Edit this Article to Change the Title

Wow what a whirl wind ..

Going back to school has been an amazing experience and frustration, all rolled into one!

I thought all computer programs were pretty easy to get around, but i am being challenged by a few that don't make sense ... Is funny, as an old saying comes to mind, about the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. Now if i just had a couple more hands ... and another brain ... oh yes and of course a few more eyeballs ... 

Well slowly but surely the information is getting in there ... watch out all you young ones ... this old dog is learning new tricks!

Life hacks - how to improve efficiency & productivity

I am always finding new ways to leverage my time to be more productive and efficient. (Click the app name to get them.)

SquareUp is a wonderful way to get paid. Its a mobile point-of-sale tool and online invoicing to next-day deposits and inventory management. Square has everything you need to run your business anywhere. Get the first $1000 transactions for free using this link: SquareUp

DocuSign is an amazing tool that allows you to really go paperless in your business!  Get clients to sign digitally.  Clear documents that can be safely sent via email (link to secured server) and legally binding. Get trial account to test it out for free here: Docusign

Mighty Text This great little app allows you to "text" people from your computer and ALL of your android devices.  For those who prefer the full keyboard to typing in the small little cell phone space, this is a game changer.  Get it here: Mighty Text

TRELLO  helps you manage your to do list effortlessly and you can have others be part of a group to tackle a project together. TRELLO

Sync is cloud-based file storage similar to Dropbox/GoogleDrive but it is in compliance under Canadian laws (PIPEDA et al). Sync

Make PDF Smaller so you can email files to your friends, family or co-workers?

Text without Wi-Fi or Data with Fire Chat. No Data? No problem! Fire Chat

Creative Ideas

Before you call your contractor, consider these crazy ideas for your house.

Case Study: How to analyse a multifamily building

RENTS Executive Mike Moore has been putting out awesome content for all of us to learn from, even while he is enjoying his winter in sunny Australia.  

"would you pay?

“Owning Up” – Confessions of a Real Estate Investor

How much would you pay?

Three years ago, I was approached by a newbie investor about a multi-family property in Prince George. He wanted to either Joint Venture with me or receive a finder’s fee for showing me the property. I was intrigued by the property, especially when I was told the asking price.

The building is a three story walk-up with six units – five two bedroom units and one one bedroom. It was purchased by investors from Vancouver several years earlier for $250,000 and was currently on the market for $219,000. The newbie whispered that this property could be had for $200,000 to $210,000. $35,000 per door, my response – show me the property and show me the numbers.

Before we continue, take a guess, is this a bargain at $210,000? Way too much at this price? Or just about right?" 

Continue reading...

Accessing Line of Credits on Your Property

Due to the price increases across the board, it might be a good idea to see if you qualify for a line of credit behind your first mortgage. 

I do have access to a couple lenders that will do this, without the need to change your first mortgage.

It's best to set this up now when we can get appraisals @ high values.  

Yikes!! Did your BC Assessment go up?!!

Well... property assessments are out.  And holy smokers. A survey was completed to see which municipality had the highest increase last year and while we are in South Surrey/White Rock at 54% increase...Some North Delta detached property saw a jump in 60%!!!

While it is unclear how this will affect property tax amounts, some good news is that the Provincial government did increase the home owner's grant from $1.2M to $1.6M. 

8th Edition - The 7 Profit Centers - 7th Module is Re-Investing

Many do not know that there are more than one way to profit in Real Estate.

Let alone ... that there are 7!

Put your reading caps on and come learn a few of the investment secrets.

Whether you want to go it alone or join with partners that do your work for you

... check it out!. Let me know what you think!

What will you do with your "Golden Goose"?

http://properdys.com/2017/01/02/7th-module-re-investing-your-equity/

The Principal Residence Tax Rules - Recent Changes

Late last year Finance Minister Bill Morneau introduced tax changes that will impact every homeowner in Canada. In particular, the newly announced rules will tighten and enforce the requirements necessary for claiming the capital gains tax exemption on a principal residence. To help you understand how this impacts you, here is some basic information.

What qualifies as a principal residence?

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, any residential property owned and occupied by you or family at any time in a given year could be designated as a principal residence.

How do capital gains and the principal residence exemption work?

All property—including your home, cottage, real estate rentals, even stock portfolios—are subject to capital gains tax when they increase in value.

If the accommodation you’re selling isn’t an investment but your principal residence, the CRA provides a full exemption from all capital gains tax you would’ve incurred.

How do the recent changes impact homeowners?

First, there are no changes to the principal residence exemption. What has changed, however, is that you have to report to the CRA when you file your tax return, in order to qualify for the principal residence exemption. Up until the recently-announced changes, you did not have to do that.

This reporting requirement will now apply to every property sold in Canada, even if the entire gain is fully protected by the principal residence exemption.

Is there a penalty for not reporting?

There is no immediate financial penalty for failing to report the sale of your home, however, much like other omissions, if the CRA audits and finds the sale you could be subject to interest on taxes owed, as well as penalties.

You're strongly recommended to take accounting/legal professional advice about this. Thanks.

(For details, go to ‘Money Sense’)

December Foreclosure List

December 2016 Attached Foreclosures $0 - $250K
December 2016 Attached Foreclosures $250K - $500K
December 2016 Attached Foreclosures $500K - $1,000,000
December 2016 Commercial Foreclosures
December 2016 Detached $0 - $500K
December 2016 Detached $1,000,000 plus
December 2016 Detached $500K - $1,000,000

Here it is - the ever popular Foreclosure List from December

Buying a foreclosure property is different than other home purchases. So if you decide to do this make sure you have a realtor who is familiar with the process. I can, of course, refer you to realtors who are well versed in this type of transaction.

There's a lot less competition for these properties in winter so there a much better chance of getting a decent property since there's less bidders. As January is the lowest home sale prices month of the Year, opportunity can knock, at the right price. Just make sure your financing is in place, subject to finance is a no no in foreclosures.

6th Module - Appreciation

Many do not know that there are more than one way to profit in Real Estate.

Let alone ... that there are 7!

Put your reading caps on and come learn a few of the investment secrets.

Whether you want to go it alone or join with partners that do your work for you

... check it out!. Let me know what you think!

http://properdys.com/2016/12/02/6th-module-appreciation/

Trump Kills the Canadian Immigration Website

Pretty funny how the world reacts. A major overload caused by too many people seeking information to move to Canada after news showing Trump winning in key states.

The Government of Canada's immigration website crashed on Tuesday night as the US election results were rolling in.

The site went down about 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and there was intermittent accessibility after that.

About 9 ET on Tuesday evening, CNN announced that a number of key states in the election — including Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, and Florida — could all swing in Republican nominee Donald Trump's favor. (Virginia has since been won by Clinton and Florida by Trump.)

If you know anyone coming up that needs a home to rent, my investors and I can help :)

On another note, the top story on Business Insider has been "How to move to Canada and become a Canadian citizen."  On a serious note to my American friends, please relax, everything will be okay.  It's not the end of the world as we know it. Right R.E.M.?

November Foreclosures

November 2016 Attached Foreclosures $0 - $150K
November 2016 Attached Foreclosures $150K - $250K
November 2016 Attached Foreclosures $250K - $500K
November 2016 Attached Foreclosures $500K - $1,000,000
November 2016 Commercial Foreclosures
November 2016 Detached Foreclosures $0 - $500K
November 2016 Detached Foreclosures $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
November 2016 Detached Foreclosures $2,000,000 & Above
November 2016 Detached Foreclosures $500K - $1,000,000

Here it is - the ever popular Foreclosure List - November 2016 edition.

Please contact me if you are interested in other areas or other types of properties.

Buying a foreclosure property is different than other home purchases. So if you decide to do this make sure you have a realtor who is familiar with the process. I can, of course, refer you to realtors who are well versed in this type of transaction.

5.) Tax Benefits in the "7 Profit Centers of Real Estate"

Ready for the next module in the "7 Profit Centers"?

Many do not know that there are more than one way to profit in Real Estate.

Let alone that there are 7! Put your reading caps on and come learn a few of the investment secrets. Whether you want to go it alone or join with partners that do your work for you ... check it out!.

http://properdys.com/2016/10/30/5-module-tax-benefits/

Grand Opening in Burnaby - Nov 3rd, 2016

NEED THAT SPECIAL GIFT IDEA?

Muckabout Gift Gallery is opening November 3, 2016
5 to 9pm
4759 Hastings Street  Burnaby Heights.
Join Us!

Featured products will include:
Work from local artists, pottery, hand-made goods, found items and upgraded antiques. The future will bring art education/DIY/craft classes for men, women, and children. 

​We are so excited to spread the word. Help us spread the word and collect some great Artists by telling everyone you know. 

http://muckaboutpottery.weebly.com/blog

13 Proactive Ways to Increase Rent & Add Value to Your Rental Property

As a real estate investor, I am a big fan of Buy and Hold.  That being said, if you are going to go down this path, you will want to know how to increase the rent and the return from your rentals. Doing so encompasses all factors of property management.

Leasing faster, and to higher quality tenants will definitely increase your return. Renting for a higher price and increasing the rent upon renewal will as well. And so will preventing maintenance problems before they come up, as well as increasing tenant retention. But the question I usually get is how do we achieve all of these ends?

Here are 13 of the best ways you could increase the rent and value of your rental property:

1. Improve the appearance of the front of the property for curb appeal

2. Quality Advertising with high quality pictures 

3. Make sure the unit is well lit and smells good for showings

4. Don't just show the property and let the tenant walk through....sell it to them

5. Don't start your rent too low

6. Screen, screen, screen and then screen more. Bad tenants always eat your cashflow

7. Always raise rent upon lease renewal

8. Charge more for month to month rentals

9. Allow for pets and charge pet rent

10. Be on top of regular and preventative maintenance

11. Maintain contact with tenants in other ways like newsletters and social media

12. Charge for amenities and perks

13. Increase renewals with a resident program

The more you can raise the rents, lower costs, and increase retention, the better your bottom line will be. Good management can save bad investments, and bad management can kill good ones.

Be proactive in increasing your rental returns and Happy Investing!

Module 4 - Principal Paydown

Welcome Back! Are you ready for the 4th module of the 7 profit centers in real estate?

The 4th profit center of Real Estate Investing is one that most are aware of. This is the Principal Paydown on a mortgage.

A fundamental difference between Investors and  people that work at a "job" for a living, is how their money works or does not work for them.

No matter what your age bracket or field of expertise, by understanding this principal, you will have the opportunity to learn the strategies to earn passive income.

If you feel that you are too old to do this, too broke, too young, that someone else has to do this ... close this link as this does not apply to you ...

If however you have decided that you understand that you need to do something different ... or that you don't want to be a slave to your job anymore ... click the link to learn more ...

http://properdys.com/2016/06/29/hello-world/

Expect tougher mortgage rules by November

Home buyers should expect tougher mortgage rules to kick in as early as November 1 of this year.

In an announcement released Friday by the nation’s financial regulator, banks and lenders that offer mortgage financing will face stricter regulations and this will translate into tougher lending rules for home buyers.

Under the proposed new rules, OSFI will demand that banks increase how much capital they hold to cover mortgage currently in the market.

Banks and mortgage lenders will pass down the extra costs of these stricter regulations to the end user.

This is done by either increasing mortgage rates or implementing tougher lending requirements for those applying for a mortgage.

For the average Canadian home buyer then,

this could mean that as early as November, it will either be:

→ harder to get a mortgage

→ mortgage rates will start to rise (even slightly)

→ or you won’t qualify for as large a mortgage as you would’ve prior to these new rules.

Talk to your mortgage broker....... its about time!

Cool App that Allows you to Text without Wi-Fi or Data

I just came across this app and I had to share with you! This is the answer we have all been looking for when headed across the border or abroad. This app allows you to text without having wifi or a mobile plan available. The kicker......it's FREE and you can be completely OFF THE GRID.

I am not a tech guru but read all about on Business insider: More About Fire Chat

Who would have thought ... Back to school?!!

Who would have thought ... ? Well after the last year and a half of opening and closing doors, Sorelle and I are starting off on our newest adventure together.

I have always pushed my kids to follow their dreams and not let me or other people's insecurities get in their way. Sorelle now starts off on a road that many of us only dreamed about ... to be a Screen Writer.

Soon after the college was chosen she asked me why I never followed my dream ... I told her that being "a starving artist" would never pay the bills. She looked at me with almost a guilty expression, as she knew that being a Screen Writer would be classed the same as an Artist in most people's eyes, yet here i was pushing her to follow her dreams. Unbeknownst to me, she had made arrangements at her school for me to attend a weekend workshop in animation. i was surprised, but delighted to be able to "go have fun" for the weekend ... or so I thought ...

Well needless to say ... Rell is not the only one starting college on September 6th! I will be doing 3D animation and bringing my characters to life!

I look at my daughter and wonder how she got so smart, when did she grow up ... must have been while I was not looking. I must have blinked or something ...

Module 3 - CASH FLOW POSITIVE

Welcome Back! Are you ready for the 3rd module in the 7 profit centers in real estate?

There is a saying in the investment world that "Cash Flow is King".

A fundamental difference between Investors and  people that work at a "job" for a living, is how their money works or does not work for them.

No matter what your age bracket or field of expertise, by understanding this principal, you will have the opportunity to learn the strategies to earn passive income.

If you feel that you are too old to do this, too broke, too young, that someone else has to do this ... close this link as this does not apply to you ...

If however you have decided that you understand that you need to do something different ... or that you don't want to be a slave to your job anymore ... click the link to learn more ...

http://properdys.com/2016/06/29/hello-world/

The Real Impact of Vancouver's Foreign Buyer Tax

The hottest topic around Vancouver these days is the newly implemented 15% Foreign Buyer tax on properties in the GVRD. Nearly every conversation on real estate these days leads to the new tax and its impact on our economy.

Don Campbell from Real Estate Investment Network did a fabulous interview on BNN-TV.

Click here to read the rest of the article and Don's outline on the 6 current factors surrounding this new tax. As Don says, step "Out of the Fray" and look at the issue from practical terms.

2. LEVERAGE (The second profit center of Real Estate)

Welcome Back!

7 PROFIT CENTERS OF REAL ESTATE

Are you ready for your next lesson on Leverage?

Please Click the following links to start learning.

Click the following links and explore!

Overview:  http://properdys.com/2016/06/29/hello-world/

1. Equity Day One:  http://properdys.com/2016/06/29/1-equity-day-one/

2. Leverage: http://properdys.com/2016/07/30/module-2-leverage/

PS. Every Real Estate deal is different and we recommend to always have legal council to safeguard every deal.

Investment Properties - Wealth Creators!

1016 King St E
122 Cameron Ave S
155 Chatham St
15 Westinghouse
167-169 Sherman Ave
16 Wentworth
171 Bay St S
177 Markland St
182 Ottawa St N
195 Balmoral Ave N
202 Belmont Ave
204 Wilson
210 Wilson St
212 Wilson St
232 Ottawa Street S
254 Dundurn St S
263 Emerson St
2 Balsam Ave S
4223 Terrace Ave
524-526 Upper James
55 Wellington St S
561-563 King St E
663 Barton E
737 Barton E

With multi-family properties you can begin to create wealth with real estate.

You have to buy correctly though or you may end up with a "lemon" or worse yet ... with a property that is not generating income.

The whole idea is to create passive income, not a headache!

I can show you how to generate this wealth yourself, or call me if you do not want to deal with the "Tenants and Toilets".

Norma Doucet 

604-700-1855   properdys.com

The above properties have not been evaluated for cashflow potential! They are simply an example of where to start. You might find one property out of 100, that actually hits all the markers, to make it worthwhile for you to invest in.

Owning vs. Renting

It's all about timing

There are many pros and cons to both owning a home and renting a home and this is especially a pressing issue in the case of Vancourites with rising housing (and living) costs.

Not that's it's ever a bad idea to buy, but if buying causes you to be strapped for cash and puts you in jeopardy of walking a very fine line every month with regards to paying basic bills, then it might not be the right time.

The most important thing is to sit down with your advisor and look at the overall picture - see how much you have, how much you can save, and how much you can afford to put aside for not only a downpayment, but also the monthly mortgage, property tax and possibly strata fees that come with being a home owner. When you have a written financial plan created with specific goals in mind, you'll find that you achieve them not only much quicker, but also with less stress.

Congratulations Sorelle on your Graduation of 2016!

June has been a crazy month, with Colt going back out to The Mac, to help with the relief workers ... to the whirl wind of ceremonies for Sorelle and her grade 12 graduation.

We were blessed, to be able to have many out of town family members come and celebrate Sorelle's recent graduation. Sorelle shocked us when she received a partial scholarship at the Awards Ceremony. She has been accepted and will be going into Screen Writing School, in September, at the School of Creative.

From the time our little ones are born, we do all we can for our children.  ... teach them to walk, ... to talk, raise them to know right from wrong, to help the less fortunate and sometimes even move across continents for them! It is hard to let go and to "cut the apron strings". Even as they get older and we can't believe as they grow before our very eyes, they are still our kids ... our hearts. We have to hand over the reigns to our children in the hopes they will achieve more than we did.

Sorelle, it is now up to you to help mold the future of our world. Congratulations and good luck! This is why we came back to Canada ...

Now GET TO WORK ... lol

June Foreclosure Lists

Burnaby-Attached
Commercial Foreclosures
Coquitlam-Attached
Langley-Attached
Maple Ridge-Attached
Mission-Detached
New Westminster-Attached
North Delta-Attached
North Delta-Detached
Port Coquitlam-Attached
Port Moody-Attached
Richmond-Attached
Surrey-Attached
Surrey-Detached
Vancouver-Detached
Vancouver (East, West & North)-Attached

Here we are with the JUNE foreclosures. 

Remember, it's not like the U.S.A.. or television.  It's Canada and properties are required to have the best chance of selling for fair market value. 

Overstaying Your AirBNB Welcome

Owners and investors alike are facing the pinch of high housing costs.

This leads to creative and resourceful opportunities like turning your condo into a vacation rental and make a few bucks.

Win-Win for owner and renter .. until now. 

The influx of converting condos to VRBO, HomeStay and AirBNB is affecting the rental market. With little or no new inventory of rental apartments, the rents for existing product has increased to ridiculous highs. 

I understand why landlords desire to hike up their rents. There's a lot of maintenance and unforeseen costs to managing rental condos. 

Individual owners are not professional property managers. They have one property with one tenant that they need to cash flow or there's no mortgage payment. Rental abuse slips in with little or no enforcement.

A multi-family apartment has multiple tenants. if 1 or 2 tenants move out, it won't affect cash flow. Unlike a condo where you report to your strata council, a landlord has the ability to enforce its policies.

Just be prepared for other cities around the world to start cracking down with similar legislation.

Berlin puts ban on apartment vacation rentals

One door opens! Let the learning begin ...

Life's journey seems to have a path for all of us. We never know what is in store, but I do believe what my parents always taught me as a child ...  that when one door closes ... another one opens!

As most of you all know, I crossed the boarder last year to give my daughter Sorelle, the opportunity to experience graduating from grade 12 here in Canada.

After fearing that her homeschooling would not be recognised ... we are pleased to announce that she is graduating and will be going on to college for screen writing in September. Congratulations Sorelle!

Big Happy Birthday to my son Colton. He is growing up too fast, but now is learning the "trials of life" by delving out on his own in Alberta.

He has completed many courses and prerequisits to prepare himself for working out in Ft.MacMurray. He has taken his bumps and buises and even helped out with taking care of the people affected by the fires.

I am so proud of the young man he has become and will stand by him as he persues his goal to get into trucking.

As for me ... I have decided to focus on what I have talked about for years. It is time to put my "money where my mouth is" so to speak. I have taken the first steps towards Commercial Real Estate Investing.

I was lucky to have had the wonderful opportunity to meet July Ono, who I look to as my mentor. There are not many people, that i have met in my lifetime, that have given their time without asking for anything in return. Thankyou ... I am a firm believer in PAYING IT FORWARD ...

... Sooooo anyone that wishes to learn about "The 7 Profit Centres in Real Estate" ... stay tuned for my next newsletter where we find out all about "Equity on Day 1"!

THIS SHARK'S MONEY MAKING SECRET

Kevin O'Leary Interview - 4 Min Video

This is Kevin O'Leary of the Shark Tank television series. He recently audited all of his  businesses over the past six years. To his amazement, the auditors came back with one common denominator for all of his most profitable businesses, the ones that made the most money. They are run by women.

Kevin plans on investing with more women owners. Thanks you Rick Genovese for sharing this link:

How Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Make His First Million

How did Arnold Schwarzenegger make his first million?

Mr. Olympia prize money? Nope.

Hollywood paychecks? Nope - Guess again

Endorsement deals? Strike three.

Arnold's excelled in many different careers - from bodybuilding to blockbusters to politics. But he's always been an entrepreneur, first and foremost.

When he arrived in America in his early twenties, with almost $30,000 saved from his iron-pumping victories, he had a business on his mind.

So how did the "Terminator" became a millionaire by age 25?

Real Estate Investing

Arnold was shocked with the number of Americans who rented rather than owned.

In his homeland of Austria, it was typical to live with the family or find some comparable arrangement until you could afford to buy a property.

He put his savings towards the downpayment on an apartment building. A year later, he sold it for $150,000 profit.

Here's why he was really smart:

Arnold took those profits and quickly re-invested them into another property. Had he just pocketed the profits and waited, the taxmen would have gobbled up a big cut.

Instead he re-invested, over and over, and watched his networth skyrocket.

This was years before he became one of the most bank-able stars in movie history.

In fact, had he jumped into the Hollywood pressure cooker without a real estate fortune behind him, he may have had to settle for small parts and mediocre roles that could have derailed his acting career.

(Now that's a scary thought.....no Terminator?)

Like a true businessman, Arnold never stopped investing. Today he has massive stakes in premium properties throughout America - especially in his adopted home state, California.

Now I must say, I find Arnold's personal choices to be rather questionable, but if we separate his personal life from his business life, it's been impressive to see his real estate track record as an investor.

Having said that, there's no mystery to his real estate strategy - they are techniques we all know are repeatable.

In any market.

In any economic climate.