This Canadian specific program took us from 2 rental properties to almost 50 doors in 6 years. I fully stand by the information provided, the people you meet and the inspiration you get. Take the first steps to your financial freedom! “Interest Rates About To Jump... 
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Well 2010 started out soft, it definitely didn't start with a bang.  The sales were just above last years' numbers.  The major points are here: 1) JANUARY sales were low (884).  We did exceed the 730 sold in January 2009. 2) The listing Inventory level is much lower than last year.  Our current inventory is 4864 properties, in Jan 2009 the level was 6573. 3) Months of inventory has moved up to 5.5 (still a sellers market, as it is under 6) 4) SFD Prices Flat, CONDOS prices are falling 5) Days on market average was 57,  up from 50 in December 2009. But, much better than Jan 2009 (68 days on market). I've attached a graph showing the price of a single family dwelling in the metro Edmonton area over the last 2 years.  As you can see, we bounced up from the bottom in Feb 2009, and have basi... 02/09/2010

Another draw to the city. Check this building out! I think it is classy and if it draws the estimated $2.2M in revenue that would be nice. The gallery has already sold 2000 memberships before it opened and is aiming for 200,000 visitors in the first year.Tourism is another tier in the diversification table and a welcome stream of income. Plus, it'll be fun to visit even if you're not that keen on the arts. Here is the map to get there and check out the Art Gallery of Alberta site. 02/03/2010

What a decade. It started with Y2K and ended with a global recession. It seems 2010 is bringing new optimism in it's wake and the news is reflecting that. Alberta poised to lead in growth - "Following a sharp economic contraction this year, Alberta's economy is forecast to be one of Canada's fastest growing provinces in 2010. Scotiabank economist Alex Koustas predicts that in 2010, the energy province's GDP will grow by 2.9% after shrinking 2.6% this year. Only B.C., at 3%, is forecast to grow at a faster rate. Come 2011, Alberta will be firmly planted ahead of other provinces, thanks to a growth rate of 3.5%, Koustas said." Housing market rebounds - "It turns out, the Realtors Association of Edmonton president wasn't optimistic enough. "We predicted residential sales of 15,550 this yea... 01/07/2010

After a recent conversation with a potential client, I thought this topic was good to post here. He mentioned that his mentor told him to only buy 3-D (death, divorce, debt) motivated properties.Many of the properties we buy are undervalue and most of the reasons fall under the 3-Ds as it is a broad blanket. In real estate you call it the 'grave dancers' people who only target sellers in hardship. I'm not a grave dancer but I do look to help sellers in hard times out of their situation with dignity and yes, that sometimes means that properties are purchased under value. Not all seller's initially jump out and say 'Hey, I'm getting a divorce and I'm totally broke- take this property now!' Some Realtors may put that spin on things, but it is not always the case.When you train your team t... 01/06/2010

If you were holding rental property in Edmonton 2009 is not a year you will forget for a while. It's nothing new though just another trough in a city where up and down cycles come regularly like trains.As prices on properties dropped more and more rental properties came on the market. Many investors were left holding properties that weren't selling at the price they hoped for. They had wanted to flip but market forces changed. Some of these impromptu landlords just wanted to get the money sucking property rented.What do you do when the market is flooded with properties that don't sell? You rent for cheap! You offer stuff! You beg you plead and you cajole renters to get into your suite. The mortgage has to be paid right? I used every technique I knew to get rented and then some new ones... 01/04/2010

Battle for the oilsands - "Across Alberta, companies have spent years developing new technologies that promise cheaper, greener production. In the next few months, some will move from the lab to the field in critical tests that could radically reshape the industry."Hamilton: Alberta has wind at its back - "Alberta could even launch its own feed-in tariff program and unleash the innovation that has been demonstrated in the oil patch, and it could use slightly increased royalties from the patch to fund the program. The Stelmach government keeps talking about jobs and the need to preserve economic growth, but clearly there are just as many – probably a lot more – jobs to be created by fanning the flames of a green-energy movement than in keeping a handful of dirty coal plants open. Alberta... 12/21/2009

Alberta Puts Billions Into The Coffers Of Canada's Oilsands Bashers - Follow the money. It's the oldest rule in journalism.It usually explains the virtuous rhetoric that sometimes emanates from the mouths of politicians and lobbyists. You dress up crass self-interest in the garb of some lofty cause, and bingo! You've got a nice shiny message to sell. READ MORE HERE. It's Simple Economies: Alberta Finance Minister Iris Evans - The province spent more than it made. That was the simple message delivered by Alberta Finance and Enterprise Minister Iris Evans during the Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce's Nov. 30 luncheon. She pointed out that Alberta is not in as bad of shape compared to other provinces. "They have to borrow money to keep Ontario afloat. One hundred and eighty-four m... 12/15/2009

“Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth.” -Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)   How can you grow your money in real estate? Owning a quality property in a stable market with strong economic fundamentals is like having your own perpetual money machine. Take this property for example: Case Study 1 - Cumberland Purchased 2005 Attractive home near developing portion of the Anthony Henday ring road. When ring road is finished, accessibility to city center and oil refineries will be greatly increased, furthering profits. Well situated near schools, city transit and bike paths. Purchased Price: $160,000 Current Value: $360,000 Total Inves... 12/02/2009

Embrace the winter.I don't know if I can to be honest!I'm a tried and true winter-phobe. To the point that the crunch of walking on snow gives me the willies; much to my husband's dismay I drag my feet around like a cross-country skier.So even for me, a staunch Edmonton promoter, it's hard to embrace the winter. Whenever I hear "but it's so cold" I agree silently, however, I know money doesn't care where it's being made.I read this article and have to agree Edmonton should (insert I) embrace it's long, glorious, fantastic and long long winters. Last year the tourism board announced a great line-up for the winter: "Winter Light’s mission includes promotion and collaboration with Edmonton’s existing winter festivals, Deep Freeze; Ice on Whyte and Silver Skate Festival as well as new prog... 12/01/2009

Some things you probably never knew about Edmonton, Alberta: The name "Edmonton" is a Latinized version of a Saxon word meaning "Happy Hamlet,” and was used to honour the home of HBC governor James Winter Lake who was from Edmonton, England. The city's population stands at 782,439 people as of April 2009; while Edmonton’s metropolitan population is more than a million people. Edmonton is the gateway to a land of majestic mountains, pristine lakes, historic rivers and northern adventures and northern industries of oil, gas, lumber and mining. Edmonton is located on the TransCanada Yellowhead Highway, a route that offers the easiest and most scenic drive across western Canada. The city of Edmonton began as a North West Company fur trading post in 1795. During the Klondike Gold Rush of 189... 11/20/2009

I went to the EEDC website to get updated on statistics and the city's economic outlook (sadly not updated since May) but ended up getting sidetracked by events.There is seriously a lot going on in Edmonton. Festivals, groups, fashion shows, city wide events there really is no need to stay at home being bored.This month there are dozens of events happening this month lots are kid friendly and all look like a lot of fun. Enjoy! 10/18/2009

I went to my local book exchange library today. After living in Japan for 10 years I've pretty much read all the English books at all three of my city's libraries.The book exchange often has some reading gold that you can borrow and keep for free. I've gotten tons of business books, travel books, biographies and novels there.Today I was pleased to find The Frugal Gourmet cook book. When I was a kid I remember watching the show and him always taking a sip of wine and well that's about all I remember. I guess it didn't make THAT much of an impression on me but I thought the book might help me overcome my sometimes unambitious cooking.Then I got to thinking about land-lording and how you could use the Frugal Gourmet premise when finding tenants. So here it is 3 ways to get champagne tenant... 10/05/2009

Is not what people are going to be saying when they go by our property that just had sod laid. A local Edmonton landscaping company came laid some dead sod, left sod pallets blocking the access to the garage and a pile of junk on the property.Yes, we paid them for this.In advance.And that was our mistake.How do YOU avoid this mistake?1. Don't pay any company the full amount until a satisfactory job has been done - give them half or even a partial payment. If they insist on getting paid upfront you should start to wonder about your recourse if things don't end up as planned.2. Get a reference list of clients and call a couple- Why not. It may take about 1 hour of your time and even if they all give raving reviews people will always tell you their opinion. If a company is reluctant to giv... 10/02/2009

I own several properties and currently provide some affordable housing. I'd like the opportunity to provide more affordable housing by suiting some of my properties.I tried to apply for a grant to put a suite into a property of mine but was summarily rejected because I am not an owner-occupant.Why? Why? Why?Our friend Tim summed it up nicely. People don't want their neighborhoods getting messed up with a bunch of rental properties with suites. Really who can more effectively manage suites a landlord with experience or a home-owner who will give it a shot and then learn the hard way about tenant issues?Chances are the investor/landlord with 10-20-30-40 homes has more skill in operating a rental that an owner-occupier. This also paves the way for better communication and less disputes bet... 10/01/2009

Every field has it's star professionals, those who play in the top 1 or 2% and really make the money.Panhandling apparently is no exception. Edmonton police claim that some panhandlers make up to $400 a day and that one even lives in a high-rise condo in the downtown area.At first I felt slightly disgusted by this. Why should this person beg other people for money and live better than some of them who generously give to him?Then I realized people make money all kinds of ways and if his talent is begging....... It's not so uncommon apparently as a quick Google search yielded up "panhandling tips"I personally wouldn't make my money leeching off of others. It's better to provide a service than demand money.My biggest concern is the true poor and needy that aren't getting what they need bec... 09/22/2009

There has been a lot of money changing hands this month in Edmonton. It is all good stuff too, which you can read about in the links below. A new conference and exposition center, community health facility (a really BIG one) and a ramp up in infrastructure to name a few. All of that creates strong short and long term jobs, which are great for kick-starting the economy. The oilsands deal with China is pretty impressive to boot. I wouldn't say it pulls us out of a recession yet, but you can read the articles  and decide for yourself. Recession is over, says economist By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, September 12, 2009 Rising commodity prices will fuel modest economic growth in Alberta in the next two years as demand for energy grows in the world's emerging markets, says a national econ... 09/16/2009

Here are those charts.  As you can see the price ranges that are expanding are under $300,000 and over $400,000.  I would attribute this expansion under $300,000 to the continued influx of first time buyers into the market. The over $400,000 range is probably attributed to better feelings about the economy and more move up buyers. 09/02/2009

Well it looks like we are back to a balanced market.  No record breaking sales this month.  The number of sales for August are back to a more normal range (1673). Prices actually have flattened and dipped a little.  The inventory is continuing to fall which is good news.  We are now at 6445 homes for sale (down from 6592 in July).  One thing that is interesting is the over $400,000 price segment has went up in the last month (from 19% to 22%) but the under $300,00 is also increasing (up from 47% to 48%).  So, therefore the middle $300,000-$400,000 range is actually shrinking a bit.   I will post these charts in the next post. What this all means (in my opinion) is that the market is balancing out.  The predictions that we were going to shoot through the roof with prices earlier in the y... 09/02/2009

Over my summer holiday I once again came to the realization that constant management, improvement and measurement are critical to ongoing success. Even when we reach a point in our lives and businesses that allows us to delegate certain jobs we must continue to look for ways to improve upon them.  It may sound counter-intuitive to delegate a job and then invest time in managing it, but it's not and here's why. When we have delegated our jobs it gives us a chance to step back from them and see how the system, person and team perform without you in the active (say physical) role of doing it. You can test this by measuring their performance against your earlier benchmark.  You'll be listening for their input on how to do the job better, faster and of a higher quality as well as looking at ... 08/31/2009