True Equity Group, Stittsville, ON (2026)

03/27/2025

How to Analyze Investment Properties Like a Pro…

Real estate investing can be one of the most rewarding ways to build wealth—but only if you know how to evaluate deals the right way. Too many investors jump into properties without doing their homework, only to end up with money pits instead of money-makers. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly how to analyze property deals like a seasoned pro.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:

✅ Break Down the Numbers – Learn how to calculate ROI, cash flow, and cap rates like an experienced investor.
✅ Spot Potential Risks – Identify red flags before they drain your profits.
✅ Make Data-Driven Decisions – Gain the confidence to say “yes” to great deals and walk away from bad ones.

Let’s dive in!

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1. The Numbers That Matter: ROI, Cash Flow & Cap Rate:

The first step in analyzing any property deal is running the numbers. Here are three key metrics you need to know:

Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI tells you how much money you’re making compared to how much you’ve invested. The formula is:

ROI = (Net Profit / Total Investment) × 100

Example: If you invest $50,000 into a rental property and it generates a $10,000 annual profit, your ROI is 20%.

Cash Flow

Cash flow is the lifeblood of real estate investing. It’s the money left over after all expenses are paid.

Cash Flow = Rental Income – Expenses

A positive cash flow means your property is making money every month, while negative cash flow means it’s costing you. Always aim for positive cash flow properties.

Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate)

Cap rate helps you compare different investment properties. It’s calculated as:

Cap Rate = (Net Operating Income / Purchase Price) × 100

A higher cap rate means a higher return on investment, but also potentially higher risk. Most investors aim for a cap rate between 5% and 10%, depending on the market.

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2. Spotting Hidden Risks Before They Cost You:

Not every “great deal” is actually great. Watch out for these common red flags:
• Overestimated Rent Projections – If the seller’s numbers seem too good to be true, verify with local rental comps.
• High Vacancy Rates – If other properties in the area are sitting empty, yours might too.
• Major Repairs Needed – A low purchase price might be hiding expensive repairs like foundation issues or plumbing problems.
• High Property Taxes or HOA Fees – These can eat into your cash flow fast.

Always do your due diligence before buying. A bad deal can set you back years financially.

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3. Making Confident, Data-Driven Decisions:

The best investors don’t guess—they rely on real data. Here’s how you can do the same:

✔ Use Real Estate Analysis Tools – Platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Rentometer can help you check property values, rent estimates, and market trends.
✔ Talk to Local Experts – Real estate agents, property managers, and other investors can give you insider insights on a market.
✔ Compare Multiple Deals – Never settle for the first property you find. Always compare several deals before making a decision.

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Final Thoughts:

Analyzing property deals like a pro isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding the numbers, spotting risks, and making informed decisions. Whether you’re buying your first rental or scaling your portfolio, mastering these skills will keep you ahead of the game.

Want to take your real estate investing to the next level? Start running the numbers, do your research, and invest with confidence!

True Equity Group

01/24/2024

Embrace the power of conversation and let's break the stigma surrounding mental health. 💬 Today, on , let's unite in support, share our stories, and spread understanding. Every conversation matters. Together, we can make a difference. 🤝💙

01/01/2024

Dear friends and family,

As we find ourselves in 2024 this morning, may this year be a quest for the extraordinary in the ordinary, a journey where each sunrise brings excitement and purpose. May you discover what drives you to leap out of bed with enthusiasm, even if it's just the anticipation of your morning coffee.

Here's to finding joy in the mundane, turning "have to do" into "get to do," and relishing the beauty in the little things we often overlook – like the satisfaction of perfectly peeling an orange or successfully untangling headphone wires on the first try.

From our True family to yours, let's make 2024 a year of laughter, discovery, and the kind of happiness that comes from appreciating the quirks of life. Embrace each day with a positive spirit and a dash of humour, and watch how it transforms into a year to remember.

Cheers to a year filled with purpose, joy, and the delightful surprises that make life truly extraordinary.

Warm wishes,

The True Family

12/23/2023

Some Financial Habits That Are Preventing Your True Success,

When it comes to finance, some people have developed habits from the time they started handling money that have brought them some level of achievement in their lives – whether that be having good enough credit to putting money away for emergencies or future investments. But most people aren’t quite as good at managing their money. You don’t have to become a financial guru to be successful, but there are three habits that nearly everyone does that are very likely going to prevent you from achieving the true success that you desire.

Spending money on convenience: One of the worst bad habits that people have is wasting money on convenience. Store owners know this too and they take advantage of it. For example, while you might be able to go to a big box department store and buy motor oil or windshield washer fluid for $2.50, you’ll be paying $5 or $6 if you get it at a gas station. Knowing that you are paying a great deal more money for not much more convenience will allow you to stop yourself when you are considering it. Put that money in savings instead.

Not Keeping Good Records: Another financial habit that will make it difficult for you to be successful is not keeping good records. Keeping records of your income and expenses is important because then you know what you are earning and spending in relation with each other and can see ways that you might be able to save money. Saving money is vital to future financial success because it is available in the case of an emergency, it will help you avoid credit card debt that could block your path to wealth and it could become your startup money when the next great idea comes along. You can do this by keeping a notebook, or even downloading a budgeting app to record when you save and spend money.

Failing to Create or Stick to a Budget: Another thing that people do is fail to create a budget, or even if they have a budget, they often do not stick to it. This means that they are less likely to save money and will not learn the skills that are going to be required to start a business and run the financial aspect of it down the road. Creating and adhering to a budget is directly related to success in business, and many of the top entrepreneurs in the world say it is one of the most important skills to have.

Breath, and Be True to You...

True Equity Group

12/22/2023

2 True Tips to Knock Down Your Barriers

We all face barriers in our lives, and sometimes we wish we had a magic wand to make them disappear. We haven’t found that magic wand yet, but we have two tips for you that might help you knock down those barriers you are facing today.

Be Self-Aware: Being self-aware simply means that you can observe yourself from a non-judgmental perspective. When you are self-aware, you can catch yourself in the present moment experiencing a specific state, reaction, or feeling. The more you are aware of your emotions, the more you start to understand yourself. For example, you might observe that you tend to be reactive when someone provides you with a suggestion on how to do something different, or you catch yourself nervously laughing at a situation that isn’t funny. When you are aware of your emotions, you have a better idea of who you are and how you tend to react in certain situations. It is also the best way to improve yourself on certain aspects that you don’t find optimal. You become less driven by drama.

Not only will self-awareness help you remove the barriers in your life, but it will also help you with the following:

Experience a greater ability to recognize your emotions,
Improve your critical thinking, Improve your relationships. Live in the present moment, Experience more joy and even true happiness.

Self-awareness is the key to live a life without barriers.

Build your self-esteem: Self-esteem is the way we perceive or evaluate our worth and is the ultimate belief we place on ourselves. People with high self-esteem tend not to see problems as a barrier but an opportunity for growth. On the other hand, people with low self-esteem will often stop themselves from doing something because they feel they are not capable of. You can increase your self-esteem by appreciating yourself. Have the goal of becoming your best friend. Take some time to hang out with yourself once in a while. It will help you build a level of comfort in being by yourself. Add some self-care during those moments; it will help you increase self-respect. Compassion toward ourselves and self-love will often lead to better self-esteem and higher self-confidence. No barriers will stand in your way.

Breathe and be true to you!

Matti True

02/07/2023

Attend Open Houses to Get a Feel for What You Want – and Don’t Want

You’ve outgrown the house you’re in and find out you qualify for a mortgage that will let you upsize. Or, your kids have flown the nest and you’re ready to sell the family home and downsize – or, you may be a first time home-buyer and need help deciding what you want. Whatever the reason for purchasing a home, it’s important that you get a feel for what you want so you don’t spin your wheels and waste time – or end up with something you didn’t really want.

Open houses provide a taste of what your lifestyle would be if you decide to buy something similar. Unless the seller still lives in the house the realtor will often stage the homes with furniture and design touches to help you visualize living there.

Attending open houses provide information that will be useful to you when you make a final decision. You’ll get to explore other neighborhoods, check out schools or amenities you’re interested in and explore the various floor plans available.

If you’re in the market for a fixer-upper, you’ll want to visit foreclosed or short-sale home listings. Be aware that these homes usually need investments of remodeling, fixing existing problems or replacing appliances. If you have the time, energy and money to invest in a fixer-upper, it can be a great investment.

The purpose of an open house is to let people see what’s available in a particular neighborhood and entertain the idea of purchasing. But, even though you may not be looking for a home at this particular time, agents welcome those who are just looking.

Always remain loyal to your own agent. When you attend an open house and sign in, indicate that you already have an agent you’re working with. The agent at the open house will appreciate knowing that information and won’t attempt to solicit you to become his or her client.

You should know the etiquette of attending open houses before you begin your search. For example, you should always sign-in and indicate whether you’re already working with a realtor or not. When arriving at the open house, feel free to enter without ringing the doorbell or knocking, but always try to meet the agent. Some will take you through the house and show you special features while others will simply let you pick up a flyer and let you see the home on a self-guided tour.

If someone is still living in the home, respect their belongings. It’s not okay to open medicine cabinets and closets and rifle through their things. Always ask the agent if it’s alright to look inside a closed door.

True Equity Group

02/07/2023

Acting Into Appraisals

Investments, terms for loans, processes, and other parts of real estate can often be overwhelming to someone who hasn't received a degree in real estate. If you are looking for definitions and actions behind those definitions, then don't forget about getting the right appraisals. This will help you if you are looking for the right market for your home.

An appraisal consists of a professional opinion that is made about a property. Included in this opinion are several factors that allow for this statement to be made. Overall, the appraisal will lead to the conclusion of what the market value is. If the market price can not be defined easily, then someone can look at the different parts of the property and determine what they believe the market price should be. Usually, this will be done by an inspector looking at the various mechanics that may have been swept underneath the rug.

An appraisal is a necessary requirement when one is looking into selling a home or having the property insured or financed. It may use several external resources and definitions of what market value may include in relation to the opinion being made in order to determine the price value of a home. When getting an appraisal, you can expect that the estimates will be based around the various factors that are related to the market at the time. Instead of just examining the parts of the property, an appraiser will also examine the neighborhood and see what everything else is worth in relation to the property.

By appraising a property, you will know how much the home is worth in relation to your own needs on the property and in relation to everything around it. By observing the standards that are set both inside and outside, you will have the ability to know when the timing is right to get involved with your piece of real estate.

True Equity Group

02/01/2023

As an aspiring real estate mogul, I’ve had the pleasure to talk with many commercial real estate investors in Canada. The country is well known for having a strong and vibrant commercial real estate market, and I’ve been fortunate to witness many clients find the perfect property for their businesses.

When it comes to commercial real estate in Canada, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to understand the local market and the various regulations that may apply to the property you’re interested in. For example, zoning laws may restrict the types of businesses that can operate in certain areas, so it’s important to be aware of these rules before you make any decisions.

The second factor to consider is the type of property you’re looking for. Canada is home to a wide range of commercial property types, from office buildings and retail stores to industrial warehouses and multi-family complexes. Each property type has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research and understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

Finally, it’s important to understand the financing options available to you. Canada has a variety of financing options available to commercial real estate investors, from traditional bank loans to government-backed programs. It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of each loan product, as well as the associated fees and interest rates, to ensure you find the best financing option for your needs.

Overall, commercial real estate in Canada is a great investment opportunity for those who are willing to do their homework. With a bit of research and some knowledge of the local market and financing options, you can find the perfect property for your business.

Matti True

True Equity Group

01/20/2023

Real estate investing is one of the most popular and profitable ways to make money. It can be a great way to build wealth and diversify your portfolio. But it's not without its risks, and there are some important tips you should know before you get started.

First, it's important to understand the different types of real estate investments. You can invest in residential properties such as single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, or condos. You can also invest in commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and warehouses. Each type of property has its own unique risks and rewards, so it's important to do your research and understand what you're getting into.

It's also important to understand the different ways you can make money with real estate. You can buy a property and rent it out, or you can buy and flip it for a profit. You can also invest in real estate through REITs (real estate investment trusts) or crowdfunding platforms.

Once you've decided on the type of real estate investment you want to pursue, here are some not-so-well-known tips to help you get started:

1. Find a good real estate agent. A good real estate agent can help you find the right properties, negotiate the best deals, and manage the process from start to finish.

2. Invest in the right location. Location is key when it comes to real estate investing. Look for areas with strong job growth, low crime rates, and good schools.

3. Network with other investors. Networking with other investors can help you find deals, get advice, and learn from their mistakes.

4. Don't forget the taxes. Taxes can have a big impact on your real estate investments. Make sure you understand the tax implications of any investments you make.

5. Research the market. Research the local market and understand the trends that are driving the market. This will help you make educated decisions about when to buy and sell.

Real estate investing can be a great way to make money, but it's important to do your research and understand the risks involved. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your real estate investments are successful.

True Equity Group

Matti True

A Division of True Group of Companies

09/06/2022

5 Mistakes First Time Home-Buyers Make

Most people dream of buying a home and know exactly what they are looking for and what they would like to spend on the mortgage, however, they do not consider several important details.

Along with the hot home-buying market comes heavy competition for the homes and many are making all-cash offers. But, if you aren’t familiar with all the complexities of purchasing a home, you may have future financial regrets. Here are the top five mistakes that first-time homebuyers often make.

1. They don’t take into account all of their options. Although purchasing a home is often the best financial decision you could make, it doesn’t work for everyone. For example, if you know you’ll only be in the home for a couple of years it may not make sense to buy after you amortize the closing costs for that time period.

2. They don’t consider costs other than down payment. Homeowner’s insurance, maintenance, or HOA (Homeowners Association) fees and closing costs may eat up your savings and leave you with no emergency funds.

3. They don’t get a home inspection. A home inspection is no way to cut the costs of buying a home. The defects a home inspector may find far outweighs the price of a home inspector and you may save thousands of dollars on future repairs.

4. They fully expect their home to appreciate in value. Many home buyers think if they dump their life savings into a home and keep it for a few years they’ll get a significant increase in the value of their property. While home equity is nice, the home is one of those assets that aren’t very liquid if you need money fast.

5. They don’t consider debt-to-income ratio before looking for a lender. A lender considers this ratio when looking at your ability to pay for a home. If you’ve accrued too much debt, you may not be approved. Show a history of saving – not getting into debt before you apply for a home mortgage.

(Also, keep a close eye on your credit score before applying with a lender. Even if you have a pre-approval letter, you’re not guaranteed for the loan. If your score changes a great deal you may find out just before closing time that you don’t qualify.)

If you’re a first-time or novice home buyer, it’s imperative that you spend some time with an expert, such as a trusted realtor, before rushing into the home-buying experience. Today, many home buyers rely on websites and may get a false sense of the true values of homes in the area. A great realtor can give you a reality check on home prices and they keep up with changes in current market values and how the various mortgage companies do business!

09/06/2022

5 True Tips to Ensure Your Home’s Showing Is a Success

The purpose of showing your home is to hook a buyer. You want the buyers to come through your house and be impressed - so impressed in fact, that they’re ready to make an offer! You’ll have one chance to make a great first impression on the potential buyers, so make sure to follow these five helpful tips to really make it count!

1. Focus on the outside. Make sure that you don’t neglect the outside of your home. Curb appeal can make or break the odds of someone even bothering to get out of the car to come in. If they pull up and see a home with a lawn that obviously needs edging and has an unkempt flower bed, they’re going to wonder what else hasn’t been cared for properly. You want the outside of your home to be spotless. Clean the siding, the windows, and the doors. Make sure there are no dirt smudges, no cobwebs and that anything that needs painting has been spiffed up.

2. Take yourself out of the house. That means that you want to take out all the personal stuff. Remove the family photos from the wall or tables. You want the home to look neutral so that the potential buyers can look at your house and picture it as themselves living there. Everything should be as neutral as possible in terms of personal items.

3. Remove all the extra clutter you see at first glance. If you look around, it’ll amaze you at how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Some of it might very well be important, but that doesn’t mean that your potential buyers should see it. When you have a lot of clutter, it shrinks the living space of the house. It makes it look and feel cramped and smaller. Many homeowners get something called house blindness. They’ve lived in the home for so long with the same clutter that they don’t even really see it anymore. But a stranger will always notice. So clean out your house and make the space as big as possible.

4. If you have a pet, no one that walks through your house should be able to notice it exists. That means no cat litter box, no dog to jump on anyone, no food sitting around in a dish. Your home should not have any pet odors. Having a clean house that’s odor free is a big selling point. You don’t want to lose a possible deal just because they can smell your pet’s presence or your pet makes a bad impression.

5. Stage your home! You can hire a professional or you can do it yourself. Stage your living areas in a way that shows off your home. You can rent furniture to make your home furnishings look good if you don’t use a stager. Someone who knows how to stage a house knows how to play up the best features of your home and knows what to bring in or get rid of to make the entire house appeal to a buyer.

First impressions are HUGE when showing you home to potential buyers, but by following the simple tips above you will be well on your way to making a great impression and, hopefully, receiving multiple offers! (And if you are at all anxious about this important step, just reach out to a trusted real estate agent in your area who can help guide you through this process!)

TrueEquityGroup.com

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03/27/2025

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