Even in shaky times, real estate can offer a solid investment foundation

As a group, Canadian real estate investment trusts have risen 120 per cent from their lows in early 2009.

Real estate is for optimists, if the recent gains among real estate investment trusts is any indication. As a group, U.S. REITs have risen 170 per cent from their lows in early 2009. Canadian REITs have done almost as well, rising more than 120 per cent. And neither of those returns factors in dividend payments…. Read More

Canada’s economy goes on a slower path

Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.

Europe’s debt quagmire, a flagging U.S. rebound and slowing growth in China are taking the steam out of Canada’s economic outlook. Canada’s top policy makers said the country’s prospects for this year and next have deteriorated as a slowing global economy weighs on exporters and cuts into confidence at home. Consumer and business spending is expected to… Read More

Read your mortgage contract, the details could cost you

Read your mortgage contract, the details could cost you

You just made the largest purchase of your life based on borrowing more than you ever have before. Are you really going to bother reading that 25-page contract with all the rules on your mortgage? The answer is usually no. The truth is you should. The ambiguity in mortgage contracts has landed more than one… Read More

Inside The Real Estate Investor Mind – Cash on Cash Analysis

Episode 195 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs about how real estate investors assess return on their investment (ROI) when deciding to purchase real estate properties, using Cash on Cash analysis. Cash on Cash % = (Net Income) / (Downpayment + Closing Costs) where: Net Income = Gross Annual… Play Video

101 Hammersmith Avenue

Episode 190 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs about the unique entrance to 101 Hammersmith Avenue in The Beach, Toronto. If you are interested in Beach or downtown Toronto real estate or wish to discuss this topic further, please email George@GeorgeONeill.ca or leave a comment below.

Liberty Village Toronto

Episode 189 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs while walking in Liberty Village in Toronto, near King Street West and Atlantic Avenue. If you are interested in Beach or downtown Toronto real estate or wish to discuss this topic further, please email George@GeorgeONeill.ca or leave a comment below.

#ICNY Inman Connect New York 2010 Day 2 Observations and Key Learnings

Episode 184 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs about day 2 at Inman Connect New York and his key learnings and observations. If you are interested in Beach or downtown Toronto real estate or wish to discuss this topic further, please email George@GeorgeONeill.ca or leave a comment below.

Trying To Time The Market Is A Fool's Game

Episode 179 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs about why you should not try to time the market. Rather, when buying or selling real estate, decide to proceed when you are ready, not when you think the market is either at a peak (when selling) or at a trough… Play Video

Stick To The Offer Deadline Please!

Episode 175 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs from one of his investment properties in Montreal about why offer deadlines should be honored. If you are interested in Beach or downtown Toronto real estate or wish to discuss this topic further, please email George@GeorgeONeill.ca or leave a comment below.

Parking In First Canadian Place

Episode 174 of the daily Toronto Real Estate Musing video blog. George O’Neill vlogs from perhaps one of the most expensive parking garages in Canada, at First Canadian Place in the heart of Canadian capitalism at the corner of Bay and King Streets in downtown Toronto. If you are interested in Beach or downtown Toronto… Play Video