Monday, February 27, 2012
Harper's Elbows
However light the story it's interesting to see the vitriol and support in the comments. In light of Forbes ranking he can do whatever he likes with his pork knuckles or elbows for that matter.
Friday, February 24, 2012
$1 to $10 Million homes across Canada
Check here and see for yourself.
Then for more fun check what $5 to $10 Million will get you - now THAT's better!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thanks 2011!
We finished a Cornerstones Grant Suite, reached Platinum REIN member status, received the 2011 Top Player award from REIN, were semi-finalist in the Canadian Real Estate magazine Western Canada Top Investor Award, had a baby and managed to write for magazines in Canada and the UK and be in a couple of Don R. Campbell's books.
To be honest Todd thinks he is working at 40% capacity (time management) and I'm probably 30% so what could we do if we took it up a notch...? If I were at 40% I would have posted this sooner!
To all our partners you've pushed us to reaching these goals by asking questions and we couldn't have done any of this without you!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
An Economic Lollapalooza
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
February 15th., 2012
Volume 11, Issue 10
Dear Friends and Partners,
Yesterday I left Danielle a note encrypted with a secret message for her to decipher. She spent 45 minutes searching high and low throughout our home before decoding and thus finding a Valentine's treasure that I'd hidden for her; chocolates. Not just any chocolates either, these ones were crafted by the talented chocolatier Brett Roy, of Sweet Lollapalooza in Edmonton.
What was especially unique about the chocolate, was it's origin. Brett is one of a handful of chocolatiers selected worldwide to work with this chocolate. It is derived from the 2011 discovery of the 'mother of all beans': pure Nacional. Indeed, its a wonderful and provocative taste for your palate to explore.
You know what was almost as enticing as the sweet? The exclusivity of the story.
Through Brett's skill and artistry he alone was selected to work with this rare chocolate in Alberta. When I learned of this through an interview that aired on CBC Radio, it reminded me so much of our story here in Canada, specifically Alberta.
In a world that is embroiled in economic turmoil, investors from China, U.S.A and Europe seek a safe haven (or at least a safer haven) and are rushing to bring their capital into Alberta. From private investors to large global funds you can follow the money here. And the reasons, sometimes bitter and sometimes sweet, lead to the economic story that is exclusive to our province.
Like any worthy chef or economist, we must strive to keep the recipe consistent and the ingredients balanced.
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South Central Edmonton: Cash-flowing Side By Side Duplex in King Edward Park
Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded 1967 built side by side duplex; 2060 sq-ft 2 x 3 bedroom units with stylish laminate. The suites have newer windows large rooms and suite potential in basement.
There is a 2 car detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing in $225 per month in additional revenue. Great location for rentals only 20 minutes to U.O.A., 15 mins to NAIT, Grant MacEwan and downtown. Fast access to Wayne Gretzky and on the bus routes. These pictures show the detail and care that went into building this quality home.
The real opportunity of this property is converting it into a 3 or 4 unit investment.
Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient South Central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Excellent established neighborhood featuring many heritage homes; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to adding additional suites (and cash flow), great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this rental in relation to Edmonton's sought after south side.
Produces $250.93 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.
Purchase price: $490K Total Investment: $115,330K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $58,155K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 50% or 10% per annum at a conservative 3% appreciation per year that includes Cash Flow in Your Pocket Every Month
Poised for massive growth. These 2 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: renovation costs, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!
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Canada's Prosperous West will 'Reign Supreme' in Economic Growth
By Kim Covert, Post Media News. February 2nd 2012
OTTAWA — Geographically, the continental divide roughly follows the spine of the Rockies, separating British Columbia from Alberta. Economically, that line will move over a few provinces during the next decade, to mark the division between the prosperous West and the struggling East.
That's the mixed provincial outlook from TD Economics, which said in a report released Thursday that while no region will be immune to the coming demographic challenges, the West will continue to "reign supreme." The West will be king of a modest hill, however, as growth in the forecast period of 2016 to 2021 will be moderate, say TD Economics deputy chief economist Derek Burleton, and economist Sonya Gulati. READ MORE HERE
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Lamphier: Alberta Economy Drives Enviable Auto Sales Record
By Gary Lamphier, Edmonton Journal. January 17th 2012
Alberta may be home to just 11 per cent of Canada's population, but in economic terms, it's a heavy-weight.
Whether it's measured by GDP (Gross Domestic Product), job growth, average personal incomes or retail sales, Alberta is a critical growth engine for the Canadian economy.
So it should be no surprise that Alberta is also a key market for both domestic and foreign motor vehicle manufacturers.
Consider the latest monthly tally of vehicle sales, released Monday by Statistics Canada. Of the 137,640 cars and trucks sold in Canada in November, 19,723 or 14.3 per cent were sold in Alberta. GRAB THIS STORY
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Oil Rich Alberta Says Provincial Deficit To Fall
By Reuters Canada, February 9th, 2012
CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - The Canadian province of Alberta, the largest oil exporter to the United States, said on Thursday it expects to post a smaller budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year as economic growth boosts revenue from taxes.
The first budget under new Premier Alison Redford, expected to be the basis of her Progressive Conservative party's platform for a spring election, called for a deficit of C$886 million ($886 million) for the 2012-13 fiscal year that begins April 1, down from a forecast C$1.32 billion shortfall for the current year.
Finance Minister Ron Liepert credited higher transfers from the federal government and better investment for the narrowing deficit, but said a strong economy was the leading reason as the province's tax revenue rose. 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.
"Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching." -Jim Stoval
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.

Friday, February 10, 2012
Peter Kinch's Canadian Real Estate Action Plan

I'm in the middle of this book now. It's a very good book to read before you start investing. For me it's a way to get motivated to buy more cash flow real estate.
Before you buy your first house you need to decide how real estate is going to help you become financially free. This book breaks it down to exactly what you need per door to make the income you dream about now.
If you aren't a big reader Peter also offers webinars. Click here to enjoy the latest!
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Tipping the scales
What does this migration mean? That there is more opportunity out here. Jobs are better, houses cheaper and young families can make it with higher paying jobs and lower taxes.
Watch our Albertan economy grow as it is a hotspot for jobs, with one of the lowest employment rates in the country.
Links:
West's Population Growth Steady - great bit on the history of the census and milestones in Canadian Census
2011 Canada Census- Growth out west outpacing Ontario - interesting facts about where Canadians live
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Canadian CEOs -Where they started

MSN Canada has a great slideshow of how Canadian CEO's got to where they are. Surprise - they worked really hard! It took years to get where they are! Some had very very meager beginnings.
I don't begrudge them their salaries because they earned it. By the way I think Kevin O'leary is amazing
Take a look here
Monday, February 06, 2012
Sock it away
I think it's that many don't know how to save and how to live within their means. Many times the same tenants have expensive cars and a lot of flashy stuff - think big screen TV etc. It's their right to have nice things but they also need to pay rent.
It seems things aren't getting better research shows our low interest rates are lulling Canadians into spending and not saving.
"In the 1980s, households saved up to 15 per cent of their income, but by the early 1990s this dropped below 10 per cent and finally bottomed out at 2.1 per cent in 2005. Since 2005, the savings rate has rebounded slightly - it was 4.8 per cent in 2010 - but it still appears Canadians are now spenders first and savers second." Read More Here
A good rule of thumb is to save 10% of your income every month. If you are really into trying something new save a dollar a day then increase until you can put $10 a day away. You'd be surprised at where you can cut spending to reach this goal. Take David Bach's Latte Factor test to see how much you can save everyday!
Saturday, February 04, 2012
REIN 2012 ACRE Event Calgary
Here’s a question – “Should real estate investors be sitting on the sideline in 2012, or are the Alberta market conditions right for taking action?”
Each year, REIN™ answers this question, (and hundreds more) by revealing to thousands of Canadians like you, the precise research and action steps you need to make today’s real estate market conditions work in your favour.
Introducing... The Authentic Canadian Real Estate (ACRE™) Program -- Your Quick Start Guide to Investing in Income-Producing Real Estate Click here To Find Out More
Presented Live by Canada’s #1 Best Selling Real Estate Author, Investor & Researcher, Don R. Campbell, this is the Canadian real estate investment bootcamp that you can’t afford to miss!

Friday, February 03, 2012
This and That
Young families pull up stake for a better life - These are the stories behind the numbers that we hear all the time. What does cost of living mean to real people? Or higher wages and housing affordability? Read real people stories here.
Western Metros likely to lead in 2012 and 2013 - "In light of the fact that unemployment rates in Regina (4.1%), Edmonton (5.4%), Saskatoon (5.4%), and Calgary (5.7%) have consistently averaged well below the national average (7.3%) over the past six months, it is not all that surprising that the Conference Board in Canada expects that economic growth in the largest metro areas in Alberta and Saskatchewan will continue to outpace activity in the rest of the country over the next 12 to 18 months.
It’s worth noting that in its latest (12/2011) Provincial Outlook, the Royal Bank of Canada also presented a relatively upbeat outlook for growth in those two provinces. This outlook is based primarily on the sustained rise in the global demand for commodities.
Topping the Conference Board’s list of the 27 metro areas is Saskatoon with a projected growth in 2012 of 4.0%, followed by Calgary (+3.6%), Edmonton (+3.4%) and Regina (+2.9%)."
Like the previous article higher employment rates lures people who want more than a condo and huge mortgage payments for their families. Read More Here
Back in Canada In need of home - "When we have a returning Canadian in a professional field who expects to be employed soon and has a minimum 20% down payment, because the mortgage does not need to be insured, the lender is able to exercise their own judgement,"
"If they have good credit history, 20% to 25% down - so more liquidity - the risk for the lender is much smaller than for a high-ratio mortgage. They may request you deposit six months' mortgage payments in an account and they will register a small lien within the bank. Those [funds] are a back-up security for the lender." Ayaz Bhanji, a mortgage broker with Mortgage Intelligence in Toronto
Our experience was 35% down for every property except for the ones where we could assume the mortgage. After about 25+ properties we also got atrocious mortgage rates, think 13.5%, about 7% higher than the norm.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
The Aurora Queen's New Condo
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
February 1st., 2012
Volume 11, Issue 9
Dear Friends and Partners,
I went for a nature walk in the Mill Creek Ravine last friday. It was a lot of fun and the trail was lit with moons, stars and aurora lanterns. The theme of the event was puzzlingly mysterious; at times political. Aurora's Light Walk was defined as this:
"The Mill Creek community is abuzz! The Magpies are spreading the news that the Eager Beaver (Dave Clarke) has a Special Permit and is busy planning a Really Big Lodge. The Skunks are concerned about change in the neighbourhood, and the Ravens are worried the construction might block out the magical lights of the trail that connect them to Aurora, Queen of the Northern Lights (Theresa Dextrase). The People of the Wood (MJ & Ben Moses) offer teachings about balance in nature." Sounds innocuous enough, but man were the skunks and ravens het-up about the development plans of the beavers!"
I suppose our human fears of development and nature preservation can't help but manifest in these characters dialog and personality - at times I felt like I was listening to an anti-development spiel from a whacked out zealot, until I realized it was an actor in costume (or was it?). Interspersed along the path where native lean-to's to use as rest areas. Native folks shared their wisdom of the woods as we huddled around blazing fires and drank cocoa. The event was wonderful, although I wonder if such a contentious topic (or delivery of topic) was intentional or accidental, if the latter it must permeate our minds. In the walk there was no conclusion to whether the beaver's development would harm the environment or not; for her part, the Aurora Queen seemed blessedly unconcerned.
Talk about the proposed Gateway and Keystone pipelines, talk about developments in your neighborhood. Look for ways to create balance and how to move forward economically; the two needn't be divorced from each other.
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South Central Edmonton: Cashflowing Two-Suiter in Capilano
Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded 1959 built 2-plex with separate entrance to lower suite. 2 stylishly finished suites; 1192 sqft upper 3 bedroom unit with beautiful hardwood, plus a spacious 2 bedroom 850 sqft. suite down. The upper suite has newer windows, faux fireplace, fresh paint and original hardwood. There is a common laundry room in basement too. The lower unit has new paint, bathroom and toilet. Lower suite walks out to a shared fenced yard. There is a 2 car detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing in additional revenue. 20 minutes to U.O.A., 15 mins to NAIT, Grant MacEwan and Downtown. Fast access to Wayne Gretzky and on the bus routes. These pictures show the detail and care that went into building this quality home.
Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient South Central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Excellent established neighborhood featuring many heritage homes; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's ravine area.
Produces $267.75 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.
Purchase price: $335K Total Investment: $77,300K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $42,810.67 K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year.
Poised for massive growth. These 2 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: renovation costs, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!
===============
Edmonton Economy On A Roll, Report Says
CIBC Ranks City Only Second To Toronto
By Lewis Kelly, Edmonton Journal. January 20th 2012
Edmonton ranked ahead of every Canadian city except Toronto in a measure of economic momentum released Thursday by CIBC.
"If you look at Edmonton, the labour market is doing much better, population is rising, investment is rising, the real estate market is doing fine," said Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist with CIBC World Markets and author of the report. "Edmonton is still up there."
Tal's report, the Canadian Metropolitan Activity Index, assigned Edmonton a score of 20 for the third quarter of 2011, almost double the overall average and 6.9 points above Calgary. Toronto, at 23, earned the highest score.
READ MORE HERE
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New Office Towers Seen on Horizon
By Lewis Kelly, Edmonton Journal. January 19th 2012
An increasingly tight office-space market in Edmonton will spark the announcement of two major new buildings this year, according to John Ross, managing director with Avison Young's local office.
"My view is that we'll see one or maybe two new office projects announced, probably toward the end of this year, because the demand is going to be there."
Avison Young released their 2012 predictions for commercial real estate in Canada and the U.S. Wednesday. The forecast predicts office vacancy rates will generally shrink across the 12 Canadian markets Avison tracks. That includes a 1.4-per-cent decline in Edmonton and a two-per-cent de-cline in Calgary.
GRAB THIS STORY
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B.C. Breakfast Chain and Chai Cafe Coming to Jasper Avenue
New Hair Academy and Hair Salon Also Opening Soon
By CBC News, January 27th, 2012
More new businesses are set to open on Jasper Avenue over the next six months, including the first Edmonton outlet of a breakfast chain from British Columbia.
De Dutch plans to open in the street level of the Cambridge Building at 100th Street and Jasper Avenue in June.
Owner/operator Jeff Van Den Biggelar says the restaurant located there to be part of downtown revitalization.
"Jasper Ave. has been a little bit forgotten about and we just want to try and bring some more attention back to it," he said.
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.
"Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often." -Mark Twain
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.

Thursday, January 19, 2012
Goal Setting - The Millar Way
*Five year goals that we push forward every year and review
*The year's goals of pleasure including travel, fitness and fun achievements. This year Ronan did his first set amongst them are stronger kicks in martial arts and catching a fish
*The year's business goals broken down into each month including targets and the reward for achieving them. These are taken from the 5 year goals
*90 day goals are taken from the yearly goals reviewed every 90 days
*A weekly goal sheet that corresponds directly to 90 day goals if goals aren't met we just keep rewriting them into smaller more doable chunks
The thing is it's lots of fun! Especially when you go back and look at what you've written.It's easier to reach goals once you set your mind to it, written them down and broken them into doable chunks.
"Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right." Aldous Huxley
"If you don't know where you are going,
you'll end up someplace else." Yogi Berra
The Keystone X-L Pipe Conundrum II
I don't know anything about Congressman Rob Bishop's policies but I have to agree with this:
“As far as I can tell, the President’s energy agenda is simply to make it harder and more expensive for the American people to get by. Whether he likes it or not, the U.S. needs oil and since he won’t allow the U.S. to produce more domestically, we are forced to import it from other countries. Canadian crude oil refined by the U.S. is one of the safest and most affordable alternatives we have to meet our domestic oil demands, which currently outpace supply,” Congressman Rob Bishop
Monday, January 16, 2012
Stormy start to economic growth in 2012
This year is the year to build and refine your portfolio. To make sound investments and prepare for 2013 when things get going again. Low mortgage rates and a buyer's market in Edmonton and Alberta set the stage for a perfect investment opportunity.
We are still focusing on multiplex buildings that cash flow. See what our partners are getting here.
"Experts forecast restricted economic growth in most of the world in 2012 due to political waffling in Europe and the U.S., but financial markets could pick up in the last half of the year.
As TD Economics puts it, the year will be more naughty than nice.
Consensus is that emerging markets will continue to be good places to invest in, some solid American companies have been beaten up and represent good opportunity, there is movement in Canada to "invest in the west," and the best sources of fixed income will be corporate bonds and preferred shares." Read More
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Year of the Dragon
Glenn Simon Inc., Suite 1217, 5328 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1-888-780-5940 Fax 1-888-276-4517
www.glennsimoninc.com email: info@glennsimoninc.com
January 15th., 2012
Volume 11, Issue 8
Dear Friends and Partners,
Welcome back! So, how were the holidays - did you have a grand time? Are you excited about the year ahead? Of course there remain many question marks concerning the economy, pipelines, global-financial stability - but living pinned by fear, is not living at all. So many GREAT stories get drowned out when you listen to the news. You have to search for the bright ones.
I was driving through Nisku, an industrial area just outside of Edmonton. I saw 'help wanted' signs on the splotchy ice covered lawns of factories and brightly coloured signs touting 'good opportunity-apply inside' were sprinkled along the artery roads. Employers in Edmonton felt the labour crunch tightening six months back.
Last year the energy sector saw many large multi-billion dollar projects get the green light. The construction industry that builds the projects and material spinoffs, are already busy and anticipate 2012 to be the beginning of massive construction starts.
With BMO offering an insanely low 5 year fixed rate of 2.99%, it looks like 2013 is positioned to carry more main-stream optimism with a wider segment of the economy flourishing in Alberta and Western Canada. Of course nothing is guaranteed and any mix of local or international strife could derail a good thing, but over the next decade the growth will continue through the peaks and valleys.
When it comes to planning your year ahead (and the next 5) here are some critical questions to ask and a few links to help you measure along the way. The questions are courtesy of San Francisco based Career Coach Suzannah Scully's blog.
1. What are you most proud of in the last year?
2. If there were a newspaper headline describing this past year for you, what would it say?
3. What unfinished business do you want to resolve before the year end and when will you do it? (i.e. lingering relationships, apologies, goals yet to achieve)
4. When were you most excited about life in this past year? What were you doing? Who were you with?
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently in 2011?
6. What new dream for yourself did you achieve?
7. Where did you let fear hold you back from a goal you had?
8. What was boring to you this year that you hope to change for next year?
Now, get out there and make your dreams happen!
===============

South Central Edmonton: Cashflowing Two-Suiter in Capilano
Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded 1959 built 2-plex with separate entrance to lower suite. 2 stylishly finished suites; 1192 sqft upper 3 bedroom unit with beautiful hardwood, plus a spacious 2 bedroom 850 sqft. suite down.
The upper suite has newer windows, faux fireplace, fresh paint and original hardwood. There is a common laundry room in basement too. The lower unit has new paint, bathroom and toilet. Lower suite walks out to a shared fenced yard.
There is a 2 car detached garage with automatic door and opener, bringing in additional revenue. 20 minutes to U.O.A., 15 mins to NAIT, Grant MacEwan and Downtown. Fast access to Wayne Gretzky and on the bus routes.
These pictures show the detail and care that went into building this quality home.
Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient South Central area with easy access to transit and downtown. Excellent established neighborhood featuring many heritage homes; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's ravine area.
Produces $264.75 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.
Purchase price: $335K Total Investment: $77,300K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $42,810.67K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year
Poised for massive growth. These 2 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: renovation costs, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!
===============
Alberta's Economy To Lead Nation: TD Report
By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald. January 10th 2012
Alberta's economy is forecast to lead the country this year and next year, according to a report by TD Economics.
The provincial economic update also sees employment growth in Alberta topping Canada for 2012 and 2013 as well.
The TD Economics report predicts Alberta will see real gross domestic product growth of 2.6 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2013 compared with 1.7 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively across the country. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE
===============
Alberta Rides Strong Job Creation Wave
Province's unemployment rate remains lowest in country
Alberta enjoyed a banner year for job creation in 2011, though new figures show employment changed little from November to December.
Data released by Statistics Canada Friday said the country added 18,000 jobs last month. Few of those came in Alberta, but the province tallied 77,500 new jobs for the calendar year of 2011. Of the past 15 years, more jobs were added only in 2006.
"There were job gains in just about every sector," said Darrell Winwood, public affairs officer with Alberta Human Services. "This was the second-best year for job gains since 1997." The main industries of growth, said Winwood, include construction, health care, social assistance, and both wholesale and retail trade. READ MORE HERE
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Real Estate Market Healthy, Agents Say
By Lewis Kelly, Edmonton Journal. January 5th 2012
Edmonton wrapped up a stable year in real estate in December, the Realtors Association of Edmonton said Wednesday.
"It is a relief to report on the stability and health of the local real estate market," said Chris Mooney, association president for 2011. "With prices and sales varying within a small range, there is a solid base going forward into the 2012 market."
Mooney mentioned the European debt crisis and a depressed housing market in the U.S. as major concerns, but emphasized that the energy-based economy of Alberta in general and Edmonton in particular keeps the local housing market buoyant. GRAB THIS STORY
===============
I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.
"Difficulties come when you don't pay attention to life's whisper. Life always whispers to you first., if you ignore the whisper, sooner or later you'll get a scream." -Oprah Winfrey
Warm Regards,
Todd and Danielle Millar
===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.

Friday, December 16, 2011
Peter Kinch's Mortgage Minute
Here are three links from his blog enjoy!
2012 Real Estate Market
Pros and Cons to purchasing American Real Estate and Part Two
Thursday, December 15, 2011
New You Resolutions
Glenn Simon Inc., Suite 1217, 5328 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1-888-780-5940 Fax 1-888-276-4517
www.glennsimoninc.com email: info@glennsimoninc.com
December 15th., 2011
Volume 11, Issue 7
Dear Friends and Partners,
Another year is upon us. I hope that you have enjoyed 12 months filled with growth, change and enough 'wins' to be shaking your head at how fast it was spent. It seems that as we prepare to enter 2012 we enter it with much global uncertainty, as has been the norm for the past few years.
Optimism will prevail and with a bit of hope, and levelheadedness, political and economic stability will come to the nations that need balance the most.
In Alberta we remain very well situated and are better insulated (but not immune) to the global ups and downs; this last recession reminded us just how fast an economy can slow down. The good news remains the same as it was; Edmonton's long-term investing forecast is solid, steady and on track. Investors who focus on cash-flow and employ a long-term outlook, ride the real estate cycles which can be 5 to 7 years or longer, will do well.
Alberta is entering into another period of growth beginning in 2013, so lining up well priced and well positioned assets now is key; you still have incredible rates to take advantage of and relatively decent banking terms for revenue property investors - smart investors are picking up value priced property now.
Danielle and I always take time out over New Year to map out our goals for the year ahead. We focus on family, health, wealth and person goals - if you don't do this already, try it. It's a powerful way to get clear and synchronize as a family what you intend accomplish in the months ahead. As always, we sincerely thank you for your help, support and partnership. May 2012 be your best year yet.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with success!
P.S. Be sure to take advantage of REIN's great Xmas savings on ALL real estate products below. They make a great gifts too!
Please note: Glenn Simon Inc. will be closed for holidays from December 21st until January 9th. Newsletters will resume from January 15th 2012.
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North East Edmonton: Cash flowing Four-Plex In Killarny
Turbo charge your portfolio. Upgraded 1959 side-by-side duplex converted to 4-Plex with separate entrance to all units. The main floor is massive with nearly 1025 sq ft of beautifully designed space, including 3 bedrooms, dining, kitchen and living room. There are two large nicely finished 2 bedroom suites downstairs. You'll find shared laundry on the lower floor and the main floors have their own laundry.
All suites are well maintained with the main floor having some nicer touches and the basements remaining simple, clean and functional. The yard is low maintenance, landscaped and fenced. There is a 1 car garage and parking for 4 cars. 25 minutes to U.O.A. and 15 minutes to Grant MacEwan, NAIT and Downtown. This property has good holding value and cash-flow.
Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient North East area with easy access to transit and downtown. Excellent established neighbourhood featuring affordable homes; solid value and stable rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this home in relation to Edmonton's developing North East.
Produces $732 positive cash flow per month using an investor's mortgage plan - taking advantage of current low rates.
Purchase price: $450K Total Investment: $112K. Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $64K. Your pre-tax Total ROI is 58% or 11.5% per year + $732 Cash Flow in Your Pocket Every Month
Poised for massive growth. These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: renovation costs, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!
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Economy Oversold
By Nick Henselmeier, The Star Phoenix December 6th 2011
Re: Sask. unemployment sees small hike (SP, Dec. 3). An interesting fact is hidden in the November unemployment numbers: Saskatchewan no longer has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, with that distinction going to Alberta.
While Labour Minister Rob Norris brags about Saskatchewan adding 4,500 jobs year over year, this is in comparison to 98,400 added in Alberta. In fact, Saskatoon's total labour market declined by 1.6 per cent in the third quarter, year over year. GRAB THIS STORY
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BMO Economics: Energy Sector Will Keep Alberta Near Top of Growth Leaderboard in 2012
High oil prices strengthening energy sector and driving labour market - Real GDP growth of 3.3 per cent in 2011; 2.8 per cent in 2012 (Canada's at 2.3 per cent in 2011; 2.0 per cent in 2012)
MARKETWIRE, CALGARY, ALBERTA, Dec 07, 2011
Alberta's economy is significantly outperforming the national average in 2011, and should remain near the top of the growth leaderboard next year, according to the Provincial Monitor report released today by BMO Economics.Despite the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, cooling growth in China and expected sluggish growth in the U.S., West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices remain firm near $100 per barrel.
"Despite some temporary disruptions earlier this year due to wildfires, oil production was up a solid 7.8 per cent year-over-year through August, with even more robust 10.8 per cent year-over-year growth in crude bitumen production," noted Mr. Kavcic. "Longer term, Alberta is expecting raw bitumen production to rise 14 per cent per year in the next two years, as conventional crude output remains about flat, while natural gas production declines." GRAB THIS STORY
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Ewart: Is It To Soon To Cheer Good News?
By Stephan Ewart, Calgary Herald. December 9th, 2011
The news the federal government has approved a 100,000-barrel-a-day oil sands mine in the midst of a key UN climate change conference essentially confirms that Ottawa is not about to bow to international pressure that would potentially harm the economy.
Canada has been singled out repeatedly during the United Nations conference in South Africa for a perceived lack of commitment to reducing the country's fast-rising greenhouse gas emissions.
In the face of the global criticism, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver announced Thursday the approval of the $9.5-billion oil sands project. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE
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Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.
"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let each new year find you a better man." -Benjamin Franklin
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.


Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Oilsands made me do it.
a lack of skills be they managing money or the ability to get a job.
This article is blaming the oil sands for making people do drugs, staying poor and not getting proper housing. Why is it the oil sands and not this man's choice? He's thirty! Surely he is accountable for his choices?
The writer claims lump sums of money are more dangerous than salary spread out. I would say the most dangerous is no salary, no job. Blame is a sad but consistent part of our society today. Granted it's the writer's opinion and she is entitled to that.
Read article if you must.
Friday, December 02, 2011
The Best News!
Alberta Oil Sands Investment Real Estate News®
Glenn Simon Inc., Suite 1217, 5328 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1-888-780-5940 Fax 1-888-276-4517
www.glennsimoninc.com email: info@glennsimoninc.com
December 1st., 2011
Volume 11, Issue 6
Dear Friends and Partners,
Today's newsletter is going to be short and sweet. The biggest (non-real estate) news is that we had our second, beautiful healthy boy! Bronson was born 11/27/11 at 2:13PM. Both Mom, son and his brother are all well.
Below you will find three important news articles concerning the Alberta economy. On December 15th you can read our full length newsletter and then we will have a Christmas break until January 15th, when regular newsletters will commence again.
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Snapping the U.S out of Great Recession
AB, Nov. 28, 2011/ Troy Media/ - In the comic book world, Magneto is a super villain who has the ability to control metal and is bent on destroying mankind. Obviously, this is not what economists mean when they refer to ‘magneto trouble’. GRAB THIS STORY
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Oilsands Key to Global Energy Growth IEA
Postmedia News Nov 9, 2011 – 8:59 AM ET | Last Updated: Nov 10, 2011 10:34 AM ET
By Peter O’Neil
OTTAWA —Alberta’s oil sands provide one of the world’s few areas of energy production growth outside the volatile Middle East and North Africa, though environmental concerns could hinder its expansion, the International Energy Agency said in a report Wednesday.
The commentary was contained in an IEA analysis that warned the world is at risk of being locked into an “insecure, inefficient and high-carbon energy system” that will lead to average temperature increases of 3.5 C — well above the 2 C benchmark most scientists advise as the maximum increase to avoid dangerous climate change. Read More Here
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Canada Defiant after U.S oil pipeline rebuff
Thu Nov 10, 2011 6:33pm EST
By David Ljunggren, Randall Palmer and Jeffrey Jones
OTTAWA/CALGARY, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Canada will keep promoting crude from the tar sands of northern Alberta as a secure source of energy despite a U.S. decision to delay approval of a pipeline to carry the oil from Alberta to Texas, officials said on Thursday.
The Canadian government and the oil industry have limited options, however, as another controversial proposal to build a pipeline to export tar sands crude to Asian markets is just at the beginning of a lengthy review process. 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.
"Between our birth and death we may touch understanding, as a moth brushes a window with its wing." -Christopher Fry
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.

Friday, November 25, 2011
Suite Success
It's been 5 months from start to finish but yesterday our Cornerstone Grant funding came in the mail. We started building the secondary suite in July and final approval came around November 15, 2011, seven days later we got our cheque. Here, here and here are the steps we took through the whole grant process.
The biggest delays were permits the longest one took about 6 weeks, our contractor (the guy seriously lost the plot) and finally fireproofing the furnace room ceiling with drywall. 95% of the people we spoke to said it couldn't be done but it was. It took 3 inspections by the city but finally we got it right. The first shot is with gypsum board which is not to code the second two we have drywall and some fireproof duct tape throughout the ceiling.
After our whoops of joy we thought lets do it again. The first attempt was a bit rough going but once you've done the program and been approved it's easier to get your reno team in place and anticipate delays.



























