Pets, with restrictions, are permitted in my properties. I agree with Ken's post that it increases the number of potential tenants and increases the rent. In my properties there have been no damages caused by pets (dogs) that the tenant did not repair on his/her own. Good tenants that have...

Last fall, at the BC REIN meeting a presentation was made by Rich Scott from Focal Point Coaching regarding his coaching services. Has anyone used him as a coach and would you recommend him? Stephen Steckler Stecia Properties

Two years ago I hired Kim Franz to do the books for both my real estate and vending businesses. As well as doing my books in a timely manner at a reasonable cost, Kim has definitely helped me reduce the paperwork chaos in my office. This has also contributed to my real estate investments to...

QUOTE (Thembi @ May 7 2009, 02:00 AM) I would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement from the time i joined REIN(august 2008) until now.I had no idea how i was going to buy a rental property and i just felt like joining rein was just a waste of time then.However with the...

QUOTE (ChrisDavies @ Feb 2 2009, 04:45 PM) I had fun working at Davies Management, and I think they do a pretty good job, but maybe I'm biased. I did vote for a couple other firms there who I think do a good job. And it's Davies with an 'e'. Davies started managing my new...

I`ve got a portfolio of townhouses and bungalows in Edmonton but am researching what is involved in buying commercial real estate. Thus I have a few questions: 1. How much would an 8 to 12 suite apartment building cost? 2. I think I need 40% for a downpayment. Is that...

Came across this article by Andrew Coyne that gives a very clear perspective on the political crisis in Ottawa: http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/11/30/the-tor...ade-them-do-it/

QUOTE (chargerharry @ Dec 3 2008, 07:32 PM) Holy Smoke!!! Do you guys actually believe that the bloc will support anything for 18 seconds, let alone 18 months, that doesn`t include a big, fat cheque for Quebec? Harry That fat cheque is pretty fat. As reported in this morning`s Edmonton...

I know its supposed to be 17-3 but in my first 3 years as a REIN member I purchased 8 properties. I consider this a success because 3 years ago I thought that I would only be able to buy 3 properties. Thanks to the teaching, coaching and mentoring from various members, I`m moving closer to my...

2 years hence? As for me, I`m looking 4-5 years ahead when I think we`ll start to see the impact of the pine beetle on the forestry industry in BC. As tragic as it looks, I think those living in the Lower Mainland will start to see increased taxes to replace the stumpage fees lost to the pine...

Property inspections are a necessity for me, for several reasons. But let`s just talk about the cost. I always put the cost in perspective. Let`s say you are buying a $250,000 townhouse and the inspection costs $400. The expense (investment) is only 0.16% of the value of the property. That`s...

The Vancouver Quickstart was the 5th I attended and was by far the best. My wife came as my guest, this being her second Quickstart and thanks to the great teaching by Don and the REIN team as well as the positive attitude of the REIN members, my wife decided to join REIN as a member. Thanks...

TD allowed me to skip this month`s payment, except they don`t call it `skip a payment`. Instead they call it `mortgage payment extension`, but it works the same. They asked me why I wanted to skip a payment and I said the mortgage is for a rental property and I wanted to increase my cashflow...

Hi Suzy, Yes, I read the same in yesterday`s newspapers. But I believe the attached article will give you a different perspective of what`s happening in the U.S. http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news...b47&k=25665 Stephen Steckler

Navaz and Garth, My JV partner plans to sell her interest after one year so the Beneficial Ownership concept won`t apply. Thanks for your input, Stephen