All posts by Financial Independence Hub

16 Business Leaders share their best Real Estate Investment Advice

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Alena Darmel – Pexels

Aspiring homeowners and families looking to invest in property often seek expert advice. To provide a range of perspectives, we’ve gathered sixteen pieces of advice from CEOs, founders, and other industry professionals. From understanding the market rather than chasing it, to securing a property warranty, this article offers a wealth of insights for property investment.

 

 

  • Understand, Don’t Chase, the Market
  • Consider Property’s Rentability
  • Diversify Your Real Estate Investments
  • Seek Immediate Return on Investment
  • Research and Plan Your Investment
  • Leverage Home Inspection Power
  • Invest in a Fixer-Upper
  • Consider Total Cost of Ownership
  • Have a Clear Exit Strategy
  • Start Small in Property Investment
  • Diversify Your Real Estate Portfolio
  • Think Long-Term for Value Appreciation
  • Look into Emerging Neighborhoods
  • Define Your Investment Goals
  • Establish a Clear Budget
  • Secure a Property Warranty

Understand, don’t chase, the Market

If there’s one piece of advice I consistently circle back to, it’s this: don’t just chase the market, understand it. Now, that might sound a bit cliche, but let me unpack that for you with an example and a personal anecdote.

Many aspiring homeowners or investors get drawn into this frenzy of buying property anywhere there’s a buzz. You know, a new major employer coming into the area, a big infrastructure project announcement, or maybe where there’s a sudden spike in property values. But here’s the twist: not every “hot” market is suitable for every investor. — Shri Ganeshram, CEO and Founder, Awning.com

Consider Property’s Rentability

I’d suggest considering the “rentability” of the property. If your circumstances change and you need to move, having a property that’s attractive to renters can provide a steady income stream. 

Look for properties with features that are in high demand in the rental market, such as a good layout, modern amenities, and proximity to employment centers. I’ve seen clients turn unexpected relocations into opportunities by choosing properties that are easy to rent, thereby securing a secondary income source. — Alexander Capozzolo, CEO, SD House Guys

Diversify your Real Estate Investments

Different types of real estate investments, such as residential properties, commercial properties, or vacation rentals, can react differently to market fluctuations. By spreading your investments across various property types, I’ve seen how it can reduce the overall risk associated with real estate investing.

I’ve witnessed that diversification can provide a more stable income stream. For instance, while one property might experience a vacancy, another may continue to generate rental income.

I’ve found that different markets may perform differently at various times. By advising clients to invest in properties in different geographic locations, I’ve seen them benefit from a broader range of market conditions. — Ritika Asrani, Owner and Head Broker, St Maarten Real Estate

Seek Immediate Return on Investment

One piece of real estate investment advice I’d give is to focus on buying property that can give you a return on investment (ROI) immediately. That’s because when interest rates are high, property prices decrease, making it harder to know what kind of appreciation you can expect in the future.

As a bonus tip, invest where there are median-priced homes to maximize your returns. For example, if you invest in a $300,000 house with an 8% versus a 4% interest rate, the mortgage difference would be just $615 per month. 

On the other hand, if you invest in a $1 million property with the same interest rates (8% versus 4%), the mortgage difference you’d pay would be over $2,000 per month.

Ultimately, to maximize your returns and minimize risk as an investor, buy properties that will give you cash flow from day one and limit your mortgage payments. — Ryan Chaw, Founder and Real Estate Investor, Newbie Real Estate Investing

Research and Plan your Investment

Thoroughly research the local real estate market dynamics. Understand not only current property values but also potential growth or decline in the area. In our global property management experience, we’ve seen the value in choosing properties located in areas with growing job opportunities, infrastructure development, and a strong community presence. 

Additionally, always factor in the long-term perspective: real estate typically appreciates over time, so patience and a well-planned strategy can yield returns. Consider your investment goals and financial capabilities carefully. Determine whether you seek rental income, capital appreciation, or both. Calculate a budget, including property purchase, maintenance, and potential vacancies. 

Finally, don’t underestimate the significance of a property management company, especially if investing in different locations or operating remotely. Their expertise can help navigate property investment complexities and ensure your investment thrives. — Johan Hajji, CEO and Founder, UpperKey

Leverage Home Inspection Power

One tip I’d offer is to leverage the power of “home inspection” before finalizing any deal. A thorough inspection can reveal potential issues like structural damage or outdated electrical systems, allowing you to either negotiate the price or avoid a money pit.

I‘ve had clients who saved thousands by using the findings of a home inspection to negotiate a lower purchase price, turning what could have been a costly mistake into a savvy investment. — Gagan Saini, CEO, JIT Home Buyers

Invest in a Fixer-Upper

My career in remodeling and carpentry started with a real estate investment. I bought a home in disrepair for very little money and began piecing it together, learning how to perform various construction tasks along the way. 

At first, I just got one room livable. Then, at night and on weekends, piece by piece, I finished the kitchen, then the bathroom, then the basement. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with your hands, you’ll enjoy a fixer-upper much more than a property that you paint and resell. — Rick Berres, Owner, Honey-Doers

Consider Total Cost of Ownership

One piece of advice would be to think long term and consider the “total cost of ownership,” not just the purchase price. This includes property taxes, maintenance, and potential homeowner association (HOA) fees. 

I recommend it to create a detailed budget that accounts for these ongoing costs to ensure the investment is sustainable in the long run. Clients who’ve taken this holistic approach have been better prepared for the financial responsibilities of property ownership, avoiding unexpected financial strain down the line. — Erik Wright, CEO, New Horizon Home Buyers

Have a Clear Exit Strategy

Have a solid exit plan from the get-go. It’s not just about buying a property; it’s about understanding how you’re going to profit from it. Are you looking for long-term rental income, or do you plan to flip the property for a quick return? 

Having a clear strategy helps you make informed decisions and ensures that your investment aligns with your financial goals. Real estate can be a fantastic wealth-building tool, but knowing your exit strategy keeps you on the right path to success. — Loren Howard, Founder, Prime Plus Mortgages

Start Small in Property Investment

Start small. For aspiring homeowners or families looking to invest in property, it is important to start small. While it may be tempting to jump into a larger, more expensive property as your first investment, starting with a smaller and more affordable property can be a smarter financial decision in the long run. 

By starting small, you will have less risk and financial burden, allowing you to learn and gain experience in the real estate market without being overwhelmed. Additionally, starting small will also give you a better understanding of your financial capabilities and help you make more informed decisions for future investments. 

Furthermore, starting with a smaller property can also provide potential for quicker returns on investment. With lower purchase prices and potentially lower maintenance costs, you may be able to see profits sooner than with a larger, more expensive property. — Keith Sant, CMO, Eazy House Sale

Diversify your Real Estate Portfolio

I would advise diversifying your portfolio if you’re searching for real estate investment tips. Think about making investments in a variety of real estate, including commercial, residential, and even holiday rentals. This diversification can create several income streams while reducing risk.  Continue Reading…

Unlocking Wealth: Dividend ETF Investing

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Pixabay: Gerd Altmann

By Sa’ad Rana, Senior Associate, BMO ETFs

(Sponsor Blog)

When it comes to investment strategies, dividend or income investing holds a special place in the hearts of many investors, especially retirees. It’s not surprising, considering that dividends often constitute a substantial portion of a portfolio’s total return. Let’s dive into this popular approach and understand how Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) can be a game-changer.

The Dividend Advantage

Now, let’s dissect the significance of dividends in the realm of equity returns. Looking over the long-haul equity return expectations, the S&P has returned an average of around eight per cent over a 40+ year period[i]. In historical context, dividends have accounted for a significant portion of this return, ranging from three to four per cent. This underscores how dividends contribute almost half of the total equity market return annually[ii]. However, their true power lies in compounding. While you collect dividends each year, reinvesting them into equities sets the stage for exponential growth. This compounding effect is what propels your portfolio to higher echelons of growth.

Moreover, dividends are more than just monetary gains; they serve as a vital indicator of a company’s financial health. While not the sole indicator, companies with robust dividend policies often signal financial stability. It’s crucial to note, however, that not all dividends are created equal, a distinction we’ll explore further.

The Art of Portfolio Construction

We’ve witnessed a surge of interest in dividends:  evident in the significant influx of investments into the dividend space. But what are the actual benefits of incorporating dividend investments into your portfolio?

From a portfolio construction perspective, the benefits of including dividend-paying stocks are evident. We’ve examined 32 years of returns across various companies in the Canadian equity market. Dividing them into dividend growers, dividend payers, dividend cutters, and non-dividend payers, a clear pattern emerges.

The standout performers are the dividend Growers, showcasing the potential of quality dividend-paying stocks. Over this period, they have consistently outperformed the broad index, offering a higher average return. Moreover, when it comes to managing risk, dividend Growers and high-quality dividend payers exhibit a slightly lower level of volatility compared to the broader market. This suggests that a focus on sustainable, high-quality dividend stocks can lead to both enhanced returns and a controlled risk profile, making them a compelling addition to a well-rounded investment portfolio. It’s worth noting that not all dividends are created equal, and a discerning approach is crucial for maximizing the benefits of dividend investing.

Ensuring Sustainable Dividends

One of the crucial aspects of dividend investing is ensuring the sustainability of the payouts. Stepping into the shoes of a prudent investor, it’s imperative to avoid falling into yield traps: companies offering high yields but lacking the financial backing to sustain them. Enter the analysis of a company’s overall health, a task made easier by assessing key metrics.

Cash as a percentage of total assets and payout ratios are key indicators of a company’s financial fortitude. In recent times, the top quartile of companies has seen a surge in cash reserves, an encouraging sign of their resilience. Moreover, evaluating the payout ratio provides insights into the sustainability of dividends. A company paying out more than it earns in the long run is walking on thin ice, whereas those with ratios in the 40-50% range are on relative solid ground.

Dividends in an Age of Inflation

Amid the specter of inflation, dividend strategies have shone brightly. Companies with robust dividend policies, characterized by stable cash flows, have weathered the storm far better than their growth-oriented counterparts. Inflation, while posing challenges to certain sectors, has not dampened the dividend-driven approach. In fact, historical data (monthly excess returns over the MSCI World Index for the last 45 + years) indicates that dividend-paying companies fare even better in high CPI environments, providing a reliable anchor for portfolios.

At the heart of the resilience of dividend-paying companies lies their ability to generate steady and predictable cash flows. These companies often operate in industries with stable demand for their products or services, which provides a buffer against the uncertainties associated with inflation. By virtue of their financial stability, they’re better positioned to maintain and perhaps even grow their dividend payouts, providing a reliable source of income for investors.

Historical data, tracked against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reinforces the notion that dividend-paying companies can act as a reliable anchor for portfolios during inflationary periods. These companies tend to exhibit a degree of insulation from the market volatility often associated with rising prices. By consistently delivering returns through dividends, they offer investors a source of stability in an otherwise uncertain economic environment.

Methodology Matters

In the realm of Dividend ETFs, the choices are vast, and not all ETFs are created equal. Each comes with its unique methodology, impacting performance. Factors such as weighting methodology, sector caps, and company quality screenings play pivotal roles in the outcome. This underscores the importance of understanding the underlying strategy before investing. Continue Reading…

A fortified U.S. Treasury ETF for Canadians

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Why Harvest ETFs chose to launch its own U.S. Treasury ETF that offers the security of U.S. Treasury Bonds and high monthly income

Image courtesy Harvest ETFs/Shutterstock

By Ambrose O’Callaghan

(Sponsor Content)

The early part of this decade saw the introduction of significant monetary interventions that rivalled the policies pursued by central banks following the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Policymakers were able to resuscitate markets in the face of a global pandemic. However, the end of the pandemic saw the beginning of a surge in inflation rates not seen in many decades.

Central banks responded to soaring inflation with the most aggressive interest rate tightening policy since the early 2000s. Policymakers are encouraged with the result of inflation coming down, but a highly leveraged consumer base has been squeezed by the upward revision in borrowing rates. Moreover, the higher interest rate environment has spurred stock market volatility. That has led to a shift investors’ focus, with investors focusing on capital preservation instead of capital appreciation.

Harvest ETFs’ investment management team believes that we are at or near the peak of the current interest rate tightening cycle. In this climate, the prudent investment strategy will factor in high interest rates while preparing for the eventual downward move that many experts and analysts are projecting for 2024.

That is why we launched the Harvest Premium Yield Treasury ETF (HPYT:TSX). This portfolio of ETFs provides exposure to longer-dated U.S. Treasury bonds that are secured by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. HPYT employs up to 100% covered call writing to generate a higher yield and maximize monthly cash flow.

Why should you consider exposure to U.S. Treasuries?

Canadian consumers might not be celebrating the rise of interest rates. However, the switch to higher rates could be good news for Canadian savers. Continue Reading…

Why would anyone own bonds now?

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By Mark Seed, myownadvisor

Special to Financial Independence Hub 

“Many investors have been saying for years that rates can only go up from here, rates can only go one direction, rates will eventually go up. Will they?” – My Own Advisor, September 2021.

My, how things can and do change.

In today’s post, I look back at what I wrote in September 2021 to determine if I still feel that way for our portfolio.

Why would anyone own bonds now?

Why own bonds?

For years, decades, generations in fact, bonds have made sense for a diversified, balanced portfolio.

The main reason is this: bonds can reduce volatility due to their low or negative correlation with stocks. The more that investors learn about diversification, the more likely they are to add bonds to their portfolios.

That said, they don’t always make sense for everyone, all the time, always.

I’ll take a page from someone who was much smarter than I am on this subject:

Ben Graham on 100% stocks and cash

Ben Graham, on stocks, bonds and cash. Source: The Intelligent Investor.

Another key takeaway from this specific chapter of The Intelligent Investor is the 75/25 rule. This implies more conservative investors that don’t meet Ben Graham’s criteria above could consider splitting your portfolio between 75% stocks and 25% bonds. This specific split allows an investor to capture some upside by investing in mostly stocks while also protecting your investments with bonds.

Because stocks offer more potential upside, there is higher risk. Bonds offer more stability, so they come with lower returns than stocks in the long run.

As a DIY investor, this just makes so much sense since I’ve seen this playout in my/our own portfolio when it comes to our 15+ years of DIY investment returns. Our long-term returns exceed the returns I would have had with any balanced 60/40 stock/bond portfolio over the same period.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 60/40 balanced portfolio held over decades, of course.

From Russell Investments earlier this year:

“Fixed income has historically been considered the ballast in a portfolio, offering stability and diversification against equity market fluctuations. Over the last 40 years, a balanced portfolio of 60% Canadian equities and 40% Canadian bonds would have returned 8.5% annualized with standard deviation of 9.3%. While a portfolio consisting solely of fixed income would have had lower return with lower risk, a portfolio consisting solely of equities would have had only slightly higher return but substantially higher risk.”

Source: https://russellinvestments.com/ca/blog/the-60-40-portfolio

1/1983 – 12/2022 Canada Equities Canada Bonds Balanced Portfolio 
Annualized Return 8.8% 7.2%  8.5%
Annualized Volatility 14.4% 5.3%  9.3%

Pretty darn good from 60/40.

So, while I continue to believe the main role of bonds in your portfolio is essentially safety – not investment returns – we can see above that bonds when mixed with stocks can be enablers/stabilizers and deliver meaningful returns over long investment periods as well.

As Andrew Hallam, a Millionaire Teacher has so kindly put it over the years, including some moments on this site to me:

… when stocks fall hard, bonds act like parachutes for your portfolio. Bonds might not always rise when the equity markets drop. But broad bond market indexes don’t crash like stocks do …

Is that enough to own bonds in your portfolio?

Maybe.

Here are a few reasons to own bonds, in no particular order: Continue Reading…

Bestselling Beat the Bank celebrates its 5th anniversary

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By Larry Bates

Special to Financial Independence Hub

 

My book, Beat the ​Bank: The Canadian Guide to Simply Successful Investing, was published in September 2018. Five years later it continues to be a best seller among Canadian business/investing books.

The book, along with my website and various articles I’ve written have helped many Canadians learn to invest smarter and build (and maintain) larger retirement nest eggs.

Most Canadians continue to be directed by their banks and other advisors to invest through mutual funds. The vast majority of these mutual funds extract annual​ fees ranging from 1.5% to 2.5% from the value of the investment.

Not only are most Canadians unaware of these fees​, very few investors understand the compound damage these fees do over time. Over a lifetime of investing, these fees can reduce retirement nest eggs by 50% or more.

At the same time, the investment industry, including the same banks that sell high-cost mutual funds, offer very low cost, very efficient investment funds (ETFs) that track market indexes​. (There are many other types of ETFs as well. In my view most investors would be well served by sticking to simple index tracking ETFs).

Smarter investing means getting out of high-cost mutual funds and getting into low-cost investment products and services like index ETFs through do-it-yourself investing, using robo-advisors or finding lower cost traditional advisors.

A lot has happened in the world since​ Beat the ​Bank was published five years ago​. Covid-19 did a lot of damage and led to a great deal of unanticipated change. Inflation spiked dramatically causing central banks to raise interest rates. The full impact of higher rates is yet to be fully felt, especially by homeowners whose mortgages will be renewing in the next year or two.

The good news for investors is that bonds and GICs are finally offering decent returns although we will have to wait and see whether earning 5% interest will outpace inflation. And, despite all the uncertainty and chaos over the past five years, the total return of S&P 500 was a pleasing 70% while the total return of the S&P/TSX was 42%.

What hasn’t changed?

  • Markets continue to be uncertain​ (this never changes!)
  • The majority of “advisors” are under no legal obligation to act in their client’s best interest
  • The majority of “advisors” put millions of Canadians into high-cost mutual funds
  • Many prominent mutual funds have not reduced their fees (Why would they lower fees when investors are unaware of the impact of fees?)
  • Mutual funds continue to underperform simple index ETFs
  • Regulators have made some progress but many critical investor protection measures have yet to be implemented

​The ​Beat the ​Bank project, which was sparked​ 7 years ago by my sister’s experience with mutual funds, has been a ​gratifying experience​. I have received hundreds of messages from readers over the past five years, the great majority with positive feedback.

You can get a sense of reader response by checking out Amazon reviews. I certainly have had negative reaction from some advisors and industry people generally, but most professionals recognize the shortcomings of the industry and want to see investors achieve better outcomes with simpler, more efficient investment products and services.

DIY investing not for everyone

Do-it-yourself investing it’s not for everyone. But if you are considering switching to DIY investing, whether you check out my book​ or other independent ​sources​ (books, blogs, podcasts, etc.), I strongly encourage you to take some time to learn investment basics.

Here are just a few tips from Beat the Bank readers for those considering making the move:

“I have found that ETF equity investing is better for me than buying individual stocks.” Continue Reading…