296/365 – people to thank who have had an impact on me. Home is where the heart is – okay, I have absolutely no clue what that means and I am too lazy to look it up on Google but my interpretation is that you gotta love where you live? I was born in New Westminster and grew up in Richmond. I lived in my family home until I got married. My parents moved out into another home and under the condition that my wife and I looked after the home and the rental suite and took care of all the expenses, taxes etc, could live there rent-free. What a great gift to start us off and very much appreciated until eventually the decision was made to look for our own home. My mom recommended her friend’s son who had just got into the field of real estate and not knowing anyone, we decided to go with Yash. We told him what we were looking for with the caveat that we had to find a place in six months as we were pregnant with our second child and didn’t want to do any moving close to the date of arrival. Yash was amazing and with our restrictions for a home, narrowed down the choices but nothing came near our expectations and we did a lot of hunting. I felt bad as we decided at the end of December 1999 that we were done looking for at least a year. Then the third week of January (two weeks before Ethan’s due date), Yash phoned and said he found the perfect home – brand new, in an area of Steveston that was being renovated but just slightly over our price range (our cap was $375K – yes, I know!!!). My wife said no – there would be no way it would meet our needs and I was there with her until Yash said to just take a quick look. And that was it – he changed our life! It was the home! White picket fence. Neighbours waving to you as you cut the lawn. Neighbours meeting outside for a drink. Parties with the neighbours. Kids becoming life-long friends with neighbours. Kids going to a public school referred to as Westwind Academy 😉 Swimming pool, bar, library, bar, restaurants and did I mention bar within walking distance. Everything we wanted and more all because Yash knew this was the home! We made an offer and it was instantly accepted and we were home owners moving in a week later and Ethan being born the following week – yes, crazy and I could not imagine doing that with the knowledge I have now but it was supposed to be but all because of Yash. Yes, he left real estate soon afterwards for a law enforcement career but he was meant to have been our real estate agent in that moment and get us into this house. Thank you Yash for insisting on seeing this home in the Duns and becoming a part of this community! Without you, I would not have become a Stevestonite and enjoyed this lifestyle!
randysangha 