RealtyScout

Lease Options Offer WIN/WIN for Buyers and Sellers

2008-12-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

The recent tumble of the TSX has forced Canadian banks to tighten their lending policies. This has fueled the downturn of the housing market since there are fewer buyers that can qualify for a mortgage. Many people that have poor credit, lack income verification or recently immigrated will find it increasingly difficulty to purchase a home, and there are more motivated sellers. This raises the demand for creative financing using lease-options.

Recently, I did a phone interview with the Georgia Straight and shared information on how lease-options play in the current economy. Read full article...

LEASE-OPTIONS: Low Risk. Predictable Returns. Positive Cash Flow.

2008-07-09T14:36:00.001-07:00

In Vancouver, we have seen home prices soar to great heights, restricting many people from being able to own a home and making it difficult for investors to find properties that offer positive cash flow. Despite an inflated housing market, there are many people that are motivated to buy. STRATEGIC HOUSING helps individuals enter the housing market while offering investors a predictable return on investment through Lease-Options.

What are Lease-Options?
Lease-Options is better known as Lease-to-Own (or Rent-to-Own). A Lease-Option home purchase is a Lease Contract combined with an Option Contract for a specified period of time (typically 1 to 3 years). The Option Contract gives the tenant-buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy the property at anytime during the lease term.

How it Works
The purchase price is established at the beginning of the lease term, and the tenant-buyer pays an Option Deposit for the Option contract. The tenant-buyer pays a premium monthly rent that includes lease-option credits. The Option Deposit and any monthly credits are credited towards the purchase providing that the tenant-buyer exercises his Option to Purchase during the lease term.

Who Benefits from Lease-Options?
The Lease-to-Own strategy is ideal for individuals that want to purchase a home, but may not have sufficient down payment or established credit to qualify for a mortgage. Although this includes applicants with less-than-perfect credit, the majority of tenant-buyers are comprised of self-employed individuals, new business owners, new immigrants and new employees. Lease-Options offer tenant-buyers the benefit of time to establish credit and accumulate sufficient down payment while securing the purchase price from market appreciation.

Lease-Option Investments: Low Risk and Predictable Returns
Lease-Option investments offer multiple profit opportunities. It is a great way to invest in real estate because it allows you to control properties without immediate ownership. Tenant-buyers pay premium monthly rents that offer positive cash flow and make it easier to obtain financing. Lease-Option investments offer predictable returns for investors because the selling price has already been established for the tenant-buyer.

To learn more about Lease-Options, call Andy at 604-910-6000 or visit www.StrategicHousing.ca

30,000 Cockroaches

2008-04-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

A housewife called up a pet store and said, "Send me thirty-thousand
cockroaches at once."
"What in the world do you want with thirty-thousand cockroaches?"
asked the astonished clerk.
"Well," replied the woman, "I am moving today and my lease says I
must leave the premises in exactly the same condition I found them..."

Joint-Venturing to Success

2007-12-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, I had a conversation with Bob (not his real name) about real estate investing. Bob wanted to invest in a 1-bedroom condo in downtown Vancouver for himself but didn’t have enough money. He complained that the market is overpriced and he is waiting for the housing bubble to burst. I asked him what he expects would happen if the bubble did burst, and how he’s prepared himself to buy his first property. Without certainty, he says that homes will lose some value, but he hasn’t considered an investment plan other than to save money. I go on to suggest that it may be helpful for him to start looking at properties and to start investing his money by joint-venturing with people he can trust.
“I don’t have time” he replied, “and I’d prefer to invest on my own.”

Bob’s idea to save money for a downpayment to buy real estate is not a winning stategy. Here’s why:
A typical 1-bedroom condo in Vancouver costs $350,000. Assuming Bob qualifies for a conventional mortgage, he would need to come up with $70,000 for a 20% downpayment. Bob earns high income, but he only has $18,000 put aside and can only save $18,000 per year through his job. It would take 3 more years for him to accumulate $70,000.

The longer Bob waits to invest, the further behind the market he’ll be. For each year that passes the real estate market may appreciate 8-15% while the bank pays 2-3% on his savings. In addition, Bob’s employer increases his paycheck only 3-4% per year -- barely enough to outpace inflation.

Even if the housing market crashed and properties lost 20% of its value after 4 years of steady appreciation, Bob would still not be in a position to afford his first property.

Obviously for Bob, coming up with $70,000 was out of reach. But $70,000 amongst three other investors is more achievable. Each investor can contribute $17,500 and take profit share on the capital gains.

By joint-venturing, Bob would be able to start investing sooner. His money would start working early, gaining equity on the property as it appreciates with the market. Although Bob won’t earn 100% of the capital gains from the property, his profit share will be proportionate to his contribution. He can invest into more joint-ventures as he continues to save more money, never letting himself fall behind the market.

Edmonton: Follow The Fundamentals, Not The Crowd.

2007-10-01T01:15:00.001-07:00

"Finally, it's here. The buying opportunity we have been waiting for is now upon us." These are comments from Don Campbell regarding the current "breather" in the Edmonton real estate market. The question is: Why the "breather"? Well, looking at mls listings from June 2006, 1,856 homes were for sale. By August 2007 more than 8,000 homes were on the mls system! According to Mr. Campbell, many of the current sellers are hoping to cash-in on the rapid price increases from previous years - these sellers are "market fishing". The result is that mls inventories are at record levels and the supply of homes on the market is out-pacing demand. For sophisticated investors this represents a buying opportunity not seen in the last 12 or more months; and by looking ahead at Edmonton's long-term economic fundamentals, we start to understand Mr. Campbell's excitement for the current tide that has turned in the buyers' favor. The keys to look for in an area include: job creation, in-migration, income increases, and affordability. Let's examine each item as it pertains to Edmonton.

With roughly a dozen upgraders planned or underway in the Edmonton region, thousands of new jobs will be created. The most recent major investment announced this summer has Royal Dutch Shell planning to build the largest oil sands upgrader to date with costs of up to $27 billion. This is on top of a $6 billion expansion of their first upgrader in an area known as "upgrader alley" about 50 km northeast of Edmonton. Shell estimates this new development will use a "small army of construction workers averaging 8,000 from mid-2008 through 2013, and peaking at 13,300 in 2011". Jeff Rubin, chief economist and strategist at CIBC World Markets, says that Alberta's oil sands will put Canada "in the front ranks" of energy producers in just a few years. As global supplies continue to dwindle and prices continue to soar (now around $80 US a barrel), and with rising demand from countries like China and India, Alberta's oil sands is poised to play a big role in the "global energy spotlight".

According to RBC's provincial outlook, Alberta will have the country's lowest unemployment rate in 2008 at 4.4%. This will be driven by Edmonton's own unemployment rate of 4.0% (by comparison, the national average will be 6.3%). Net migration will see an additional 15,500 people arrive to the city; and these people will have jobs that will pay extremely well! Personal disposable income in Alberta is forecast to increase 9.2% in 2008 which is tops in Canada and is a full 2% higher than in B.C. (second highest projected increase nationally). Furthermore, in terms of affordability (which measures the percentage of median pre-tax household income needed to cover the cost of mortgage payments, property taxes and utilties), Edmonton still looks like a bargain.

"Whether the house in question is a condo, a townhouse or a standard two-storey home, Edmonton trails only Ottawa in terms of affordability" (Gary Lamphier, The Edmonton Journal, 09/13/07).

Indeed, Edmonton's economic fundamentals continue to support a healthy market going forward!

The Mexican Fisherman

2007-10-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

A cruise ship docked in a tiny Mexican village. While at port, an American tourist complimented a Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how loing it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answer the Mexican.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of this family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sings a few songs... I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly wit the processing plans and maybe even open your own plant. You can leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you direct your huge enterprise."
"How long will that take?" asked the Mexican.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? That's when it gets really intersting," answer the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?"
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying time with your friends."

RealtyScout Tip: Screening Potential Tenants

2007-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

As a real estate investor, you may decide to self-manage your property and find your own tenants. You’ve advertised your property for rent, shown it to a number of prospective tenants and they’ve submitted application forms. Here are some tips that may help you through the screening process of finding good tenants.

Once the prospective tenant(s) submit an application form, the first step is to call his/her landlord. If possible, obtain contact information for the previous landlord because you will speak to someone who is non-biased. A current landlord may not be a good referral if he is motivated to pass along a problem tenant. When contacting the landlord, you may want to pose as a tenant yourself and inquire if he has any available units for rent. This approach will help verify if the applicant provided a legitimate contact. When speaking to the landlord ask some questions to verify if the information is consistent
with the information on the application form. Some questions you may want to ask the landlord:

How much rent was the tenant paying?

How long as tenants?

What are the reasons for leaving?

Has he/she ever had late payments?

Can you verify his/her occupation?

Would you recommend the tenant to other landlords?

After speaking to the landlord, call the applicant’s employer to verify his employment. Again, ask questions to ensure that the information on the form is consistent:

Length of employment?

Full-time/part-time?

Consider using TenantVerification.com to obtain a credit check on your prospective tenant and learn about his/her tenant history. Be cautious about applicants who don’t ask a
lot of questions themselves. If they appear too “easy-going” then it’s likely that they will also underestimate the seriousness of the agreement. Also, be wary of last-minute applicants. It’s better to accept tenants that are organized and plan ahead. That way, you are also likely to avoid the “professional tenants” that like to take advantage of landlords. Avoid tenants
that seem to criticize and haggle — it will avoid a lot of future headaches.

Once you approve an applicant, always askfor the first month rent and security deposit as cash, certified check, or bank draft tosecure the agreement. It’s reasonable to ask to receive payment within 48 hours upon approving the application even if they don’t plan to move in right away. You can provide the signed rental agreement and a receipt as soon
as you receive the payment.

Knowing When It's Too Hot

2007-07-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Imagine dropping a frog into a pot of boiling water. The frog will realize that he is in danger and react immediately by jumping out to safety. Take the same frog and place it in lukewarm water that slowly increasesin temperature. The amphibian may feel safe and comfortable in the water, never realizing that it may boil to death.

Many of us can relate to the frog. We can reject a bad situation when it is obvious, but we learn to accept it if it comes in slow, subtle changes. Similarly, our lives may be filled with pain, illnesses and stress due to life’s increasing demands. Such demands may be driven by our jobs, bad relationships, mounting debt and environments. We may not realize our own pain and suffering, but we continue to seek ways to alleviate them. Often, we do it by buying things on credit which increases our debt and forces us to work harder and more tiresome. The cycle repeats itself and we slowly boil ourselves in pursuit of pleasure and comfort.

If you can relate to the frog, take some time to analyze your situation and realize how you want things to change. Ask yourself if you are willing to do whatever it takes and support it with action. Avoid playing the “blame game” because it conditions you to believe that you are not in control of your life. There is never a good excuse for you to remain stagnant in your life. If you’re feeling depressed, surround yourself with positive thinkers by listening to self-help audiobooks and temporarily disconnect yourself from people that bring you down. If you’re seeking wealth, change your spending habits and prepare yourself for opportunities by learning as much about business and investing. If you’re out of work, seek a position for what you can learn rather than what you can earn. Above all, continue learning and do whatever it takes to maintain winning thoughts and attitudes. Success comes to those with a positive state of mind.

Rising mortgage rates aren't always a reason to panic

2007-06-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Sun - Friday, June 29/2007

In a volatile market, taking time to shop around for the best rate can save you thousands

With Canada's major banks raising mortgage rates almost a full percentage point over the past two months before backing down, and the Bank of Canada expected to raise its overnight rate in July, actual and wannabe homeowners may be wondering what it means to them. The answer may depend on where you are on the home-buying chain.

Most affected will be those currently looking for a mortgage whether it's for the first time or to renew. With the recent volatility in rates the key is to shop around, said Fred Kreutlein, director of lending with ING Direct. A one-percentage-point difference in rates can mean thousands of dollars in extra payments, he said.

ING's five-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.89 per cent, while the posted rate for Canada's major banks is 7.24, though those rates can be knocked down a full point or more for good borrowers who know to ask.

To see what difference a percentage point makes, ING provides an online calculator for those in the hunt for a mortgage. For a $300,000 mortgage -- not an unheard-of amount in British Columbia's hot real estate market -- payments increase from $1,900 a month at 5.89 per cent to $2,081 at 6.89 per cent. Over 25 years that adds almost $108,000 in interest payments, according to the calculator.

"So it really has a huge impact," Kreutlein said.

Not only should mortgage-hunters shop around, they should also get pre-approved as soon as possible in case mortgage rates continue to creep up, Kreutlein advises. And while most lenders will only hold a rate for 60 to 90 days, look for a lender, like ING, that guarantees the rate for 120 days, he said. If the rate falls between pre-approval and purchase, all lenders will substitute the lower rate, so there is no downside to getting pre-approved, Kreutlein said.

"At least you're sure that you're not going to get stuck with a higher rate down the road," Kreutlein said.

Current homeowners who have variable-rate mortgages are also affected by rising rates, albeit indirectly, because the new higher fixed-term mortgage rates would be what the borrower would have to pay if he chose to lock in his variable mortgage. And while the variable and fixed rates aren't directly linked, they do tend to go up together.

But just because mortgage rates are increasing, it doesn't mean people should panic and lock in, said Feisal Panjwani, a senior mortgage consultant with Invis.

To date, the variable rate -- which moves along with the Bank of Canada's overnight rate and not fixed-term mortgage rates -- has stayed constant for more than a year. But that could change on July 10, when the Bank of Canada is expected to raise it's overnight rate by 25 basis points (or a quarter of a percentage point) to 4.50. That will bring the prime rate to 6.25 per cent and variable rates, which are based on prime minus a discount, will go up accordingly.

Most variables float below prime by about 75 basis points (or three-quarters of a percentage point), Panjwani said. So if prime is currently at six per cent, a borrower is probably paying 5.25 per cent. If they locked in now they'd be paying at least 5.84 per cent. And while they'd be protected from further rate increases, they'd lose the benefit of falling rates in the future.

"My honest opinion is that if you are on a variable and you've been on one for a while, there's no point in locking in at a rate that's already gone up," Panjwani said. "Keep floating it and keep your eye on the market. But basically don't panic."

Rob Meekison and his wife Kirsten bought their first house in east Vancouver in April and locked in at 4.99 per cent for five years. With mortgage rates rising ever since, Meekison can't help but pat himself on the back for making the right move.

But Meekison worries about people who bought with a minimum down payment and now see their rates rising. If they can't afford those higher new payments they might be forced to sell, he said.
By picking a fixed-rate mortgage Meekison won't have to worry about that.

"It's just five years when I don't have to worry about anything," Meekison said.

"It's peace of mind."

While people whose five-year mortgages are now coming up for renewal may be in for a shock, given their existing mortgage was negotiated at a near all-time low in interest rates, there is unlikely to be a raft of foreclosures, said Cameron Muir, chief economist with the B.C. Real Estate Association.

Those people would have paid down some principal, their wages have likely gone up, and they've probably seen their house value increase dramatically, Muir said. So even if they did get into financial trouble they could easily sell their home and capture the equity gain.

Foreclosures only happen when the economy plummets for some reason or mortgage rates go through the stratosphere, he said.

"But consumers shouldn't fear that interest rates are going to go into the 15 or 20 per cent range [as they did in 1981-1982]," Muir said. "That's simply not in the cards from any economist's point of view."

Condos Are Great Starters

2007-04-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Condos are great property investments if you are starting out as a real estate investor. They are easier to maintain from the owner’s part and are often easier to rent out.

When searching for a condo, become familiar with the prices and be sure to ask for information such as strata minutes, contingency fund, maintenance fees, and any possible liens or assessments that may be held against the property. Part of your due diligence may also include calling the building caretaker or property manager and asking him/her about any potential issues. They may be willing to provide unbiased information, giving you a better understanding of the building’s history and condition.

Three years ago, I came across a 2-BR condo that was offered below appraised market value because the seller had declared bankruptcy. I noticed that the maintenance fee was unusually high despite having very few amenities. I contacted the caretaker and asked if he understood the reasons why. He explained that a previous property management company had claimed some routine maintenance costs through the insurance company. This affected the insurance premiums and strata fees. Despite this knowledge, my wife and I decided to purchase the property for ourselves after negotiating a good price. Our exit strategy involved selling it within 2 years after making some cosmetic improvements. We managed to sell the property in 11 months with over 50% net ROI. Contact me to learn how I did it.

Profit Center #3: Leverage

2007-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

In a nutshell, leverage is being able to use a small amount of money to purchase a large asset. An asset such as real estate, for example, may be purchased by investing only 25% of your own money (equity) and borrowing 75% from the bank (mortgage) . In essence, your money works harder because every dollar that is invested equals four dollars in assets. The equity in the property increases as the property appreciates in value, but the amount borrowed does not increase. Best of all, you can borrow up to 75% of the equity to buy more properties.

3 BR Townhouse in The Pinnacle (Yaletown)

2007-04-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

3-bedroom townhouse in The Pinnacle
Available May 1st, 2007
$2,800 per month (1-year lease)

Enjoy the art of urban living in your tastefully rejuvenated 1,234 sq.ft. 3-bedroom 'Pinnacle' townhome. Dark cherry hardwood laminate floors, granite countertop. The building offers hotel-style amenities such as swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, common library and recreation room equipped with billiard table. A guest suite is also available for out-of-town visitors. Steps away is the Vancouver Public Library, Robson shopping, performance theatres and cinemas, and countless entertainment in Yaletown's neighborhood.

For more pictures and information visit:
realtyscout.ca/rentals/pinnacle

Please contact me at 778-668-0455 to make appointment for viewing.

Vancouver Entrepreneur Meetup Event

2007-02-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

Last month I attended the Vancouver Entrepreneur Meetup event – a networking event that is organized by Minna Van through Meetup.com. Minna hosted the event at The Network Hub, a loft workspace and incubation centre for professionals that she also co-founded. It was great to meet so many positive-thinkers in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. To learn more about Meetup visit www.Meetup.com – you can register for the next VEM event or other Meetup groups that fit your interest. It’s a great way to network!

For Rent: 1BR + Den in Yaletown Park 2 $1,300/mo

2007-01-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

For anyone that is interested, I am offering for rent a 1BR + Den condo in a brand new building, Yaletown Park 2. For more information call me at 778-668-0455 or click here for more information. 1 parking stall and a locker is included. 1 year lease is required.

Available Immediately.

Fun With iPhoto

2007-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

A few days ago a photographer visited our home and took pictures of my kids. I purchased the digital files from her and started having fun with iPhoto on my Mac. I thought I'd put it on my blog, as I couldn't help sharing!

To begin video, click the play button on the bottom left corner of screen.

Please note that the video is approximately 15mb. A high-speed connection is recommended.

Video: David Suzuki Interviews Preston Manning

2007-01-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

David Suzuki discusses some of the environmental concerns about the Alberta Oil Sands with Preston Manning:

Video: Five-fold Increase In Activity Planned For Tar Sands

2007-01-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

CBC reports America's national security objective to reduce dependency for Middle Eastern oil – relying on Canada to become its largest importer. This will pressure the Canadian government to allow Alberta's tar sands to increase oil productivity by five times in a short period of time:

Father Forgets by W. Livingston Larned

2007-01-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Listen, son: I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone. Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside.

These are the things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I scolded you as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.

At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table. You spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand and called, "Goodbye, Daddy!" and I frowned, and said in reply, "Hold your shoulders back!"

Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came up the road I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before your boyfriends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Stockings were expensive-and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, from a father!

Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the door. "What is it you want?" I snapped.

You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither. And then you were gone, pattering up the stairs.

Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding-this was my reward to you for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too much of youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own  years.

And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character. The little heart of you was as big as the dawn itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt there, ashamed!

It is feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual: "He is nothing but a boy-a little boy!"

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mother's arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.

Beyond The Comfort Zone

2006-11-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Our success is largely dependent in our ability to do things beyond our comfort zone. Whenever we are faced with uncertainty or a difficult decision, our “inner voice” protects us from physical and emotional harm and hold us back. That is why in life, most of us settle for mediocrity.

In a book appropriately titled Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway (written by Dr. Susan Jeffers), the author describes how our fears are converted to sweet anticipation when we condition ourselves to push against the things that hold us back. It is helpful to accept certain truths about fear. She states “pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness.”

This is a truth that I ask myself anytime I am faced with an uncomfortable decision to do something that I know would be for the better. Whether that decision involves making an offer on a property, speaking in front of an audience, or approaching a potential client in business, I take a moment to realize whether the fear for having to try and fail is greater than the failure to try anything at all.

Profit Center #2: Leverage

2006-11-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Investments such as stocks and mutual funds require 100% equity and cannot be borrowed against to buy more stocks. In essence, every dollar invested is a dollar spent.

Why Invest In Real Estate?

2006-10-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

There are many advantages to buying real estate as an investment. Before deciding to become a real estate investor, it’s good to know what you want from your investments by setting your expectations and defining your goals. Defining your goals will help determine the types of real estate investments you should buy. The follow are some reasons to invest in real estate:

Capital Growth
Rising inflation and population
growth continue to drive the value of property upwards.
Security
The real estate market is stable and moves slowly, keeping your investment secure as it appreciates.
Leverage
You can use a small amount of money to purchase a property. Equity that builds up can be leveraged to buy other properties.
Forced Appreciation
You can build or improve or, in come cases, rezone to increase the value of property.
Passive Income
The property earns income from tenants paying rent, paying you regularly with no work on your part. Rental rates are also indexed to inflation.

RENG Launches!

2006-10-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

On September 16th I attended the first full-day RENG workshop. It was exciting to meet so many individuals that shared the same passion for real estate and had chosen the RENG network as part of their journey for success. And it would be hard to dismiss the feeling that good things will happen to all the members of the network with the enthusiasm and camaraderie that permeated the room. I look forward to learn and grow with such a fun and passionate group.

Fast Track to Cashflow with Ken McElroy

2006-10-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

On September 30th, Darren Weeks introduced Rich Dad Advisor Ken McElroy to speak at a full-day full day Fast Track to Cashflow event in Vancouver. Ken McElroy is a personal advisor and business partner of Robert Kiyosaki. Over 500 attendees filled the room to hear Ken share his wisdom in the business of real estate investing.

He advised that the market is always more important than the property when seeking a good investment, and always be considerate of the “uncontrollables” that drive the economy such as population, employment and interest rates.

His experience with property management is second to none, and he offered valuable insight as to what to look for when seeking a property management company.