Edmonton Real Estate Investor

Alberta Oil Sands Investment Real Estate News®
Glenn Simon Inc., Suite 1217, 5328 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1-888-780-5940 Fax 1-888-276-4517
www.glennsimoninc.com email: info@glennsimoninc.com

March 15th., 2014
Volume 16, Issue 4

Dear Friends and Partners,

For our mid-month newsletter ponder, or put into action, this thought by the great, Steve Chandler:

"Nothing is ever as hard as the mind makes it when thinking about it in advance. Nobody would ever get any results if they stayed in their minds, thinking about what has to be done in the future. Results happen when the mind is left behind in favor of fresh, exciting, creative action.

Nobody cares what you think. No one cares what you are committed to. Only action communicates with others. Only action commands attention."

North West Edmonton: 6-Plex Cashflow Apartment

Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal 6-plex is located minutes from Grant MacEwan University Centre for Arts and Communications. Upgraded in 2006, this 1965 built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry. There are 6 X 1 BD units. Suites are in good condition, but will require some modernizing by our reno team upon vacancies. This property is currently fully tenanted with M-T-M leases. Rear parking pad for 6+ cars. Spacious upper units have newer carpet, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Unbeatable access to Grant MacEwan, West Edmonton Mall, bus routes and major artery roads to downtown.

*Please note* 6-Plex buildings do require specific financing conditions and down payments are 35% or greater in many cases.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient West Jasper location with easy access to transit and downtown. Highly rentable; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Grant MacEwan building/future development.

Purchase price: $650,000
Total Investment: $252,296
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $108,820.50
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 43% or 8.6% per year (Lower return due to 35% down payment)

These 6 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

Job growth has flatlined across the country - except in Alberta

By Jamie Sturgeon, Global News, March 12th, 2014

The February jobs report released by Statistics Canada last week is driving home a trend experts have been taking note of: Alberta’s economy is leaving the rest of the country in the dust.
While last month’s labour force survey painted a dismal jobs picture across much of the country, Alberta was the major exception.

A potent energy sector is the engine of a provincial economy that is booming, registering a pop of 18,000 jobs or 3.8 per cent last month while the rest of the country laboured under lacklustre or even negative job growth. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Alberta promises cash, interest-free loan for Edmonton LRT expansion

By Dave Lazzarino, Edmonton Sun, March 11th, 2014

Mill Woods residents may have a new way to get downtown as soon as 2020 as the last financial spike for the Valley Line LRT was driven home Tuesday.
Premier Alison Redford and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson met at Churchill Station with numerous fellow politicians in tow to announce a solution to the city’s $365 million shortfall for the $1.8-billion LRT line construction.

“Edmonton told us we needed more. Our caucus told us we needed more. And we listened,” said Redford, before outlining how the province will be providing $600 million toward the rail line that will run from Mill Woods to downtown.

The details involve the city being eligible for $250 million in Green Trip funding, a further $150 million to match federal grant dollars and a $200 million 10-year, no-interest loan from the province. GRAB THIS STORY

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Canada’s best places to live

By Melissa Ramsay, Global News, March 12th, 2014

CALGARY – A city in Alberta has been named Canada’s best place to live by Money Sense magazine.
St. Albert, located northwest of Edmonton on the Sturgeon River, topped the magazine’s annual list for the very first time.

It nabbed the esteemed spot thanks to several factors, such as boasting some of the highest incomes in the country, its unemployment rate — which sits at just above four per cent — and crime rates which are steadily falling.

In addition, officials say while winters in St. Albert can be skin-splittingly cold, it’s at least sunny all year round. READ MORE HERE

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

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

“In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance. " - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

Over the last few days we've had some pretty cold weather in Edmonton. I don't think it's unseasonably cold but after plus temperatures in January, we're all surprised by winter's return.

The other night I was sitting by the fireplace when a loud cracking boom came from the wall beside me. I got up and looked out the windows and suspiciously at the wall. It happened about 4 other times that night. When the roof didn't cave in I realized it was some kind of settling in the house and Googled the phenomena. This is what I found:

"Ottawa Police received numerous calls reporting gunshots, noise bylaw violations and feared break-and-enters when the thermometre dropped drastically in late January. While most of these were false alarms, many residents were awakened by noises of unknown origin. The source may have been the very enclosure that protected the residents; their houses were quaking.

In extreme cold weather conditions we can learn rudimentary lessons in physics. Materials that make up our buildings change with their environment. In the winter, all exposed materials will slowly shrink as the temperature falls. In addition, fibrous or porous materials, such as wood, will also give up moisture to the surrounding dry winter air, accentuating their shrinking or contraction. In the spring, as the environment warms and the air gains moisture, wood will gradually swell and expand to its “normal” size and proportions."

Get the final answer at Carlton Now

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

March 1st., 2014
Volume 16, Issue 3

Dear Friends and Partners,

I received an email from an investment group based overseas. The email stated that “Property prices have gone up 37% this year!” it went on to say that now is the time to invest.

There is nothing wrong buying quality assets, that cash-flow after stress tests, are in solid areas and offer value. There is something really wrong with buying a property in a frothy market, with sketchy economic fundamentals (if any) just because, well the market is rising. If you are an experienced flipper and are willing to gamble on buying near the peak, that may be a risk you are willing to take.

For me, I want to invest in assets that can weather economic storms, are well priced and deliver value even when the economy is in a down-cycle. I’ve reflected on that a lot lately; our market here in Edmonton is good and moving into an upward trend, it still means that one has to buy right. Even if that means letting other investors pay a premium to own an asset.

Keep your head in a hot market, but do pull the trigger and buy at the price that makes sense.

North West Edmonton: 6-Plex Cashflow Apartment

Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal 6-plex is located minutes from Grant MacEwan University Centre for Arts and Communications. Upgraded in 2006, this 1965 built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry. There are 6 X 1 BD units. Suites are in good condition, but will require some modernizing by our reno team upon vacancies. This property is currently fully tenanted with M-T-M leases. Rear parking pad for 6+ cars. Spacious upper units have newer carpet, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Unbeatable access to Grant MacEwan, West Edmonton Mall, bus routes and major artery roads to downtown.

*Please note* 6-Plex buildings do require specific financing conditions and down payments are 35% or greater in many cases.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient West Jasper location with easy access to transit and downtown. Highly rentable; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Grant MacEwan building/future development.

Purchase price: $650,000
Total Investment: $252,296
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $108,820.50
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 43% or 8.6% per year (Lower return due to 35% down payment)

These 6 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

Edmonton on the rise as building permits boom, says city’s chief economist

By Dan Barnes, Edmonton Journal, February 6th, 2014

Look out Calgary, Edmonton is building momentum, along with all those houses, condos, office towers, industrial warehouses and storefronts.
In fact, with a staggering value of $5.53 billion, 2013 was either the biggest year for building permits in the Edmonton census metropolitan area, or in the top three, according to the city’s chief economist John Rose. And the city is gaining fast on Calgary, which reported $6.04 billion in permit value for 2013.

“Right now, we’re neck and neck,” said Rose. “Typically we’ve been behind Calgary. We’re doing very, very well indeed.”

And, if the building permit for the proposed Katz Group tower that will house all Edmonton city employees is issued in 2014, there could be a change at the top. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

Alberta’s business leaders and consumers optimistic
But small drop in confidence about economy

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, February 6th, 2014

CALGARY - Alberta business leaders and consumers remain optimistic overall despite the latest PwC Business and Consumer Confidence Index showing a small drop in confidence in the economy since November.

PwC said responses from business leaders about economic confidence has fallen compared with November (2.8 per cent decrease). Confidence in current business conditions has declined by 7.9 per cent in January after an upward trend. Optimism about future employment decreased by 4.9 per cent compared with November, continuing the downward trend.

“There’s a bit of a near-term caution and that’s reflected by the downward trend in the current business conditions index which is an indicator of what people think today,” said Ian Gunn, Alberta Private Company Services Leader at PwC in Calgary. The good sign is the long-term view is positive and actually increased slightly.” GRAB THIS STORY

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Alberta annual retail sales growth best in Canada despite drop in December
“Extreme weather” and Black Friday keep sales under November total

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, February 21st, 2014

CALGARY - While retail sales dropped in Alberta in December due to cold weather and November Black Friday promotions, the province still led the country with the highest annual growth rate as sales reached $6.2 billion for the month.
Statistics Canada reported Friday that sales in Alberta fell by 1.1 per cent from November and they were down 1.8 per cent across the country to $40.2 billion.

But on a year-over-year basis, retail sales were up by 7.3 per cent in Alberta, which was the highest in the country, and by 3.4 per cent in Canada.

Wayne Renick, president and chief executive of Jersey City, a Calgary-based sports merchandising company, said the business did well in December and the first part of the new year is promising thanks to the Olympics taking place. READ MORE HERE

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

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

“How many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts? I rest my case." - Robert G. Allen

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

This Globe and Mail video looks and the income and demographics of Canada's 1%.

I knew they would be in management and health related industries but I was happy to learn they are also likely to be self-employed and/or earn their income from investments.

They also pay 42% of the taxes in Canada. A further by province breakdown relating to taxes can be found here.

There used to be and All Canadian wealth test but it is down. If you'd like to know where you rate try CNN's wealth test.

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

February 15th., 2014
Volume 16, Issue 2

Dear Friends and Partners,

Denny Morrison almost never falls. He could never remember falling in a race, and maybe only three times in more than a decade of training. But in late December, on his final lap of the 1,000-metre race at the Canadian Olympic trials, with the Olympics perhaps 50 metres away, the veteran speed skater clipped his right heel, and he fell.

He slid across the line late and failed to qualify. Morrison had hit low points before — he broke his leg while skiing in 2012 — but this time, he needed someone to pick him up.

If you’re not familiar with this story read it here.

Rarely do we see genuine teamwork in action unless we are personally involved with the team, the business or the group. I found Gilmore Junio’s decision to put his team and his teammate in front of his own personal goals so powerful and exciting; even ‘fresh’.

It's ironic to say that putting a team mate ahead of one’s self is a ‘fresh’ or new idea because it is in fact one of the oldest and most ingrained in true character. Maybe it is simply ‘refreshing’ to see it in action when the stakes are so high.

Let’s all take a page from Junio and a page from Morrison on what actions to model, victories to strive for. Well done!

North West Edmonton: Cash-flow: Suited Bungalow Reno Property in Glengarry

Turbo charge your portfolio. This semi-suited bungalow is located in the mature area of Glengarry. It is rough, ugly and bought for good value.

This 1962 built property has a front entrance for the upper unit and a rear entry for the lower suite. Our renovation team will fix this from top to bottom.

Renos to include all flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, paint and much more. We use our special PPI strategy to wrap the repairs into the mortgage.

The suite is to be completed up to city code. 3 BD upper, 1 BD lower, en suite laundry and detached garage. Great access to 137 AV and 82nd st right to the Yellowhead and downtown.

Purchase price is $265K + $50K renovation package for a total of $315K - CF all day long and equity of approximately $20K.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient north west area with easy access to transit and downtown. Glengarry is a mature area with plenty of schools, park and amenities. Highly rent-able; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $315K
Total Investment: $75,341K.
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $42,432.65K.
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% or 11% per year

These 2 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!
=========================

Alberta workers most confident in economy
Also most confident in Canada in finding new jobs

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, January 23rd, 2014

CALGARY - Alberta workers are the most confident in the country when it comes to the strength of the Canadian economy.

A new study, conducted by Ipsos-Reid on behalf of Randstad Canada and released Thursday, said 35 per cent of workers in Alberta were more positive this year than last year about the overall economy followed by 32 per cent in British Columbia.

The Randstad Canada Labour Trends Study 2014 found that 30 per cent of Canadians feel more confident about the economy heading into 2014 than last year.

Overall, 25 per cent of Canadians felt more confident in the job market this year than last year with 31.3 per cent of Albertans feeling that way.

“While 2013 may not stand out in anyone’s mind as a banner year for the Canadian job market or the economy overall, it is encouraging to see even cautious optimism from both employees and employers about this year’s prospects on both fronts,” said Tom Turpin, president of Randstad Canada, in a news release.
FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Alberta’s Oilsands touted as giants of Canada’s economy
Calgary Chamber of Commerce not surprised by IHS report

By CBC News, February 13th, 2014

Alberta's oilsands contributed more to Canada's economy than the entire province of Saskatchewan, suggests a new study released Wednesday. According to Oilsands Economic Benefits: Today and in the Future, the oilsands contributed $91 billion of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) and is the giant of Canada's economy.
"[Oilsands] production already represents a significant economic contribution to the Canadian economy, with annual expenditures already greater than the gross domestic product of half of the Canadian provinces," said Jackie Forrest, IHS's senior director in charge of the Oil Sands Dialogue project.

"Those contributions, in terms of jobs, economic growth and government revenues will continue to grow along with [oilsands] development."

The report suggests the oilsands will support more than 753,000 jobs by 2025.

That number is nearly double the current number of jobs supported by the fields, which hovers around 478,000, and would be equivalent to five per cent of Canada's total employment in 2012. READ MORE HERE

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Alberta Welfare Rate dips to lowest level since 1970s

By Jason Van Rassel, Calgary Herald, February 13th, 2014

The current welfare rate in Alberta is half that of Ontario’s and the lowest it has been since the 1970s, according to data compiled by University of Calgary researchers.
A study released Thursday documents overall welfare rate declines across the country — what it doesn’t do, however, is explain the trend.

“Is it a positive sign suggesting that the country has made significant strides in keeping people from needing to receive social assistance or is it a sign that public policies have simply made it too difficult for those deserving of support to receive it?,” wrote the authors, U of C School of Public Policy professors Ron Kneebone and Katherine White.
READ MORE HERE

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

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

“An ounce of performance is worth a pound of promises." - Mae West

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230918

I've rediscovered all my old CDs. They aren't music albums but 1000's of hours of business leaders, self help, motivational speakers and business gurus.

Right now I'm listening to Robert Kiyosaki. He talks about the velocity of investing how some people go slow and steady while others constantly propel their money to greater rewards.

It made me think of one of the first houses Todd and I bought in Edmonton. It's a suited bungalow in an EXCELLENT area:

Main - 3 bedroom 1 bath
Basement 2 bedroom 1 bath
Beautiful (only an investor or mechanic thinks like this) Double Detached Garage

We bought it in 2005 for $225,000 with $25,000 down payment. We haven't accerated our mortgage and we haven't always gotten the best rates. It's just been slow and steady with this property.

Current specs
Total income $2315/month
Total expenses $1942/month
NET CASH FLOW $373 per month

It's not grand cash flow but that's pretty good. We use a rule of a minimum of $150 a door to be a good rental property.

The best part is the equity and the appreciation over the last 9 years. That house with the suite would sell for $350,000 (modest estimate) in this market. My mortgage balance is $145,000.

We have over $205,000k equity in that house. Of course some say the value could drop, the rents could decrease the sky could fall. They did in 2007 but I still have that house.

I have many outs (ways to leave an investment) with this property.
1. I could sell it
2. I could pay it down and live off income
3. I could give it to my children - an incredible gift
4. I could refinance it and buy a new investment = two streams of income.
5. I could do nothing

We've done nothing special, just paid the mortgage and plodded on with this property. Yet the velocity and growth of that initial $25k is phenomenal.

Do you see the value in real estate? Now imagine if you buy 3 or 5?

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

February 1st., 2014
Volume 16, Issue 1

Dear Friends and Partners,

The last two weeks have found Edmonton smack in the middle of a very warm freeze-thaw cycle. The correlation to the current RE market couldn't be more similar. The multi-family market is frozen-tight with nary a new listing and it's a challenge to 'thaw' local property owners too sell as well. Where we are beginning to see some warmer activity is with residential and suited houses. In the past 10 days there have been 4 properties that I have viewed for suited house potential, two turned out to be complete write offs due to serious structural/mechanical deficiencies. The other two properties turned out to have decent enough potential, albeit rather highly priced. So what happened? ALL of the 4 properties have sold (2 unconditional) or are pending-sale subject to conditions; two $10K+ over list price. Insights to take away from this are that when you have a specific target property and neighbourhood - act fast!

Sure there's a glut of stale properties festering on the MLS that have 90 days on market; many of which are overpriced and/or under-renovated. Add hungry buyers looking for reasonably priced homes, means new listings sell fast and for good dollar. The current demand for property will shift and soften as more homes hit the market this spring and balance things out. Multifamily remains tight and sellers know it. I've seen many properties the last few months and far and few between that warrant writing on. Pick quality over quantity, work your off list (non-MLS) sellers and comb your area. There are deals to be had, it just takes a little longer to strike the right balance of quality and price.

North West Edmonton: Cash-flow: Suited Bungalow Reno Property in Glengarry

Turbo charge your portfolio. This semi-suited bungalow is located in the mature area of Glengarry. It is rough, ugly and bought for good value.

This 1962 built property has a front entrance for the upper unit and a rear entry for the lower suite. Our renovation team will fix this from top to bottom.

Renos to include all flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, paint and much more. We use our special PPI strategy to wrap the repairs into the mortgage.

The suite is to be completed up to city code. 3 BD upper, 1 BD lower, en suite laundry and detached garage. Great access to 137 AV and 82nd st right to the Yellowhead and downtown.

Purchase price is $265K + $50K renovation package for a total of $315K - CF all day long and equity of approximately $20K.

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Convenient north west area with easy access to transit and downtown. Glengarry is a mature area with plenty of schools, park and amenities. Highly rent-able; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $315K
Total Investment: $75,341K.
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $42,432.65K.
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% or 11% per year

These 2 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

The split personality of Alberta's job juggernaut

By Todd Hirsch, Special to The Globe and Mail, January 17th, 2014

It’s a well-known truism about economic indicators that one month does not a trend make. That’s encouraging news for Canada’s job market. If the loss of 46,000 jobs in December were to mark a trend, the country would be in serious trouble.
Alberta – the economic powerhouse of the country – also shed nearly 12,000 jobs last month. But trends are built over several months, and December’s loss comes on the heels of five consecutive months of gains in Alberta. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Canada's Alberta May Be The Strongest Economy in the World

By Jeb Handwerger, Wall Street Sector Selector, January 16th, 2014

Currently, there is an explosion of economic growth in Western Canada, most notably Alberta.

While the media dazzles you with the money being made in high flying overvalued social media stocks, behind the scenes China is buying up North American energy (NYSEARCA:XLE) resources and one of the beneficiaries has been Western Canada.

Currently, there is an explosion of economic growth in Western Canada most notably Alberta. Due to the increased demand for energy coming from Asia, Western Canada may be one of the best economies in the world right now. Unemployed Americans and Europeans with technical skills are already finding high paying jobs. GRAB THIS STORY

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Oil industry rebuts 'trash talking' celebrity critics

By Shawn McCarthy and Richard Blackwell, Globe and Mail, January 16th, 2014

Two of Calgary’s most prominent oil executives delivered a scathing rebuttal to celebrity critics such as rock star Neil Young, as the industry attempts to win support for pipeline projects that are essential to its ambitious growth plans for the oil sands.

Cenovus Energy Inc. chief executive Brian Ferguson and TransCanada Corp. chair Russ Girling brought an aggressive message to a joint presentation at Toronto’s Canadian Club, in which they defended the country’s current approach to environmental protection and resource development. READ MORE HERE

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

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

"Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character." - John Wooden

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

Edmonton came in number 1 in top 10 places to live in Canada. Take a look

Image via Canadian Mortgages Inc.

Edmonton Journal Garneau house for free

This month has been been for Alberta, Premier Redford was in India promoting Alberta's agriculture, oil and agrifood. The Indian market is enormous and growing. Our incredible reserves of oil, India's interest in them, and with our diverse economy any future collaboration can only be beneficial.

"India is an important emerging market and the potential for the country to be a new market for our oil and gas is enormous,...Quite simply, the long-term costs to Alberta of ignoring huge markets like India are incalculable.” Premier Alison Redford

Redford was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland planned was a potential debate with Al Gore - famous for calling the oil sands and "open sewer". Perhaps Gore will come to the World Economic Forum on energy and climate change to be held in Alberta April 24-25. It would be an interesting reception.

In Alberta we're looking at $20 Billion ( yes with a B) in projects planned for the heartland;

“We are on the verge of an explosion of development. Shale gas could be as big a resource to Alberta as the oilsands,” Neil Shelly executive director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association

On a local note these beautiful 1930s homes are free for the taking (and the cost of moving them) near the U of A. Take a look

Oilsands can help other parts of country if developed safer, faster -
"All of Canada should be working to develop Alberta oilsands because the trillions of dollars it can generate can go to help other areas of the country, says an economic leader. Brad Ferguson, president and CEO of the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, says northern Alberta could contribute $2.1 trillion to the Canadian economy over the next twenty years, or $105 billion dollars a year." Read

Not for sale Calgary house offered for free -
"Jason Hastie may have grown very attached to the southwest Calgary home he has owned for the past 10 years, but he’s decided to give it away.
Hastie and wife Gina are building a new home on their Killarney property and, instead of seeing their existing one torn down, are offering it for free to a deserving new owner." Get it

TransCanada will look at rail if Keystone - " The chief executive of TransCanada said Wednesday if the Obama administration doesn't approve the controversial Keystone XL pipeline his company will look to the more dangerous alternative of building build rail terminals in Alberta and Oklahoma." Jump

BoC maintains interest rate at 1% -
"The growing U.S. economy will help Canada's export industry, though Canada will continue to have a worryingly low inflation rate for another couple of years, the Bank of Canada governor said Wednesday.
In response, the bank maintained its overnight interest rate at 1%." Jump

11 Acts of courage that will inspire you - The Daily Worth

Alberta wages surge young men choose work over school - “Go talk to Tim Hortons or McDonald’s, and ask them how easy they find it to hire employees. It’s these sort of industries that really struggle, because they can’t compete on salary,” “A lot of young people who might take up those roles find opportunities to go and earn significant amounts of money at a young age out in the construction or oil and gas sectors.” Jim Fearon, vice-president for Western Canada for international recruitment firm Hays Jump

This Peter Kinch interview on Rush TV is great to watch. Real estate terms, generational wealth, investment real estate and forecasting on interest rates are covered.

I can't even listen to the CBC anymore and I'm especially not going to listen to a rocker (aging or otherwise) tell me about the oil sands.

The cult of celebrity will never, ever teach me about the environment, Canada's economy or the life I should be leading.

And I'm not the only one. Albertans told Neil Young what the really think about his CBC interview on the oilsands and it's not pretty. Take a look...

Alberta had some crazy things happen last year. HuffPost has a funny slideshow of the WTF, LOL and OMG moments of 2013. Take a look here

CBC is requesting your submission now. Of course as one commenter said "the one my house is on", we're all going to think that....

on another note Canada's Most Expensive Cities and the winner is Vancouver!

Somehow I signed up for the Dailyworth. I don't remember doing it but thank goodness I did. The articles are excellent.

Today my favorite "10 habits of high net worth women" has very good points, although I don't think you need to be a woman (the site is female centric) to apply them. The list includes:

1. Determination and will power
2. Start investing early
3. Save Save Save - they have different suggestions on how to do
4. Control your credit card
5. Be goal oriented

My favorite is "Live Like You are Poor". I'm enthralled by living well below your means. I've always been a proponent of this and practice it myself. My father bugs me about it but I think its the safest, smartest financial move you can make. I'm not the only one who thinks so check this, this and have you have you heard of these guys? It's a new form of social responsibility. Sadly in my line of work I see people who live beyond their means, look fantastic but cannot pay the rent.

They're the kind of common sense points you know but may not always be applying. If that article is not for you then you can choose from the myriad of topics under the tabs Plan for the future, Earn with passion , Spend with intention, Give for good and Live to the fullest - very cool.

*Actually it's free but I'm worth time I spend enjoying all articles. It really does feel like a guilty pleasure.

January 14th., 2014
Volume 15, Issue 10

Dear Friends and Partners,

Welcome to our first issue of 2014.

As you might know I belong to Steve Chandler's group Wealth Warrior. Here is a great quote that he included in his last email that I think reflects well the start of the year.

"You can start over today. You can see when it was that you decided you didn't make a difference, make note of it, and then begin as if you no longer had a past at all. How do I know this? Because I just did it today!"

Steve goes on to say that we should take what we do (whatever that may be) and add expression to it.

I create a 1-year goal setting strategy and then implement each quarter into my daily agenda. I review the progress at each quarter's end and see what I need to continue forward with, what has been achieved and what needs to be dropped. The last part is key; something need to be dropped. I'll look at my targets and add Steve's wisdom to the ones that I have trouble reaching, sort of seeing it in a new light.

How about you, are you excited for the New Year or is everyday just another day on the calendar? It just may be and if that day is lived 100%, then that's a fabulously satisfying goal to have reached.

I think we're going to have a good year in Single Family Residential properties and multifamily sales here in Edmonton. Supply is tight for well priced, quality multifamily. SFR and suited houses will be good buys this year. Provided the purchase price supports rent when stress tested (rents fall/rates increase).

I think town houses and condos will remain flat making it a good time to buy and a competitive time to sell. If selling, you need to have your property stand out in the crowd by being well renovated as well as well priced. Take advantage of the lower mortgage rates and strategically build your portfolio with the intention to have it weather both the good times and the bad.

North East Edmonton: 4-Unit Cashflow Property in Belvedere

Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal-4plex is located in the mature and transitional area of Belvedere. Partially upgraded in 2000, this 1969 built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry. There are 3 X 2 BD and 1 X 1BD. Suites are in fair condition, but will require modernizing by our reno team.

This property has been rented to longterm, senior citizen tenants. Rear parking pad for 6 cars. Spacious upper units have newer carpet, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Good access to Belvedere LRT, Fort Road and downtown. Fast access to bus routes and Saskatchewan Drive. (This is part of a 4X 4-Plex property package located in transitional areas of Belvedere and Baldwin )

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. Baldwin is a mature/transitional area. Highly rentable; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $625K
Total Investment: $146K.
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $82K.
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% or 11% per year

These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

Edmonton economy coming up in roses 2014 - expert

By Editor, The St. Albert Leader, January 2nd, 2014

Everything is coming up roses in Edmonton, says the city’s chief economist.

In a year-end interview last week, John Rose said the city had another stellar year on the job front. Employment growth should come in the three per cent range for this past year, significantly higher than the national average, he said.

Over the past year, one of every 10 jobs created in Canada has been created in the metro Edmonton region. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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How Alberta's supercharged economy defies the laws of price inflation

By Todd Hirsch, The Globe and Mail, January 3rd, 2014

Most of us were taught that price inflation is driven by a fundamental imbalance: too much money chasing too few goods.
In Canada, the data seem to support this theory. Real economic growth wallowed below 2 per cent for most of last year, and average weekly earnings rose a paltry 1.4 per cent in the year to October, 2013. Not surprisingly, consumer price inflation in Canada is benign. Over the past twelve months, the annual inflation rate has averaged a mere 1.3 per cent.
READ MORE HERE

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Lamphier: Arena project good for Edmonton - but better for Katz

By Gary Laphier, Edmonton Journal, January 9th, 2014

EDMONTON - It’s no secret: I’ve never been a big fan of the deal the city cut with Daryl Katz to build a new downtown arena.
In my view, the pact gives the Oilers’ billionaire owner virtually all of the financial upside from the project, in return for shouldering only a fraction of the costs.

My views haven’t changed. If anything, the deal looks even more lopsided with each passing month.

Under terms of Rogers Communications’ blockbuster 12-year, $5.2-billion deal to secure exclusive Canadian TV rights to the National Hockey League announced last month, the Oilers will receive $8.9 million a year, starting with the 2014-2015 season. 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.

"Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day of the year." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

Sadly it's about taxes but, whatever, it's interactive and that puts a new spin on almost anything.

This map shows the 2014 increases in tax assessments coming for all housing excluding single family homes. Green seems to be the norm with an increase between 1% - 4% with 5 purple areas looking at a 7% plus increase.

I like everything that taxes pay for....if you'd like to know what these things are download this pdf.

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 14th., 2013
Volume 15, Issue 9

Dear Friends and Partners,

It's been an eventful few weeks. We've watched the world pay tribute to Nelson Mandela passing, have taken part in some amazing charity drives, heard about energy expansions, new projects going up and of course have shoveled, shoveled and shoveled the snow... In less than an hour I will wade out to look at an unlisted 4-Plex and write an offer on another one in the Westside of Edmonton.

Once again, Edmonton and the province of Alberta seem to be revving the engines for a hot new year. If you follow the real estate cycles, you'll see that 2015 should lead into a time of increasing values provided the economy holds steady. With rates very low and an influx of workers, the stars are once again lining up for property investors...

Do what I do at year end: make a killer plan of what you're going to achieve. Write out your financial, health, travel, family and business goals plus a quarterly plan of how you're going to implement them. Review your biggest hits, and your stumbles of this past year and make changes where needed.

And, most importantly, before you do all that, take the time to thank those in your life that you are grateful for. Take a break over the holidays and CONNECT with someone you care about.

I'd like to thank you for reading, supporting and taking the time to work and play with us this year. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a tremendous 2014.
Todd and Danielle -

= Happy Holidays! We will be closed between December 20th and January 6th. Your newsletter will resume from January 15th 2014. Have a blessed season and gracious New Year. =

North East Edmonton: 4-Unit Cashflow Property in Baldwin

Turbo charge your portfolio. This legal-4plex is located in the mature and transitional area of Baldwin. Upgraded in 2000 this 1973built property has a common front entrances for all suites as well as common back entrance to suites and coin-laundry.

There are 3 X 3 BD and 1 X 2BD. Newer boiler. Suites are in good condition, but will require modernizing by our reno team. This property has been rented to long-term, senior citizen tenants.

You'll find a double detached garage, adding extra income. Spacious upper units have original hardwood, some upgraded fixtures and paint. Good access to Belvedere LRT, Fort Road and downtown. Fast access to bus routes and Saskatchewan Drive.

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. Baldwin is a mature/transitional area. Highly rent-able; solid value and increasing rents. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $640K
Total Investment: $148,418K
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit: $82,026.58K
Your pre-tax Total ROI: 55% or 11% per year

These 4 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants. Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

Lamphier: Edmonton is job central in Canada

By Gary Lamphier, The Edmonton Journal, December 6th, 2013
EDMONTON - Just how hot is the Edmonton region’s jobs juggernaut?

Well, consider this: “Over the past year, fully one of every 10 new jobs created in Canada has been created in the metro Edmonton region,” says John Rose, the City’s chief economist. “That’s truly remarkable.”

With a population of 1.2 million people, this region accounts for just 3.4 per cent of Canada’s 35 million residents. Yet it generated new jobs at a pace on par with a region of 3.5 million people, roughly the size of greater Montreal. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

Alberta Economy Fastest Growing in Canada

Forecast 3.4% Annual Growth in 2014

By Mario Toneguzzi, The Calgary Herald, December 9th, 2013

CALGARY - Alberta has been the largest contributor to economic growth in the country for three consecutive years, outpacing the much larger economies of Central Canada, says a new report released Monday by the Conference Board of Canada.
And the board’s Provincial Outlook: Autumn 2013 report said Alberta will have the fastest growing provincial economy in 2014 with 3.4 per cent year-over-year growth.

Alberta will have the fastest growing provincial economy in 2014.

“Alberta’s outlook is so exceedingly bright right now in the context of all the risks that we’re seeing going on in the world. We’re seeing Alberta coming off two years of exceedingly strong growth,” said Todd Crawford, senior economist with the board. “And 2013, 2014, we’re going to see GDP growth of 3.2 per cent, 3.4 per cent over the next two years. GRAB THIS STORY

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

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25054229

Booming Canada Recruits British and Irish Workers

By Ayesha Bhatty Clough, BBC News, December 4th, 2013

Visit any construction site in Calgary and you're likely to find some British and Irish workers, says Adrian Bourne, the boss of a company that supplies electricians in the Canadian city.
Out of the 200 people that Mr Bourne has on his books, 70 are from the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Mr Bourne, who is originally from Manchester, England, says he could do with dozens more from across the Atlantic.

"If we put an ad in a [local Canadian] paper, we may get one response," says the president of Unitech Electrical Contracting.

"[As a result], instead of bidding on three projects, we bid on one," says Mr Bourne, whose men are all busy working on the Calgary airport expansion, new office towers, schools, hospitals and retirement homes. "The number one question we get when closing a tender is, 'Have you got enough labour?'" he adds. READ MORE HERE

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

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.
Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

P.S. Stay ahead by checking out Danielle's blog at Edmonton Real Estate Investor for all your cutting edge market news and information.

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

How do you know your rents are in line? Padmapper will help you.

There is a magic number you need to get to make your property cash flow. With Padmapper you can see what the competition is in your rental area. Links to the original ad comparative stats and pics it's super useful for tenants and landlords.

Played around with it today and found my rents are just right!