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Edmonton, AB

Watch The Property Values Rise

Todd & Danielle  Millar: Real Estate - Other in Edmonton, AB

We've generally stayed away from Alberta Ave because the headaches of managing and tenanting the property far outweighed the low price tags. However, with an $8.5 million , 5 block-per-year revitalization in the works it's starting to look more and more attractive.

"Alberta Avenue, the 27-block stretch of 118th Avenue north of downtown, is getting a facelift. Crews are beginning work on "streetscaping" five blocks of the avenue, putting in new road surfaces, new and wider sidewalks, new trees and better lighting." Susan Ruttan, edmontonjournal.com

Don R. Campbell often says to not be the first in the area to start the gentrification but come in the middle when the risk takers have done most of the work. I would say this is a good indication that properties in this previously forsaken (drugs, prostitution and crime) area are going to make a nice profit.

My good friend has been active by spreading flower seeds on walks with her dog, in hopes of beautifying the area around her investment property. Looks like the city is ready to follow her lead.

Who Says Landlords Never Give Back?

Todd & Danielle  Millar: Real Estate - Other in Edmonton, AB

An Edmonton landlord struggles to keep the school near his complex open and is willing to pay to make that happen.

"Reg Appleyard, Meadowcroft Housing Society of Edmonton's executive director, told public school trustees that he will guarantee 110 students are enrolled in Woodcroft Elementary School by Sept. 15, and the society will pay nearly $5,000 for every student short of the goal, up to $98,224 or a shortfall of 19 kids." Photo courtesy of Edmonton Journal.


Relying on 30 years of accumulated reserve funds, Reg sees this as the biggest crisis the complex has had to face, and is willing to pay to keep the school and his units tenanted.

"We bought this complex 30 years ago, and we've always set aside funds each year for crises or emergencies," he said. "We feel that this is probably the biggest crisis we've faced in 30 years, and so we are prepared to use some of our reserve funds to try to solve the Woodcroft Elementary School problem." Reg Appleyard

What a reserve fund!
Reg seems determined to get those seats filled and has already signed up children.

I can't help but wonder if his reserve funds could be spent in a way that could revitalize the community or help tenants who can't find housing rent in his building. The $5000 shortfall per child could actually equate to a $416.00 monthly rent reduction for a year in his building.

That might attract a lot new tenants, fill the school and offer subsidized housing.

Read the full article here

Do You See What I Mean?

Todd & Danielle  Millar: Real Estate - Other in Edmonton, AB

This is taken from Star Publications of Malaysia.

"WITH crude oil hitting a record price of US$108 per barrel recently, the search for oil and gas has been more intense than ever due to its high profit margin.

In recent years, investing in the extraction of oil from sand or oil sands is gaining popularity because of the strong demand and high prices of oil.

It was reported by Time Magazine in a recent article that second only to the Saudi Arabia reserves, Alberta's oil sands deposits were described as “Canada's greatest buried energy treasure,” which could satisfy the world's demand for petroleum for the next century."


So that brings the countries investing in Alberta to France, China, Norway, the Middle East, America, Japan and now Malaysia. They see something that is a sure bet with the price of rising and demand constantly increasing.

Read more about Alberta's HOT economy Click Here.

Edmonton Has Fat Coffers

Todd & Danielle  Millar: Real Estate - Other in Edmonton, AB

The city had a budget surplus of $34.4 Million in 2007. Some of the excess funds are planned to go to infrastructure, a new sports complex and other projects.

"I know it's frustrating and I don't blame the public. I don't necessarily disagree with their position either, but sometimes it's hard to guess 365 days in advance what's going to happen." Mayor Stephen Mandel

Maybe we can get a rebate?

Edmonton Office Space Demand Rising

Todd & Danielle  Millar: Real Estate - Other in Edmonton, AB
Due to high demand, limited supply and increasing rents Edmonton office space is in hot demand.
Prices by the square foot have increased 76% since the beginning of last year.


"Overall, office vacancy has reached historical lows, with unprecedented rental rates being achieved in both the downtown core and suburban office markets," says Canadian real estate services company DTZ Barnicke. READ MORE