Projects, Progress, and Perspective: Our January Update
- Michele Correa
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
January always feels like a month where I can hear myself think again. After the pace of November and December, I love settling back into routine, looking honestly at what is working, what needs tightening up, and where we are headed next. This month has been steady, focused, and full in a good way. I also had lunch with a longtime friend who thanked me for the extra income she receives each month from the capital she invested with us and shared what that additional cash flow means for her and her family, and moments like that never get old.
What We’ve Been Up To
Construction season has not slowed down for us.
One of our infill partners had some life circumstances recently change. One of the things I care deeply about is building partnerships that are supportive and human, not just transactional. We were able to step in, restructure, and bring in a new infill partner so the original partner could have the breathing room they needed for life. I am genuinely excited about the new partners joining us. Strong alignment matters, especially in long-term projects like these.
On site, the progress is tangible and we can visually see the progress we have been working towards.
One infill is just about to start drywall. That stage always feels like a turning point. When walls go up, you can finally see the rooms and feel the scale of the space. Two of the projects are at exterior framing stage and it is exciting to see the shape of them take form in the neighbourhood. One property has been demolished, city utilities have been arranged, and the foundation is ready to begin. Two more projects are deep in permitting. One has received its development permit and the other is almost there with just a few curb details to resolve. Both of those are slated to start in March or April. All six projects are set to complete over the next year, spaced out intentionally so we are not stacking financing and lease-up all at once.
We have also been blessed with unusually warm January weather in Edmonton, which has been helpful for progress. I will take every mild day we can get.
Now for the real talk.
Construction financing continues to be challenging. We are almost ready to receive our first draw on one project and the building is already halfway done. That is the reality of development right now. It requires strong cash management, flexibility, and relationships. This is where experience, systems, and access to private lending make a significant difference in keeping momentum steady. We plan for this. We structure for this. We pivot as necessary and we move forward carefully. (Here is a little fun I had with AI).
There has also been a lot of chatter about the Edmonton market. Conversations about rents softening, oversupply, warnings about what to do and not do. Often those opinions are tied to what someone is trying to sell. I am constantly monitoring the fundamentals, supply pipelines, migration patterns, employment, and long-term housing needs.
The fundamentals in Edmonton remain strong.
Our infill projects are not built for this quarter’s rent. They are built for long-term housing demand in established neighbourhoods. Missing middle housing continues to be needed. We invest with a long horizon and conservative underwriting, and that is not changing.
If you ever want to talk through what you are hearing in the market and how we view it, just reach out. I am always happy to have that conversation.
The Dollhouse Update
The Dollhouse continues to test my patience and my systems.
In January, the old boiler in one of the units broke. Rather than patching something that was already tired, we switched that unit to electric heat. The upper unit in the carriage house portion is now complete and ready to rent. We are gathering pricing for exterior work including all new gutters and finishing the lower level unit.
This project has been a marathon. I am looking forward to seeing it fully complete and cash flowing again, but more importantly, safe and solid for the long term.
Strengthening the Foundation of the Business
January is also year-end paperwork season.
We have been sending year-end information to the accountants and I am very focused on making this process smoother going forward. We have a new bookkeeper and I am strengthening systems and operating procedures so this takes far less time next year. One of my biggest themes for 2026 is building a business that is sustainable and does not rely on me touching every detail.
We also arranged two additional Promissory Note lenders this month and are excited to put their capital to work for them. Private lending continues to be an important part of how we move projects forward while offering secured, real estate backed opportunities to those who prefer to be the bank.
I also attended a few networking events this month and spent time with investor friends visiting from the U.S., and it was such a good reminder that the rooms you choose to sit in and the people you surround yourself with quietly shape how you think, grow, and make decisions.
U.S. Expansion
You know I am excited about expanding into the U.S., particularly in the short-term rental space.
For now, purchases are temporarily on hold. I looked at the volume of Canadian projects on my plate and chose to settle those further before layering in something new. That is not retreat. That is disciplined pacing.
I am continuing to research and learn. I am taking a raising funds course specific to the U.S. because the regulatory environment differs from Canada. I am also continuing my short-term rental education and market research. I am very much looking forward to launching this part of our business when the timing is right. Makenzie and I had a productive lunch date also where we talked about how she can help and be involved with the expansion. I love seeing the next generation learning what I wish I had started so much sooner.
A Little AI Fun
As part of my commitment to learning this year, I took a short vibe coding class. It was fun and stretched a different part of my brain. I believe understanding AI and technology is going to be important for business owners going forward, and I want to stay curious.
If you have some favourite AI tools that you use, I would love to know about them. Just respond to this email and let me know.
Personal
It has been really nice to be home this month.
I started a new at-home strength training program and I am lifting three times a week. The trainer is kicking my butt in the best way. Health is a major focus for me this year. Strong body, clear mind, sustainable energy. Here is a picture of my workout buddy making sure I am doing it correctly!
We celebrated a couple of birthdays in the family, I snuggled my new nephew, and enjoyed time with my parents. I also had some great conversations with my daughter and her fiancé as they prepare to buy their first home. Watching your kids step into adulthood and make big decisions is both emotional and beautiful.
These moments are my why.
What I'm Reading
This month I revisited Atomic Habits by James Clear as part of the MVP monthly book challenge. As I’ve mentioned this book before, instead of a summary, I thought I would share what I am taking away from it this read through.
Every time I read it, I pick up something new. The reminder that systems outperform goals resonates deeply with where I am right now. Goals are exciting. Systems are what actually create results.
For me this year, that means:
Strengthening operating procedures
Clarifying roles and responsibilities
Building repeatable processes in bookkeeping and investor reporting
Protecting time for high value decisions
Small improvements compounded over time are powerful. That applies to habits, investing, and business.
A Useful Resource
I have been recording more social media content lately and wanted something simple and compact for filming at my desk and on site visits. It is hard to film yourself so I searched for solutions.
I picked up the KraftGeek Just Tap tripod and it has been surprisingly great. Easy setup, small footprint, no complicated software. It has a magsafe mount so no clips to fiddle with and I can use the regular camera which produces better results, by screen casting to my laptop so I can make sure I am in the image. For those of you creating content or recording educational videos for your teams, it is a simple tool that just works. I ordered mine on Amazon, here is the link if you are interested.
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If You’re Curious
There are currently a few ways to work with us.
You can partner with us on development projects.
You can act as the bank through private lending secured by real estate.
Or you can simply start a conversation about how your capital could work harder without taking more of your time.
If you are hearing the market noise and wondering what it really means, let’s talk. If you are sitting on capital and unsure how to deploy it responsibly, let’s talk. If you just want to understand our process better, I am always open.
Our goal has never been “more for the sake of more.” It has always been to build solid housing, strong partnerships, and long-term wealth with integrity.
If you would like to learn more about what we do and how we structure opportunities, reach out to me directly at michele@correaequitypartners.com or respond to this email.
Let’s connect and see what makes sense for you.
Let's Stay Connected
What are you working on this month? What are your goals for the year? I’d love to hear — just hit reply and share what you’re building, learning, or celebrating.
If you’re ready to explore hands-free, purposeful investing — from private lending to infill developments and luxury short-term rentals — reach out to us at michele@correaequitypartners.com.
Let’s talk about your goals and see how we can help you invest with purpose.
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