Edmonton Real Estate Investor

Recent news of the oil sands generally focuses on current per barrel prices or whether or not the U.S will buy into Canada's vast oil wealth. Unfortunately the oil sands rich and varied past is often neglected.

The history of the sands is a surprisingly thrilling read that one woman has spent over 20 years researching and chronicling. Joyce Hunt a Canadian historian is on a mission to tell the tales of the many people drawn to the oil in northern Alberta between 1905 and 1930.

"There is much more to the story. I want to write about the people who are unknown and obscure and have been hiding there," "Nobody else has been weird enough to do this." Joyce Hunt Historian

Read Oilsands Review interview with Hunt

A major oil sands player, Imperial Oil, is looking to invest in a C$8 billion Kearl oil sands venture in northern Alberta. With a long term view the company hopes to profit from the tightening credit conditions and take advantage of freed labour and resources.

Just goes to show that the long term view is the way to think when investing in the area. Especially when it comes to real estate. Of course there will be ebbs and flows in the market but over all waiting them out, buying cash flowing properties strategically are all ways to keep your investment solid.

"Canada's oil sands are the largest crude deposits outside the Middle East, but production is far more complex and expensive. With oil prices around $40 a barrel, down from a July peak above $147, at least C$90 billion of oil sands developments have been put on hold.

But Imperial, the Canadian affiliate of U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil Corp <XOM.N>, has said it believes its project economics will improve as rivals drop out, freeing up labor and materials. It is expected to make a decision on going ahead by the end of the first quarter." Read More

How is the recession affecting you?
Do you even notice that there is a recession or has your business been flummoxed? Do you find this is the time to tighten your belt or have you been expanding due to lowering prices and cheaper labour?

Are you practicing frugality- if so how anything this extreme? Any tips real estate related or in general to cut costs?

I'd like to see how everyone is doing. Please take my mini poll in the upper left corner.

Although the rest of Canada's real estate markets may still be seeing a slowdown this year. Edmonton is starting to pick up. Specific property types will see a jump in sales this year as new buyers enter the market.

Edmonton still is number 1 -"The results are in and Edmonton was named the number one city to invest in, according to the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN). Backed by a healthy economy, infrastructure development, a growing job market and increasing population, the ‘City of Champions’ may be a sure bet.

Gone are the days of double-digit price increases and condos that are snapped up as soon as they’re listed. Now, Edmonton’s market reaches a more historic norm as it stabilizes.

This is expected to alleviate pressure for buyers since they can negotiate their terms.

“The current market has come back to earth after three years of unsustainable price increases,” says Don Campbell, president of REIN, Calgary. “People moving to Edmonton region are bringing the condo lifestyle along with them, thus driving the demand over the previous years.”

Condos are favoured among Edmonton’s growing Baby Boomer population, which grew 43% between 2001 and 2006, according to Statistics Canada. This aging demographic enjoys the low-maintenance lifestyle that these units present. Also, first-time home buyers choose condos due to affordability. According to RBC’s 2008 affordability index, a buyer would have to earn $86,337 per year to qualify for a mortgage on an average home priced at $354,060. Condos have a more favourable affordability index of 26.2%, meaning the buyer would need an annual income of only $57,417.

Investors looking for cash flow can expect one with a condo. These units are expected to see a 12.2% increase in rent in 2008, according to CMHC. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,000 in April 2008.

“Edmonton is the largest rental apartment universe and people are trying to capitalize on the fact that the economy is still doing well,” says Julie Taylor, analyst at CMHC, Ottawa"

I'm blogging a blog today. This is from the 4 hour Work Week blog by Tim Ferriss
This Video will make you feel like some of your "To Do" list stress is really laughable. It is so inspirational I realized (again, I often forget!) there is a lot to be thankful for in the simplest things.

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.

Success boils down to the following three things:
1. Analyze
2. Evolve and Involve Your Team
3. Be Aware

Read this entire "How To Article" by Todd Millar

Obama: Invest in Canadian Oilsands or Be Held Hostage - "Russia bullies its European energy customers; Saudi Arabia, Iran and others export terrorism; Nigeria is unstable and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez spews hate. This means there is little choice for the U.S. and the world, but to embrace, and possibly finance, Alberta's gigantic oil sands.
True the Canadian oil made from these sands is dirtier than Saudi crude, but the choice is dirty oil from a clean regime (Canada) or cleaner oil from dirty regimes.
Besides, the oil sands production process can be cleaned up with investments in carbon recapture and research into more efficient refinery methods that use less natural gas and water."

The oilsands production process can and is being cleaned up constantly by innovative and ecological alternatives. Like this:

Renewables could power Alberta, says think-tank Pembina Institute says switch feasible - "Alberta can switch its electricity source from coal to clean renewable energy sources in 20 years, creating jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a more stable price for energy, says a report released this week.

There are no technological barriers standing in the way of this vision, but it will take political leadership and consumer demands to make it happen, says one of the authors of the report from the Pembina Institute environmental think-tank."

Edmonton's jobless rate among lowest in Canada - "Alberta’s unemployment edged up in December as 15,800 jobs vanished, but the province continued to lead the country with the lowest jobless rate by a wide margin, Statistics Canada said Friday.

And Edmonton’s 3.6 per cent unemployment rate — up just 0.1 per cent from November — was the lowest among major cities in Canada, tied with Regina and Victoria. Calgary’s rate is at 3.9 per cent."

This video leaves me saying "and so what??" Seems fairly inconclusive and not very informative to say the least. Of course there is a lot of speculation in the market (can be seen in any market). I think it's naive to think that oil trading at $40/barrel is the true market value. Basically the pendulum swings up and down in any speculative market.

If you take a step back from today and look 5, 10 or 50 years from now there is still is going to be a huge demand for oil. Yeah, it will fluctuate up and down in those years. If you are someone who thinks the Chevy Volt battery powered cars, solar and wind energy will replace oil in the next few years- what fuel will be used to replace oil in the manufacturing of these new technologies?

Watch CBS Videos Online

Robert Kiyosaki sometimes writes for Yahoo! Finance. His articles are insightful and this week's couldn't have been more bang on.

Taking advice in this economy that equates to doing the same thing you have always done will get you worse than the same results. It could lead to a very uncomfortable financial future.

Who can say what will happen with the stock markets and economies around the world. Don't bet your future on a salesman's spiel.

"So what is wrong with those giving the advice and those following it? Now that the markets have crashed and trillions have been lost, these so-called experts continue on like mindless parrots, saying over and over again, "Polly wants you to invest in a well-diversified portfolio of mutual funds."

"So my advice is, be very careful whom you take financial advice from -- and that includes me. My guidance, after all, does not work for 80 percent of the people. My suggestions are not right for those who work for a paycheck or for commissions, nor do they work for those who save money in the bank or a retirement account." Read More

For me I want tangible assets that produce cash flow. It's common sense when everything else goes haywire I will have passive income coming in from well chosen properties. Why gamble your life savings??

I love BBC radio. The new iplayer offers hundreds of interesting, entertaining and enlightening programs in one easily accessible location. They have excellent financial programs - the link today is to a 1 hour show with great advice on how to avoid or deal with the credit crunch. My favorite is to take up a hobby because it keeps you home more and therefore not wasting money. *Of course the show is U.K specific*

5 Live Money - Fighting The Credit Crunch

The whole world is feeling the effects of the credit crunch and "frugality is the new black". Everyday when I check www.msn.com there are new ways to cut costs, implying that everyone wants to reduce their expenses and increase bank account balances. Today it was "how to fix up your kitchen for less"

Here is to cutting coupons!

Jumping into '09 columnists continue focusing on the negative. Sure, things will get worse (especially in the U.S.) before they'll get better - but certainly, they will get better. What doesn't kill banks and businesses will make them stronger.

U.S. president-elect Barack Obama plans to travel to Canada for his first international trip after he takes office, to speak with Prime Minister Harper. Fingers crossed that Canada won't fumble the Oil Sands ball moving forward and gets off to a good start with the new President.

Its hard to imagine these current economic clouds passing, but when they do we should be left with a stronger and more transparent economy.

Local Picture Says Financial Fear Foolish

By Kerry Diotte
Edmonton Sun, January 8, 2009

"I've stopped looking at the monthly statements on my RRSPs and stocks these days. It's too discouraging. At last check I was down 75% of the actual money I'd put into the portfolio. What the hell: it's a paper loss, right? I'm hardly alone.

Besides, it seems the stock market these days is largely fueled by wild rumors, hunches and superstition. But, on a good note, the TSX has been largely on an upswing since its low in November." READ FULL STORY HERE

Wait-and-See Buyers May Miss Out on Deals

By Jennifer Podmore Russell
Calgary Herald, January 10, 2009

"We have come to the end of another year where real estate is one of the hottest conversations in town. The topic can be heard at the water cooler, in restaurants, at dinner parties and on airplanes. We talk about it because it affects us and because the continued correction in the market this fall was unexpected and driven by non-local factors." GRAB THIS ARTICLE

How to Stay Positive in a Negative World

Lorraine Pirihi, The Productivity Queen

Gail's Story:
"Gail is a friend of mine and she was relating to me for the hundredth time about the situation her brother was in. Gary is a nice enough guy. He's hardworking, honest and a good father. His only flaw is that he is extremely negative. After a five minute conversation with him, you feel like you've been hit by a bus." READ MORE

How can you own a safe and secure investment without using your own money?

Canadians with good credit and steady jobs are feeling stuck on the sidelines when it comes to investing because they lack the funds. Spending their time working, saving for a home or putting money into their RRSP leaves little leftover cash to actively invest.

Glenn Simon Inc. offers a unique solution to this common challenge many Canadians face when it comes to investing.

Glenn Simon Inc. is an Alberta based wealth building joint venture investment real estate company. The owners, Todd Millar and Danielle Millar, are investment experts who partner clients with equity building Edmonton, Alberta oil sand real estate, strong appreciation and consistently profitable, safe and secure investments. They offer a wide range of services. Using the A.C.R.E (Authentic Canadian Real Estate) system to evaluate property, they also arrange property mortgages, set-up joint venture accounts, offer full service management, maintenance and a hands free investment partnership for their clients.

"We kept hearing from frustrated Canadians wondering how to get into investing. It inspired us to research ways to help folks with little capital get started. Being fairly risk adverse I wasn't going to advise clients to borrow or leverage against their assets to invest. I knew that there had to be a way for these would-be-investors to get in the market without going into debt" said Todd Millar, investment director of Glenn Simon Inc.

This system allows investors to receive an equity position and cash compensation by holding the mortgage of a revenue property. "The strategy is simple." says Millar. "Basically this program is suited for Canadians who are interested in building an investment portfolio but lack the capital needed to get started. Candidates should have a good credit score, steady job history and not have completed too many prior real estate transactions (specifically mortgages)."

A typical structure looks like this, within a private investment program, Glenn Simon Inc. carefully selects a cash-flowing revenue property in an economically strong area of Alberta. They provide all the capital needed to purchase and operate the investment, bringing years of experience and a proven track record to the table. The investor takes the role of qualifying for and providing the mortgage in return receiving an equity position and a cash bonus for each transaction completed. It's important to note, that all mortgages and property purchases strictly adhere to federal and provincial lending laws and are completely transparent.

"We are really offering a unique chance for the average Canadian to build a portfolio of real estate without using any of their money. It's a perfect route to get into the market with less exposure all the while learning about investing" says Millar.

Husband and wife team Todd and Danielle Millar, own and operate Glenn Simon Inc. The Millars are experts in the Edmonton real estate investment field and help people from all over the world safely and profitably invest in the Alberta region of Canada.

Author Bio

Todd Millar – President of Glenn Simon Inc. has highlighted the benefits of investing in Edmonton, Alberta real estate since 2002. Millar has been featured in various articles including NuWire Investor Magazine and Executive Impact - Japan Times. Millar contributes his strategies for building successful joint venture partnerships in REIN materials, authors a bimonthly newsletter, is featured in best selling author Don Campbell’s ‘51 Success Stories from Canadian Real Estate Investors’ book and has many client success stories to his credit. Millar shares his insights speaking at investment seminars and workshops in Canada and Japan, and is available for interview.

Probably the safest place in the world to park your investment funds. Edmonton revenue real estate is a tangible asset so it doesn't have scary fluctuations, produces cashflow which means increases in your bank account every month and is a bargain right now.

My last post focused on negative media and find what the real story is behind the "negative- speak" headlines. Also make sure the articles are about your region and not a national piece, especially when it comes to real estate.

In 2007 Edmonton single detached home prices reached a peak at around $420,000 which was unsustainable and grossly affected affordability. In the second half of 2007 prices started to slump and stayed low for most of 2008.

Now Edmonton is starting its recovery from the housing slump earlier than the rest of the country. The city's real estate market is more stable and Edmonton will continue to lead the country in 2009.

While the rest of Canada faces further cooling in real estate prices Edmonton will remain solid and even see a price increase by the end of 2009.

"There's a lot of negative press going around particularly because they're using nationally aggregated numbers .........The national numbers don't mean a whole lot unless you're looking locally." Marc Perras president of the Realtors Association of Edmonton

I can't understand the news. It seems like 90% of the time the article starts so negatively and the words chosen in the headlines so full of shock that it's easy to think everything is going down the drain. Take these examples:

Economic woes put target on foreign staff - "We don't forecast for temporary foreign workers because it's based on employer need," said Alberta Employment and Immigration spokeswoman Jennifer Raimundo, noting companies have to prove to the federal government they need to go out-of-country to find suitable workers. "Certainly, with the economic changes that are happening, we're monitoring it closely. But we're still in a labour shortage situation. We're not in a situation where we don't need people."

* So if there weren't a labour shortage the temporary workers would be the first to be let go? Isn't that common sense?

"The picture that is appearing less rosy in Alberta is driving people back home, says Mark Fracchia." - "The appeal of Alberta and its seemingly endless high-paying jobs is dimming. The Edmonton Sun reported on Dec. 28 that Alberta's oilsands are in trouble, and so is the attraction that comes with them, because of tumbling oil and gas prices. With the economy of the western province tied to the energy sector, Albertans are looking to the new year with worry, said Premier Ed Stelmach, who called the news of the province's economic situation as worsening almost daily.

In Alberta, many high-profile oilsands projects have been put on hold. Meanwhile, thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in investment are going to the United States, where refineries are being adapted to process raw Alberta bitumen. Essentially, the resource is still being retrieved from Alberta, but without the capabilities to refine it, the bitumen and a lot of jobs are leaving the province.

But in the Sussex area, 2009 is the year a lot of people have been waiting for to get their hands on a job, even a temporary one, at the $1.7-million Picadilly mine development.

Since the project was announced a year and a half ago, hundreds of people have been working to prepare the site and the initial construction.

But this year marks the real beginning of the ramp-up period. By this summer, about 800 people are expected to be at work on the project."

*The $1.7 million mine stands to hire 800 people. We better all (all 800) pack now and leave the billions of dollars of investments to whoever is left.

Alberta could earn less under new oil royalty program - "Some high-producing wells will pay more, and the vast majority of lower-producing wells will pay less."

The cross-over point at which the new royalty plan will collect more or less cash on conventional oil is about $45 U. S. per barrel, and around $5.50 Cdn. per gigajoule for natural gas, McManus noted. Crude closed Tuesday at $48.58 a barrel and the Alberta spot price for natural gas was $6.27 per gigajoule.

"In situations of low productivity and low commodity pricing, there will be a lot our producers in Alberta that will actually see some benefit in the new royalty framework," said Energy Minister Mel Knight. "It won't be negative for everybody."

Knight, however, argued Alberta isn't in "any danger"of collecting less royalties under the new system as opposed to the old one."

*Alberta could earn less but there is no danger of it happening. Just like I could win the lotto - it's all possible!

There is nothing wrong with this article, be prepared for price increases in Edmonton late 2009.

Resale real estate sales, prices to decrease slightly in '09: Royal LePage -"Royal LePage said that after moving through a period of correction that started in 2007, well before other regions in the country, both Calgary and Edmonton's housing markets are anticipated to return to a growth state later in 2009, characterized by stable average house prices and increased unit sales. Despite slowdowns and delay with some major energy projects, Alberta's economy remains one of the strongest in Canada, said the survey."

We are back at work after a really great holiday. After a great stay in a 300 Year Old Japanese Onsen hotel , enjoying our sons first Christmas we rounded the holiday off by a visit to our friends and master mind group in Saitama. Once again by meeting like minded people who challenge and inspire us we are starting the year focused on giving our partners the best service and helping investors reach their goals.

Happy New Year!

What an interesting time we are living in. With news headlines hammering us everyday it's tough keep upbeat and positive. I don't need a crystal ball to predict that next year will continue to be a time of uncertainty and fear, at least until the economy finds its feet and investors gain confidence.

But, it's easy to sit back, criticize and succumb to the mass mindset that the world is ending and that there is no hope in sight. It's always easier to commiserate than to get into action and make a positive change. And that's especially what this New Year should be about. Commit yourself to 'Turn Crisis Into Opportunity'.

We all inherently know the old adage of 'buy low and sell high' but throughout time the general population retreat, hiding, laying curled in a ball or just plain tharn. And in Buffet's words "A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful."

As you know there are a lot of great deals out there. That's why we're moving full throttle forward and taking advantage of this downturn to add quality, cash-flowing properties to your portfolio. We can negotiate better terms and stay the long-term course, avoiding as many of the bumps along the road that we can. 2009 will remain gloomy, but I think we'll start seeing light and stability towards the end of the year and throughout 2010.

Here are three simple actions to enter the New Year with:

1. Stay Positive and Be Grateful: Its so simple, but yet so powerful. Choose to start your day with a good attitude; make a habit of forcing yourself to find the good in any perceivably bad situation. You'll be amazed at the results and opportunities you'll find. Be positive and effective in your speech, actions and thoughts. Be grateful for what you've already achieved. It may be something major that you've done or something that you take for granted everyday like the beautiful tree outside your home, the taste of a delicious meal or the fact that you have a healthy body and the ability simply to read this email.

2. Redefine Your Goals: Take the time to really boil down to the essence of what you want to achieve in the New Year and beyond. Look at your business, health and family goals. Force yourself to commit 110% and move forward with speed and persistence. Make monthly, weekly and daily goal lists to help you stay on track.

3. Take Action: Realize the opportunity before you. Resolve to learn 3 new skills and employ them systematically moving towards your goal. Take your goals from passive to active. If your goal is to increase your monthly income by $3000, write down and implement the actions needed to reach that goal. That may be to start the due diligence on three properties, research high dividend stocks to invest in, reduce costs at your business while increasing sales and revenue.

I hope that you've enjoyed the Super-Sized version of this month's newsletter. We'll be spending the holidays playing in the snow from 12/27-1/5. The next newsletter will be January 15th. Wishing you and your family a joyous Holiday Season and a very successful 2009! Thank you and warmest regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar-

P.S. Stay ahead by signing up for Alberta Oilsands Real Estate Investor Newsletter for all your cutting edge market news and information.

P.P.S. Wonder about the fears that kept others out of the markets? I don't want to invest now! Check this out.
P.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 Top Ten Alberta Towns for 2008.

You can get a mortgage free house in Edmonton if you have $11 and a good enough reason why you deserve to own it.

A Edmonton lawyer/investor hopes to cover the cost of renovating a 4 bedroom house by receiving 25,000 entries for a contest to win the previously foreclosed property. It may be an $11 lottery ticket but the chance to win a home mortgage free is a great piece of marketing and a wonderful idea.

Visit The 11 Dollar House website and Facebook page.

Sorry only residents of Canada can enter!

....another opens.
I read an article today on how Hard Times Generate Entrepreneurs. Basically during an economic crunch we have to be more innovative and aggressive. Focus on a niche market within your customer base and serve them well.

"Small business have to adapt or die.So you have to look at your customer base, modify who you cater to if it's needed, and cater to that demand. . . . People will still need certain services, and the smaller the niche you serve, the more successful your business can be." Vance Gough, instructor of entrepreneurship at Mount Royal College's Bissett School of Business

In our case that would be helping people, who don't have the time to invest or to learn how, create wealth in Alberta oil sands real estate. It's pretty focused - it probably could be more focused like "... helping 30 - 50 year old professionals..." You get the idea - clarity is key.

If you aren't sure who you would be best serving look at your business and see where most of your revenue comes from. Pareto`s Principle (commonly known as the 80/20 rule) applied here would state that 80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your clientele or actions. Pinpointing that 20% would greatly increase the money you earn and decrease the time you spend trying to earn it.

Expert, Specialist, Veteran: Partner with a JV Commando

Ready to get out there and invest in cash flowing properties?

It's a bit of a jungle out there with stock markets going up, down and all around. I prefer to negotiate the less treacherous jungle of real estate on a daily basis; living in the trenches, crawling on my belly to source out the best deals for my partners both local and abroad.

Like a precious civilian life, I keep your cash and investment safe. I will lead you through the minefield of investing. Warding off the dangers of sloppy management, high mortgage rates and just plain bad deals. Being a veteran REIN member means keeping my partner's portfolio not just alive, but thriving in any market both hostile and friendly.

The bottom line is... I'm here to prevent you from any surprise attacks. I'm the kind of partner that if you were to get bitten by a poisonous black mamba, I'd suck the venom out and carry you 17 long miles on my own broken legs through the thickets of Lang Gon to safety... Well, you get the point.

Here Are A Few Ways You Can Protect Your Financial Fortress:

1. Invest in rock solid neighborhoods of Edmonton.Partner with a pro that has years of experience and a ton of happy Joint Venture referrals.

2. Own a great, headache free money making property where your partner takes care of all the details.

3. Maximize your capital by investing in properties that already have financing in place - financing that you don't need to qualify for.

Tactical Benefits That Put MORE Cash into your combat pants:

* Careful tenant selection - long leases in place

* Newer and already renovated properties - less maintenance cost

* Profitable from day one - each deal makes sense the day its bought

Current Property Target:

* 1987 Built

* 3 Bedroom home with attached garage

* Impeccable condition