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

June 30th., 2015
Volume 19, Issue 1

Dear Friends and Partners,

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

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

The cost of dinner - The Globe and Mail Tim Cestnick

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

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

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

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

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

The moral

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

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

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

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

North Central Edmonton: Westwood 4-Unit Cashflow

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

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Westwood is a mature neighbourhood that is desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAIT. HUGE upside potential due to the great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $585,000
Total Investment: $139,040
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $80,817
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 58% or 11.6% per year

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

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Hicks on Biz: Edmonton’s economy not too hot, not too cool

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

This is extraordinary.

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

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

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Canadian crude in high demand amid shortages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

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

P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit our website and take advantage of the Resource Tools and product section including REIN's #1 real estate books and Quick Start homestudy sets at a discount. Get your copy of the Canadian Success Stories book and the 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hopefully this means less defaults on rentals.

Where did Chinese investment go? Read more

Is Capital Expenditure leaving Alberta? Jump

I love Jean Haner's work:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 15th., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 10

Dear Friends and Partners,

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

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

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

South Central Edmonton: Strathcona 3-Unit Cashflow

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

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

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

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

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

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Strathcona is a trendy, sought after neighbourhood that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending UOA. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-4 zoning of the building, great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $485,000
Total Investment: $111,755
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,849
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year

These 3 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants.

Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

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

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

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

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

For oil types, such talk is like seeing the smoking gun that proves an NDP government simply doesn't understand how the industry works. READ MORE HERE
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Free pizza for life helps close real estate deal in Portland

By Shelby Sebens, Reuters, June 4th, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

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

P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit our website and take advantage of the Resource Tools and product section including REIN's #1 real estate books and Quick Start homestudy sets at a discount. Get your copy of the Canadian Success Stories book and the 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

Peter Kinch - Debt, The Fed and Your Mortgage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 2nd., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 9

Dear Friends and Partners,

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

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

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

South Central Edmonton: Strathcona 3-Unit Cashflow

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

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

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

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

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

Comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Strathcona is a trendy, sought after neighbourhood that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending UOA. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-4 zoning of the building, great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $485,000
Total Investment: $111,755
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,849
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 55% or 11% per year

These 3 suites rent for top dollar and have everything arranged, including financing structure and incredible tenants.

Your investment includes: impeccable tenant selection, financial analysis, professional inspection, insurance, financing set-up, legal fees, basic accounting, reserve fund, CMA, bi-annual statements, strategic market planning to ensure successful entry and exit, plus much more!

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

Alberta’s uncertain economy and stalling housing market seen boosting demand for rentals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.

Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

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

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the full Edmonton vs Paris breakdown Here

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

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

May 17th., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 8

Dear Friends and Partners,

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

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

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

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

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

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

This property comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Jasper Place is a mature area that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAITS west-side campus. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-7 zoning of the building, great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $449,000
Total Investment: $108,500
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,697
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% or 11% per year

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

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Albertan’s wanted a broom, not a hammer and sickle

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

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

FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ MORE HERE

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

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

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

GRAB THIS STORY

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

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

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

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

P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit our website and take advantage of the Resource Tools and product section including REIN's #1 real estate books and Quick Start home study sets at a discount. Get your copy of the Canadian Success Stories book and the 2011 Top Ten Investment Towns of Alberta and Ontario.

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 14th., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 7

Dear Friends and Partners,

From time to time I post a thought from Steve Chandler’s Wealth Warrior group that I belong to.

Here is another about collaboration with your partners and yourself;

"If you're doing business with partners, you'll want to meet often on the central issue of wealth creation. Most people never meet on that subject. They meet about problems. Soon they become a group of problem-analyzers, instead of a group of wealth-creators.

Have this be the subject of a meeting:

How does this adventure of ours expand, succeed, and get more creative?

And if you are in business alone, as so many people are today, don't forget your meetings! Meet with yourself for the very same objectives that a team would meet for. Let your conscious mind and your subconscious mind get to know each other. Let the left side of the brain shake hands with the right. Harmonious convergence leads to wealth." Sign up for his newsletter here

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

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

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

This property comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Jasper Place is a mature area that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAITS west-side campus. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-7 zoning of the building, great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $449,000
Total Investment: $108,500
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,697
Your pre-tax Total ROI is 56% or 11% per year

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

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

There might be light at the bottom of the barrel

By Myke Thomas, Calgary Sun, April 4th, 2015

Here’s what you do know: The low price of oil has taken Alberta’s roller-coaster economy on a downward spiral.
What you may not know is how did we get here and what happens going forward.

For some answers, here’s Todd Hirsch, chief economist at ATB Financial.

“The story of how we got here has been told repeatedly,” says Hirsch.

“The problem in 2014 and 2015 has been far too much global supply. OPEC has just finally said, ‘We’re not going to be the guardians of high prices anymore, we are no longer going to curtail our production in an attempt to keep oil prices high. We’re just going to turn on the spigots and produce as much as we can,’ and that of course has resulted in a global glut of oil accompanied with some weak demand globally.” FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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The biggest threat to our economy is fear

By Myke Thomas, The Calgary Sun, March 28th, 2015

Do not feed the fears — that was the bottom line message on Alberta’s economy, delivered by ATB economist Todd Hirsch to a gathering of residential construction executives last week.
“I think that when we’re dealing with an economy that’s moving into a rough patch, sometimes we are in danger of falling into this ‘already-living-in-a-recession mentality’ when a recession isn’t even a foregone conclusion,” said Hirsch.

“Some of us are already living in the worst of times, the worst-case scenarios that can possibly happen and very quickly that builds into our mentality and does nothing positive in terms of moving the economy forward.” READ MORE HERE

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Westjet Airlines says passenger demeaned growing despite Alberta’s sluggish economy

By Ross Marowits, Financial Post, April 6th, 2015

WestJet Airlines said Monday passenger demand keeps growing even as concerns mount about the impact on the Calgary-based carrier due to a sluggish Alberta economy following the recent collapse in oil prices.
The airline said passenger traffic increased 1.5% in March from a year ago, as a record 1.7 million people flew on the Calgary-based airline and its regional subsidiary WestJet Encore.

However, WestJet’s capacity grew 4.8%, causing its load factor — or the amount of seats that are used — to fall by 2.7 points to 81.3%, from 84% in March 2014. READ MORE HERE

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I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you with your next step towards building real wealth.

Your success continues EVERYDAY, let me help you build for tomorrow.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

Here is an interactive map of the price of housing across Canada. You can click on the cities and see how much the average house is and what you would need to earn to purchase it.

Highest West Van - $1.7 million purchase price and $320,000 income
Lowest Trois Rivieres - $160, 064 and $39,379 income

With a spread like this you can see why it's hard to generalize about the "Canadian Housing Market".

Take a look HERE

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

April 1st., 2015
Volume 18, Issue 6

Dear Friends and Partners,

I always find spring inspirational. Yeah, sure, maybe it is the seeds sprouting, warmer weather or the determined bits of green fighting through the slush. Whatever it is, it prompts me to redefine, renew and improve. I like to go through my systems and protocols to see what is working, what’s not and what can be improved upon. Constant learning is essential as is setting ‘fresh eyes’ upon your daily actions.

Whether you like Louis C.K.’s brand of humour or not, you can hear is honesty and frustration coming through in the jokes. But, forget him as a comedian for a second and read this article about what he did and the uncomfortable choices he made without certainty - that got him where he is today; that is a great story. It’s a spring story too.

"Louis CK turned down $500,000 a year from Conan in the early 90s so he could go broke instead. Conan wanted to hire him as head writer of his show. Every step of the way in the 20 years since he put a challenge in front of himself that seemed impossible and it was until he passed it. Now he’s the best comedian ever. One can argue with that but one can argue about anything. He was offered the job of head writer at one of the hottest comedy shows in the world. He would’ve grown from that and be set for life." Read more here

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

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

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

This property comes complete with great tenants making this a totally turn-key property for you. Jasper Place is a mature area that is a desirable for tenants working in the city or attending NAITS west-side campus. HUGE upside potential due to the RA-7 zoning of the building, great purchase price, strong economic fundamentals and the proximity of this property in relation to Edmonton's desirable growing core.

Purchase price: $449K
Total Investment: $108,500K
Your Estimated 5 Year Profit $60,697K.
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!

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

What to do when Alberta’s housing boom turns to bust

By Gary Marr, Financial Post, March 23rd, 2015

The economic downturn in Alberta is nothing new to Ryan Griffiths. The technician who works for the Ford Motor Co. in Airdrie, just north of Calgary, gets paid piecemeal based on every job he does. When the economy started to slow in 2008, he had to figure out how to make ends meet. “That’s the running joke around here: How did you get through it last time?” said Mr. Griffiths, 45.
The simple answer is: save enough money so you have a cushion when times are bad. Most planners suggest savings should cover your living costs for three to six months. The worst answer is: to do what some people appear to be considering right now, panicking. FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE

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Under clouds of economic gloom, Alberta entrepreneurs defend turf

By Anwar Ali, The Globe and Mail, March 19th, 2015

In the face of negativity swirling around the economy, Albertan entrepreneurs are steadfastly defending their turf, albeit with a little dose of reality.
Economic predictions are getting worse as GDP growth steadily declines. The provincial government’s current 2015 growth forecast, 0.6 per cent, is well below the previous estimate. The Conference Board of Canada has even warned that Alberta may stagger into a recession this year, its ability to recover contingent on the oil industry. READ MORE HERE

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Nearly half of Alberta consumers say economy remains strong

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, March 6th, 2015

The latest ATB Consumer Economic Pulse survey found that 47 per cent of Albertans in late February saw the province’s economy as strong despite the uncertain climate with lower oil prices.
That’s up by two percentage points from the previous survey in early February.

But their thoughts about the future economic outlook are not as positive. READ MORE HERE

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

“Positive thinking will let you use the ability which you have, and that is awesome." - Zig Ziglar

Warm Regards,

Todd and Danielle Millar

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

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

"If most people keep their jobs, they’ll be able to pay their mortgages. If you have a job and you want to sell, you’ll likely still choose to not sell over accepting an offer that represents a big hit to your equity.
If that happens, we’ll find a lot of listings remaining unsold, with corresponding big drops in sales stats, but relatively stable prices."

I think prices are going to go down for the next 18 months -24 months. We may enter a down turn of 2 years, then up again in 2017 or 2018.

If you step back, it just seems to be that 5 to 7 year cycle. We may enter a down turn of 2 years, then up again in 2017 or 2018.

If you have a lot of equity and don't mind getting out then do so. I see a lot of listings where prices are strong. Of course asking price and selling price can be two totally different things.

Read the entire excellent level headed article here