First, feel free to list whenever it's vacant. That's the best time to sell because it's easy for potential buyers to get in and see the property, while you have the most control over how clean it's kept. Second, I have a 25% rule for my properties. It doesn't matter what the market is...

This year in Edmonton we've seen assessments off by $100k on both sides for some properties. The best way to find the value is to have a relationship with a REALTOR who will help you and provide pricing information.

Be there when the appraiser shows up. Turn all the lights on, put the toilet seats down, make sure there aren't any weird smells. Meet them on the street, smile, shake their hand and answer any questions they have. You're there to make them have a good day at work, help them see the value of the...

Good questions Brett, and I have one client who is renovating houses and installing fantastic basement suites. They still cashflow, but you definetly pay a premium for what is essentially a new house. The question is how to price it (as the agent) and how to communicate value to the buyers...

Give a good mortgage broker a call. I know of many people who have been caught out by lenders like this - fortunately you have some equity. If you're in Alberta I know folks who might help you out.

Sweet! (And kudos for thanking those who have helped you) Remember to have at least one condition on it and don't be discouraged if/when they say no. Just keep plugging away!

HUB International is based in Ontario. The Park programs are often available just to REIN members, but it's always worth a call. I have my AB and BC rental properties insured with Park.

Depends on which province you're in. Most have a dispute resolution service which is much faster and cheaper than small claims.

I'll chime in and add that I'm ok with people using more than one Realtor if you tell both agents what you're doing. Different agents for different areas or properties can be ok, but you've gotta be clear about when you're tied up in a deal so the other agent doesn't waste time finding stuff you...

That particular merger doesn't change much. If you're going flat-fee, go as cheap as you can and get a good lawyer to help you through the roadbumps. Talk with your lawyer very early in the process too, since there's a lot of stuff you need to do before/early in the listing. That said, I was...

I like the west end more than some of the other side of town. There's several large projects near Westmount mall that are big competitors. I think in general they pull decent tenants and the farther you get from downtown the better they get. I've helped manage some along 118th Ave and 124th St...

Maintencne and vacancy vary widely in the city. If you're in Eastwood or Westwood you can see easily double the costs in better areas.

Equity counts - they're just looking for the number at the bottom of the page of your net worth statement. If it's tight or they're otherwise feeling concerned they might question the value of the assets reported.

I like the suite mix - 2 bedrooms are easier to rent out than 1 beds and hold the possibility of being turned into a condo. It also sounds like they've done some of the big renos, which helps to balance out the fact that you're limited on raising the rents. Other big expenses to watch for in a...

Tris, that's about right. There's also a couple of multi-family foreclosures around since people paid or refianced based on boom-time conversion pricing. Now they're just looking to bail, but the prices they need are still fairly high.

Generally you're right, but it depends on what province you're in. If it's Alberta you should be able to get it.

I think there'll be two downward pressures on home prices. First, nearly half the town has burned and insurance will replace most of that. Having that much new/identical inventory will create an oversupply, even if it's just the normal sales levels. Second, there's a lot of the resource industry...

No, it'll have to be a GFI circuit.