018: Tazmeen Woodall Explains Why Getting Involved With Your Strata Council Is Important

Marci • April 7, 2017

Marci Deane  talks with  Tazmeen Woodall  of  RE/MAX Crest Realty in North Vancouver, BC about the importance of going to your strata meetings.

Introduction

Tazmeen Woodall  is a Realtor with  RE/MAX Crest Realty in Vancouver, BC.  With over 21 years of experience in the real estate business, Tazmeen is now a leading expert on strata properties.

She specializes in working with new home buyers, simplifying the process and ensuring her clients understand their options.

Key Points

  • [1:10] What are some of the biggest mistakes that you see strata corporations make?
  • [1:35] There are new people on the strata council all the time and if the meeting minutes are lacking, it can hurt the whole building.
  • [2:35] If the minutes from the meeting don’t look right to you, what should you do?
  • [3:00] Your annual strata meetings are very important. You should always try to attend.
  • [4:30] You are required by law to get the minutes of the annual meeting within 48 hours.
  • [5:55] A lot of buildings will do special assessments in phases.
  • [7:45] What are some good practices you have seen strata corporations do?
  • [8:33] Some strata corporations might have a really low contingency fund. This might be due to the fact that all the work has already been done. Coincidentally, strata with a high contingency fund might be a red flag as they have a lot of work to do.
  • [9:25] Do buildings need to provide a fee depreciation report ?
  • [11:05] I encourage all my clients to get on their council if they have any issues or concerns with the building.
  • [11:38] Being on council can put potential buyers at ease when the time comes for you to sell your unit.

Contact

Share

By Marci Deane May 6, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.
By Marci Deane April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.
By Marci Deane April 22, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.