Hello Everyone with Hamilton Investment Property!!!
Update on my cleanse: After pushing myself to the limits for as long as I can remember, I went to see the doctor about my low energy levels. After testing my cortisol levels, our suspicions were confirmed that I was burnt out even though I’m the fastest, strongest, most successful I’ve even been. Goes to show what can be accomplished with shear will power and coffee. I’m now off coffee. Since then, I’ve been cleansing and eating clean since February, after a series of lab tests on stuff that came out of my body. The lab test results showed I have food sensitivities (not allergies) to yeast (good bye alcohol and breads), egg whites and dairy (so long breakfast staples with cheese), and tree nuts. Tree nuts, I had no idea. The others, I had a strong suspicion. I also had a bacteria in my digestive system that didn’t belong.
The first month was to eat clean and take meds to kill the bad bacteria, which resulted in stomach flu like systems while I still competed in the Crossfit Open. The next month was to rebuild my stomach lining, as I had developed leaky gut while still eating clean but re-introducing carbs. This month is continued rebuilding of my stomach so on top of taking probiotics, I take 5 grams of glutamine before bed and before workouts. I’m down about 14lbs and I’m keeping the weight off by restricting daily calories to under 2,400. The timing is perfect, as this Saturday I compete in my first Jiu Jitsu tournament where I have to weigh in under 185lbs or else I have to face the heavy weights, some who are 40-50lbs bigger than me. How’s that for motivation to keep the weight off!?!?!
No different than building a successful portfolio. It takes time to build up capital, to choose great properties, and manage them. I’ve been rough on my body for some time. I only have one body, so I’m being patient about investing the time and effort to get back to optimal. While we’re all busy building for a more secure financial future, do make sure to get sufficient rest and eat well with plenty of fibre.
Why is investment in real estate a good idea?
A great question, and the first question I was asked by a reporter from Postmedia, so I figure I’d share my full answer as I get asked this question ALL THE TIME.
To me, it’s an easy answer and it takes more than 60 seconds to explain, so I bore people before they excuse themselves from the conversation :P.
For the sophisticated investor, I think you need to know the answer. I’m not saying mine is the right answer, however this is how I arrived at my decision to invest and YOU as a sophisticated investor must have your own. Enjoy!!
This is why investment in real estate is a good idea. Not all real estate is equal: the demand for a detached house to buy or to rent in Hamilton is very different than a detached house in Fort Erie, Ontario. Start with examining global economics. Canada is a leader of the G7, we lead in GDP growth, in religious and personal freedoms, in low crime and personal safety, and in affordable education. Canada is a desired destination for investment and for immigrants at the global level. All the major economies, including Canada, currently have record low interest rates, and though they may increase slowly, interest rates will remain at historical lows for several years, which equates to inflation. In inflationary environments, economic theory directs investors to hold physical assets that appreciate in price at the pace of inflation.
Zooming in on Ontario, our population is growing. Based on the below chart, the province is growing at over 150,000 people per year, which is greater than the population of the City of St Catharines, one of our cities of choice for investment. Population growth gives one an idea about demand. On the supply side, the golden horseshoe of Ontario is bordered by the lake on one side and the greenbelt on the other, restricting the supply of land for development. Supply of land is restricted and the restrictions have only increased, as governments prefer higher density and to rightfully protect nature. Basic rule of business is to own anything in high, increasing demand with restricted supply, hence, own land (underneath a house or apartment building or what have you).
Anecdotally, I’ve never met so many millionaires and multi-millionaires before until I immersed myself in the world of real estate investment. Everyday people, be it teachers, government employees, accountants, or immigrants. I have 14 clients who have improved their net worth by $1,000,000 or more by investing in real estate. I personally know many more. Success leaves a trail of bread crumbs. In business school, I learned to study the models of successful people then apply said models.
In theory and practice, an investment in real estate makes a lot of sense for those who would like more financial security.
Thanks for reading and happy Hamilton real estate investing!
Erwin Szeto | MrHamilton.ca
Sales Representative, Owner of Hamilton Real Estate Investment Property
Rock Star Real Estate Inc., Brokerage
Ph: 905-361-9098
President of the Basket Brigade Charity
Podcast Host/Producer of the Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians
Real Estate / Mortgage Agent of the Year 2016
Hamilton’s Top 40 Under 40
Real Estate Agent of the Year 2015
Leadership Award (Michael Millenaar Memorial) 2013
REIN’s Top Player Award 2013, Silver Award.