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Vancouver Real Estate Hot Tub Time Machine

Sebastian — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:40:04 +0000

Royal LePage Conventions and Me

Every year there is a convention involving Royal LePage realtors at the beginning of September. It alternates from one year to the next between a large national convention and a smaller, regional one. In the last few years we’ve had national conferences in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Montreal. The regional conferences have been in places like Whistler and Penticton.

I just got back from our regional conference (called Headstart) in Harrison Hot Springs. It was so much fun, that I can hardly believe it. The picture that I’ve posted here actually shows how most of us did our networking/socializing…in the hot pools at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. I highly recommend it!

One of the best parts of going to these conferences is the relationships that you develop. We are colleagues to begin with, but over the years you become friends…and these conferences become an excuse to relax and unwind with old friends. Of course, there are many other benefits. There is an educational component to every conference and we do a lot of career development. There is always a slightly different slant, but the idea is that we constantly learn how to our job better….from motivational speakers, to better presentation skills to social media training.

Another big advantage is that in developing these relationships with agents across the country, I have developed a network of realtors I trust. When I have clients or friends that are moving, or needing to sell property somewhere else in Canada I am able to recommend someone that I not only know personally, but I know how good they are at what they do. That personal connection can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals.

Next year the national conference is finally coming to Vancouver. I was originally a little bit disappointed. I like being able to travel and experience other parts of the country. However, I’m now really looking forward to being able to show off my city to my friends and colleagues. Next year can’t come soon enough!

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Vancouver Charity Garage Sale – May 14th 2011 – RLP Shelter Foundation

Sebastian — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:39:31 +0000

It’s that time of year (bargain hunting / decluttering season). This coming weekend (May 14th 10am – 4pm) we’ll be hosting the 2nd annual RLP Shelter Foundation’s National Garage Sale for Shelter in Mount Pleasant. This year it’s going to be even better than last year (we raised nearly $5000!) with a BBQ, entertainment, great deals and plenty more!

RLP Garage Sale Information

You can find more details about this event here.

Every dollar raised goes directly to those who need it. The RLP Shelter Foundation is the largest (private) source of funding for Women’s shelters in Canada. They are dedicated to helping women and children that are victims of domestic violence.

How can YOU help?

1. Donate - We’re still looking for donations. (I can pick up, you can drop off at one of our RLP Vancouver offices or we can arrange pick-up of large items)
2. Share - Tell you friends about us! Let people know on Facebook, Twitter or even in person.
3. SHOP - Come out on May 14th and shop, shop, shop for great deals and fun!

I really hope that you can make it. This is going to be a lot of fun!

WHEN? Saturday, May 14th, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE? VCC Broadway Campus
1155 East Broadway (Parking Lot bordering E. 7th and Great Northern Way)
Vancouver, British Columbia

RLP Shelter Foundation Garage Sale Location

Vancouver Real Estate

Contact Sebastian, Vancouver Realtor or send me a quick email.

Grind for Shelter 2010 – Media Summary

Sebastian — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:01:48 +0000

I guess that I should have known better. After all, I went through this at last year’s Grind for Shelter (the 2009 charity event at which I set a new record for the most ascents of the Grouse Grind in a single day). Soon after that event, I decided that I would do it again this year. I felt that I could do more.

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

In 2009, one of the challenges that I faced was the amount of media attention that my event garnered. It’s one thing to set out to accomplish an extraordinary physical challenge. It is quite another to do so while almost constantly being photographed, videod and interviewed. Your mind isn’t able to focus on the task at hand, rather you are constantly thinking of your “talking points”.

Being interviewed after Grind for Shelter

For the 2010 event media guru Crystal Reinitz, of Edelman Vancouver, once again volunteered her time to the event. It was her skill and knowledge that helped to draw media interest to the event in 2009, and I was confident that with her help again in 2010 the RLP Shelter Foundation would again benefit from a significant amount of public awareness.

So, the date was set for June 28th 2010. The goal was to reach the top of the Grouse Grind 14 times in a single day (it took me 17.5 hours) and to raise $15,000, as well as much awareness as possible for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

To tell you the truth, we had our doubts about how much interest there would be the second time around. Was it too soon after last year? Would there be a big news story on the day that would push our story to the background?

=> Grind4Shelter Media Coverage Summary <=

As it turned out, the media was interested in the story again. Very interested. Requests for interviews began as soon as the press release was sent out. City TV, Global TV and CTV all had news coverage of the event, as well as radio stations the Peak FM, CBC Radio and Virgin Radio. Just about every newspaper also sent reporters and photographers to cover the story including the Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Province, Metro News, the Georgia Straight and the North Shore News.

Being interviewed after Grind for Shelter

This year’s event was even more difficult than last. After all, I was attempting to do one extra Grind in the same amount of time. Finding the time and energy to attend to interviews was an added challenge. In order to achieve my physical goal, I knew that no time could be wasted…so interviews had to be fit in where a few seconds could be spared (at the top as I grabbed some food, on the gondola ride down, or at the base of the trail as I was about to begin another ascent).

I am truly grateful for all of the attention that we were able to generate for the event, and most importantly, the RLP Shelter Foundation. The RLP Shelter Foundation spends no money on advertising, which is why most of us have never heard of it. However, as Canada’s largest public source of funding for women’s shelters it plays a very important role in our society. I’m proud to say, that the Grind for Shelter events have generated more press for the foundation than any other event ever has.

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

Contact Sebastian, Vancouver Realtor or send me a quick email.

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Announcing the Grouse Grind for Charity Event

Sebastian — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:01:43 +0000

It’s official. I’m doing it again!

Sebastian Albrecht on the Grouse Grind - 2009

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

I’ll be attempting to ascend the Grouse Grind a record 14x in a single day on June 23rd, 2010 (plus, raise $15,000 for charity). That’s 14x up a 2.9 km trail with 853 m elevation gain and an average grade of approximately 30%. If successful, I will have climbed 40.6 km and ascended 11.9 km in elevation in approximately 16 hours.

Those that know me know that I don’t need a reason to do something like this, other than the challenge. However, I happen to have a fantastic motivation. I am attempting the record in order to raise funds and awareness for the RLP Shelter Foundation (in support of women’s shelters and violence prevention programs).

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

I set the record in 2009 by climbing the Grouse Grind 13x in a single day. You can see some of the media coverage of last year’s event here. This year, it’s going to be bigger and better!

My goal is to raise $15,000 this year. I would very much appreciate your help and support. You can show your support by donating to the RLP Shelter Foundation.

I’ve dubbed this event Grind4Shelter and you’ll be able to easily follow my progress by going to Grind4Shelter.com , the Facebook Event page, or following me on twitter #Grind4Shelter.

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

For media inquiries please contact Crystal Reinitz ( crystal.reinitz@edelman.comor 604.340.4541).

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1st Annual Shop for Shelter Garage Sale a HUGE Success

Sebastian — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:14:52 +0000

Update – Shop For Shelter

On Saturday, May 15th 2010, we hosted the 2nd annual “National Garage Sale for Shelter” in support of the RLP Shelter Foundation. All money raised goes directly to helping victims of abuse across Canada and stopping the cycle of violence.

This year (the first in Vancouver), we managed to have an event that surpassed all expectations. In the end, our sale raised $4,253.91. Across Canada, Royal LePage realtors raised over $300,000 in a single day. That nearly tripled the $120,000 raised in 2009.

Trash or Treasure?

THANK YOU: This couldn’t have happened without help. To everyone that participated in any way, thank you. It was truly extraordinary to see so many people mobilize (and have fun) for such a great cause…from those of you that volunteered, donated, shopped or told your neighbor. Thank you. We really couldn’t have made this work without every single one of you!

NEXT YEAR: If you missed out on the opportunity, don’t worry, we’ll be doing it all again NEXT year (no, not every weekend!). This was the first big garage sale that I helped to organize (as well as for Ashley Smith, my co-organizer) we have a bit of experience under our belts and some ideas for the future that will make it even better! I’ll keep you posted as the date approaches…

MORE INFO: Many of you have asked about the RLP Shelter Foundation and what it stands for. If you’d like to know more, please check out my website’s RLP Shelter Foundation page.

RLP Shelter Foundation Garage Sale

[offical Vancouver Shop4Shelter website]

WHAT NEXT? The longest day of the year is fast approaching…and we all know what that means, right? That means that I’ll have to try and break the record for the most ascents of the Grouse Grind in a single day. Last year, I raised nearly $10,000 for the Shelter Foundation and raised more media attention for the charity than it had ever received. I’ll be announcing further details about this year’s event very soon…

More info on Sebastian Albrecht and the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

As a result of my fundraising efforts on behalf of the RLP Shelter Foundation in 2009 I was presented with the Individual of the Year Award (BC). I feel passionately that everyone deserves to enjoy their homes free of fear and violence.

Contact Sebastian, Vancouver Realtor or send me a quick email.

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Grouse Grind Ascent Record Media Summary

Sebastian — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:39:52 +0000

I have never, ever done anything like this. My only previous experience with the media was way back in highschool. Although, I’m pretty sure that my yearbook photos wouldn’t count as media experience (Those of you that I went to highschool with please cut out and destroy my Grade 12 yearbook photo. Thank you).

Media coverage of my Grouse Grind Ascent record attempt

The idea to challenge the single day Grouse Grind ascent record was born out of wanting to raise money and awareness for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. After matching the record of 12 last year, I didn’t think that I would EVER attempt that record again. I was happy with 12. After all, who in their right mind would want to do more?

Once the decision was made to support the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation I needed to find an event that would provide it with maximum exposure. Naturally, it didn’t take long for me to settle upon the idea of the Grouse Grind ascent record.

For a few months in the Spring of 2009, I promoted the event to my own clients, friends and colleagues. By early June I had raised roughly $1500 which was a very long way from my goal of $10,000. It was at this point that I was approached by Crystal Reinitz of Crystal Clear Communications to help bring attention to what I was trying to do.

Little did I know just how good Crystal was at what she does. In fact, I don’t think anyone expected as much media attention as I received on that day…and I welcomed every opportunity. I felt that since I had requested the attention, and the media had actually shown up and was interested, I couldn’t turn anyone down.

I was awoken at 5:15 AM by Canadian Press asking what time I’d be at the base of the mountain. From that moment until 11:30PM that night I was constantly under the media microscope (I can only imagine what it’d be like to live that way every day).

The original intention was to keep interviews restricted to the gondola ride down. I rapidly discovered that this was a challenge because it was the only time in my schedule that I had available to refuel. It’s surprisingly difficult to eat almond butter and talk into a microphone at the same time.

However, due to the amount of media requests…and my unwillingness to turn anyone down…I was soon doing interviews at the base of the mountain, at the top of the trail, and even on my phone as I hiked up the trail.

To some degree, I think that the distractions of dealing with the media helped me that day. I didn’t have time to think about what I was doing. I didn’t get much of a chance to dwell on the enormous task before me, the strain that my body was taking or the pain that I began to suffer from towards the end. However, that was also the drawback. When you are tackling a challenge like this you have to focus and concentrate.

I have put together a summary of all the media coverage of my Grouse Grind ascent record attempt here. There are a few video pieces that are still missing and that I hope to add soon. If you know of any others, please tell me so that I can attempt to find them and add them to the archive.

Read about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

I am still not quite at my target of raising $10,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. The current total stands at $7,500. I would appreciate any help that you could offer in getting me closer to my goal.

Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

My primary motivation is raising awareness and donations for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This amazing organization has raised over $7 Million dollars in donations since 1999 and helps over 30,000 people each and every year. Better still, every dollar raised goes to where it is needed as all administrative costs are paid for by Royal LePage.

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Breaking the Grouse Grind Ascent Record for Charity

Sebastian — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:28:04 +0000

Yes. I actually did it.

On Monday, June 22nd 2009 I climbed the Grouse Grind 13 times in one day. I was feeling a bit apprehensive about the event as the day approached, but I ended up breaking the official Grouse Mountain record of 12.

06:36 AM -> 07:23 AM = 46:58
07:47 AM -> 08:30 AM = 43:08
08:46 AM -> 09:29 AM = 43:09
09:44 AM -> 10:30 AM = 45:56
10:58 AM -> 11:48 AM = 50:02
12:15 PM -> 13:09 PM = 54:15
13:30 PM -> 14:22 PM = 52:48
14:45 PM -> 15:41 PM = 56:04
16:17 PM -> 17:15 PM = 58:15
17:48 PM -> 18:45 PM = 56:55
19:03 PM -> 20:00 PM = 57:26
20:18 PM -> 21:23 PM = 64:39
21:51 PM -> 22:58 PM = 66:40

Avg = 53.5

Was it easy? Absolutely not. In all honesty, it was one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my life. It challenged me both physically and mentally.

I don’t think that I ever doubted whether I could push myself to do 13. I did doubt whether it was physically possible to do that many Grouse Grinds within the allotted time (the time during which the gondola would run which was approximately 7:30am – 11:00pm).

I contemplated many times whether or not it was worth continuing. Those nagging questions came to me most frequently on Grinds #6 and #7. At that point, I had done a significant amount of work already, I was suffering from some severe cramping, and I still had the hardest work a head of me.

However, in those dark moments. The times where I would question my motivations, and perhaps even my own sanity, I found reasons to continue. Primarily, that reason was the RLP Shelter Foundation. However, it was also all of the people that offered me an outpouring of support. I was receiving a barage of phone calls, text messages, emails and tweets (follow me on twitter here) from supporters…as well as people offering words of encouragement on the trail.

Once I reached the top, I would almost forget about the struggle that it had taken to get there. The human mind really does have a short memory for pain and suffering. I was focused on refueling and getting back down as quickly as possible after each ascent so that I could get started on the next one.

I found that dwelling on the pain, or the struggle to reach the top was pointless. To get me through the day I concentrated on the feeling of success that I felt with each ascent that I put under my belt. Every one brought me closer to my goal.

What really kept me going, what was really motivating me every step of the way was knowing that reaching my goal would benefit the RLP Shelter Foundation. Without that motivation in mind, I would likely have quit when things began to get challenging around ascent #7.

The feeling of reaching the top on that last ascent was exhilarating. I had given everything that I had. Every ounce of strength, every inch of willpower. I had pushed myself beyond every limit that I thought that I’d possessed…and I succeeded in my goal. What an incredible feeling.

Even better…it was all for an amazing charity.

Please Donate

On June 22nd, 2009 I broke the record for the most ascents of the Grouse Grind for charity. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is an incredible organization which is there to help women and children suffering from domestic abuse. Of every dollar donated, 100% goes directly to those in need (Royal LePage covers all administrative costs of the charity).

Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

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Countdown to the Grouse Grind Ascent Record

Sebastian — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Monday is the day.

Yep.

I know. That’s TOMORROW.

For those of you interested in keeping tabs on my progress, I shall be updating my progress on Twitter. You can follow me on Twitter here.

I’ve been planning for this event for months, but the past week has been a real whirlwind. With the hard work of the fabulous Crystal Reinitz of Crystal Clear Communications I have suddenly received a blitz of media attention for which I am very grateful.

Learn about my record attempt on the Grouse Grind

My goal here is to get as many donations and as much awareness as possible for the RLP Shelter Foundation as possible. With the help of Crystal, my goal of raising $10,000 seems attainable.

Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

So far, I’ve been interviewed by The Peak 100.5, Virgin 95.3, CKNW 980, CTV.ca and City TV while the story is also being carried on News 1130, CBC Radio, 24 Hours and Metro Vancouver. There are also some local blogs that have also taken an interest in the story including Miss604, South Okanagan Homes + Outdoor Vancouver.

I am starting to feel a little intimidated with all of this media attention. When I did 12 ascents of the Grouse Grind last year, I did it with almost no one knowing. This year, is a completely different experience.

Everyone knows.

Of course, that has been the goal (getting the word out for the benefit of the RLP Shelter Foundation)…but it’s interesting to see how this publicity has changed the dynamics of the event for me.

Read about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

I’m feeling apprehension, nervousness and a bit of self-doubt that I didn’t experience last year. Perhaps last year I was blissfully ignorant (never having done multiple grinds in one day), but I attribute these feelings to the pressure of expectations.

I’m looking forward to fulfilling those expectations and breaking the Grouse Grind ascent record on Monday. Apprehensions be damned.

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The Grouse Grind Will Kick My A$$ for Charity

Sebastian — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:07:58 +0000

You likely already know about the plans that I have to break a world record to raise money for charity. I’ve been planning and training for this event for the past few months. Of course, the day was bound to arrive eventually but it really has snuck up on me.

It’s hard to believe that there is just one more day left.

Learn about my record attempt on the Grouse Grind

I have to admit that I’m nervous. Yes, I’ve done this before. Last summer I matched the current record number of ascents of the Grouse Grind in one day (12).

That was probably the most difficult challenge that I’ve ever taken on, and I am not shy of taking on challenges. This task challenged me in every way possible. I was stretched to my limits both physically and mentally.

In all honesty, after that day I would have been quite happy never to see the Grouse Grind ever again. At least, that’s what I told myself the moment that I finished.

I should have known better.

Here I am just two days before tackling the same feet once more. Apparently, I am either a sucker for punishment, insane or non too bright.

Well…ok, there could be another explanation.

Read about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

More Info on Vancouver Real Estate

If you’d like to learn more about the Vancouver real estate market generally you can check out this page.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, or just have questions, contact me here or send me a quick email.

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Vancouver Realtor Attempts Grouse Grind Record for a Great Cause – Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

Sebastian — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:18:33 +0000

I think that most of us want to make the world a better place. Some of us take steps to do just that while most of us just can’t seem to find the time. For a long time, I’ve put myself in that latter category. However, this summer I am going to try and change that.

Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

I strongly believe that small steps can and do make a difference. For that reason, I will be taking many small (although probably out of necessity most of them will be lengthy) steps on June 22nd, 2009. That day I plan on breaking the record for the most summit ascents of the Grouse Grind in one day (the current record is 12).

Learn about my record attempt on the Grouse Grind

The most important goal for that day is to raise as much money as possible for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This incredible organization is there to help women and children suffering from domestic abuse. Of every dollar donated, 100% goes directly to those in need (Royal LePage covers all administrative costs of the charity).

Read about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

I’m excited about the challenges that lie before me. Physically, this is one of the most difficult things that I’ve ever done. Climbing the Grind 13 times is the equivalent of climbing higher than Mt. Everest in one day and will burn more than 13,000 calories.

Please Donate

My biggest challenge, though is raising money for a very important charity. While I will be climbing the Grouse Grind on my own, I can use your help to raise money. I would appreciate any help that you can provide to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

More Info on Vancouver Real Estate

If you’d like to learn more about the Vancouver real estate market generally you can check out this page.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, or just have questions, contact me here or send me a quick email.

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