Recent content by stevegwhite

They are student rentals. If I didn't include it in rent I'd just be stuck with the bill on move-out anyway. I'm not loosing money, just trying to save.

Does anyone have any experience with the clear film that you can apply to windows? Not the shrink wrap one. http://www.homedepot.ca/product/energy-film-36-in-x-48-in/936954 I have a couple student rentals who have inclusive baseboard heating. They appear to be attempting to tan themselves...

Keep in mind there are other areas outside the top towns. You won't get the same appreciation, but I invest East of Toronto and am doing very well. I purchased two units with a $43,000 HELC and because I bought and renovated well I've increased my value enough that I have room to pull some...

Are you interested in doing the landlord work, or just the investing? If you're more interested in the investing portion, have you considered partnering up with an investor who works in an area with better numbers?

Check out Michael Dominguez. He's a REIN member and specializes in Durham. http://www.durhamhome.ca

HUB Insurance. No question. They've got a great program for student rentals that saved me 50% with far more coverage. They also allow you to remain vacant for 3 months, instead of the traditional 1 month, without affecting your premium. Here's my contact: Dan Tetzlaff, B.A, RIBO...

My 9-5 is in the news industry as a photo editor, but as an investor I have a seasonal rental property on the Cabot Trail and two student rentals. I'm not a realtor or broker, I just an investor in the area. If you have specific any questions - steve.white (at) me.com. I'm happy to help...

If you do go with a LOC, be sure that any money you want to use for personal use is separated. For example, you get $70,000 but don't plan to buy for a few months. Since you have cash available you decide to redo your kitchen countertop with some of the LOC. Be sure you have your bank...

Good call. Lying may also set you up for trouble down the road if you begin picking up other properties as investments. It's always best to be straight from the beginning. I'm located in Ajax if you're looking for some help or advice on our market.

How far back are you talking? My biggest regret is graduating college, taking a night job at a convenience store and pissing my money away because I was still living with mom and dad. I actually had a real estate investor come in delivering the Toronto Star every night and he told me about...

Sorry about the spacing. The forum's not iPhone friendly.

Has anyone gone the route of making an offer to the seller asking them to hold the mortgage? I recently bought two units with my HELC and the units are working out quite well. I want to purchase two more that are listed, but banks won't consider me and these properties have been sitting vacant...

What's a deposit? Oh, Alberta ;) I would price myself at a dollar amount per hour. No less than $35/hr x the amount of time it took. Or you could hire a company and 20% to the cost and deduct that. By not charging you are telling them it's okay to ignore your lease agreement and you may...

Student housing was my main reason for getting into real estate. I got inspired when I was at school and moved into a house in second year with friends. I was amazed how much the landlord made on a house he recently inherited from his parents. We finally made the move this summer buying two...

Look into an owner occupied 4-plex (anything larger doesn't count) and you can get in with a lower down payment and easier qualifying. You can live in it for a few years then move into another one and rent out your old apartment. If you don't have a house yet that's your best bet for buying...