Summer Highlights: New Projects, Lessons Learned, and Opportunities Ahead
- Michele Correa
- Sep 6
- 5 min read
What We’ve Been Up To
From flips to infills, investor parties to family milestones—it’s been a whirlwind summer. Here’s what we’ve been building, what we’ve learned, and how you can be part of what’s next.
✦ Quote to Live By ✦
As summer flies by, I’ve been reminded how important it is to stay intentional with both work and play.
“The bad news is time flies.
The good news is you’re the pilot.”
– Michael Altshuler
Between projects, travel, and family events, it was a whirlwind. I’ll be honest—there were moments I was just getting through one minute at a time (just ask my kids). But going in with the intention to stay present helped me enjoy all the chaos, knowing summer was going to be full tilt from the start.
Edmonton Project Highlights
Flip Project: Market Turned
I’ve always promised to keep it real, so here it is: this flip didn’t go as planned. Many investors would skip over a story like this in their updates, but I believe sharing the challenges is just as important as sharing the wins. Real estate is low risk when done properly, but risk isn’t zero—things happen.
We hit delays with contractors, dealt with a leak during an inspection that killed an accepted offer, and by the time everything was corrected, Edmonton had shifted into a buyer’s market. Suddenly, exterior issues that wouldn’t have mattered in a spring seller’s market became deal-breakers.
We fixed the grading, lifted the front cement, replaced the side sidewalk, added drainage, and poured new concrete. It’s a stunning renovation with thoughtful touches and a great flow—it just needs the right family to walk through. With summer behind us and buyers back in the market, we’re hopeful the timing is right.
Infill #1 – Demolition Done, Foundation In
The old bungalow is down, prep work is complete, and the foundation is poured. Framing is up next. Working with a strong power team makes all the difference—we even have a project portal where we can track progress photos along the way.
Infill #2 – Idylwylde – Progress Made
The tenant moved out at the end of August, asbestos testing is complete, and we’re moving into financing and demolition prep. Another exciting project about to take shape.
Infill #3, 4, 5… and maybe 6
Yes, you read that right. These 8-unit infills are all in different stages, and all off-market opportunities brought to us because we make things happen. Three are already spoken for. We may have space for a partner on #6, so if this sparks your interest, let’s talk.
Dollhouse update:
For newcomers, the “Dollhouse” is our beautiful but endlessly surprising property. The foundation is poured, but part of it had to be dug by hand thanks to a litigious neighbour whose building sits on the property line. Our team has been resourceful, and progress continues.
Now we have to wait 4 weeks to build on top of the new foundation. Units are being repaired and rebuilt, and while the timing isn’t ideal for completion (November and December), that’s the reality of development. The good news: tenants will be moving into safe, restored homes soon.
Upcoming:
We have so many exciting projects on the go at Correa Equity Partners. Besides all of the infill projects and renovations above, we are heading to Phoenix mid September to look for a Short Term Rental (STR) property. If investing in STR’s in the US is something that interests you, make sure to reach out.
I am also working with a very exciting group of investors in Florida with a project like nothing I have done before that is super exciting. It is in the very beginning stages right now and I will definitely share more in the future.
Our Summer Investor Party
August brought our annual summer investor gathering, and it was a fantastic night. We had people fly in from across Canada and even a couple from the US. Twice a year, we open our home for investors to connect, share ideas, and build relationships. Deals are made, partnerships form, and we always leave inspired. Our next party is in December—dust off your ugly Christmas sweater.
Renovation Highlight – Our Personal Home
Our own renovation is finally (almost) complete. Just a few finishing touches left and things to arrive that have been delayed at the border, but we’re thrilled with how it turned out. Pictures coming soon.
A Summer of Big Family Events
Within 11 days (starting a week after our home renovation finished), we hosted my sister’s baby shower, my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary, and our daughter’s engagement party. Add in finishing our reno and the investor party, and yes—I was exhausted. But my heart is full.
Baby Shower: My “baby” sister (20 years younger than me) is starting her own family. My girls can’t wait for their new cousin and I can’t wait to meet my new niece or nephew.
60th Anniversary: What a blessing to celebrate my parents’ love.
We had an outdoor celebration planned complete with a dance floor however, the rain forced us indoors. We still had a beautiful evening filled with stories, laughter, tears of joy and love.
Engagement Party: Our middle daughter and her high school sweetheart are getting married. Ten years together, and now a lifetime to go. We are so happy for them.
What I’m listening to on Audible:
This book surprised me. I thought it was going to be a simple “let people do what they do” message. Instead, it’s science-based, practical, and packed with mindset shifts that free your energy and focus. I will definitely listen to it again.
Top 5 Takeaways:
Let them be who they are → Let me choose my response
Let them make their choices → Let me protect my energy
Let them handle their business → Let me protect my peace
Let them live their path → Let me invest in my growth
Let them do their thing → Let me step into my power
In business, this shift is powerful. Instead of wasting energy trying to control partners, clients, or contractors, keep your focus where it matters: delivering excellence, creating solutions, and building with integrity.
Useful Tool of the Month
Loom.com lets you record your screen, camera, and voice in one click. It’s perfect for explaining processes, giving feedback, or sharing updates without needing a live meeting.
Why it works:
Saves time—record once, share instantl
Cuts down on back-and-forth emails
Adds a personal touch with voice and video
Example: Instead of writing a long SOP, record a 2-minute walkthrough. Clear, quick, and effective.
Quick Tip -
Find What You Need, Fast
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Everything we’ve ever recommended, all in one spot.
Have a tip, app, or tool you love? Send it my way—I might feature it in a future issue!
Everything we’ve ever recommended, all in one spot!
Have a must-listen audiobook? Send it my way—I might feature it here!
Let's Stay Connected
That’s a wrap for summer! What’s one thing you’re working on in September? Just hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.
Ready to explore investment opportunities with us? Let’s chat about how you can be part of our next project.
We’d love to hear from you!
If making your money work harder for you by investing in real estate without all the hassles is something that interests you, or if you want to partner alongside us and learn as you participate, reach out to us at michele@correaequitypartners.com.
We can discuss your goals and see if we are a fit to work together and invest with purpose.
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