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The Edmonton 10-Unit Playbook: A Deep Dive into Multi-Family Profit Potential

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning an apartment building but weren’t sure where to start, this is your roadmap. Edmonton is emerging as a multi-family hotspot with affordable entry points, a growing population, and higher yields than many Eastern cities. In this blog, we’ll show you how to evaluate a 10-unit property and make sense of the numbers. What You’re Looking At A 10-unit walk-up in south-central Edmonton. Listed at $1,050,000, with all units currently occupied. Pro Forma Snapshot Here’s how to build a simple pro forma. Annual Income:✔ Rental Revenue: $144,000 Annual Expenses Estimate:✔ Property Tax: $17,000✔ Insurance: $5,000✔ Utilities: $10,000✔ Maintenance/Repairs: $8,000✔ Management (8%): $11,520✔ Admin/Other: $3,000✔ Total Expenses: $54,520 📌 Net Operating Income (NOI): $144,000 – $54,520 = $89,480 Investment Metrics That Matter Why Edmonton Wins Unlike cities like Toronto, Edmonton has: Financing This Property Using CMHC-insured financing (like MLI Select), you could put down just 15% and stretch amortization to 40 or even 50 years, slashing your mortgage payments and maximizing cash flow. Even a conventional loan with 25% down gives you positive cash flow due to Edmonton’s strong rental spreads. Conclusion: Know the Numbers, Win the Deal Understanding financial performance is the key to building real wealth in real estate. Edmonton’s multi-family sector offers a rare combo: affordability, cash flow, and appreciation upside. With a well-managed property and a strong team behind you, like Green Casa, you’re set up to scale.

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Breaking Down the Numbers – How to Evaluate a 10-Unit Rental Property in Edmonton Like a Pro

Investing in a multi-family property is more than just a gut feeling or a market trend; it’s about running the numbers and making sure the math works for you. In this blog, we’re walking through how to properly evaluate a 10-unit rental property in Edmonton, using a simple framework and real market figures. Step 1: Estimate Rental Income Let’s say you’re looking at a 10-unit apartment building in a mid-demand neighborhood in Edmonton. If each unit rents for $1,250/month (which aligns with Edmonton’s average rent for a basic 1-bed or 2-bed apartment), your monthly gross rental income would be: 📌 10 units x $1,250 = $12,500/month or $150,000/year That’s your top-line income. But real estate is never about just income; it’s about what’s left after expenses. Step 2: Calculate Operating Expenses Typical annual expenses for a building like this might include: 📌 Total Operating Expenses: $59,500/year Step 3: Determine Net Operating Income (NOI) NOI is your income after operating expenses, before mortgage payments. 📌 $150,000 (Gross Income) – $59,500 (Expenses) = $90,500 NOI This is a powerful number; it shows the property’s earning potential without being distorted by your financing strategy. Step 4: Cap Rate & Valuation Let’s say the property is listed at $1.1 million. 📌 Cap Rate = NOI / Purchase Price = $90,500 / $1,100,000 = ~8.2% In Edmonton, cap rates often range between 6.5–9%, depending on location and condition. An 8.2% cap is quite healthy. Step 5: Cash Flow Analysis If you finance the deal with a 25% down payment ($275,000) and borrow the remaining $825,000 at 5.5% over 25 years, your annual mortgage payment would be around $59,000. 📌 Cash Flow = NOI – Mortgage = $90,500 – $59,000 = $31,500/year or $2,625/month That’s a strong monthly cash flow for a small apartment in a growing Alberta city. Final Thoughts Evaluating a rental property is all about turning speculation into strategy. Edmonton’s relatively low cost-per-unit and strong rental demand make this city an excellent target for smart investors. Always run your numbers, get familiar with local benchmarks, and use tools like cap rate and NOI to make confident decisions. Green Casa is here to support you with property management insights and on-the-ground knowledge. Reach out to us if you’re ready to explore Edmonton’s multi-family opportunities.

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A Dog Park in My Rental? How Green Casa Makes Pet-Friendly Living in Calgary Even Better

When most people think of rental homes, they imagine four walls, a front door, maybe a fenced backyard, but rarely do they picture a space built with our furry family members in mind. That’s where Green Casa Property Management is changing the game in Calgary. Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about dog parks in rental homes, a small but powerful way we go beyond the expected and make our properties feel like home, not just for people, but for pets too. Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Matter More Than Ever In 2024, over 50% of renters in Canada own a pet. For many, pets are not an option; they’re family. Yet finding a rental property that allows dogs (without a laundry list of restrictions) can feel like winning the lottery. At Green Casa, we don’t just allow dogs, we welcome them. But more than that, we understand that dogs (and their owners) thrive when they have safe, engaging outdoor space. That’s why we’ve started integrating pet-friendly features, such as mini dog runs and shared community green spaces, where tenants and their pets can unwind. One Basement Suite, One Backyard Dog Park Let’s talk about Bonus Property 1, a cozy rental suite located in SE Calgary. The tenant here had a simple request: “Can I build a small fenced dog run in the backyard for my golden retriever?” Our answer? Absolutely. Let’s make it better. Working with the property owner and tenant, Green Casa arranged for a modest pet park setup in the yard: The result? A happy tenant, a very happy golden retriever, and a property that instantly stood out from every other listing in the area. It’s Not Just About Pets, It’s About People We manage homes, yes. But what we manage is peace of mind. Adding pet-friendly features like dog parks isn’t just about pets; it’s about: When tenants truly feel at home, with their entire family, they’re more likely to stay, take care of the space, and build strong landlord relationships. The Green Casa Difference At Green Casa Property Management, we don’t do “cookie-cutter.” Every property is treated with attention, empathy, and a local touch. Whether it’s managing minor maintenance or helping coordinate creative upgrades like a backyard dog park, we go the extra step. Because we believe the little things are never little. Thinking About Renting Out Your Property? If you’re a Calgary landlord and haven’t considered making your rental pet-friendly, now’s the time. Green Casa can help guide you through what’s allowed, what makes sense, and what can boost your property’s value and appeal. Let’s make your property not just pet-friendly, let’s make it pet-awesome. Call us today to talk rentals, real estate, and maybe even share a few dog park stories. 🐶

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Apartment Dreams in Calgary? Here’s How to Finance It Like a Pro

Owning an apartment building in Calgary isn’t just a dream; it’s a solid, income-generating asset in one of Canada’s most landlord-friendly provinces. But for most first-time investors, the financing process can be intimidating. This blog is your crash course in funding your first 12-unit multi-family property in Calgary with smart comparisons between traditional loans and CMHC-insured options. Step 1: Understand Your Objectives Before you talk to a bank, figure out: Traditional Financing: The Fast Lane Best for: Investors with significant capital and short-term project goals Features: What to Watch For: CMHC MLI Select: The Power Move Best for: Long-term investors focused on cash flow and scalability Features: Things to Keep in Mind: Why Calgary? Alberta offers: In other words, it’s a great place to grow your portfolio, especially if you start with smart financing. Key Takeaway Choosing between traditional and CMHC financing depends on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment timeline. The key is to do the math, compare multiple lenders, and align your loan strategy with your investment goals. At Green Casa, we don’t just manage your property; we help guide you from acquisition to optimization. Reach out today and let’s talk about your first (or next) Calgary apartment project.

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Financing Your First Apartment Building in Calgary: CMHC vs. Traditional Loans – Which One’s Right for You?

Stepping into the world of multi-family investing is exciting, especially in a growing market like Calgary. But if you’re looking to buy your first 12-unit apartment building, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is how to finance it. Do you go the traditional mortgage route or take advantage of CMHC-insured financing programs like MLI Select? Let’s break down both options so you can make a smart, strategic decision that fits your long-term goals. Option 1: Traditional Commercial Mortgage How it works:This is the classic route usually offered by a bank or credit union. You’ll typically need: Pros: Cons: Option 2: CMHC-Insured Financing (e.g., MLI Select) How it works:Backed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, this program is designed for long-term, sustainable rental housing. Qualifying properties may get: Pros: Cons: A Quick Example: Let’s say you’re buying a $3 million 12-unit building in Calgary. Financing Type Down Payment Monthly Mortgage (est.) Amortization Notes Traditional $900,000 (30%) ~$14,000 25 years High cash needed CMHC-MLI Select $150,000 (5%) ~$8,500 50 years Lower monthly cost, long-term play What Makes Sense for You? If you’re a newer investor with limited capital but a strong long-term vision, CMHC might give you the leverage to enter the market. If you’re more focused on flipping, renovating, or faster cycles, traditional financing might give you the speed and flexibility you need. Regardless of your choice, always consider: At Green Casa Property Management, we work closely with Calgary investors from first-timers to seasoned prosand we can connect you with trusted mortgage brokers, lenders, and underwriters to help navigate the financing maze. Your next apartment deal might be closer than you think.

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Your Property, Our Promise: What Calgary Landlords Secretly Want (and Finally Deserve)

Introduction:  Let’s be real. The majority of property management firms sound alike: “We collect rent.” We repair things. We screen tenants.” We do all of that at Green Casa, but it’s not the reason landlords stay with us. They remain due to our deeper understanding. Landlords want sleep more than just services. They want someone who doesn’t just treat their property like a number. An individual who shows up. Someone who knows the name of their tenant’s cat… and why the water pressure dipped last week.  Green Casa Property Management, Calgary’s humane property partner, is pleased to welcome you. 🔍 1. We Manage Like You Would If You Had 48 Hours in a Day Most landlords don’t mind hard work. What they mind is chasing contractors, answering texts at midnight, or trying to remember lease renewal dates while at a wedding. With Green Casa, that stress is gone.We think ahead, act fast, and sweat the small stuff so you can focus on the big stuff: your career, your family, or just getting your weekends back. 🛠 2. From Broken Lightbulbs to Broken Leases, We’ve Got It Covered We handle the details most people overlook: We keep every property clean, compliant, and calm because chaos isn’t in our business model. 💬 3. Human First, Property Second We talk to tenants like people, not problems.Happy tenants = longer stays = better returns for you.It’s not rocket science, but it is rare. We text updates. We call when something’s urgent. And yes, we’ll even video walkthrough your suite if you’re out of province. 📈 4. You Earn More by Stressing Less Because we monitor market trends weekly, not yearly, we help landlords like you increase rents (legally and responsibly), reduce vacancies, and get better ROI on the same property. We also track which upgrades give you the most bang for your buck. A $1,200 fridge might add $100/month in rent. That’s real value and real growth. 🧠 5. We’re Local. We’re Small. And That’s a Good Thing. We’re not a faceless franchise.We’re a Calgary-grown team that picks up the phone.That shows up to the unit when no one else will.That sends you real-time updates because we know your property isn’t just an asset, it’s part of your future. ✨   The Last Word: Property Management That Is Unique Because It Is Green Casa is the place to start if you’ve been duped by big-box property managers or are just starting out as a Calgary landlord.

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The Smart Landlord’s Blueprint: Rental Income Boosters That Work in Alberta

Introduction: Anyone can buy a building. But only smart landlords know how to grow income without growing headaches. In Alberta, the opportunities are ripe if you know where to look. Let’s explore creative, high-impact ways to elevate your rental income while staying tenant-friendly and legally compliant. 1. Bundle Upgrades with Rent Increases Instead of raising rent without context, offer tenants visible value:✔ New appliances✔ Improved lighting✔ Secure parking✔ Storage lockers✔ Air conditioning (a luxury in Calgary’s rising summers) 💡 Offer tenants the option: “$100/month increase comes with free WiFi + upgraded kitchen.” More often than not, they’ll go for it. 2. Capitalize on Calgary’s Basement Suite Culture Legal secondary suites are a goldmine in both Edmonton and Calgary. They allow you to collect dual income from a single title, often with separate utilities. 🏡 Case Study: A fourplex in Edmonton added 2 basement suites for $80K and increased monthly income by $2,000. The ROI is paid back in under 4 years. 3. Offer Furnished or Flexible Lease Options Short-term furnished rentals (3–6 months) can command higher rents and attract a new class of tenants: corporate relocations, health care workers, or digital nomads. 🪑 Execution Tip: Use simple, durable IKEA-style furniture, and focus on fast WiFi + in-unit laundry for maximum appeal. 4. Charge for Extras, Without Nickel and Diming Add-ons like: These micro-revenue streams add up especially when scaled across 8–20 units. 5. Know When to Refinance When your building’s value goes up, your mortgage terms can improve. Refinancing allows you to pull equity, reinvest in value-adds, or purchase another property. 🏦 Look for: Properties that increased in value after renovations or market growth. A new appraisal + a CMHC-insured mortgage = improved cash flow. Conclusion: Alberta Is the Land of Rental Opportunity If You Play It Right This province rewards landlords who think like entrepreneurs. With no rent caps, a strong economy, and a culture of innovation, Alberta gives you room to maximize. Don’t just collect rent, build a system that grows. 👉 Need help managing a high-yield property? Green Casa is Calgary’s go-to for smart property owners.

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From Good to Great: How Alberta Landlords Are Supercharging Rental Income in 2025

IntroAlberta’s rental market is no longer just promising, it’s performing. With no rent control, strong population growth, and landlord-friendly legislation, Calgary and Edmonton are attracting a new wave of multi-family investors. But in a competitive market, how do you turn a good property into a cash-flow machine? Let’s break down some real strategies being used right now. 1. Target High-Demand Growth Corridors Forget the guesswork. Follow the numbers. Areas like Calgary’s Seton, Beltline, and Skyview Ranch, or Edmonton’s Windermere, Summerside, and Griesbach, are experiencing rapid population growth due to the presence of nearby schools, hospitals, and job centers. 🔎 Tip: Use recent municipal census data to target locations with high in-migration and new infrastructure projects—more people = more rent potential. 2. Invest in Value-Add Renovations That Pay for Themselves Kitchens and bathrooms sell units, both rentals and homes. Replacing outdated cabinetry, adding in-suite laundry, and modernizing flooring are upgrades that can command $150–$300 more per month per unit. 🔨 Example: A 4-plex in Calgary’s Forest Lawn added quartz counters and new appliances within 60 days, and rents increased from $1,200 to $1,475 per unit. 3. Add Bedrooms, Suites, or Flex Spaces Optimizing unit mix is the secret sauce. If you can turn a 2-bed into a 3-bed, or legally suite a basement in a side-by-side duplex, your rental ceiling just expanded. 🏘️ Why it works: Larger units appeal to families and reduce turnover. Even a 100 sq. ft. storage room converted to a den or office can boost perceived value. 4. Adjust Rents Annually, Because You Can Unlike Ontario or B.C., Alberta allows landlords to raise rents to market levels once every 12 months (with proper notice). That flexibility is a huge asset. 📈 Pro tip: Track comparable listings in your neighborhood every quarter. Don’t undercharge out of habit—your cash flow depends on staying competitive. 5. Lean on Professional Management to Scale Up Landlords managing 1-2 buildings may try to handle everything themselves, but time is money. A property manager like Green Casa can streamline rent increases, maintenance, and tenant communication, while you focus on acquisition or refinancing. Conclusion: Maximize Smart, Not Hard Alberta’s real estate market favors action-takers. With the right strategies, location, layout, upgrades, and pricing, your multi-family investments can outperform year over year.

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The Calgary Landlord’s Secret Weapon: Why More Owners Are Handing the Keys to Green Casa

Introduction Owning rental property in Calgary sounds great until the late-night maintenance calls, missed rent, and tenant troubles start piling up. That’s where Green Casa steps in. We’re not just another property management company. We’re your partner, your problem-solver, and sometimes, your stress-reliever. More and more landlords in Calgary are saying the same thing:“I wish I had found Green Casa sooner.” 1. We Treat Your Property Like It’s Our Own Whether you own a single basement suite in Auburn Bay or a multi-family building in Beltline, we manage every property with care. We do routine inspections, quick repairs, and communicate with your tenants like pros. You’ll never wonder what’s going on because you’ll already know. Landlords trust us because we act like owners, not middlemen. 2. Renting in Calgary Isn’t Always Easy, But We Make It Feel That Way Alberta’s rental market moves fast. Rents fluctuate. Good tenants are hard to find. And paperwork? Endless. We stay ahead of the curve. Our team knows Calgary’s neighborhoods, rental trends, and landlord-tenant laws like the back of our hands. That means faster fills, lower vacancy rates, and better long-term outcomes. 3. Tenants Love Us, Which Is Good for You A happy tenant tends to stay longer, treats the property with respect, and pays rent on time. That’s why we prioritize: When tenants feel heard, they stay, and that means consistent income for you. 4. Transparent, No-Nonsense Pricing No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just honest, straightforward service. You get full reports, clear breakdowns, and access to everything that matters from rent collection to repair logs, all in one simple portal. We don’t just manage properties. We manage peace of mind. 5. We’re Calgary Born and Raised Green Casa isn’t a franchise or a faceless brand. We’re local. We know this city, its buildings, its quirks, and its communities. From Kensington to Forest Lawn, from new builds in Mahogany to heritage homes in Mount Royal, we’ve managed it all. Calgary isn’t just where we work. It’s where we live. Conclusion: Your Property Deserves Better. You Deserve Better. At the end of the day, your rental isn’t just a unit. It’s an investment, a future, a piece of your story. Let Green Casa take it from here. 📞 Ready to stop stressing and start earning? Contact us today and let’s talk.

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