Real Estate Investing
I have always loved real estate (I considered becoming a real estate agent), and have been continually drawn to the variety of spaces and homes in which people live. This was likely due to the fact that I grew up in a unique architect-designed mid-century modern house, complete with vaulted cedar ceilings with exposed beams.
Living centrally in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, I watched the value of my home increase over time after several years of ownership. The realization that my biggest financial gain to date was from the built-up equity in my primary residence, rather than from my financial portfolio, led me to the start of my journey as a real estate investor in 2011. I set up two Home Equity Lines Of Credit (HELOCs) and borrowed the equity from my home to use as a down payment to purchase two condominiums in Ottawa, one of which was a new build.
My knowledge about real estate investing expanded significantly after becoming a member of Keyspire, an organization that specializes in real estate investment education in both Canada and the US. It was through the education provided by Keyspire that I learned about the various real estate investment strategies, and was introduced to a thriving community of other real estate investors. I have since joined a real estate mastermind for high-level real estate investors who want to collaborate, to learn and to scale their business to the next level.
While I still own my two investment properties, and have since purchased a lakeside cottage for my personal enjoyment, my current focus is primarily on passive investment strategies, including private lending, Limited Partnerships, and private equity, as a means of creating mutual wealth. I am also excited to have joined Alejandra Moreno and Mimi Fei of Honeybee Development Group Ltd. as General Partners on two land development projects in Nanaimo, British Columbia on Vancouver Island.
My next real estate goals are purpose-driven and two-fold:
Health-related:
To provide housing solutions that would benefit healthcare workers and families travelling for medical reasons.
To provide commercial space for healthcare businesses.
To focus on land development with the purpose of creating additional housing for Canadians.
… all while maximizing returns and creating win/wins for all involved.
Real Estate Portfolio
Properties
Ottawa, Ontario: My first condo purchase in Ottawa, located centrally beside the historic ByWard Market, with views of Parliament Hill.
Ottawa, Ontario: My second condo purchase, in Ottawa’s trendy Westboro neighbourhood, boasting a large rooftop patio across all 3 towers, with 360 degree views of the city.
Land Development (General Partner)
Nanaimo, British Columbia: These two development projects consist of two separate properties totalling 62,000 sq. ft. that are minutes away from each other, both with ocean views and steps to the beach in the heart of the city. Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be built out into duplexes and townhomes (10 units and 13 units respectively), with one commercial unit. The properties are currently in the rezoning stage.
In partnership with Honeybee Development Group
Land Development (Limited Partner)
Waterloo, Ontario: This development is a highly-promising project aimed at repositioning an existing 21,657 sq. ft. property into a 22-35 storey high-rise condominium building. This p
rime location, zoned with the city’s highest density, is just a short 5-minute commute to all post-secondary schools in the area.
In partnership with Honeybee Development Group
Langford, British Columbia: This 87,000 sq. ft. property has obtained a development permit for an 11-lot subdivision, with lots ranging from 4300 sq. ft. - 6500 sq. ft. The subdivision is across from a new elementary school, backing onto a golf course, and minutes to the ocean. The city has recently named the street “Ohana Place”, meaning “family”.
In partnership with Honeybee Development Group
Toronto, Ontario: This “missing middle” development project involves building an 8-unit boutique rental apartment building on a high-density lot in the heart of Toronto close to a massive new redevelopment and transit. This will add much-needed rental units to Canada’s largest city.
In partnership with Darren Voros
Kitchener, Ontario: This 6-storey 31-unit rental building is being developed on a 10,000 sq. ft. lot located on a main street in Kitchener, in close proximity to a hospital.
In partnership with Darren Voros
Hamilton, Ontario: This development project involves building
132 luxury condo units located directly beside the West Harbour GO station, using expandable furniture systems to maximize usable square footage and increase building density.
In partnership with Plentitude Inc.
Value Add Multi-Family (Limited Partner)
Belleville, Ontario: This 36-unit, 3-building multi-family value-add project involves renovating units to modern standards, installing separate hydro meters, decreasing net operating expenses, increasing net operating income, and upgrading building amenities.
In partnership with North Park Inc., comprised of BV & Co. and Selci Properties
Private Equity (Limited Partner)
Denver, Colorado:
Featuring breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains to the west, the 390-unit 12-storey multi-family community project in a premium location will offer a growing urban renter population the opportunity to access attainably-priced housing options, extensive social amenities, and a tech-enabled lifestyle. The project includes over 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor amenity space, 32,000 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space, and 10,500 sq. ft. of retail space.
In partnership with Greybrook
Whitby, Ontario: This planned multi-tower high-rise condominium development project covers an area of 4.1 acres.
In partnership with Greybrook
Private Lending
To date, I have vetted and negotiated 23 private lending deals via promissory notes, all of which have generated healthy double-digit returns. I currently have 4 active private lending deals, across the following 3 projects.
North Vancouver, British Columbia: Located in the beautiful upper Lynn Valley of North Vancouver and within walking distance to outdoor nature trails and mountains, Honeybee Development is in the process of designing and building a brand new home on an 8,000 sq. ft. lot.
In partnership with Honeybee Development Group
Sooke, British Columbia: A three-lot land assembly with over 2.6 acres of land will be home to a new 46-unit townhouse development.
In partnership with Stone Hearth Properties
Fredericton, New Brunswick: 45 units undergoing repair and renovation.
In partnership with Collard Properties