Wouldnt it be terrific if you can eliminate opinions and misinformation in the real estate investing arena? Arent you glad that you can focus on whats real and let others get caught up? The secret is..focus on economic fundamentals, not emotions or hype. The Economist Magazine in 2005 cited the best place to invest in the world. These were ranked as follows:

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. U. S. A. (tie)
4. Singapore (tie)
5. Hongkong (tie)
6. Netherlands
7. Finland

Canada is the new world leader in terms of population growth which is the 2nd fastest rate in the G8 countries and it is politically stable. Two assets the world will be needing are: oil and water which is the top 5 of least regulated. Canada is also a world economic leader. Why? It has the best debt to GDP ratio in the G7. It is the only country in the G7 to have a surplus compared to United States, United Kingdom, and Germany! It is creating full time jobs which are over 200,000 already in the first half of 2006.

Where is the economic engine? Alberta. According to MacLeans Magazine (www.macleans.ca), issue of June, 2005, Alberta is about to get powerfully rich. What happens to Canada? Albertas economy has 4.8% growth in 2006, the strongest since 2000. The projected average growth of 3.5% between 2007 and 2009. The strong employment growth, low unemployment 3.4%, inflation contained. In addition, Albertas government leadership provides the atmosphere for growth. Economic growth stems from a well structured economy. Albertas 4.9% growth surpassed the countrys 3.4%, 4% that of British Columbia, and 3.1% that of Ontario.

Alberta, Canadas world leading oil and gas industry. The top oil producers measured in terms of millions of barrels per day have a production and wealth shift from 2003 up to 2015. Canada will be ahead of Saudi Arabia, Russia, United States, Iran, and Mexico. The United States targets Alberta, Canada for oil solution.

Oil sands are Edmonton, Albertas ticket to a prosperous future. According to Edmonton Journal, March, 2006 issue, Over the next 10 years, major oil sands projects will generate 60 billion in direct spending, which will multiply several times in their indirect impact across Alberta province and Canada itself. Tsounis estimates that every dollar spent on oil sands construction will create at least 80 cents in economic activity in Edmonton. Then every dollar of operations spending will have an economic impact of at least $1.2 in Edmonton. The results of hard work are showing. Albertas unemployment rate is at its lowest in 3 decades. Statistics Canada reported that there is a 42% labor shortage concerns rate compared to 16% in BCs, 4% in Ontario and in 6% Quebec. Albertas average hourly wage increases are also skyrocketing at 7.5% compared to 3.9% for the whole of Canada.

What is the engine of the real estate market? People. Albertans continue to pay the lowest taxes in Canada; the general corporate income tax rate was reduced to 10% on April 1, 2006! What is the impact on real estate? The top fundamental towns for long term investment in Canada are: Edmonton, Grand Prairie, Calgary, and Red Deer. Edmonton, Alberta is the number one in the list. The indicator of re-sale market potential shows that the cost difference between an average new home and a re-sale home: $22,000 in 2002 and $53,000 in 2005. Serviced lots to increase 15+ in 2006. Edmontons ring road and LRT expansion are the major transition that is driving the real estate market at its best. There is also a new $7 billion refinery located in the North East of Edmonton and it will ripple outwards.

Bottom line? Its all about economic fundamentals! As investors we are business owners. Therefore, eliminate opinions and emotions. It will take you from a risky speculator to become a sophisticated investor. Dont let such a fundamentally strong market pass you by.