Investing basics for the new investor.
As a real estate investor, you can’t be expected to know every single corner of the business—especially if it’s your side hustle. Whether it’s real estate law, finance, contracting or any other subject that…
Whispers of another recession are causing consumers across North America to brace for a repeat of 2008. Flashbacks to layoffs and foreclosures are making everyone nervous about financial prospects, including the real estate industry.
When it comes to finding your next investment property, one of the factors you’ll likely consider is whether you’d like to buy an old home or a new home. There are pros and cons…
Nothing says summer in Canada like spending time out on the water. While many people like the idea of having their slice of vacation right in the backyard, having a pool is a big…
The most discouraging assumption you could make about real estate investment is that it's only for rich people. Plenty of investors have stories about paying cash for their properties. Many of these same investors…
No one likes getting calls from tenants. In an ideal world, the rent check shows up on time and the tenant takes good care of the property. Of course, we don’t live in an…
On the surface, real estate investing seems simple and straightforward. Property generally appreciates. Once you own an asset, you can rent it out to tenants and residents for a profit. It should be fool-proof,…
When you own a rental property, your goal is to always have tenants so that you can maximize your investment profits. However, sometimes your property could use a renovation that will make it more…
It’s easy to trick yourself into thinking you’ve found the perfect investment property. It has a spacious, recently-updated bathroom or a great master suite. The kitchen is filled with high-end materials and new appliances.
Converting raw land or a blighted building into a brand-new real estate structure is rarely worth the cost, effort and headache necessary to pull it off. Constructing a new building requires time, effort and…
Chances are, you’re using a bank-backed mortgage to buy your investment property. When it comes time to close your real estate transaction, you’ll face several choices. You’ll likely have to decide what lending products…
Radon is a naturally occurring, odourless, invisible gas posing significant health risks. Radon forms when uranium—a ubiquitous natural element found in soil, rocks and sediment—begins to decay. As the uranium decays, some of its…
Investing in real estate involves a lot of deals. You’re responsible for finding and buying a property. Then, securing financing to purchase the property. From there, it’s about negotiating contracts to make necessary repairs…
People these days are busy! Eating a formal dinner at a large family table is less common than it once was. As a result, traditional dining rooms are falling out of style. Many people…
There are few things more romantic than retiring to a cottage for a warm summer weekend or a special holiday week in the middle of winter. On the surface, cottages may look like lucrative,…
The 2016 census revealed a surprising statistic: the number of Canadians over age 55 rose an astonishing 87 percent between 1996 and 2006. Demographics in Canada are continuing to change as the population ages.
The idea of purchasing a run-down home or building isn’t all that appealing. But, getting it at a fraction of its true value and spending a few months refinishing it—to sell it at a…
These days, short-term rentals are all the rage. Spurred in large part by the popularity of sites like Airbnb and VRBO, an increasing number of real estate investors are converting their residential units into…
Getting ready to rent out a new property? Chances are, you’re going to immediately turn down any prospective tenant unable to demonstrate evidence of stable, reliable income. After all, your primary objective is to…
As an investor, protecting your asset should be one of your top priorities. But far too many investors overlook the easiest aspect of safeguarding their investment against damages: Performing regular inspections of the property.
Real estate investing is a business like any other. If you’re not fully committed to the success of your business and the satisfaction of your customers, your investment endeavour likely won’t do very well.
If you’re preparing to buy an investment property, you’ve probably already performed due diligence—examined the property in detail, checked out records and negotiated the cost of any repairs into your final purchase price. Unfortunately,…
Many people confuse the terms “landlord” and “real estate investor.” These titles denote two very different approaches to asset management. Owning property doesn’t make you one or the other—how you manage your property is…
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect asset, the fear sets in. Are you prepared to spend so much money on an acquisition? What if the market isn’t as favourable as you thought?…
If you’re new to the real estate investing game, you may think your sole objective is to find properties with the biggest possible rates of return. Unfortunately, making investment decisions driven exclusively by financial…
Furnishing and decorating your rental apartment can add significant value to your unit, enabling more lucrative lease structures. Case-in-point: Executive Rentals. Furnished executive rentals are often rented out on one or three-month leases, and…
Across Canada, rental rates are beginning to slow down and flatten out following years of substantial growth. As a real estate investor, you may be wondering what steps you can take to continue increasing…
Recovering rental payments is a perennial struggle for landlords. No matter how stringent your screening process is, you’re still likely to end up with at least one tenant who struggles to pay their rent…
No matter how much experience you have as a landlord, you will always have to confront the challenges that come with property management. These challenges can be even more significant if you own a…
Real estate investing isn’t as simple as purchasing a property and renting it out. There are a lot of regulations, considerations and special designations you have to consider when you’re looking for homes to…