Thursday, January 26, 2012

Just in case you didn't know...

I like to invest in Hamilton and they have revamped their Invest in Hamilton website with lots of information and a fresh new look here: http://www.investinhamilton.ca/

Jobs, quality of life, growing population, transportation infrastructure improvements, proactive economic development, all these things plus great price to rent ratios make Hamilton a great place to live and invest.

Did you know that Hamilton has the most waterfalls of any CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) in Canada?
Check it out here: http://www.waterfalls.hamilton.ca/

Monday, October 24, 2011

What is the Real Estate Cycle?

Here's a quick video by Greg Head co-author of a valuable research book I recently read:
Secrets of the Canadian Real Estate Cycle 
The title says it all, thanks Greg!


Friday, October 7, 2011

Hamilton + Canada = Winners

Hi Everyone,
Here is a short impactful article that says it all about the merits of investing in Canada and subsequently in Hamilton.
At CFI Properties we focus on Hamilton for good reasons and well... Hamilton is in Canada and we do all the due diligence on our properties to ensure they are winners.
Enjoy the article (by Don R. Campbell with Allyssa Epp):
http://www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/expert-advice/forecasts/item/830-why-canada-trumps-the-us

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Hamilton Gets It!

Here is a quick update to why Hamilton really does get it. Their Economic Development Office is and has been bringing cutting edge industry & development to the city - here:

http://www.thespec.com/news/business/article/593194--mac-a-role-model-for-global-r-d-village

and here:

http://www.thespec.com/news/business/article/590793--city-succeeds-in-luring-new-corporate-investment


And after reading this book:
http://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Canadian-Real-Estate-Cycle/dp/0470964715

I am realizing Hamilton is early in the recovery according to several key drivers.

ed@cfiproperties.ca



Saturday, August 20, 2011

Do you Get it Yet?

I usually try to use the KISS principle: Keep It Short & Sweet.
Sometimes less is more.


If you are a Real Estate Investor anywhere in Southern Ontario (or not) you must read this recent article in the Hamilton Spectator:

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/581167--hamilton-hot-property

OK the article is a little long (this blog post is short) and that makes it sweet!
By now you should be getting it about Hamilton.

ed@cfiproperties.ca

Saturday, August 13, 2011

I Like to Buy Quality


What you see here in case you don't recognize it is one of the most functional and durable tools I own for my bike maintenance. It is a Zefal floor pump and other than the connector hose and valve stem adapter it is all original. This pump is over 20 years old and also probly one of my most frequently used tools. It can bring my road bike tires from flat to 110 psi in 30 seconds to 1 minute.
So what right?
What I'm using this analogy for is to show I recognize quality and that's what I buy.

Our most recent acquisition was a 3 bed, 1.5 bath townhouse in a complex where I own 2 other units. The minute I walked through I recognized the quality and value and the asking price was below that value. We purchased from a bank via Power of Sale at full asking price. When the unit was appraised for financing purposes it came in at $5K above purchase price. My investors & I earned $5K in appreciation the day of closing. When purchasing one of these townhouses we normally do between $5K & $8K of renovations. In this case we spent well under $5K and that was only because we needed all new appliances and a new garage door.
We did not need new paint, flooring, or bathroom updates - all done!

Thank you Mark Loeffler, Chuck Billingsley, Kevin Boughen, and Kim Tkaczuk + all other professionals on our team for making this transaction smooth and easy.
In these volatile times choose a secure, cash flowing investment like real estate in Hamilton Ontario.
CFI Properties specializes in properties in Hamilton and you can email me any time since I am more than willing to share information.
ed@cfiproperties.ca

Sunday, July 17, 2011

The Landlord & Tenant Board is your friend (Whaa...?)

I bet the title of this post caught your eye!


Well I'm here to tell you the system works, maybe not efficiently and sometimes unfairly but it does work.
Having just been to the LTB for a hearing in which my agenda was to evict a non-paying tenant, I have a new respect for their system.
We've all heard the ranting before from non-landlords or uneducated investors: 'if you have a tenant who's not paying or wrecking the place you can't get them out'.
I've decided to remove the word can't from my vocabulary but thats another story...

Situation was we closed on a property May 30th, tenant was 'hard to find' on the first and/or second of the month. Left him a note, he called me on the third explaining he hadn't gotten paid for a contracting job...(ya, no reserve funds right!) and then failed to contact me at any point until Jeff gave him notice for hearing. Then the crying really started.
On hearing day his girlfriend showed up with one month rent in cash and a promise to pay arrears by the 22nd, if not- they are out immediately by court order.
AND heres the real kicker, they promise to be out by August 31st!!!
Everything I wanted plus the rent arrears, follow the system, it works.
I used Jeff Varcoe a professional property manager to ensure the process was conducted smoothly and efficiently.
Jeff Varcoe
Cornerstone Select Properties
1253 Westview Terrace
Oakville, ON
Internet: www.cornerstoneselect.ca
  

We had our hearing on July 14, less than one month after Jeff filed the L1 (June 22nd)

Two lessons here:
1. Follow the system its in place both for landlords and tenants and if payment is late issue the N4 immediately.
2. Use professional services if you're unsure of the process.

Now if you want to invest your capital securely and profitably you should be contacting us at:
CFI Properties, the home of Cash Flowing Investments.
We are the Hamilton experts. (Hamilton is now rated the #1 city to invest in Ontario by Cutting Edge Research + #3 in Canada)
And I'm never too busy for your calls or emails:
ed@cfiproperties.ca 
905-329-1460