If you've been bitten by the investment bug in the last few years, chances are you've got the bite marks to prove it.

Under-performing mutual funds. Wildly volatile equities markets. It's no wonder many investors feel more secure when they move their hard-earned investment dollars into real estate.

But how many really understand the variety of ways they can capitalize on Alberta's percolating real-estate market?

Meridian Mortgage Corporation of Calgary suggests you explore one particularly attractive option: commercial bridge-lending. It's an exciting way to diversify your investment portfolio with a minimum of risk.

The team at Meridian Mortgage Corporation includes, from left, Stephen Hamaliuk, director of investor relations; Keith Prosser, president; Murray Meakin, director of commercial mortgages; Dawn Williams, client support; and Debbie McKenzie, VP of operations.

The Meridian Mortgage Corporation plan offers you a headache-free investment, at 12-per-cent returns. Under this system, the cash flow begins immediately.

And the Meridian team boasts one of the sweetest track records you're ever likely to come across.

“Our company operates much like a tiny little bank,” explained Meridian Mortgage president Keith Prosser, who's spent the last two decades within Alberta's financial services industry.

Keith has built a spotless reputation and he has a flair for putting the hows and whys of this intriguing investment strategy into the most straightforward terms.

“It’s quite simple. We loan money at a fixed rate of interest to real-estate developers who are looking for short-term financing. We deal in first mortgages only,” Keith explained.

“We loan amounts ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. And our investors buy a proportional interest in the amount we lend,” he said.

“Our investors and Meridian Mortgage Corporation team up as partners.”

It’s a strategy with enormous appeal for investors large and small (from a minimum of $10,000 on up.)

First, this is what Keith calls a “passive” investment. It enables you to participate in the Alberta real estate market without assuming the significant responsibilities of a landlord.

No midnight calls from tenants. No property taxes, no hassles and no fees.

In addition, the Meridian plan offers stability. You’ll know what we mean the day you bank your first monthly interest cheque, at a return of 12 per cent (investors also receive monthly updates on the progress of their project.)

Here’s another feature with tangible appeal. You’ll be investing in a business or residential development in either Calgary or Edmonton.

So you don’t have to read the daily paper to check its value. You can drive by the property and see for yourself.

Keith Prosser, investor relations chief Steve Hamaliuk, commercial mortgages director Murray Meakin and the rest of the Meridian team do exactly that every business day.

Their head office is situated in a gorgeous heritage office building at 620 – 12 Ave. S.W., Calgary. But you wouldn’t be impressed had you strolled past it five years ago.

The original brick structure, which had housed residential apartments, was purchased by a local developer after it was devastated by fire.

“He came to us because the banks weren’t interested in a short-term restoration loan,” Keith recalled. “On the commercial side, banks prefer to deal in amounts higher than $5 million.”

Interested, Meridian hired masonry experts to examine the original brickwork. They thoroughly investigated every aspect of the proposed deal.

“The grand reopening was in August, 2001,” smiled Keith. “But we moved in in June. This building has since been designated an Alberta Provincial Historic Resource.”

A bank paid out the initial loan in 2002 (Meridian insists on a two-year maximum on each loan) so all investors got their money back – plus 12 per cent.

But this was by no means a unique instance. Since the company formed in 1999, not a single Meridian borrower has defaulted.

Keith makes the point with pride. To minimize risk, Meridian retains an arms-length, three-member “Risk Management Group” to vet every proposed mortgage deal.

“In the event a borrower does default, we have an obligation to report it to the syndicate and allow the investors to decide on the appropriate course of action,” said Keith.

There’s more to learn about how Meridian Mortgage Corporation can help you get the most out of Alberta’s brisk real estate market. And there’s no better way to get the whole picture than by placing a call to Steve at 261.5050 or toll free at 1.888.261.2151.

They'll be pleased to set up an appointment.

They'll also explain why a bite from the investment bug shouldn’t hurt a bit.