Immediately out of high school, I moved to the Rocky Mountains to work in the resort industry – Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise. At first, I lived in staff accommodation. It was like all the fun of university dorm life – except without the classes! It didn’t take me long to learn, though, that if I worked…
One Spring, when I was about 9, I saw Dad sitting at our dining room table doing what looked like homework…
“What are you doing Dad?”
“I’m doing my Income Taxes. Would you like to help?”
My father never missed…
I’m blessed to work with an absolutely amazing team. My Renovator, Jim, is a big man with a big heart.One Winter afternoon Jim called to check in with me. He wanted to be sure that we were moving the right projects forward in the right order so that prospective tenants, scheduled to view properties, would…
Hint: Condo’s are CommoditiesThe whole idea of most condominium developments – whether apartment or townhouse – is uniformity in size and design. In the eyes of a lender, appraiser, home-buyer or investor, one 1200 square foot, 3 bedroom unit is worth pretty much the same as the next. Interior finish becomes a somewhat secondary consideration.Understandingly…
The number 1 is absolutely the worst number in business. It may be bad for you too!
Think about it: 1 customer; 1 supplier; 1 bank; 1 employee; 1 market; 1 product; 1 service. It sounds simple, yet the number 1 can be devastating in any business. If you lose…
Locksmiths have great stories, and my first locksmith, Paul, was no exception!A teenager was travelling in Europe for nearly a year. His return trip took him through Edmonton where his grandmother owned a home. Always welcome at Grandma’s house, he decided to pay a surprise visit and stay with her for a few days. Grandma…
One weekend early on, I thought I’d give my contractor a hand, so I offered to drop by on a Saturday afternoon and do just that – hold stuff for him while he measured and cut and glued and attached. Jim didn’t ask for my help. I just offered it.Why was that a mistake? Well,…
Secret: Never over-commit to communicating with investment partners.My written commitment to investment partners includes annual reporting for income tax purposes only – and then I try to sneak in at least two other written communications throughout the year, a telephone call or two, and a personal visit (which usually doesn’t include discussion of our mutual…
Did you know that most good landlords or investors – myself included – suffer from the anxiety of thinking they’ll never find a suitable occupant for their latest project?I can’t possibly express to you the joy that comes from seeing a person, couple, or family completely fall in love with a home you are offering…
An interactive website is a vital tool for any successful business. After weeks of work and tons of help, we’re thrilled to finally re-launch a new and improved version of SecretHomes.ca!Aside from being an easy-to-remember URL, SecretHomes.ca is inspired by an enduring desire to share little-known tips and techniques gleaned from over 35 years of active…