Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Interest Rates and Prices
We're most conscious of the price of a home and secondly of the rate at which we borrow money to pay for it. The jump in rates in Canada certainly took home ownership just a little farther from those depending on the historical low rates we'd been seeing. If you're price aware but interest rate blind it can cost you... a lot. Check out this interesting chart and breakdown of costs at The KCM Blog although it's for the US market simple math knows no borders.
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Deal
Ever wonder what 'The Deal' is? Everybody is always talking about getting a good deal. Sure, we use it in speech meaning, the truth. Other times (like now) we are referring to bargains, real estate or some form of financial win.
I work with 3 main Realtors in my network of 6 Real Estate Professionals. Each of the 6 has a defined specialty that they have honed for years. If I want to buy a suited bungalow in the SE, I call Tim. If I want to buy a 12-22 unit in Central, I call Val, etc..
But what you, I and everyone looking for a 'deal' need to understand is that we define a deal. And until we know what one is, set the parameters and have a check system in-place, deals will allude us.
The reason why I bring this up is that a wave of AFS (seller financed) properties have come across my desk the last couple of weeks. Three of my friends and associates have brought a total of 24 'deals' my way. Some with as little as $2K down, others requiring 20% down-payments.
Each of these properties is a solid bet and has attractive financing on it, but it is not a 'deal' for me. My core team is able to filter out what I buy based on criteria that I have given them. If a property makes it through my filters, they will present it. If it doesn't, I won't see it. I'm not worried about missing any properties because my parameters are well set. It saves me time and money to have my filter set so high, this way I can focus 100% on the ones that make it through because there is a greater chance that they will work.
With the 24 properties that came my way none worked for me, but they may work for you or your friend - but you'll never know unless you have a system in place to screen them. This is the same for buying a car, selecting a restaurant or taking a trip abroad. It is a matter of honing your unique system; you already have one in place. It is the same system that you mentally check off when you buy your groceries or dress your kids for school.
What got me thinking about all this was the frantic reply we got when we forwarded these properties on to some new investors we know who are just starting to build their portfolio. Rebecca replied right back asking us how little it was to get in, if she needed to qualify for the mortgages, how long she had to come up with the money and similar questions. Now, there is nothing wrong with any of these queries as they are all relevant - but they are not the first ones she needs to ask.
Rebecca was eager to get into a low down deal and was most concerned about catching it, then figuring out how to skin it. Danielle walked her through a system that first identified Rebecca's goals, both short and long-term, and asked the question 'Will this property get you closer or further away from your end goal?' That can be a hard question to answer if you don't have the end goal in mind.
With Danielle's help, Rebecca was able to organize her criteria and make a checklist that allows her to establish what a 'good deal' is for her. She focuses on the numbers and pays careful attention to what is in-front of her today and where the action of buying or not buying, will take her tomorrow.
I know that Rebecca got a lot out of this exercise, but so did we. It forced us to go back to the basics of what we look for in a property and why. The properties that have caused me the most grief are the ones that I bought when I deviated from my plan and acted in haste, chasing that investment down so it wouldn't get away. But, you know what? It had to be done because that was priceless education. I hope sharing this insight can save Rebecca a few dollars of that priceless education every investor pays.
I work with 3 main Realtors in my network of 6 Real Estate Professionals. Each of the 6 has a defined specialty that they have honed for years. If I want to buy a suited bungalow in the SE, I call Tim. If I want to buy a 12-22 unit in Central, I call Val, etc..
But what you, I and everyone looking for a 'deal' need to understand is that we define a deal. And until we know what one is, set the parameters and have a check system in-place, deals will allude us.
The reason why I bring this up is that a wave of AFS (seller financed) properties have come across my desk the last couple of weeks. Three of my friends and associates have brought a total of 24 'deals' my way. Some with as little as $2K down, others requiring 20% down-payments.
Each of these properties is a solid bet and has attractive financing on it, but it is not a 'deal' for me. My core team is able to filter out what I buy based on criteria that I have given them. If a property makes it through my filters, they will present it. If it doesn't, I won't see it. I'm not worried about missing any properties because my parameters are well set. It saves me time and money to have my filter set so high, this way I can focus 100% on the ones that make it through because there is a greater chance that they will work.
With the 24 properties that came my way none worked for me, but they may work for you or your friend - but you'll never know unless you have a system in place to screen them. This is the same for buying a car, selecting a restaurant or taking a trip abroad. It is a matter of honing your unique system; you already have one in place. It is the same system that you mentally check off when you buy your groceries or dress your kids for school.
What got me thinking about all this was the frantic reply we got when we forwarded these properties on to some new investors we know who are just starting to build their portfolio. Rebecca replied right back asking us how little it was to get in, if she needed to qualify for the mortgages, how long she had to come up with the money and similar questions. Now, there is nothing wrong with any of these queries as they are all relevant - but they are not the first ones she needs to ask.
Rebecca was eager to get into a low down deal and was most concerned about catching it, then figuring out how to skin it. Danielle walked her through a system that first identified Rebecca's goals, both short and long-term, and asked the question 'Will this property get you closer or further away from your end goal?' That can be a hard question to answer if you don't have the end goal in mind.
With Danielle's help, Rebecca was able to organize her criteria and make a checklist that allows her to establish what a 'good deal' is for her. She focuses on the numbers and pays careful attention to what is in-front of her today and where the action of buying or not buying, will take her tomorrow.
I know that Rebecca got a lot out of this exercise, but so did we. It forced us to go back to the basics of what we look for in a property and why. The properties that have caused me the most grief are the ones that I bought when I deviated from my plan and acted in haste, chasing that investment down so it wouldn't get away. But, you know what? It had to be done because that was priceless education. I hope sharing this insight can save Rebecca a few dollars of that priceless education every investor pays.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Edmonton City Center Airport design proposals
I'm so excited to see the proposals for the Edmonton City Center Airport site. All the proposals have common themes of history, green factor, lifestyle and designs worthy of an major international center. Submissions range from as far as Stockholm to Kansas and Rotterdam to Vancouver.I personally love the proposal by Perkins + Wil (conceptual drawing to the left) out of Vancouver. The gardens in an urban center remind me of Japan. I'm also very interested in the extension of the river valley to the city. All proposals include a major water feature/green space which is beautiful. I'm especially happy we have a four plex near here which will surely benefit from the changes to come!
View proposals and videos here
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Test Drive A REIN Workshop!
Attend a REIN™ Workshop as a VIP Guest... and Get a Rare "Inside Look" at the Longest-Running and Most Successful Real Estate Success Program in Canada
Whenever someone asks me why our members are so successful I tell them it boils down to one very simple thing:
The ability to take clear, decisive action at exactly the right time
That's why everything we do at REIN™ is about supercharging our members with the information, research, and strategies they need to ACT FAST when opportunities arise. And the results speak for themselves.
Since 1992, our members have transacted a staggering $3.0+ Billion in real estate. Yes, you read that right – Billion.
That means we've created more real estate millionaires than any other Canadian organization I'm aware of. Don R. Campbell President Real Estate Investment Network
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Serious Value - Cash Cow 6 Unit Property - Excellent Return
I very rarely send out properties to my potential partners without knowing their exact criteria and having a target property profile in place.
However... An exceptionally well performing property is just becoming available. A property that in my mind will be an invaluable asset to your portfolio.
Without any hype or baloney you can enter into this profitable 6 unit building if you move quickly. The contract that I have on it ends 2/18/11 and then it will be listed publicly.
Tap into your equity, use your LOC or cash.
This is a 100% Turn-Key investment.
Property Details:
- 1971 Built 6 suiter.
- 6 kitchens, 6 bathrooms, 6 private entrances, 4 laundries en-suite, 2 shared (communal) laundry areas
- Shows a 10/10
- Recent upgrades (roof and interior)
- Good area in Central North East Edmonton neighborhood across from greenbelt. 3 minutes from the Yellowhead highway
- Fully tenanted
- $25K UNDER MARKET VALUE
5 Year Estimated Profits Based on 3% Appreciation:
- Your approximate 5 year pre-tax return is $94,554.00
- 77% ROI on Your Money: 15% Per Annum
- Monthly net cashflow is $1294.00
(Profits are calculated AFTER your initial capital has been returned)
Requirements:
- Partner must be able to qualify for $400K mortgage (this can be arranged)
- $122.3K Initial investment (includes downpayment, reserve fund, legal and repair)
- Approximate 5 year term
Actions Required:
- Call 1-888-780-5940 to speak directly with Todd regarding JVP structure to proceed
- Email info@glennsimoninc.com with your contact details and best time to call
- Full detailed pro-forma with pictures will be supplied
If you have a friend or colleague that you think can benefit from this investment, I welcome your personal introductions.
Thank you,
Todd Millar-
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Evictions and The Landlord
I had the pleasure of being "Scared Straight" at Kim Kahts owner of Associated Eviction Service's seminar yesterday. Kim is so knowledgeable - she's seen every scenario at every stage of the eviction process.
Sadly all relationships with tenants don't end ideally- some don't even start ideally!
My biggest takeaways from the seminar:
1. Follow your protocol - you have rules for a reason
2. Follow the law- document, document, document every interaction
3. Follow your actions to the end - don't let things peter out your inaction can hurt you in mediation
REIN teaches this and the seminar enforced it yesterday. Basically if you stick by your protocol it's a lot harder to get into unfavorable positions. Tenants understand "I just gotta follow the rules!"
Thanks Kim!
Sadly all relationships with tenants don't end ideally- some don't even start ideally!
My biggest takeaways from the seminar:
1. Follow your protocol - you have rules for a reason
2. Follow the law- document, document, document every interaction
3. Follow your actions to the end - don't let things peter out your inaction can hurt you in mediation
REIN teaches this and the seminar enforced it yesterday. Basically if you stick by your protocol it's a lot harder to get into unfavorable positions. Tenants understand "I just gotta follow the rules!"
Thanks Kim!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Different Oilsands
I saw the CENOVUS new ad campaign today - A different oilsands. It shows an aerial view Foster Creek their largest oilsands project - surrounded by beautiful forest. This company is dedicated to a greener, cleaner oilsands.
Check out their videos here
Monday, February 07, 2011
A Monster of a Weekend
The weather was beautiful this weekend. We got a lot of walks around our place and went to the pool for a quick swimming lesson.
The highlight for Ronan was Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam. He's been into Monster Trucks for a few weeks and when I saw they were coming we grabbed tickets. It's a lot of fun for kids. We were thrilled by the motor-cross riders. They're fearless and the danger level intense.
We were given our first taste of the Edmonton-Calgary rivalry with some Calgary quad riders taking sling shots at Edmontonians.
"There are about 10,000 people here so that's about 1 empty trailer park." Very hammy but the kids loved it when Edmonton quad riders won the quad race.
Honestly no one seemed to care about the Edmonton- Calgary rivalry so I googled it - is it still alive? It started here but over time it has comes down to weather...
I love the person who wrote Millwoods is a dangerous neighbourhood! Been there lately? Yeah the desire for a gorgeous home might "rob" your wallet. Everywhere has dangerous areas.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Get Money in Your Pockets - Great Cashflowing 4 Plex
West Central, Edmonton: Cashflowing Four-Plex In Queen Mary Park
Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded character 4-plex with separate entrances. There are two 3 bedroom upper suites with 1200 sqft each and private upper entry, coved ceilings and newer carpet. The two lower 1 bedroom suites have approximately 800 sqft.+ each private rear entry through landscaped, fenced yard. Tenants love the location with access to UOA, Grant MacEwan, hospital and transit. There have been many recent upgrades including new hot water tank and roof. There is also an oversized double detached garage generating extra revenue. These pictures show the detail and care that went into building this home.
Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient West Central area with easy access to LRT, Downtown and Yellow Head Highway. Excellent neighborhood that demands high resale value and rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's mature core.
Produces $769 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.
Poised for massive growth. These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: 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!
Purchase price: $565K Total Investment: $127K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $84K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 66% or 13% per year + $769 Cash Flow in Your Pocket Every Month
“Get into action and realize secure, long-term profits” Already producing a great RETURN.
Visit for the full FEATURE sheet and call 1-888-780-5940 to get started.
-Please remember: All investments carry RISK. Be sure to seek your own independent legal advice-
Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded character 4-plex with separate entrances. There are two 3 bedroom upper suites with 1200 sqft each and private upper entry, coved ceilings and newer carpet. The two lower 1 bedroom suites have approximately 800 sqft.+ each private rear entry through landscaped, fenced yard. Tenants love the location with access to UOA, Grant MacEwan, hospital and transit. There have been many recent upgrades including new hot water tank and roof. There is also an oversized double detached garage generating extra revenue. These pictures show the detail and care that went into building this home.
Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient West Central area with easy access to LRT, Downtown and Yellow Head Highway. Excellent neighborhood that demands high resale value and rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's mature core.
Produces $769 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.
Poised for massive growth. These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: 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!
Purchase price: $565K Total Investment: $127K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $84K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 66% or 13% per year + $769 Cash Flow in Your Pocket Every Month
“Get into action and realize secure, long-term profits” Already producing a great RETURN.
Visit for the full FEATURE sheet and call 1-888-780-5940 to get started.
-Please remember: All investments carry RISK. Be sure to seek your own independent legal advice-
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Sayonara, Mr. Stelmach
To everyone's surprise Premier Ed Stelmach announced that he will be stepping down and leaving politics completely this year. Whether you think Mr. Stelmach's departure was premature or long overdue, the bigger debate that lies ahead is finding a capable replacement. Frankly I don't see any candidates emerging that could confidently coax my vote, yet.
But alas, it is still early as he only made his statement on the 26th. There is still time for a fresh, new candidate to step forward and bring forth new ideas. What Stelmach's sudden departure will initially do is put a chill in the air when it comes to doing business in Alberta and the energy sector, as uncertainty often does.
In my opinion, if the political rumours are to be believed, a leader who elects to depart before completing his term is admitting weakness and inability in controlling his party as well as governing his province. It is ignoble to bow out, to cop out, due to a lack of competence. It absolutely must be an incredibly difficult job to do, but one in which the challenges should have been weighed prior to enlisting for. At the end of the day, pulling out early without a succession plan in place ultimately shows a level of ignorance and apathy over what is best for Alberta. Of course without ever being in Ed Stelmach's skin I can't truly say for certain.
What I'd like so see in the new Premier is someone with the confidence and ability to lead, the business acumen to promote, develop and guide the Oil Sands to years of success and the financial savvy to build up Alberta's economic diversity while maintaining and striving for a high standard of living.
I am optimistic for what this change will bring. I think that Premier Stelmach's heart may have been in the right place. He has made great contributions. Moving forward we must choose a leader with heart, soul, brawn and brains to get us to the next level.
What are your thoughts? There are some polarized opinions and funny insights - like here, here and here. This Calgary Herald Gallery is a good example of the range of reactions.
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 TODAY, let me help you build upon it.
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -Maria Robinson Warm
Regards,
Todd and Danielle Millar
But alas, it is still early as he only made his statement on the 26th. There is still time for a fresh, new candidate to step forward and bring forth new ideas. What Stelmach's sudden departure will initially do is put a chill in the air when it comes to doing business in Alberta and the energy sector, as uncertainty often does.
In my opinion, if the political rumours are to be believed, a leader who elects to depart before completing his term is admitting weakness and inability in controlling his party as well as governing his province. It is ignoble to bow out, to cop out, due to a lack of competence. It absolutely must be an incredibly difficult job to do, but one in which the challenges should have been weighed prior to enlisting for. At the end of the day, pulling out early without a succession plan in place ultimately shows a level of ignorance and apathy over what is best for Alberta. Of course without ever being in Ed Stelmach's skin I can't truly say for certain.
What I'd like so see in the new Premier is someone with the confidence and ability to lead, the business acumen to promote, develop and guide the Oil Sands to years of success and the financial savvy to build up Alberta's economic diversity while maintaining and striving for a high standard of living.
I am optimistic for what this change will bring. I think that Premier Stelmach's heart may have been in the right place. He has made great contributions. Moving forward we must choose a leader with heart, soul, brawn and brains to get us to the next level.
What are your thoughts? There are some polarized opinions and funny insights - like here, here and here. This Calgary Herald Gallery is a good example of the range of reactions.
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 TODAY, let me help you build upon it.
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -Maria Robinson Warm
Regards,
Todd and Danielle Millar
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Changes are a foot!
There's a lot going on in 2011. Already the whoppers include mortgages rules changing effective March 2011, stronger and stronger indications of rising interest rates and a new Premier for Alberta - sometime.
So what? There always is a lot going on. The best action is not reaction but positive pro-action (I just made that up- look out Sarah Palin!) In our case we started locking in all our variable rate mortgages, where it made sense. I'm not going negative cashflow for the sake of a little peace of mind. I can ride the variable until maturity and probably pay less negative cash flow in the long run.
We're also re-evaluating our political choices. It's a second look at the political landscape to figure out which way to go.
If it's not one thing it's another you've just got to roll.
So what? There always is a lot going on. The best action is not reaction but positive pro-action (I just made that up- look out Sarah Palin!) In our case we started locking in all our variable rate mortgages, where it made sense. I'm not going negative cashflow for the sake of a little peace of mind. I can ride the variable until maturity and probably pay less negative cash flow in the long run.
We're also re-evaluating our political choices. It's a second look at the political landscape to figure out which way to go.
If it's not one thing it's another you've just got to roll.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Stelmach is stepping down
Saturday, January 15, 2011
2011 - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
I found a great breakdown on what seems to be the consensus for 2011 - Cautious Optimism.
Optimism - includes consumer confidence and a strong rental market. I've seen these myself more calls for rentals especially from people moving here for work - even in the dead of winter. I'm hearing it too. Talking to the man on the street (and the woman) everyone "feels" things are going to pick up this year.
Cautious - foreboding consumer debt, foreclosures and a slew of listings coming on the market. I've always known that many start their year with a big debt load after the Christmas/holiday shopping frenzy. I'm seeing it in rents paid later due to salaries coming in later due to the employers not having the cash to pay up.
Increases in listings will affect the sale price of your house. Every one has the same idea when can I unload this negative equity property I bought in 2007. Spring will bring a lot of listings of "investors" tired of dealing with rentals and just wanting to get out at any price.
Anyway in my mind this quote says it all:
"Rod's Opinion -
Bottom line is that economically Alberta is the best place in the world to be and everyone knows it and I feel consumer confidence will have the biggest impact on Edmonton's market this year. The message is getting through that there are a lot of great deals out there and with the threat of rates going up I expect buyers to get off the fence in the first two quarters."
I'm certainly buying and not selling this year!
Optimism - includes consumer confidence and a strong rental market. I've seen these myself more calls for rentals especially from people moving here for work - even in the dead of winter. I'm hearing it too. Talking to the man on the street (and the woman) everyone "feels" things are going to pick up this year.
Cautious - foreboding consumer debt, foreclosures and a slew of listings coming on the market. I've always known that many start their year with a big debt load after the Christmas/holiday shopping frenzy. I'm seeing it in rents paid later due to salaries coming in later due to the employers not having the cash to pay up.
Increases in listings will affect the sale price of your house. Every one has the same idea when can I unload this negative equity property I bought in 2007. Spring will bring a lot of listings of "investors" tired of dealing with rentals and just wanting to get out at any price.
Anyway in my mind this quote says it all:
"Rod's Opinion -
Bottom line is that economically Alberta is the best place in the world to be and everyone knows it and I feel consumer confidence will have the biggest impact on Edmonton's market this year. The message is getting through that there are a lot of great deals out there and with the threat of rates going up I expect buyers to get off the fence in the first two quarters."
I'm certainly buying and not selling this year!
New Year, New Target
Happy New Year!
Are you back in the swing of things after the holiday break? I know I am. For me the first part of the year is dedicated to 'clean up' and that means getting the big and ugly jobs underway and cleaned up to make way for new plans, systems and fine tuning.
In December, Edmonton had a typically slow month for home sales with prices dipping slightly lower than November by about $10K. Meaning that it is a relatively poor time to sell, but a great time to buy. 4-Units and up in size will remain the sweet spot this year and there are several good ones coming up, for smaller investors suited half duplexes will also offer great returns.
I see 2011 as a slow and steady year that will lay a solid foundation for increased growth from 2012 onward - in other-words, a great time to start picking up more property. Lower prices, low rates and an increase in jobs that will bring more renters, bodes well.
What do you see for 2011?
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 TODAY, let me help you build upon it.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Walt Emerson
Warm Regards,
Todd and Danielle Millar
Are you back in the swing of things after the holiday break? I know I am. For me the first part of the year is dedicated to 'clean up' and that means getting the big and ugly jobs underway and cleaned up to make way for new plans, systems and fine tuning.
In December, Edmonton had a typically slow month for home sales with prices dipping slightly lower than November by about $10K. Meaning that it is a relatively poor time to sell, but a great time to buy. 4-Units and up in size will remain the sweet spot this year and there are several good ones coming up, for smaller investors suited half duplexes will also offer great returns.
I see 2011 as a slow and steady year that will lay a solid foundation for increased growth from 2012 onward - in other-words, a great time to start picking up more property. Lower prices, low rates and an increase in jobs that will bring more renters, bodes well.
What do you see for 2011?
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 TODAY, let me help you build upon it.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Walt Emerson
Warm Regards,
Todd and Danielle Millar
Friday, January 07, 2011
How to Deal with Mortgage Payment Difficulties
For many the big splurge over the winter holidays makes a financial dent in their accounts. Often to the point where regular bills can't be maintained. Here is a great article on How to Deal with Mortgage Payment Difficulties from CMHC:
"When unforeseen financial circumstances impact your ability to make regular mortgage payments, it’s important for you to take quick action. With early intervention, cooperation, and a well executed plan, you can work together with your mortgage professional to find a solution to your financial difficulties."
Some solutions include
1. Talk to your mortgage professional
2. Clarify the financial picture
3. Stay informed
There is also a link to a great Government of Canada site Take Charge of Your Debts
Hopefully none of you need this but can pass it on to someone you know!
Read More Here
Best in 2011,
Danielle Millar
"When unforeseen financial circumstances impact your ability to make regular mortgage payments, it’s important for you to take quick action. With early intervention, cooperation, and a well executed plan, you can work together with your mortgage professional to find a solution to your financial difficulties."
Some solutions include
1. Talk to your mortgage professional
2. Clarify the financial picture
3. Stay informed
There is also a link to a great Government of Canada site Take Charge of Your Debts
Hopefully none of you need this but can pass it on to someone you know!
Read More Here
Best in 2011,
Danielle Millar
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a great holiday season. We spent Christmas with our family in Vancouver. And you know what... Vancouver is not colder than Edmonton!!!I always hear "Oh it's a damp cold it feels colder." I can say for a fact that a damp 8C is still much, much warmer than a dry -20C!
We're off again for a few days to relax in the Rockies. Everyone have a very prosperous and healthy 2011. It's going to be a great turnaround year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Todd and Danielle Millar
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Save the date - Alberta All Day Workshop
Attend REIN Private 2011 Kick-Off
Workshop as a Guest...
Get a Rare "Inside Look" on
How REIN Members Will Make 2011 Their Best Year Ever,
Dramatically Increasing Their Record
$3,225,580,000
in Positive Cash Flow Real Estate
When you attend the January 15th Alberta REIN™ "closed-door" All-Day Implementation Workshop as a VIP Guest, you'll discover all you need to invest in the right area!Get a Rare "Inside Look" on
How REIN Members Will Make 2011 Their Best Year Ever,
Dramatically Increasing Their Record
$3,225,580,000
in Positive Cash Flow Real Estate
Click HERE to get to the REIN site.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
CBC Turkey Drive Results
A big Congrats! to CBC Radio 1 raised over $80,000 for the Edmonton Food Bank. What a great way to give this year! Visit the Turkey Drive site here.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
When Is The Alberta Economy Going To Kick It Into Gear Anyways?
Pretty darn soon, judging by the Suncor, Total $1.8 Billion Oil Sands deal....
What was originally thought to be a cyclical downturn, turned into a much deeper and widespread recession. However, the turning point falls in step with the cyclical upswing that was earlier projected. From the Billions of dollars that has been sat on in Alberta, we can start to see signs of life. 2012-2016 will be another growth period, although more tempered than the boom and 'bust' you've seen before. I suppose you can't accurately call it a 'bust' if it does, in-fact, keep going. The meat of this article is the MASSIVE and progressive deal that Total/Suncor have struck. This isn't a tentative toe in the water, it is a big a** cannon ball jump.
"A new partnership between oil sands giants will pour tens of billions of dollars into new bitumen projects over the next decade, as the world’s biggest energy companies increasingly train their attention on northern Alberta’s massive reserves."
PARIS (Reuters) - France's Total said on Friday it would spend C$1.75 billion ($1.8 billion) to forge a partnership with Suncor Energy in Canada's oil sands, the latest foreign push into a booming new source of oil wealth.
The French oil giant and Canada's largest energy company announced deals encompassing three projects in Alberta, where Asian investors have already been pouring funds into tarry deposits which have opened a new frontier in oil supplies.
Read more here and here
What was originally thought to be a cyclical downturn, turned into a much deeper and widespread recession. However, the turning point falls in step with the cyclical upswing that was earlier projected. From the Billions of dollars that has been sat on in Alberta, we can start to see signs of life. 2012-2016 will be another growth period, although more tempered than the boom and 'bust' you've seen before. I suppose you can't accurately call it a 'bust' if it does, in-fact, keep going. The meat of this article is the MASSIVE and progressive deal that Total/Suncor have struck. This isn't a tentative toe in the water, it is a big a** cannon ball jump.
"A new partnership between oil sands giants will pour tens of billions of dollars into new bitumen projects over the next decade, as the world’s biggest energy companies increasingly train their attention on northern Alberta’s massive reserves."
PARIS (Reuters) - France's Total said on Friday it would spend C$1.75 billion ($1.8 billion) to forge a partnership with Suncor Energy in Canada's oil sands, the latest foreign push into a booming new source of oil wealth.
The French oil giant and Canada's largest energy company announced deals encompassing three projects in Alberta, where Asian investors have already been pouring funds into tarry deposits which have opened a new frontier in oil supplies.
Read more here and here
Giving the Gift of Shut Up
Dear Friends and Partners,
Get ready for an awesome New Year 2011 as we move forward with an investing period akin to the early 2000's. You'll see; steady economic growth, modest property prices, low mortgage rates, ample supply of residential buildings, positive in-migration and increasing rents.
These key indicators among other factors, put you in the right position to be for the next 5-7 year cycle, which will start showing momentum from 2012. If you feel the fear, challenge and uncertainty of the times, take a big chunk of Steve Chandler's advice along with you into the New Year.
This will be the first Christmas that we've had together with our Canadian family in well over 10 years, and I envision it being very special. My main goal this holiday season is to shut up. That's right, shut up.
I want to be 'in the moment' and really connect with my family and friends, and I think the way to really, truly do this is by listening to all they have to say and then some.
If your gatherings are like mine, you might find yourselves good-naturedly talking over one-another. I know I do. We all have busy, creative lives and feel the biting urge in sharing them with each other; we enjoy the banter and wit of joking together. And that'll still happen, but my goal is to really 'hear' what is going on with my loved ones this holiday season, so shutting up is what I'm going to do. (Yes, me zipping it will also be a precious gift to some family and friends ;)
Looking to do a little more? You can help a hungry family have a better holiday season by donating to CBC's 15th Annual Turkey Drive right 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 TODAY, let me help you build upon it.
"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each year find you a better man." -Benjamin Franklin
Have a wonderful Holiday Season. Thank you for allowing us to serve you for the past 8 years and counting!
This will be your last Newsletter of 2010. Newsletters resume from January 15th, 2011. Glenn Simon Inc. will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd 2010 until January 4th, 2011. Happy Holidays!
Warmest Regards,
Todd and Danielle Millar
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