Investing in Sarnia

[arnoneshel]

I would like to hear some feedback from people who invest in Sarnia or know what`s going on there.

I heard Shell is planning an expansion of a plant but this is not solid enough yet.

If everyone want to share some info, that can be great.

Arnon

(647) 219-1595

 

[drew]

Hi Arnon,

Have you done any more research or aquired any more information on Sarnia?

Regards,

Andrew

 

[joeiannuzzi]

Hi Arnon. I do not know if you are are aware of this proposed development. Transportation is a key fundamental when looking to invest in real estate.

http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=19121

 

[EdRenkema]

Joe where do you find this stuff??!!

I travel through this corridor frequently and I have two points to make relative to this article.
1. A truck marshalling yard I think would have a detrimental effect on local RE values due to the transient affect of truck traffic, and only have a minor impact on total employment enhancement. Anyone who works in transportation will tell you increased infrastructure is only one variable in cross border freight expediting, the primary holdup is frequently human interaction ie. one surly/disgruntled customs official.
2. Windsor and Sarnia are not interchangeable, while both crossings provide similar customs procedures to similar locations in US/Canada they are two distinct geographical locations, it is not feasable to travel from one to the other, the plan must be in place 100 km away when travelling from Cdn side and and electronic customs manifests must be faxed/emailed to the specific crossing 3 hrs prior to arrival.

As always the big picture must be obtained by travelling to the area and seeing how it scores on the Goldmine scorecard.

 

[joeiannuzzi]

Ed, I try to find relevant economic data and my methods are by no means fullproof. I do agree that the property goldmine scorecard is the best way to proceed.

 

[CarlaJohnson]

Sarnia is my hometown and my mom lives within view of the Bluewater Bridge(s). The trucks are sometimes backed up right through the city. It is as if they cut the city in half. They can seriously impede transportation.

With the absolutely gorgeous beaches and oil industry, it should be booming, but it never seems to get there. Sarnia`s geographical location could always be a problem and the environmental issues from the industry have been an on-going concern for years.

If you travel to the area, make sure you make a stop under the bridge for fries!

Carla

 

[EdRenkema]

Joe, perhaps you took my comment as deprecating, certainly not meant that way, I`m amazed at the vast range of resources you quote and my statements were no more than my interpretation of events as I see them. I expect and hope for many more interesting posts. Thanks for your contribution.

Ed R

 

[joeiannuzzi]

QUOTE (EdRenkema @ Feb 25 2008, 09:14 PM)

Joe, perhaps you took my comment as deprecating, certainly not meant that way, I`m amazed at the vast range of resources you quote and my statements were no more than my interpretation of events as I see them. I expect and hope for many more interesting posts. Thanks for your contribution.

Ed R


No worries Ed. The only resource I have is my close friend "Google" to find economic data. I do not know the economics of Ontario as well as Alberta and BC and that is why I am considering coming to an Ontario REIN meeting and seeing first hand how they are different than the west. I will be sure to send you an email once that happens.

Joe

 

[selewis]

Hey all! Sarnia dweller here. Going on 17 years now. I love investing here. Market fundamentals might not rate it as a top ten city in Ontario (or even top twenty!). But the price per home vs. the amount of rent you can charge is a great ratio. For instance, I just closed today on a private sale duplex (side-by-side semi-detached home). Paid $112,500. Each side will rent for approx. $825 plus heat and hydro, and $780 plus heat and hydro. Do the math. That`s a duplex with a best case $500/month net cash flow (not counting M&R and vacancy). Vacancy rates are low in Sarnia right now. Being a smaller city (75,000 give or take), the deals don`t come along as often either. There is little on the MLS market right now. I am digging into my private connections to find some good private deals right now.