Posted by Michael Lepore on May 21, 2013 | No Comments
On May 11th, Royal LePage offices in more than 120 communities across Canada took part in the National Garage Sale for Shelter, a one-day charitable Garage Sale benefitting the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Every dollar raised by the Garage Sale supports local women’s shelters, as well as violence prevention programs.
Our local offices held the sale once again at the parking lot of Salmon’s Transfer, a major contributor to the cause by providing pick up of donations and storage on-site. A huge debt of gratitude goes to all who donated their time, and enthusiasm to such a great cause.
I am excited to announce that the money raised through the Garage Sale surpassed the amount from last year! Thanks to all who came out and shopped, who donated, and who volunteered to sort, price and sell!
Posted by Michael Lepore on May 3, 2013 | No Comments
Richmond’s ‘Doors Open’ event takes place this weekend. 49 venues will offer free admission on Saturday and Sunday (May 4th and 5th) between 10 am and 4 pm.
This is the sixth year that Richmond has hosted this program, with participation including Heritage Sites and Landmarks, Historical Buildings, Art Studios, and Places of Worship.
A special ceremony opening the new home of the Steveston Tram will take place on Friday from 7-9:30pm at No 1 Rd and Moncton Street.
With the sun expected to shine all weekend, get out and enjoy some free venues in Richmond but remember to take a hat and some sunscreen!
Posted by Michael Lepore on February 19, 2013 | No Comments
I have just so
ld my listing at 4682 Duncliffe Road in beautiful Steveston, just a stroll away from historic Steveston Village. It’s a great family home with a walkway from the yard all the way to Steveston Park. There is so much to offer in the neighbourhood! Everything you need in just a few blocks; restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, parks and schools, all within one kilometre. It’s easy to see why Steveston has become one of the most sought-after areas in Richmond and Vancouver. The highly desired French immersion schools of T. Homma Elementary and R. McMath Secondary are within the catchment.
Being situated on the southwest tip of the city, at the mouth of the Fraser River, the active fishing port and picturesque setting of Steveston Harbour attracts many visitors throughout the year as do the historic buildings and a National Historic Site of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The movie industry discovered Steveston years ago because of its quaint shops and old-fashioned feel and look. Currently, the hit TV series Once Upon a Time transforms Steveston into Storybrooke, Maine.
View Steveston homes for sale.
Posted by Michael Lepore on October 31, 2012 | No Comments
At the live auction and other events held at the Royal LePage National Sales Conference in Vancouver last month, an incredible $100,000 was raised for the very valuable Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. The fundraising at the Conference was an incredible success due to the generous donations, bids and contributions provided by the Royal LePage agents and other professionals attending the conference.
As Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to support women’s shelters and violence prevention programs, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helps 30,000 women and children each year. Events such as auctions, garage sales and local fundraisers have provided the organization more than $14 million in total.
The Shelter Foundation is my charity of choice. I make a donation with each home I sell. If you’d like to make your own donation, or learn more about this vital and very necessary organization, please contact Michael Lepore.
Posted by Michael Lepore on October 25, 2012 | No Comments
It’s time for jack o’ lanterns and trick or treating in and around MetroVancouver this weekend to the 31st. 
I will be in Richmond this weekend with my wife and one year old daughter, as the Steveston Merchants Association host the Steveston Trick or Treat from 3-5 pm. Come join us for some fun and community participation. See how many Scarecrows you see in the store windows, as part of the Annual Steveston Scarecrow Crawl. Check out all the fantastic sights and sounds of Steveston Village.
There is plenty more to do this weekend, let’s hope the weather cooperates!
This weekend in Burnaby, take the kids to the Burnaby Village Museum in costume, for trick or treating and unlimited carousel rides. 6-9 pm. Or, take a walk around mysterious Deer Lake Park.
Fright Nights at the PNE – A Vancouver Tradition! Playland becomes a thrill fest with a number of ‘gravely’ serious haunted houses, themed rides and actors roaming the venue. Be brave and have some fun! Don’t get ‘spooked’!
Hallowe’en Ghost Train in Stanley Park. The miniature railway is transformed into a family-friendly Hallowe’en themed train ride and seasonal displays. Free Parking! Train ticket includes Haunted Castle, crafts, pumpkin carving, a costume contest, or face painting by donation. Check the link for times and dates. There are some afternoon rides for the wee ones.
I also may check out the fireworks on Hallowe’en night here in Richmond. Check the City Events page for fireworks start times at South Arm Community Park, Hugh Boyd Community Park and McLean Neighbourhood Park. Minoru Park is hosting a Fireworks Festival, with fire jugglers, music, clowns and of course, fireworks, running from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Have a safe yet spine-chilling Hallowe’en!
Posted by Michael Lepore on September 18, 2012 | No Comments
I’m excited about this listing! Beautiful building by renowned Adera Development Corp. 326-6033 Katsura Street is a 2 bedroom and spacious den unit, tastefully decorated throughout. Fireplace, extra-large balcony and gas stove are only a few of the many features. Close to all city centre amenities.
Richmond’s McLennan North area has made a huge transformation over the past decade and builders of the new condos and townhomes here have made extra effort to mix housing and nature and to provide amenities such as shopping and transit within a 10 minute walk. McLennan North is in the heart of a busy city and close to major routes and shopping malls, yet the enjoyment of nature and peace and tranquility is the main objective in the planning of McLennan North.
To view some other condos for sale in McLennan North, click here.
Posted by Michael Lepore on September 10, 2012 | No Comments
I’ve just listed a great quarter share opportunity in beautiful Whistler BC. 2 Bed/2 Bath suite in Whistler Creekside. 301C-2020 London Lane sleeps up to 6 – comes with linens, appliances, dishes, TV, etc. Third floor corner unit with mountain and forest views.
Whistler is a weekend or vacation destination home away from home for many people in MetroVancouver and around the world. This opportunity allows you one week per month to enjoy, or release it for extra revenue.
Buying real estate, either for personal use or as an investment, is a big decision, especially given the various types of property that are on the market, such as quarter share ownership, strata, leasehold, freehold, etc. If you are contemplating a purchase, click here for more information.
Posted by Michael Lepore on September 4, 2012 | No Comments
I’ve just listed a well-maintained one bedroom starter condo. Excellent price for a strata titled property in the area at $143,900. 310-8740 Citation Drive, Richmond. Top floor, spacious and affordable. Complex has great amenities including outdoor pool, clubhouse, lounge, sauna, hot tub and mature and lush landscaping. Pets allowed too!
Located in the central Brighouse area, convenience is the key to living here. So close to shopping, Kwantlen, Richmond Centre, transit and major routes. Across from award-winning Garden City Community Park, with its famous Arboretum, a collection of almost 100 trees from around the Pacific Rim. Brighouse has lots to offer and is a well-situated, convenient area to call home.
Check out more condos listed in the Brighouse area by clicking here.
Posted by Michael Lepore on June 29, 2012 | No Comments
I’ll be at the Salmon Festival in Steveston – hope to see you there!
Posted by Michael Lepore on June 26, 2012 | No Comments
One of the many facets of homeownership is paying property taxes! At least in BC we have Home Owner Grants to help reduce the amount we pay. Residential property tax in BC is paid to the municipality or to the Surveyor of Taxes, for rural areas.
There are a number of types of grants available through the Home Owner Grant Program, based on specific eligibility for each grant offered.
Basic: this can reduce your property taxes by up to $570.00
Additional: This can reduce your taxes up to a further $275.00
Retroactive: The deadline to apply every year is December 31st, however, it may be possible for a retroactive grant to be provided if you are late. A grant will only be paid retroactively for one year.
Mulitple: Grants available for owners of eligible co-ops, apartments and housing societies structures.
There is also a new grant available for 2012 for low-income veterans called the Home Owners Grant Veteran Supplement.
Grants must be applied for each year and the property in which you apply for the grant must be your principal residence.
Deferring Property Taxes
The BC Government provides loan programs to eligible home owners. There are now two programs, the Regular Deferment Program and the Families with Children Program.
The deferred taxes must be fully repaid, with interest, upon sale of the home prior to title transfer or upon death of home owner enrolled in the Deferral Program.
Though it’s never a joy to pay taxes, I try to look at it as a privilege to be a homeowner and that my taxes provide my city’s main source of money to provide valuable services such as water, sewer, drainage, traffic control, emergency services including firefighters and police, roads, parks and recreation facilities including pools and ice rinks. Makes things a bit easier as I approach this year’s deadline!
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On May 11th, Royal LePage offices in more than 120 communities across Canada took part in the National Garage Sale for Shelter, a one-day charitable Garage Sale benefitting the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Every dollar raised by the Garage Sale supports local women’s shelters, as well as violence prevention programs.
