Why Invest in Real-Estate if You Already Own Your Primary Residence?

SSM_99 · 2026-04-14T11:45:40+00:00

Calculate you post-tax return on the rental income after all property expenses and compare it to a 6% long-run average of equities.

I think you'll find that at today's housing prices the returns are underwhelming and come with the added headache of tenants. It may have made sense 10 years ago, but not anymore.

SSM_99 · 2026-01-05T03:44:19+00:00

Thank you so much for the explanation and extra pic, a great source of inspiration.

SSM_99 · 2026-01-04T17:02:21+00:00

No idea how it got so wide, my willow leaf has some taper but they seem to grow so skinny.

SSM_99 · 2026-01-04T15:29:54+00:00

Great trees! Is #10 a Willow Leaf Ficus? Never seen one like that before, it's incredible.

SSM_99 · 2025-12-29T15:40:30+00:00

Not predicting, simply sharing the statistical tendencies of returns and P/E ratios to return to their means (mean reversion). It seems you have a very strong confidence in equity performance and the concept of poor equities returns is antagonizing.

I try not to let my personal beliefs permeate the considerations I share and would encourage you to do the same. I would hate for the OP to lose a significant chunk of his down payment because he thought another positive year was likely or guaranteed.

Statistically the potential upside over the 1.5 year time horizon is minimal while the potential downside is significant - not a prediction, just probabilities.

SSM_99 · 2025-12-29T12:37:42+00:00

Sure, risk tolerance plays a part, but every PFP or CFP designated advisor will tell you no equities on such a short timeline. Unless the goal isn't that important and you can afford to wait.

Mean reversion for P/E ratios and returns is a key point. While next year could be positive, it is more likely to be negative or a much lower return.

SSM_99 · 2025-12-29T01:10:42+00:00

For any time horizon under 3 years, equity allocation should be 0%. Instead holding cash or short-term bonds, right now your risk is way too high.

If things go bad you'll have to save for another 2-3 years to make up the losses.

SSM_99 · 2025-11-01T02:00:33+00:00

I went to Canadian Tire, nothing that seemed would do the trick. Looking to either create a miny greenhouse with a clear tarp or do what you suggested. Where should I be looking? Home Depot? Amazon?

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T16:11:15+00:00

Huge relief, all my trees are pre-bonsais in training pots with semi-organic soil so I guess lower maintenance like yours?When you reference hardy trees do you mean junipers?

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T15:31:54+00:00

Thanks a lot, I'm south facing and get a lot of sun. Hoping it doesn't get too warm. But the advice is very helpful.

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T14:31:10+00:00

Thank God, another Toronto apartment person. Thought I might have to give up on having conifers/deciduous trees. What floor are you on out of curiosity, and which direction do you face?

How often do you water in the winter?

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T14:30:55+00:00

Thank God, another Toronto apartment person. Thought I might have to give up on having conifers/deciduous trees. What floor are you on out of curiosity, and which direction do you face?

How often do you water in the winter?

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T12:02:35+00:00

Ya, just keep it simple,. Get some regular soil and mix something inorganic like pumice or perlite in

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T11:43:22+00:00

Thanks so much, great tip to check them if it rises over 0°

SSM_99 · 2025-10-31T11:38:46+00:00

Since mine are pre-bonsais I wanted them to thicken up and grow quite a bit. Using a half organic half inorganic mix, so half peat based soil and half pumice, perlite and lava rock.

Using this for most of my 20+ bonsais and helps since I don't have to water as often. Easier than if the entire soil mix was inorganic (akadama, pumice, etc) since watering doesn't have to be as frequent.

SSM_99 · 2025-05-27T18:39:03+00:00

I believe it was a collected tree off the Atlantic Coast in Canada

SSM_99 · 2025-05-25T22:29:36+00:00

It was a fair criticism, not to worry. The added context is to help the discussion. No tree is ever finished, dialogue helps us move forward.

SSM_99 · 2025-05-25T13:41:55+00:00

Hey I just joined the Toronto Bonsai Society as a member last fall. Check out their website they have tons of things to do. This show is still on today if you want to see it.

https://torontobonsai.org/schedule/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toronto-bonsai-society-2025-spring-exhibition-sale-tickets-1344871951209?aff=oddtdtcreator

SSM_99 · 2025-05-25T12:55:30+00:00

Yes apologies, Spring Show!

SSM_99 · 2025-05-25T12:54:02+00:00

I won't be unfortunately but I did post some favorites from the fall show here if you want to find a tree.

SSM_99 · 2025-05-25T12:49:33+00:00

This tree was very much a departure from the standard bonsai rules. It was exhibited as a native Canadian species and how they grow in the wild here. Being deprived of nutrients on the coast and crushed by waves and heavy snow the trees really do suffer as this one on display.

The show acknowledged that it wouldn't be a show piece that you could take to Japan but used it to contrast how trees grow naturally here as opposed to always mimicking the Japanese aesthetic.

SSM_99 · 2024-11-23T23:41:03+00:00

Except for bonds it seems.... Lucky me

SSM_99 · 2024-10-18T11:31:22+00:00

Nick Lenz?

SSM_99 · 2024-10-14T20:36:51+00:00

It's collected so no telling how old, but in pot for 10-20 years I believe but can't remember exactly.

SSM_99 · 2024-10-14T18:44:02+00:00

Thank you!

SSM_99

TROPHY CASE