QUOTE (RebeccaBryan @ Jul 18 2010, 07:58 AM) Yes I have had similar experiences. Two of my tenants who are moving in at the end of the month was asked to get a criminal check. They are black. They asked me if it was because of that reason. I said no and that I ask all of my tenants to do that...

I hired them to enforce the writ of possession. The retaining fee was 750. However, I called it off since the renter agreed to pay for July`s rent and then leave at the end of the month. Once you call off the bailiff, they don`t stay for the few hours that it normally takes them too. Hence...

I`m in Edmonton, AB. The cost seems to be too high for actual services they perform. Kir.

Hi, Does anybody know what the big deal is about getting a bailiff? For example, the minimim fee is 750 for using Consolidated Civil Enforcement Agency. I hired them last week for 1 hour and all they did was go to the door to serve the papers (less then 1 hour). This is pretty good pay for...

Hi, Would this type of situation lead to a commerical lease with some esculation built into a 3-5 year lease? Utlitimately, would the rent be a little higher? If so, why not? Sounds like a type of marketing that I could do to certain corner lots (for the purpose of kids running around). Kir.

I would do nothing and invest in RE when you have the time Investing in syndicates might not be a good option since you have to put your money into such companies for 3-5 years (ex. with Carevest at ~ 8%/year dividend). Landlording is totally out due to crazy tenants, especially a single house...

Yes, Downtown edmonton. It`s being torned down now for apartments, as suggested by media. Of course it`s just news at the moment and I`m sure if this is a subsidized building. However, in general, it is interesting to see who is developing new multifamily and, if possible, how they are able to...

I believe I ran into an article about the conversion of the old Mayfair hotel into a rental units , over 15 floors (200+ doors) It`s suppose to be affordable rental units as well. So assuming if this is true, then we have construction of new apartment units. I always thought the cost to build...

Older houses do break down faster, but I think more importantly, that cheaper rents attracts certain types of tenants that , on average, are a bit more careless. Therefore, more headaches. The proof...I use to live in a house that was built in 1962. I never have any problems with toilets...

I think my rental portfolio (7 units), came as a result of me switching jobs, initially. When I sold my first home on my own, I made about 10K. Then the next year, the market picked up. Then the light bulb went on and I said, if only I could of waited a bit longer. Then I read books and...

I would check with the zoning first. If you are lucky, it might be R2 (meaning it can be a duplex). I once had a R2 building, and it was a legal 4 plex... fire-rated drywall, steel doors, fire escapes, and electrical separations will be very costly, if in fact you can convert. Simple answer...

Thanks for you advice, Moisture testing will be done in a few days to see if walls are affected. Currently fans are running and it doesn`t appear to be any mould. Kir.

Hi, Minor flooding in one of my condo is likely to result in about 1500 damages (estimated carpet replacement for about 475 sq.ft.). Walls are OK and there is no need to redo any drywall since it seems very dry. If my deductible is 1000 dollars, would it be wise to proceed with a claim? This...

Hi, There is an interesting article on a recent investigation into mortgage fraud. One link to BMO`s investigation is: http://www.leaderpost.com/business/story.html?id=2990508 Ringleaders, lawyers, brokers, and straw buyers are involved, according to BMO. The fraud amount is substantial and if...

Why would you claim exile status to avoid taxes? Then you would lose future opportunities to invest further in Canada. Kir.

IN that case, the total taxable income will be reduced from 100K to 90K and there will be a refund (~ $300-400 bucks). Kir.

Maybe the accountant is referring to the use of CCA or depreciation to compound further loss, which can`t be used to reduce your total income. So if rental expenses exceeds rental income, you have a loss...but you can`t further this loss by more depreciation. Just a thought. Kir.

I did one kithen on one of my units, Go with the cheaper doors, then when you sell upgrade to real wooden doors. It just snaps in place. The doors will be the biggest cost to doing cabinets. advantages to using Ikea: -parts and supplies are always there (nuts, bolts, doors that fit and...

Hi Regarding JV and bankruptcy: Two business partners, both on title for an investment property. Later, circumstances are such that one JV declares bankruptcy. Can the trustee dictate a forced sale? To make things a little intersting, say the bankrupt partner only owns 49%. I ask since I...

Thanks David, The 2nd largest cost to maintaining a real estate investment, usually, is the property tax. One of my investment has a fairly high taxation rate (mill rate is almost 2). This is compounded by a capped assessment policy (ex. Nova Scotia). Anyway, I appealed (on one of my...