Invest In Edmonton Real Estate Blog

Radiofor the soul

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:21:12 -0600

I was reading Dr. Demartini's Count Your Blessings. It's a really good self-help book for being appreciative of what you have even the bad things.

Once you can do this you'll notice your health getting better. For example the man with crippling arthritis never being willing to "stand" or "bend" to his employer's will. Does mental health affect physical health? You bet.

Anyway I'm getting off-track. I wanted to share the free digital radio station listed on the back of the book. HayHouseRadio.com is free for anyone. It's inspirational talk radio featuring top Hay House authors (like Dr. Demartini).

Some programs where a little much for me - I still don't believe in crystals but I found other programs very uplifting.

So give it a try!

How to keep investment real estate profitable in any economy.

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:15:38 -0600

Wherever your real estate investment is located—provided you bought it at the right price and terms—there are many ways to keep your property profitable. If you analyze your real estate, update and improve your investment team, review your long- and short-term investment plans and stay focused on the end result; your real estate portfolio will be a rock solid fortress that can weather any storm.

Analyze

The first and most important thing is to carefully analyze your portfolio.

What properties are doing well?
Are there properties that are slowly leaking dollars like a dripping tap?
If so how can you fix them?

If you don’t know the hard numbers on your properties, then you are risking everything that you have worked for. Keep your budgets in line and carefully evaluate every purchase and renovation. Once you have a better idea of where you stand, you can start to recession-proof your properties. First, your customers are your tenants, so learn how to keep them happy and decrease vacancies. For example:

Provide Internet or free cable
Give lease incentives or rewards for rents paid on time, or even the best garden.

Increase your revenue by adding rental units to your properties or other moneymaking add-ons like renting garages separately, extra parking spaces or coin-op laundry facilities. You can also refinance your mortgages with longer amortizations, increase rents where reasonable or rent your properties furnished.

Evolve and involve your team

Is your property management up to par?
Are you getting discount rates for a big portfolio?
If you have few properties are they being managed in a way that will help you grow your portfolio?
Are their rates competitive and are they keeping your property in excellent resale condition?

Streamline your team. I don’t mean fire everybody and do it all yourself, but rather make your team out of the best players available in your area. Once you have the all-star team, get their input and advice, use their knowledge and experience to protect and improve your assets and your position in the market. Accountants can help you lower your taxes, lawyers can protect your assets, bookkeepers keep you aware of money liquidity and property management can up the cash output of your investment property.

Be aware

Be aware of longer-term trends and statistics. Don’t get caught up in the moment—especially when making decisions. There are both positive and the negative things that are happening in headlines. Take both sides into account and be realistic as you evaluate what’s really going on. Review your business plan both short-term and the long-term and adjust it as necessary. Don’t knee-jerk react, but also don’t drift back and forth without any solid goal in site. Have multiple investment strategies all with a clear exit in place.

This is not the first economic downturn the world has seen nor will it be the last. What is important is to mind your business and your properties to make them profitable no matter what comes your way.

Predicting Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates -Garth Chapman

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:53:25 -0600

After scanning over my blog I realize we are on a lot of great mailing lists. Getting news from industry leaders is crucial to staying on top in any business. It's what separates savvy investors from "flying by the seat of my pants" investors.

One mailing list we are so grateful to be on is Garth Chapman's of Jencor Mortgages and Remasoft. Garth is a wonderful mentor to us and has helped us streamline our investments to both our and our joint venture partner's benefits. He knows real estate investing from all angles, as a successful investor, from developing a software system specifically for investors and as a mortgage broker.

An excerpt from his last mail-out:

"Here is a nice simple explanation of how fixed mortgage rates are tied to bond rates – and how to predict when they might be headed up or down.

Canadian 5 yr bond yields -.03bps to 2.73. The spread, based on the MERIX 5 yr rate published of 4.34% is 1.61. Just as a reminder, the floor and ceiling rates suggest the “comfort zone” (currently between 1.35% and 1.55%) where lenders want the spread to be.

If the “Rate Barometer” (which is the spread between the fixed 5 year rate and the 5 year bond yield) stays within the floor and ceiling range, then you likely won’t see a rate change. If the spread, dips below the floor for extended periods (over a week), then expect a rate hike.

And likewise, if the spread remains above the ceiling rate, expect a rate drop in the near future.

The yield, rate of return on your bond, can be read through a yield curve, which is the pattern of yields on bonds. This increase in bond yield is something to watch.

If the bond yield continues to go up, the spread will continue to shrink and this could be a trigger for interest rates to rise. Ideally lenders are looking for a spread between 1.35 and 1.55."

Time Management Ninja Mom

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:11:49 -0600

My son is getting bigger everyday. He's sprouted two teeth and loves to crawl all over the furniture. My worries have gone from, "Why is he crying all the time?" to "Why is he so quiet... What's he up to?"

As babies become toddlers they stop sleeping so much - 16 hours a day becomes 10 or less. What does that mean for a work at home mom? I've got to become a time management ninja. I'm not there yet. I can still be distracted by MSN.com when I should be doing the books or I'll get stuck in the internet pit of time wasting when I should be doing paperwork.

How do successful business moms do it? How do you teach your child everything he needs to know before kindergarten and still put in the 9,10,11, 15 hours days that the home office requires? Luckily my husband is a fantastic cook so he covers the kitchen.

I found one great blog, I'm sure there are hundreds but I really like the ideas in this one.

For example:

2. There’s a sewing book that is titled “Five, Ten, Fifteen Minutes to Sew” and the premise is that you divide your sewing into tasks that will take that long to do. When you have five minutes, grab something from the five minute list and so on. This technique is brilliant for work at home mums. For those moments when you don’t have enough time to work on your high priority tasks, know what you need to do that will take only a few minutes. Or can be picked up for a few minutes and then put back down. Filing, writing lists, planning posts, can all be done in short spurts of time.

It's pure genius! I've already started to do this and my twitching eye has calmed down considerably.

Check out more of this award winning Australian Blog

Will a Rising Canadian Dollar Help Homeowners?

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:12:07 -0600

I'm on Peter Kinch's mailing list because you never know when you'll need a top quality mortgage broker and you can never get enough insight into mortgage interest rates.

Here is a recent mailout:

In case you missed it the following is a copy of the interview between Peter Kinch and Russell Byth that aired Sunday, November 1st on News 1130

Russ:

There's been a lot of talk recently about Canada's economic recovery and a key component of that recovery has been record low interest rates. So, does an economic recovery spell the end of low rates for homeowners?

On the line with me is best selling author, Peter Kinch with Dominion Lending Centres. Pete, what are your thoughts?

Peter:

Well Russ, there's no question that the Bank of Canada used 'Emergency Rates' to kick start the economy and once again we've seen that the housing market was at the heart of that recovery.

Russ:

So once the Central Bank feels the recovery is in full swing, will they start to raise rates?

Peter:

Technically yes - in fact, the Central Bank's main mandate is to keep inflation at about the 2% level. If inflation is below 2% they keep rates low to stimulate the economy and if it's above 2% they raise rates to cool it off.

Russ:

But in spite of signs that we are in a full recovery, inflation is still below 2%.

Peter:

That's right and mainly thanks to the strength of the Canadian dollar. In fact, the Bank of Canada is quite concerned that if the Loonie continues to gain on the US Greenback it could dampen Canada's recovery, which will serve to keep inflation below the 2% mark, thus resulting in the Central Bank continuing to keep the Prime rate low for now.

But in the meantime Russ, remember that the long term rates are governed by the bond markets and they are starting to factor in a recovery - so we will likely see a slight rise in the long term rates over that same period.

Russ:

Thanks Pete, something to keep an eye on. In the business centre, I'm Russell Byth.

Easter in December

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:50:15 -0600

Last week, actually about 10 days ago I went shopping. I was looking for a gift for my friend's daughter's birthday. I walked into this very stylish downtown mall and was greeted by... Christmas music!

Throughout the shops you could hear the jing-jing-jingling of the coming festive season. For a second, I was lost in thought thinking"Wow where did November go?" only to be brought back to reality when I spotted all the Halloween decorations.

That's right, Xmas music - Halloween decorations.

It pays to be prepared. I read an article today about the increasing rate of business bankruptcies in the USA. Many commercial leases were being broken as the companies went under and were unable to fulfill their contracts. But at the same time there are temporary businesses looking for quick profits during the holiday booms. One such costume rental company in Edmonton is open for 2 weeks before Halloween and for a few days after.

Savvy commercial landlords offered short term leases to opportunistic business folk who only intend on riding the seasonal wave. What a sweet marriage for the two businesses. Many seasonal companies have trouble finding space to lease for the short term and these landlords were able to solve their problems and at the same time recoup some loses.

Here are the two lessons that I gleaned from my trip to the mall.

#1 It pays to prepare. Work your plan solidly. If that means buying an investment property, get out there and start your research now. The added knowledge will give you power when you are ready to buy.

#2 Look for solutions in would-be problems. The commercial property owners weren't happy about losing leases to bankrupt clients - but they looked at the challenge and rose to the occasion by meeting new client's needs.

In a world that is always two holidays ahead, make sure your business solutions aren't Easter in December.

"Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in." Napoleon Bonaparte I appreciate all your calls and emails. I'm looking forward to helping you put together your next deal.

Thank You,
Todd and Danielle Millar

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Steffany Hanley - Dare To Be A Champion

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:45:13 -0500

Steffany Hanley, an incredible personal and performance coach, will be holding a Champions Seminar in Vancouver November 14th and 15th.

We've heard her speak before from REIN and been so impressed to the clarity she brings to reaching goals. She has some amazing success stories that will seriously give you goose bumps.

From her site :
"Ready to overcome obstacles, surge past plateaus and achieve new levels of success? Steffany Hanlen is a performance coach with incredibly special and unique knowledge and understanding of the “winning strategies” you need to know to succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

As a coach Steffany has worked with high-profile professional and amateur athletes, including NHL hockey players and Olympians, as well as singers, actors, ballroom dancers, business owners, CEOs, real estate investors, parents, hard-working “regular people (non-athletes)” and many others … and in each and every case her mission has been the same – to help clients expand and grow, overcome challenges, and achieve even greater success."

Click Here to read more!

How To Invest in Revenue Properties Without a Penny of Your Own Money

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:00:06 -0500

Unique opportunity exists to own and invest in cash-flow producing income properties without putting up any money for the down payment.

Canadians with good credit and steady jobs are now in the driver's seat when it comes to investing in Edmonton, Alberta.

The current economic downturn is time to celebrate for savvy, forward thinking people who see opportunity amidst crisis. Owning a portion of a revenue property provides investors with a stream of cash flow and potentially large payouts all without the hassles of being a landlord.

"There are many frustrated Canadians wondering how to get involved in real estate investing. Seeing this as a market niche we started to research ways to help folks with little capital or experience get into what may be the best buyers market we have seen in a while.

I knew that there had to be a way for these would-be-investors to get started without them going into debt" said Todd Millar, investment director of Glenn Simon Inc.

This system allows investors to receive an equity position and cash compensation by holding the mortgage of a revenue property. "It's very simple.,” says Millar.

"Basically this program is suited for Canadians who have a good credit score, steady job history and not have completed too many prior real estate transactions (specifically mortgages)."

A typical structure looks like this, within a private investment program; Glenn Simon Inc. carefully selects a cash-flowing revenue property in an economically strong area of Alberta.

Glenn Simon Inc. provides all the capital needed to purchase and operate the investment, bringing years of experience and a proven track record to the table.

The investor takes the role of qualifying for and providing the mortgage in return receiving an equity position in the property and a cash bonus for each transaction completed. It's important to note, that all mortgages and property purchases strictly adhere to federal and provincial lending laws and are completely transparent.

"We are really offering a unique chance for the average Canadian to build a portfolio of real estate without using any of their money. It's a perfect route to get into the market with less exposure all the while learning about investing" says Millar.

Husband and wife team Todd and Danielle Millar, own and operate Glenn Simon Inc. The Millars are experts in the Edmonton real estate investment field and help people from all over the world safely and profitably invest in the Alberta region of Canada.

Stay variable or lock into fixed rate mortgage?

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:58:08 -0500

This Globe and Mail article tries to answer the question burning in every mortgage owners mind, "Should I stay variable or lock into the fixed rate?" They end by saying it's up to you. Well, what should you do?

Canadians are enjoying the lowest interest rates in history. A few of my mortgages were at 1.65% for a while providing incredible cash flow after all other expenses were paid. But around the net and on the news we're hearing that rates will rise probably in June or maybe earlier. It all depends on the economy's health.

Generally speaking variable rates will do better for you in the long run. Now, the gap between variable and fixed is so large, you might get huge increases in rates and the amount your mortgage costs you every month.

There is no clear cut answer but wait and see. It all depends Canada's economic health in early 2010.

If the global economy recovery looks strong:

“could force the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates aggressively, driving variable mortgage rates higher, but leaving fixed rate choosers unscathed.”

but if we are all still wobbly:

“Low and steady inflation, taken with a fragile global economic recovery, points to the Bank keeping its commitment to hold rates steady through June 2010 (conditional on the inflation outlook),”. “There is also some risk to locking in as fixed rates could fall if the economy performs worse than anticipated.” Mr. Douglas Porter and Mr. Benjamin Reitzes BMO economists

As for me I can hold on until spring 2010 because the savings we are getting now at these rates are phenomenal. The best thing to do is find out your bank's stand on penalties for locking in mid-term and how they affect you in the long run.

Don Campbell on The Close

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:15:16 -0500

Why cheap houses don't always mean good deals.

Keep investment real estate cash flow positive.

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:35:46 -0500

In a recession it's easy to see that buying for cash flow is the only way to go. In a hot market everyone banks on equity. Which can be a very tenuous thing.

The most important thing is how much cash flow you are getting at different rates. We are seeing the lowest interest rates in history but when they rise how will your investment perform. Will it still cash flow at 6% interest? How about when vacancy rates increase and you get a drop in rents?

This is called stress testing your property. Although many people see cash flow at one point only - today's rates and today's rents the income will fluctuate leading to some unfortunate surprises.

What to do:

1. Do your property's income and expense numbers at a range of rates and of rents
2. Know the scenario your property will and won't cash flow
3. Have a good reserve fund to cover the skinny times.

You don't retire or get rich by owning property that takes money out of your pocket every month.

REIN on Facebook!

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:13:33 -0500

Alberta REIN has a Facebook page with all the events, seminars and up to date economic information available for everyone. Take a look or become a fan to meet like minded investors.

I went and looked at some of the member's photos with the Real Estate Investing In Canada all around the world.

Good things come to those who read!

REIN on Facebook!

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:09:51 -0500

Edmonton the city of entertainment

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:30:36 -0500

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!

We're all selling something.

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:17:39 -0500

It's often said that we are all selling something. You may not be a salesperson by trade but even the act of getting married is selling yourself to someone.

Now that we can avoid the dreaded "Can I help you with something?" by shopping online, how does it affect those who sell? And those who buy?

"Stephanie Flanders asks her panel of top business guests about the fine art of salesmanship. Now we can all bypass those eager shop assistants and go online, are salesmen on the way out - or just getting a makeover?"

Listen here

Alberta #1 in Population Growth

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:13:45 -0500

Even in a recession Alberta is still more attractive than the rest of Canada. The province's population growth has lead the country between April and June.

The reason is compared to the rest of Canada where unemployment rates are in the high nines Alberta still has a lot to offer with rates in the mid sevens.

Population growth is always a good thing, it increases housing prices, retail sales and when the economy picks up again a willing labour force. It can put a strain on the infrastructure but overall the effects are positive.

Rental Properties and Insurance Coverage

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:17:52 -0500

If you've every played Cashflow you've probably got the "Natural Disaster/Toxic Pollution" card that wipes out your property unless you have an "All Risk Insurance" card and have been paying the $200 premium.

Image - lovelylisting.com

In Canada property insurance is structured under three types:

Standard - protects against "named perils" including such things as fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, theft, and specific types of water damage.

Broad- is a level up from named perils and is called "all risk" this includes such things as faulty workmanship and some types of wear and tear.

Comprehensive - provides all risk coverage to the dwelling and the contents

If you're renting your property you want to avoid Comprehensive as the tenant is responsible for insuring their own belongings. Although we recommend all our tenants have this insurance.

As housing prices rise and fall you must make sure that your insurance covers your property at the current value. If your house has increased in value but your coverage is to an outdated limit you may not be completely reimbursed to the value your property holds. Check with your insurance agent to make sure the values are accurate.

Let your insurance agent know if you have vacant properties. If you don't inform them you may not be covered for some types of damage. It may cost you extra money as a "vacancy premium" is often charged. However, that is the beauty of insurance as a few hundred dollars could save you tens of thousands.

Our insurance brokers have an incredible track record with us. We've only had to use them a few times but they have been outstanding. As with any service provider make sure your insurance company will give you the best value and service possible.

More Canadian specific insurance information Click Here

Peter Kinch on Canadian Mortgage Rates

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:30:55 -0500

If you're riding the variable rate it can be scary sometimes, it can even keep you up at night. With interest rates at historical lows people are starting to wonder when and how high rates will go. Peter Kinch, The Number 1 Mortgage Broker in Canada, has insight on what to expect in the short term and in the next 2 to 4 years.

He points out that interest rates are at their lowest ever which is attracting buyers to the market in turn firming up prices. Housing affordability is very good right now so take advantage while you can.

He also expects rates to go up 3% in the next 2 to 4 years.

Watch the full interview here on CTV News.

Small piece of trivia Mr. Kinch lived in the same city I do in Japan and we have mutual acquaintances - Six degrees of separation!

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:12:04 -0500

This long weekend in Canada is Thanksgiving. We are hard pressed to find a whole bird here in Japan and even if I did I don't know where I'd cook it.

When we do cook Thanksgiving dinners are legendary at my house. Todd is a FANTASTIC chef and always puts out delicious meals that leave everybody wanting more. There never are any leftovers...

In the expat community there are a lot of people alone for many holidays so it's nice when we have impromptu parties with people of all nationalities bringing a dish. I guess it's a true rendition of the original Thanksgiving of sharing.

We have so much to be thankful for; even the bad things that happen teach you to be thankful. When bills come due and tenants leave or rates go up and rents go down everything is a learning experience. Every hurdle you clear brings you that much closer to your goal.

Todd, Ronan and I are really grateful for our excellent team, our mentors, our friends and family and most importantly our partners. We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

Ode to Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Yeah for Canadian Real Estate!

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:03:43 -0500

Canadian real estate is on the road to recovery.

"On balance, given the recent unbelievable strength in the Canadian housing market, the modest downshift in sales in August should not be seen as anything other than a brief respite in what has been a remarkable recovery in the sector," said TD Securities economics strategist Millan Mulraine.

"Even so, we believe that Canadian housing market activity in the coming months will be relatively tepid as the sector consolidates the gains made since January." Read More

I'm one!

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:43:21 -0500

Today is my son's first birthday. You can see in the photo we've already got him hard at work answering phones.

What a fantastic year together and I'm really looking forward to all the great things to come. First steps, days at school, first tricycles and first school plays...

We've had some nice celebratory lunches with friends all over Utsunomiya. My favorite has been the lunch my mentor gave where she said, it's to award you for surviving the first year of motherhood. No kidding.

This month also brings another special day the 7th anniversary of Glenn Simon Inc.

October has become the month where great things are born!

The Frugal Landlord - 3 Ways to find tenants cheaply.

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:50:09 -0500

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 tenants on beer advertising budget.

1. Place your ads wisely - Newspaper and online advertising have become cheaper over the past few years but how about spending no money at all? It's old school but placing ads with the little phone number tags attached to the bottom is a fantastic way to get tenants that are looking in a specific neighbourhood. Places like laundromats, supermarkets, schools and community centers may have bulletin boards where you can post for free. Effective? Yes. Cheap? Very!

2. For rent signs- They are cheap, highly visible to foot and drive by traffic and they let people know instantly that this property is up for grabs. Not to mention you can put them up the minute the tenant gives notice. In fact you can keep it in the property and ask the tenant nicely to do it themselves! Save gas too....

3. Referrals - You've probably got some good tenants who respect your property like it's their home. They are a goldmine of untapped potential tenant networks.
Offer all your great tenants the chance to introduce their friends to your family of rentals and offer say, dinner for two or a movie, they would be more than happy to help you fill your vacancies. You maybe saying well dinner isn't cheap but it's a lot cheaper than a vacant property with mortgage payments.

Hey nice yard! 5 Tips to not get burned by contractors

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:15:03 -0500

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 give references start to ask yourself why. Trust me one hour on the phone is much cheaper than the time and cost to you to rectify shoddy work.

3. Closely monitor the job until done - Drive by every day. That pile of pallets didn't just appear they left them over the time they were working there. You can watch the work progress and make sure all scrap is removed. At any rate you can get to know the people who are working for you for future jobs.

4. Ask around - You'd be surprised how many people will tell you their good and bad experiences. Many people have had contract work done and are willing to "show and tell". People who are satisfied will say so and those that aren't will really say so.

5. Let the world know - Companies like this keep operating because clients are unaware of their bad history. The internet age means most people surf online to find companies locally. When your review comes up or filed complaint you will be saving someone, somewhere some money and some time.

Ripoff Report,
The BBB,
The Complaints Board

Come on Edmonton - "Suite-n" up the deal!

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:13:15 -0500

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 between lower income tenants and owners.

The grant should be expanded to allow owners who don't reside in the prospective houses a chance to "suite"up. We can avoid tent-city as a greater amount of affordable housing will be created.

A primary owner-occupant is limited to only one home to work with whereas an landlord who owns multiple property, has the ability to reach more people by providing more suites.

Am I seriously being punished for providing housing?

If I spend my own money to put in a suite and the risks associated with it, I should be fairly compensated for that risk. That may equate to a 1 bedroom being rented for $875 at market rent.

If I were to go the route of the grant I could reduce my costs and risk, and provide housing at a reduced rent - the same suite could be rented for $721 per month, thus filling the need for affordable housing.

I own many properties that qualify for the grant, image the impact I'd have on the community compared to one owner-occupier.

When You Believe It, You Will See It.

Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:06:48 -0500

Last weekend I was reminded about the quantitative reality of thought. Danielle, Ronan and I visited our friends George and Harue at their newly completed home . When George first shared his dream to build this fabulous business office-cum-home it was a few years back when we were on holiday at a hot spring resort.

We regularly get together over the New Year and plan strategies for our businesses simultaneously. Its a great way to brainstorm and hold each other's feet to the fire the following year. I had no doubt that George and Harue would reach their goal. What blew me away was the detail and velocity in which their goal was achieved. You could almost see it go from thought to action to result.

I first visited the building site last fall and it was just grass, dirt and a few old cherry tree branches strewn about. As we drove up on Saturday Harue said "Do you remember how far up the road it is?" I was about to answer 'up ahead on the left', when the car slowed and a warm neon light shined in. Illuminated in front of us (on the right I might add..) were the letters 'Seibu Net Home' in a golden orange glowing sign.

Every detail was exactly how I imagined it. Now, think about that for a minute... How I imagined it.

George and Harue had talked about the details with us and had been pretty specific, but to see their vision manifest exactly as they planned was extraordinary.

The Seibu Net Home building is three floors; the main is the Realty office, second floor is divided in to two luxury rental suites and the third floor is their finely finished home. The roof has high walls and they are developing a bbq area, putting green and outdoor bath. You can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day too.

By the way when I say luxury what I mean is that when you open the bathroom door the toilet seat automatically pops up to greet you. As the seat warms, soothing water sounds emanate from speakers hidden in the ceiling. When you leave the toilet flushes, lid closes and it says 'good-bye'.

That my friend is comfort.

It is inspiring to see a dream come true. And this enforces the truth of 'When you believe it, you'll see it'.

Choose to believe.