Category Archives: Real Estate

Pauline Fong-Leung Notary Public Review

M7 – 601 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2
(604) 879-7812

www.pflnotary.com

I walked in. The receptionist was on the phone, so I didn’t expect to be greeted. I sat down on one of the waiting chairs. From the entry way, you could see three female staff all hovering over their computer, none of them cared to even say hello. It’s a small office, so it’s not like they’re far and can’t see me. I can see them drinking their coffee and eating over their keyboards. After about 5 minutes, the receptionist was finished with her call. She got up from her desk, and she saw me, but walked away. Umm…unfriendly I might say?

Afterward, one of the three staff came over and finally told me to wait at the separate waiting room with a table and chairs. The process with Pauline went very smoothly and she was quite friendly. However, we ran into some issues…I wished that they had told me what documents and information I would need when I got the phone call to come in for the appointment. Perhaps I should have done my research, but it’s not everyday that you sell a condo suite – and I don’t know much about legal and regulations that comes along with it – that’s why we pay lots of money for them to do it, right?

Anyways, in the end, the problem was resolved. They were patient to have it fixed.

As I walked out I asked the receptionist if there were any stamps so I could get the parking fee compensated. She coldly shook her head ‘no’. Well, for spending thousand of dollars, it kinda sucks that they can’t even give out free parking. I should have gone and bought something at another retailer/restaurant in the building to make the parking fee free, but I was sick that day…so I only wanted to go home asap. I figured $5 parking fee (for 1 hour) wasn’t too much to ask for after selling a condo.

My dad wasn’t happy with some of the other processes, so he called in later to complain.

Trapp+HolBrook Modern Living in Historic New Westminster

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We were in New Westminster, and happened to notice the Trapp+Holbrook sales centre, so we dropped by to take a look.
The sales centre was bright and spacious. I was happy to see that they had the actual showrooms available. It was nicely presented, and the staff were quite friendly.

TRAP-holbook-condoRendering of the condo from their website

For a 1 bedroom, it started from $219,900 to $307,900.  The 2bed/2bed+den penthouses were half a million. However, those planning to buy their homes can think of the potential of development around the area. It is said to be the new ‘Yaletown’ of New West. Without the bridges to cross like from Surrey, this area is probably going to flourish in the upcoming years as Vancouver and Burnaby becomes increasingly unaffordable for many people.

idearabbit-trappholbrook4Bold and eye-catching sandwich board.

Their presentation folder was slick and modern. They had an interactive TV which you could choose the floor, and see the view from that suite. Very good idea.

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idearabbit-trappholbrook3Neat idea of presenting which suites are still available.

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Their 2 bedroom showroom. Very trendy and stylish.

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Palettes to choose from

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I don’t know if the website hasn’t been updated, or that it really is under construction, but the website now says it closed for construction…only viewing by appointment. Call ahead!
Tel: 604.525.0223 or by email: info@thliving.com

Real Estate: Brickstone Walk 2

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I saw an ad in the 24 hours newspaper for the Brickstone Walk 2 development. I was interested since the ad indicated that the starting price was from $189, 900. The development are townhomes in New Westminster. It has a courtyard in the middle where the entrances for each townhomes are facing.

We drove all the way to New Westminster to check out the showhome. The showhome was bare – both in visuals and people. There was only one other customer so the staff was free to help us the entire time we were there. Unfortunately, the $189,900 home was already sold, and I think there was only one of them at that price. It must be one of those marketing strategy to lure customers in. Have one really cheap one to make it look like it’s all affordable.

The development offers a range of sizes from small one bedroom (530sf) to three bedrooms with den (1200sf) in a two level townhomes. I’m not too much of a fan of the one bedroom ‘bowling alley’ layout where everything is just narrow. I prefer a box type instead…and having the bedroom right by the entrance didn’t fancy me either.

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The folder’s and floorplans weren’t anything fancy. I was very disappointed to find that they didn’t have the entire suite showroom. I don’t think I’d ever buy a place without being able to see how the suite would really look like, so I was not impressed. They did have part of the kitchen which showed the kind of appliances and flooring/cabinets they would have.

As the name indicates, this is the 2 phase. It was going to be very similiar to the 1st phase, and it was going to be built right next to it. We thought we’d check out the neighborhood and the building. We walked several blocks. There wasn’t that much around that area, so I could see some inconveniences in terms of shopping, banking, eating-out in the area. Once we got to the site, we found that it was built on a hill, with a big road in front of it.

It’s always good to see what’s out there, and I don’t feel it was a waste of time at all. I enjoy looking at different developments and each one teaches me new things to consider when purchasing a home:

  • of course price – also, is it worth that value?
  • location! (is it next to a heavy traffic road? how far is it from work? geographical features like close to water? hill? woods?
  • convenience (are there grocery stores nearby? medical? gas stations? public transit?)
  • size for occupants
  • made from wood or concrete?
  • layout
  • maintenance fees/taxes

Because I work in the design industry, there are some pet peeves when it comes to those brochures and folders you get from these developments. I hate it when they don’t list the price! They put way too much lifestyle photos and not enough important information. I’d rather have a black and white desktop printed sheet than a fancy, glossy brochure that really says nothing…