Leanne Drolet

Royal LePage Sterling Realty

Office 604-421-1010

Cell 778-840-7211

Email: Leanne@realtygal.ca

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When is the best time to meet with a REALTOR® like me?


Chances are, you would say, “When I’m thinking of buying or selling a home.” You’d be right, of course! However, there are many other good reasons to meet with me. Here are just a few:


• You want a professional opinion as to the current value of your property, so you know what it would likely sell for in today’s market.


• You notice a home listed for sale in a desirable neighbourhood, and you’re interested in learning more — even if you’re unsure you want to make a move.


• You’re thinking of moving within the next couple of years, and you want to find a REALTOR® like me, that you can get to know and trust.


• You want some recommendations for preparing your home for sale ahead of time and especially determining what repairs and other work needs to be done and recommended proven and reputable contractors!

 

 

• You want an honest assessment as to the state of the local market, and the best time for you to buy or sell.


• You have real estate-related questions and you want to talk to an expert who knows the local market well and can provide you with answers.


• You have family that is considering buying or selling, or downsizing and you or they need some help with where to start!!!


As you can see, there’s a lot of value you can get from talking to me as your REALTOR®. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, so please feel free to contact me!

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You’ve seen fire extinguishers in commercial environments, such as schools, stores and workplaces. Does it make sense to have one in your home?


According to the experts, absolutely YES!! In fact, a fire extinguisher can quickly put out a blaze that would otherwise quickly grow out of control. There are several types of fire extinguishers that are made especially for residential use. That means they put out the most common fires that occur in the home (Class A, B & K fires), and they are easy to handle and use. Since most residential fires happen in the kitchen, that’s the best place to keep your extinguisher.


You should also make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it. This seems like a silly thing to say, but many people purchase a fire extnguisher but don't explain how to use it or where it's kept to their spouse, kids or teens!  


Keep in mind that a home fire extinguisher is meant for small fires that are easy to put out, such as a pan of vegetable oil igniting on the stove.  However, there are different types of fire extinguishers for different fires!  YES, many people do not know this - check this out!


Class A:  SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plastic etc
Class B:  FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin, petrol, oil etc
Class C:   FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane, butane, methane etc
Class D: METALS such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium etc
Class E: Fires involving ELECTRICAL APPARATUS
Class F: Cooking OIL & FAT etc


 

If you find you can’t control the blaze within a few seconds with the extinguisher, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department immediately!


Also, NEVER attempt to fight a major fire yourself. Leave that to the professionals!



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Lets talk about Depreciation Reports!  


First, I just want to say that I love these reports!  They give a buyer an excellent idea of what is going on in the strata complex and the anticipated maintenance, repair and replacement costs projected over 30 years!


Depreciation reports came into effect December 14, 2011.  Strata Corporations need to obtain these reports every 3 years unless they hold an annual meeting and 3/4 of the owners vote to waive the report, or unless there is 4 or fewer strata lots.  Once a strata corporation obtains a report they have 3 years to obtain a new report.

 

This Depreciation Report includes a number of different parts to help the Strata Corporation manage their complex, and to help owners understand the true long term cost of ownership. The Depreciation Report includes:


- an inventory of the common property components;

- an opinion of budgets for CRF (Contingency Reserv Funds) projects related to these components;

- an estimated time frame for when we expect those repair/replacement costs to occur;

- the cycle at which we expect those costs to reoccur; and

- funding scenarios to help the Strata decide on how they are going to fund the CRF projects.


Every year the Strata Council puts together a budget that lays out contributions to your Contingency Reserve Fund and your Operating Fund. These two contributions are typically what make up your maintenance fees.

 

The Strata Property Act defines the CRF as a fund for common expenses that usually occur less often than once a year or that do not usually occur, relating to the common property or common assets of the Strata Corporation.


Before Depreciation Reports were required, many Stratas were not following a long term repair and renewal plan, resulting in poorly maintained buildings. Without such a plan, many Owners did not fully understand the true cost of repairing and maintaining a building.


Stratas were making minimum CRF contributions towards the repair of the complex, and as the buildings aged, owners were facing large special levies as there were insufficient funds in the CRF to cover the cost of these expenditures.


Depreciation Reports cover the CRF related expenditures (e.g., replacing windows, replacing roofs, etc.), and not the day-to-day expenditures that are dealt with through the Operating Fund (e.g., janitorial cleaning, common area hydro fees, common property insurance fees, etc.).  Most reports give buyers a very clear idea of how the strata is running and what the upcoming expenses are.


These reports have really identified that many, if not most strata complexes are underfunded!  


When I work with a client that is buying into a strata complex, no matter how well the complex is maintained, I always recommend opening an extra bank account for "upcoming levies" and saving money each month.  Owning a condo, townhome or bareland strata home is no different than owning a house.  There WILL be upcoming work such as roof, siding, decks, gutters and home interior (common property) upgrades that will be needed and you won't be caught off guard having to come up with the money, if you're prepared.....



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I have sold a property at 411 2628 MAPLE ST in Port Coquitlam.
LUXURIOUS TOP FLOOR 2 bdrm, 2 full bath home w/river & mountain views at the beautiful Villagio! This GORGEOUS condo offers 12 ft vaulted ceilings, over-sized windows, beautiful Brazilian hardwood floors & real wood cabinetry! The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops, breakfast bar, & stainless steel appliances! Huge master bdrm with 2 closets (1 is walk in) & 4 pce ensuite! Nice size 2nd bedrm & is on opposite side of suite plus a 4pce 2nd bathroom! Lots of large windows in this bright & spacious home, with 2 covered balconies! Excellent location! Steps to WestCoast Express, recreation, restaurants, shopping, river, playgrounds & hiking/biking trails! Secured underground parking & storage locker! Don't miss this one!
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