THIS STORY
===============

Lamphier: Gilead announces $100-million manufacturing plant
U.S. biotech giant on local expansion drive

By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal, May 28th, 2015

EDMONTON - Gilead Sciences doesn’t have the power to cure what ails Alberta’s struggling energy-fuelled economy, but it’s doing its best to ease the symptoms.

In the process, the Foster City, Calif.-based biopharmaceutical giant is giving Edmonton’s biotech sector a badly needed shot in the arm while creating hundreds of new, high-paying local jobs.

Gilead is already in the midst of a multi-year, $100-million expansion at its 21-acre campus in northeast Edmonton, where it officially unveiled the first of two new laboratory buildings Wednesday.

Now it plans to double that commitment by building a new $100-million drug manufacturing facility nearby. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

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.

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower" - Steve Jobs

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.

"Albertans are being set up for higher personal, corporate and resource taxes.

Despite what new premier Rachel Notley says, the province’s finances aren’t really that much worse than the Tory government said. For all the Tories’ faults (and there were many), they didn’t sugar-coat the state of Alberta’s revenue problems.

But by claiming, as Notley did following the first NDP cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Calgary, that “we are starting to find the challenges are a bit bigger than what may have been featured in the Prentice government’s campaign,” Notley is getting ready to abandon her own campaign promises not to raise taxes much, except on the richest Albertans.

If you promised not to raise taxes on 90 per cent of Albertans, but now that you’re safely elected you admit that was never realistic, how do you explain to voters that the 90-percent pledge can’t be kept? Why, of course, you blame the unpopular, outgoing government." JUMP

Meet Marg McCuaig-Boyd, Alberta's new energy minister - "Geography may have been the reason why McCuaig-Boyd was given the energy portfolio. It's no secret oil and gas is the predominant economic driver in the northern part of the province, followed by agriculture and forestry." Jump Here

Hopefully this turns out well and with a new vision we can reduce the boom bust history of Alberta's oil and gas industry.

Study on foreign investors raises eyebrows - "The study is providing the kind of closer look at international buyers that B.C.investors, in particular, continue to seek. Ostensibly, a similar study on the Vancouver and Toronto markets would help to end speculation about what if any real impact Chinese nationals are having on property prices in those cities."

Investors are always looking for safe places to park their funds. What might be a starter - middle class home for a U.K citizen is a nominal capital investment for overseas. Here

Inside dope on plans for Edmonton's first medical marijuana grow op - "Alberta Green Biotech was founded in 2013 by Noel Avila, a Filipino immigrant who is now a Canadian citizen. He and his brother, Leo, a software contractor, raised money from primarily Edmonton and Ottawa investors to pursue an application under Canada's Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations to become a licensed producer."

Medical marijuana is a new proposed to be billion dollar industry, if marijuana is ever legalized for personal use it will become a multi-billion dollar industry. Great way to get positioned as a approved retailer. Jump here

Rental inventory tight as homebuyers wait - "With economic uncertainty weighing heavily on the thoughts of those in Alberta, rental inventories are under pressure as renters choose to stay put. Despite rising rents, many view buying in the current climate as a risk they’re not prepared to make." Here

Numbeo is such a great site to get lost in if you are interested in living in other countries or just curious about where your city ranks.

"Numbeo is a collection of Web pages containing numerical and other itemizable data about cities and countries, designed to enable anyone to contribute or modify content. Numbeo uses the wisdom of the crowd to obtain the most reliable information possible. Numbeo then provides you with a statistical analysis of the data collected. In addition, Numbeo provides a variety of systematic research opportunities for its readers with its compilation of worldwide information."

Todd and I love Paris and wanted to see how Edmonton and Paris compare in a Numbeo city cost to live comparison.

"You would need around 4,337.32€ (5,918.67C$) in Paris to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 5,100.00C$ in Edmonton (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Consumer Prices Including Rent Index. This comparison assumes net earnings (after income tax)."

You can do any comparison you like but just because Bangalore is 70% cheaper than San Fransisco doesn't mean it's the next hot place to live. So take the information and use it wisely.

See the full Edmonton vs Paris breakdown Here

There are so many great videos here. I was sent one as a link and ended up watching about 5 in a row. I can see so many applications for the topics they cover. From your terrible teen to helping clients. Very interesting:

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

May 17th., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 8

Dear Friends and Partners,

It’s been a wild week. The biggest change of course was the NDP’s surprising majority win and Rachel Notely becoming the Premier-elect. The second surprise was the massive snowfall after; a hell-freezing-over type of storm. Alas, this is a democratic win. The question on the minds of big oil, business owners and real estate investors is how will the new government effect business? Will royalties increase, taxes go up, rent control come into place…is the economy grinding to a halt? In reality we don’t yet know. I think that there is a good balance of opposition (Wild Rose and PC at 50%) to temper the direction. Fresh eyes can bring new ideas and progressive change, especially in environmental regulation, and if done right, without hurting the economy.

No matter what the diagnosis, we can manage and thrive as property owners and investors as we adjust to a ‘new game’. One thing is for sure, there will be bargains to be had if you have your buyers hat on; fear and uncertainty always offer a discount. Continuing to focus on quality property in areas with infrastructure in place or committed (read: already funded) such at hospitals, universities, LRT and select areas of the Arena District will fair well.

Strategies to hedge against a recession include reevaluating your portfolio and culling the dogs, CF bleeders or any hard to tenant/manage property. Use the next few months to renovate and sell any dead weight to mitigate negative CF and buffer up a CF fortress to weather a storm or at least inclement weather.

West Edmonton: Jasper Park Legal 4-Unit Cash-flow

Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal 4-unit, 1962 built, RA-7 zoned property is located directly across from school and park in Jasper Park. Near Telus World of Science, Edmonton Zoo, NAIT, Hospital and fast access to downtown and on either the Yellowhead or Whitemud. This property has front entrances to the 4 X1 BD and a parking pad for six cars.

This property was purpose built and is in good condition. It is rare to find a legal 4-pled for this price. Investment capital includes $15K budget slated for further renovations to modernize and improve value and rent-ability. All suites have own laundry. This is a turn-key deal. Excellent access to downtown, transit and parks.

This property comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Jasper Place is a mature area that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAITS west-side campus. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-7 zoning 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: $449,000
Total Investment: $108,500
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,697
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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Albertan’s wanted a broom, not a hammer and sickle

By Ezra Levant, Special to Financial Post, May 6th, 2015

Canada’s Left is jubilant that the NDP won a majority in Tuesday night’s Alberta election. Fair enough – no-one else has beaten the Progressive Conservatives in 44 years, let alone a fringe socialist party in Canada’s most conservative province. Perhaps the revolution was finally here! It could be. Rachel Notley, the incoming premier, wears a Che Guevara wristwatch. One of her new MLAs, Rod Loyola, publicly praises Hugo Chavez, the late Venezuelan authoritarian. And Alberta’s new First Husband, Lou Arab, is an executive with the labour union, CUPE.

FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Calgary business groups say they look forward to working with NDP government

By Mario Toneguzzi, The Calgary Herald, May 6th, 2015

Calgary business groups say they are looking forward to working with the new majority NDP government in Alberta despite still having some concerns about the party’s platform.
Amber Ruddy, senior policy analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said the voters clearly spoke on Tuesday night and now there’s a real opportunity to have small business issues front and centre.

READ MORE HERE

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Assaf & Hyde: The next four years in Alberta don’t necessarily have to be bad for business

By Danny Assaf and Goldy Hyder, National Post, May 8th, 2015

Looking at the chaos in the world today, one could be forgiven for thinking revolutions only happen at the barrel of a gun. The beauty of our democracy is that we can revolt at the ballot box and that’s exactly what happened in Alberta on Tuesday. Even with the most dramatic revolutions, however, there are things that must remain constant for any government: jobs and economic prosperity. All of us, of every political stripe, need to provide for our families and ensure opportunities for our children.

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.

“Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality." - Nikos Kazantzakis

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 home study sets at a discount. Get your copy of the Canadian Success Stories book and the 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

I went to pick up my son the day after the landmark NDP victory in Alberta. I was bursting to talk to someone to say "What do you think?" except no one said anything. I heard more about the snow than I did about the election. Although there were a few 'Hell has frozen over' jokes.

We're all waiting to see what will happen. And that's all we can do is wait. In the meantime here are a few good links to check out:

The danger of financial ignorance - "While men outperformed women on the finance quiz, greater numbers of women responded that they “don’t know,” a result that held true all over the world. The upshot is that women, more conscious of their limitations, are more likely to be interested in financial-education programs" Here

Don't raise the minimum wage. Fine tune it - "Maybe a solution can be found to sharpen the minimum wage tool. In the Netherlands, the minimum wage increases with the worker’s age. A 15-year-old must be paid a minimum of €2.89 an hour ($3.92, up to 36 hours a week). When the worker turns 16, it rises to €3.32. It notches higher by increments of about €0.50 to €1.50 an hour until it peaks at €9.63 for a 23-year-old worker." Here

Stay tuned here on Alberta and the NDP election...