Category Archives: The REITE Club

Special Edition – a REITE Club Founders Conversation



The REITE Club 50th Podcast

Sarah Larbi, Alfonso Salemi, Daniel St. Jean & Laurel Simmons are interviewed together as the founding members on this special edition of The REITE Club podcast.

Guests: Sarah Larbi, Alfonso Salemi, Daniel St.Jean & Laurel Simmons 

Sarah Larbi, Alfonso Salemi, Daniel St. Jean & Laurel Simmons are interviewed together as the founding members on this special edition of The REITE Club podcast.

This is the 50th episode of the podcast. The REITE Club was founded 3 years ago to bring people together to provide education on real estate investing. There were also no clubs of really great value that were in the Burlington/Hamilton region. 

This episode dives into how The REITE Club got started and how the founders met each other and where it is going. There were only 101 attendees at the first event and now there are over 200 attendees.

The REITE Club is a great resource for attendees as there are accountants, lawyers, contractors, insurance brokers etc. in the room and there are various stages of investors from just getting started to investors who have done $10 million dollar development deals.

The mission statement for The REITE Club is “Come Grow With Us” and because of this, there have been many friendships and networks built just by being a part of the club. 

In this episode learn about: 
– How The REITE Club got started
– The growth of The REITE Club 
– Success stories 
– The future of The REITE Club


House Hacking and Determination Leads to Success



Brenda Schuiling began working with the public from bustling farmer’s markets at the tender age of nine, to retail and restaurants as a teen. From all of these jobs early on, she learned about people and this helped her transition into real estate investing. She has been investing in real estate for the past 15-20 years now by house hacking which essentially means renting out space in her home to students or other short term tenants to keep herself afloat.

Guest: Brenda Schuiling, Real Estate Investor, & Realtor

Brenda Schuiling began working with the public from bustling farmer’s markets at the tender age of nine, to retail and restaurants as a teen. From all of these jobs early on, she learned about people and this helped her transition into real estate investing. She has been investing in real estate for the past 15-20 years now by house hacking which essentially means renting out space in her home to students or other short term tenants to keep herself afloat.

Eventually, Brenda made her way to the corporate world where she continued to engage in the mechanics of business and learn even more about people. She spent countless hours volunteering in several high-level marketing roles where she helped to strongly promote arts and culture in our communities. She became a creative listener and learned to interact with all types of people. From her experience with event planning, to project management, she has a keen awareness of how important it is to listen to the wants and needs of her clients and execute their desires effortlessly.

The core beliefs Brenda nurtures when developing and sustaining high-trust relationships with clients, is to provide value, education, and exceptional service. She also ensures that her clients are comfortable and attended to from start to finish. 

As a licensed Realtor, Brenda is excited to take on new projects and get to know the unique needs of her clients in Brant County and Waterloo Region. Her can-do attitude, professionalism and brilliant sense of humour are just a few of the distinguishing characteristics that she believes give her a competitive advantage. Always with her finger on the pulse of creativity, she makes cool stuff happen.

In this episode learn about: 
– House hacking
– Landlord tips
– Student rental insights
– Tips for first-time investors and homebuyers


The Importance of Working With a Great Team During Conversions



Anita Bongers-Lewis is a seasoned and award-winning real estate investor of 5 years who helps others realize how they can build wealth through real estate investing. She primarily focuses on duplex conversions and also has some student rentals in the Durham Region. She is the 2016 Canadian Real Estate Wealth Top Investor award winner, owner and manager of 15 doors. She wants to help others grow their portfolio and see them realize financial dreams they did not previously think possible.

Guest: Anita Bongers-Lewis, Real Estate Investor, & Realtor

Anita Bongers-Lewis is a seasoned and award-winning real estate investor of 5 years who helps others realize how they can build wealth through real estate investing. She primarily focuses on duplex conversions and also has some student rentals in the Durham Region. She is the 2016 Canadian Real Estate Wealth Top Investor award winner, owner and manager of 15 doors. She wants to help others grow their portfolio and see them realize financial dreams they did not previously think possible.  

As someone who is truly passionate about helping other individuals, families, partners and organizations to build real estate portfolios, Anita allows them to build their futures and achieve their most ambitious goals. She started in real estate as an investor but continues in it as both an investor and a realtor. This allows her to share her passion and experience with others. She is investing in real estate to design the life and lifestyle that she desires.

Anita is a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend, a Realtor, a Real Estate Investor, and an ever-evolving Entrepreneur. And that’s not to mention some other professions of her past. Anita is actually a chiropractor by trade, however, she sought a way to grow income to create true wealth – a wealth of time, health, relationships, knowledge and in general freedom to live the best life. 

 
In this episode learn about: 
  • Purchasing and converting properties
  • Things to consider when converting duplex properties
  • Legal basement suite checklist
  • Financial insights converting properties
  • Exit strategy tips
To get in touch with Anita:
Website: 
https://www.anitabongerslewis.com


What it Takes to Convert a Church and Other Multi-Unit Lessons



Kory found his passion for real estate investing in his late teens after reading David Chilton’s book The Wealthy Barber. However, lack of knowledge, systems and trusted mentors kept him from pulling the trigger on his first property until he was 30 years of age, even though Kory actually grew up in a duplex where the tenant rented out the attic for $35 per month. 

Guest: Kory MacKinnon, Real Estate Investor, Speaker, Author & Coach

Kory found his passion for real estate investing in his late teens after reading David Chilton’s book The Wealthy Barber. However, lack of knowledge, systems and trusted mentors kept him from pulling the trigger on his first property until he was 30 years of age, even though Kory actually grew up in a duplex where the tenant rented out the attic for $35 per month. 

As the saying goes, the seed was planted and from that day forward, Kory used two decades of business experience to turn his lucrative real estate side hustle into early retirement.

Kory started with a 6-plex property back in 2005 and is now managing 20+ properties with 60+ rental units today. He shares his experience on how he was mentored by his landlord and will walk us through how he transitioned himself from having a corporate trainer job to doing real estate full time.

Today, Kory is a multifamily and rental expert with experience in most real estate strategies. With his sights now set on larger projects, such as building conversions, land development and apartment acquisitions. He also works with select, motivated individuals or businesses who are looking to grow in terms of not just Real Estate Investing, but Successful Entrepreneurship, Sales, Improved Customer Experience, Presentation Delivery, Negotiation, Recruiting and Team Building, Systems Creation, Planning and Accountability. 

In this episode learn about: 
  • Financing and insurance tips
  • The 1% rule
  • Converting a church and its obstacles
  • Applying for zoning changes
  • Success and hurdles for new students 
To get in touch with Kory:
Facebook:
Instagram:


Using Strategic Financial Decision Making to Build Your Wealth



Brian Hogben’s focus is to help people realize the benefits of using real estate as a wealth-building strategy. Clients speak highly to others about his dedication and have them proud to tell friends and family, “call Bri, my mortgage guy!”  Please be advised that this episode does contain some explicit content.

Guest: Brian Hogben, Real Estate Investor

Brian Hogben began as a financial advisor and mortgage development manager for Scotiabank and as a Canadian Mortgage Professional has ranked among the top 75 mortgage brokers, and in 2015, was awarded the Best Newcomer.

With his over 15 years of experience, he navigates the mortgage process with ease and expertise. Brian started Mission 35 Mortgages in honour of his Dad who taught him a lot about money and also recognizing his own personal goal of paying off his mortgage by age 35 which he was able to do. The company’s focus is to help people realize the benefits of using real estate as a wealth-building strategy. 

Brian prides himself on doing business not through conventional marketing and advertising, but through referrals. This has been a trademark of his for many years and he is proud to have his clients speak highly to others about his dedication and have them proud to tell friends and family, “call Bri, my mortgage guy!”

In this episode learn about: 

– Appreciating financial security
– Importance of strategic property selling
– How to get started in real estate investing
– Credit and financial tips to get a great credit score

To get in touch with Brian:
EMail: 
info@mi35.ca

Telephone: 905-574-5255
Website: 
mission35mortgages.com
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Mission35Mortgages/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mission35mortgages/
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Mission35M
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2dgtMpuTsl3V6ylucgPZug
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/mission35/about/


Using Business Synergies to Build a Real Estate Portfolio



Andrew Cigna is a business owner and real estate investor with three single-family properties that he co-owns and runs with family and partners that they are looking to convert into multi-family units.  This is a little easier for Andrew than most investors as he runs a construction company and this helps when he comes across unexpected challenges with projects.

Guest:  Andrew Cigna, Real Estate Investor and Business Owner

Andrew Cigna is a business owner and real estate investor with three single-family properties that he co-owns and runs with family and partners that they are looking to convert into multi-family units.  This is a little easier for Andrew than most investors as he runs a construction company and this helps when he comes across unexpected challenges with projects.

Originally from Toronto Andrew now lives, works and invests in Hamilton. As the co-owner of a construction business going forward he is looking to get Tarion certified so he can start to build new homes utilizing the eco-friendly and sustainable products and approach that he is passionate about.

In addition to the two construction focused businesses, Andrew also runs a property management company with his brother which suits his people-loving personality.

– Challenges and benefits of converting  single homes to multi-family units
– Planning and managing a property conversion project
– Construction tips and insights
– What to look for in property management
– Getting comfortable with networking

To get in touch with Andrew:
Instagram:
  www.instagram.com/andrewj.cigna/

Twitter: twitter.com/andrewcigna

https://www.nfpaproperties.com/
https://www.nfpagroup.com/
https://www.corkco.ca/company


Success through Creative Solutions, Optimization and Perseverance



In 25 short years, Adam Martin has had the opportunity to see over 17 countries and driven the entire West Coast from Whistler all the way through California and Death Valley. He holds an honours degree in International Business Management (BBA), has been a partner in three start-up small businesses, and travelled professionally through Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as a door-to-door salesperson. Currently, Adam is the Vice President of Sales for Control Your Property, a cloud-based property management software tailored specifically for Ontario landlords. 

Guest:  Adam Martin, Real Estate Investor

In 25 short years, Adam has had the opportunity to see over 17 countries and driven the entire West Coast from Whistler all the way through California and Death Valley. He holds an honours degree in International Business Management (BBA), has been a partner in three start-up small businesses, and travelled professionally through Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as a door-to-door salesperson. Currently, Adam is the Vice President of Sales for Control Your Property, a cloud-based property management software tailored specifically for Ontario landlords. 

 
At 24, Adam quit his job to become a full-time real estate investor working with Matt McKeever and Jeff Wybo. With very little capital and little borrowing power, Adam was forced to get very creative in how he sourced and funded his first deals. 
 
Adam’s first deal was executed with a 96% VTB (vendor take back) at 3% for 13 years; the remaining 4% he borrowed as a second mortgage. This deal became a student rental and recently switched it to an Airbnb that he and his girlfriend house hack, allowing him to live for free while still producing cash flow from the building. 
 
Having no money tied up in his first property and no borrowing power used from the banks’ perspective, Adam was then able to raise $80,000 and joint venture on a 4 plex in London with partners who had been following him on Instagram over a 6 month period, silently observing. Thanks to strategic renovations and a great purchase price resulting from a private deal, this project represents a perfect BRRRR situation; the money invested will be refinanced leaving $0 in the deal. 
 
Adam has spoken on various stages over the last 12 months about real estate investing and financial independence and is using that approach to achieve this himself through a combination of multiple compounding strategies.
 
Strategies and tactics Adam has used include, Wholesaling, Vendor Take-Back Mortgages, Cashback on Closing, Airbnb, Student Rentals, BRRRR, Private Lending, Private Mortgages. 
In this episode learn about: 
– The VTB (vendor take back) process
– How mentors and networking can help you succeed
– Tips on house hacking
– Using the power of social media
– Effective time management using optimization

To get in touch with Adam:
Website: 
linktr.ee/adamjdmartin
Instagram:
 @adamjdmartin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.jeffrey.3958


Insights into Procrastination from the Un-guru of Positive Psychology



Nancy Morris is a Business & Performance Psychology Consultant, Speaker and Author. She has 19 years of academics under her belt and is about to pursue a Ph.D. Some of her clients refer to her as an  “un-guru” – a no-nonsense specialist in translating the academic theories of business psychology and people development into actionable insight for the real world.

Guest: Nancy Morris, Psychologist (MSc in Applied Psychology)

Nancy Morris is a Business & Performance Psychology Consultant, Speaker and Author. She has 19 years of academics under her belt and is about to pursue a Ph.D. Some of her clients refer to her as an  “un-guru” – a no-nonsense specialist in translating the academic theories of business psychology and people development into actionable insight for the real world.

For almost 20 years, Nancy’s science-backed systems have helped thousands of solopreneurs and self-employed professionals (e.g./ lawyers, commercial and residential real estate agents) master the mind game of productivity, creating more consistent revenue and feeling more confident, focused and valuable at work.

Nancy’s real difference is that she doesn’t float on a cloud with idealistic platitudes or arrive on a stage with fireworks and empty hype. She delivers proven, science-backed advice and ongoing strategy in a system that simply works. She is the same person out at the pub and behind the podium. She is not about pantsuits, long-winded speeches or pie-in-the-sky ideals. Instead, she cracks jokes, gets vulnerable, doesn’t pull any punches, and says what you need to hear and how you need to hear it while laughing along as your outcomes are improved.

Nancy has written the book on procrastination called Procrastinate Now: Rethinking Time Management and listeners can download it for free from her website.

In this episode learn about: 

– What is Positive Psychology
– Procrastination and the 4 Main Signals
– The 3 Cornerstones of Success
– The Psychology behind Analysis Paralysis
– Understanding “So What” Situations

To get in touch with Nancy:
Personal Website: 
http://nancymorris.com

Self Awareness Test: meqcampus.com
Email: nancy@nancymorris.com


Boosting Your Business and Life with Personal Branding



Paul Copcutt has exceptional skills in quickly distilling what he sees and hears into custom solutions that are effective. He helps people uncover their uniqueness and communicate it in an authentic way to those they are trying to influence. His approach to personal branding strategy ensures that his clients are noticed and remembered, for the right reasons.

Guest: Paul Copcutt, Personal Brand Speaker and Trainer

Paul Copcutt has exceptional skills in quickly distilling what he sees and hears into custom solutions that are effective. He helps people uncover their uniqueness and communicate it in an authentic way to those they are trying to influence. His approach to personal branding strategy ensures that his clients are noticed and remembered, for the right reasons.

After two attempts at passing his basic Math qualification and his biology teacher labelling him an idiot, it was ironic that these subjects were the basis of a successful corporate career that started in banking and ended in biotech. After reading Tom Peters “Brand You 50” in the late ’90s and realizing that he had taken many of the actions and suggestions that Peters wrote about, Paul knew that he had to help others do the same. 
 
What sets Paul apart is he uses real client stories and practical, easy to implement actions in an acclaimed, tried and tested program. Over the years, his expertise in personal branding strategy has been honoured with remarkable and notable accolades, inspiring Fortune 500 executives and employees to proactively manage their careers.

He regularly speaks to professional audiences across North America, such as The Real Estate Wealth Forum, Royal LePage, Royal Bank Mortgages and The Canadian Bar Association, presenting them with the latest information on branding examples and practical actions for developing your personal brand. 

A regular media resource, Paul’s perspectives and client actions have been featured in Elle, Money, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal and The Globe & Mail and his personal brand expertise have also been cited in several books including the best sellers Career Distinction, The Female Brand and The Twitter Job Search Guide.
 
In this episode learn about: 

– What are the key foundations of a personal brand
– Identifying your brand
– Understanding and communicating your brand
– Why real estate investors need to brand themselves
– The importance of having a target audience

To get in touch with Paul:
Email: 
paul@paulcopcutt.com
Website:
 paulcopcutt.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulcopcutt


Secrets of Team Work From The BRRRR Power Couple



Jenn and Michael Richter of Double E Properties, personify the word teamwork by growing an 11 property portfolio as a married couple while raising two young girls. They started their real estate investment journey 5 years ago when they were not happy with the 7% RESP the bank was offering.

Guest: Jenn and Michael Richter, Real Estate Investors & Speakers

Jenn and Michael Richter of Double E Properties, personify the word teamwork by growing an 11 property portfolio as a married couple while raising two young girls. They started their real estate investment journey 5 years ago when they were not happy with the 7% RESP the bank was offering.

They realized that their one rental property had a better return and joked around with the idea of buying a property for their 3-month-old baby and they did. Then, they had a second daughter eighteen months later and had to buy her one to not play favourites. This proceeded into a joke between the two of them of buying “just one more” which quickly turned into 10 properties.

At the time, Jenn and Michael were buying only pre-construction and new build homes in Milton and Guelph. However, after recognizing the change in the market, they focused their attention on an additional strategy, creating legal secondary suites on the Hamilton mountain.

Jenn and Michael focus on the BRRRR philosophy as it creates passive income for their investors through forced appreciation. Michael and Jenn love sharing their passion about real estate by speaking at real estate networking events, hosting their own YouTube video channel, Double E Properties, being guests on podcasts, and have been featured in Canadian Real Estate Wealth magazine more than once.

In this episode learn about:

– New build strategy process
– Financing and planning
– Obstacles
– Managing budgets and other numbers
– Tips for working with your spouse

To get in touch with Jenn and Mike:
E-mail: 
doubleeproperties@gmail.com

Website: doubleeproperties.ca

Instagram & YouTube: Double E Properties