LAURA THIBEAULT AND HER STANDARD POODLE, LOUIS
Photo credit; a.r. bailie
In our latest Q + A we asked local Realtor, Community Volunteer and Nature-Enthusiast Laura Thibeault questions on career, life and a few things in between. Although Laura lives in Crescent Beach, she has been active in the Ocean Park community as a volunteer for both the Ocean Park Community and Business Association for over a decade. She has given our community so much with her tireless volunteerism and through finding locals their homes as a Realtor. Recently Laura started a series on the Ocean Parker, interviewing locals and learning more about their lives in "Tell Me a Story". Now we've turned the tables on Laura, and she shares her story here.
How long have you been a Realtor in the area, and what inspired you take this career path and keep you on it?
It’s hard to believe I’m in my 15th year now. Becoming a Realtor would never have occurred to me if a dear friend hadn’t suggested it. We were looking at a home she and her husband were buying. She’d asked me to look at it with her to get my opinion and wondered why I wasn’t selling it to her instead of the somewhat less than knowledgeable guy who was. Because I’ve worked in construction, had a horticultural background and understood human nature, she told me I’d be a natural. It took some convincing but she knows me well and I value her opinion so I paid attention. I have to confess I initially had an aversion to the stereotype of what I thought the real estate sales field was like. But after talking to people in real estate and development that I respected and receiving their encouragement, my viewpoint changed. Once I realized I could run my business in my own way, I decided to take the course and see where it led me.
I knew how important it had been for our family to find the right area and build a home that truly suited us. Living in the right surroundings has a tremendous influence on your health and well-being. My goal both then and now is to open the doors for people to leave a property that no longer serves their needs and find another that will help them feel supported, healthy and happy just as our home has done for us.
It’s hard to believe I’m in my 15th year now. Becoming a Realtor would never have occurred to me if a dear friend hadn’t suggested it. We were looking at a home she and her husband were buying. She’d asked me to look at it with her to get my opinion and wondered why I wasn’t selling it to her instead of the somewhat less than knowledgeable guy who was. Because I’ve worked in construction, had a horticultural background and understood human nature, she told me I’d be a natural. It took some convincing but she knows me well and I value her opinion so I paid attention. I have to confess I initially had an aversion to the stereotype of what I thought the real estate sales field was like. But after talking to people in real estate and development that I respected and receiving their encouragement, my viewpoint changed. Once I realized I could run my business in my own way, I decided to take the course and see where it led me.
I knew how important it had been for our family to find the right area and build a home that truly suited us. Living in the right surroundings has a tremendous influence on your health and well-being. My goal both then and now is to open the doors for people to leave a property that no longer serves their needs and find another that will help them feel supported, healthy and happy just as our home has done for us.
LAURA GIVES WILDFLOWER SEEDS TO HER CLIENTS EACH SPRING. TRUE TO WHO SHE IS.
How has the industry changed since you started?
Everything everywhere has seen major change in the last 15 years and real estate’s no different. When I first started, MLS information came to us every two weeks in paper catalogues. Contracts were written by hand with carbon copies. If you needed to deal with someone at a distance, you’d send a fax. I had a pager clipped to my belt that would beep to let me know I should call my office for messages. You either met the listing agent in person at the property they were selling or picked up a key at their office. A couple of times I remember the key being left under the mat at the front door! There weren’t as many agents as there are now; most of us knew one another personally from having done deals together before. We didn’t travel outside our particular area. If someone wanted to buy in Vancouver or Abbotsford, for instance, they’d work with someone from there instead of using an out of area realtor. Sounds like the dark ages, doesn’t it?
Now I work with clients in whatever way works best for them – face to face, email, phone, texting. Some people want paper copies of everything and some prefer pdfs. Some like to sign in person; some are just as happy to use Esign. My properties are measured by laser not measuring tapes. House videos are done to put on YouTube and my website. Listing information is available in seconds online and you can reach me anytime, anywhere on my iPhone.
But even more than just the change in technology, there’s been a shift in attitude. People now see their home far more as an investment than a place of comfort and community. Back in the day, people bought a house and made it their home, working on it and their yards with pride. They became friends with their neighbors and worked together in schools and community groups to enhance their lives. Now it’s not unusual to see people buy strictly to make some surface cosmetic changes and flip it as prices rise. Agents rely on the internet to inform them about a neighborhood rather than personal experience. Deals happen more quickly with far less personal contact.
I’ve seen agents walk through a home with a cell phone on Facetime “showing” someone continents away what they’re buying. I’ve heard of small children coming home from the playground discussing what their friend’s house has “listed” for and how much “over asking” they’ll likely get. While I embrace healthy change, I wonder sometimes just how much is simply too much.
LAURA'S BEEN OPENING DOORS IN THE OCEAN PARK AREA FOR OVER 15 YEARS NOW.
With not only a long history as a President and Director of both the Ocean Park Business and Community Association, what brought you to these voluntary roles in the Ocean Park area and what keeps you involved?
Quite honestly, I’m not really sure how it happened. I remember going to an Ocean Park Community Association meeting just to find out what was going on in my area. Next thing I knew, I was a Board Member. That happens a lot in volunteer organizations!. However, I’m happy and grateful to have gotten involved. OPCA is one of the few community associations that owns its own hall. It’s a huge asset and we’ve all worked hard to preserve it and its historical significance. I love that little hall; if those walls could talk they’d have great stories to tell. I’ve grown very fond of the many people who chipped in over the years to raise funds, organize events and find ways to bring people together. They’ve all brought their special talents and interests and our community is the richer for it. One example is the recent development of an Emergency Plan and bulk order of Emergency Kits.
The Ocean Park Business Association was another smaller group that I initially joined as liason with the Community Association. It made sense to me to get to know one another better and find ways to join forces on projects that would help all of us. Next thing I knew after joining that group, I became President and then held several other positions as well. We had a great team that shared ideas and the workload for networking, bringing in educational speakers and running Ocean Park Day. It was a thrill seeing the Village banners finally get made and go up.
Quite honestly, I’m not really sure how it happened. I remember going to an Ocean Park Community Association meeting just to find out what was going on in my area. Next thing I knew, I was a Board Member. That happens a lot in volunteer organizations!. However, I’m happy and grateful to have gotten involved. OPCA is one of the few community associations that owns its own hall. It’s a huge asset and we’ve all worked hard to preserve it and its historical significance. I love that little hall; if those walls could talk they’d have great stories to tell. I’ve grown very fond of the many people who chipped in over the years to raise funds, organize events and find ways to bring people together. They’ve all brought their special talents and interests and our community is the richer for it. One example is the recent development of an Emergency Plan and bulk order of Emergency Kits.
The Ocean Park Business Association was another smaller group that I initially joined as liason with the Community Association. It made sense to me to get to know one another better and find ways to join forces on projects that would help all of us. Next thing I knew after joining that group, I became President and then held several other positions as well. We had a great team that shared ideas and the workload for networking, bringing in educational speakers and running Ocean Park Day. It was a thrill seeing the Village banners finally get made and go up.
LAURA, CHRIS + DINNAE SELLING OFF OLD BANNERS ON OCEAN PARK DAY 2015.
Gradually the two groups started to share ventures that made sense for both residents and businesses alike. Heather & George Bell sponsored musical concerts, Koco Gardens and then Potters give us access to their Garden Centres for the Taste of Ocean Park wine and food sampling events. That was just the beginning. The Halloween Haunt, Ocean Park Idol, Ocean Park Amazing Race, Easter Egg Hunt at Kwomais, Ocean Park Day, Summer Movie Night – all of these terrific events took place and some continue to happen with the shared efforts of community members and local businesses alike.
Why do I continue? Knowing my neighbours and participating in improvements that make life better for all of us is fulfilling and inspiring. I feel that I’ve had a chance to put down roots here and have a sense of belonging. This is home.
Why do I continue? Knowing my neighbours and participating in improvements that make life better for all of us is fulfilling and inspiring. I feel that I’ve had a chance to put down roots here and have a sense of belonging. This is home.
LAURA SINGING AT THE "TASTE OF OCEAN PARK" ALONGSIDE gord scott- A PAST OCEAN PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION EVENT HELD AT THE OCEAN PARK POTTERS. YES, SHE'S A LOVELY singer aLSO.
We can tell by your Instagram Feed you are a true nature lover. Do you have a deeper connection to nature than we know of?
I grew up on a farm just outside of Red Deer, Alberta where an awareness of the importance of nature was an integral part of daily life. It was “Big Sky Country”. You could watch the weather change from miles away and see the peaks of the mountain ranges off on the horizon. I was the only girl in a family with two much older brothers; there weren’t many neighbors nearby. So much of my time was spent on my own in the garden, woods or fields. My best friends were dogs, cats, wild birds and horses. My first real job was working in a greenhouse and as a floral designer. I went to Olds College and took Horticulture thinking that would be my vocation. Sadly allergies set in and put an end to that.
There have been lots of changes since then – different schools, cities and careers but whatever I do and wherever I live, it’s nature that helps me clear my head and find inspiration. I still love to garden. I still love dogs, cats, wild birds and horses. We walk the circuit at Crescent Beach every day with our dog watching the changes of the seasons, greeting other “regulars” and soaking up the peace to fuel us for another day.
SUNSET AT THE DYKE ON BLACKIE SPIT IN CRESCENT BEACH.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I can’t say what accomplishment I’m proudest of because that’s not what I feel. I can tell you which life-changing events I’m most grateful for though.
Having my son, Mack, is one. I wasn’t really a “baby” person and was completely unprepared for the job. I can still see the nurse’s face at the hospital when I asked her how to change a diaper. No really! But once we took him home, I understood. I learned a fierce love and dogged patience that I never knew before. He’s grown into a good man and I’m grateful for all that he’s taught me.
Building our home in Crescent Beach was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to learn from excellent, careful craftsmen who built us exactly what we wanted. I was able to source unusually fine recycled materials that had their own story to bring - edge-grain fir stringers on the stairs made from North Surrey High’s old bleachers, fir flooring and stair treads from old Vancouver homes, glass door knobs, and a big fir beam in the kitchen from an old bakery. The porch pillars are re-milled pieces from the old Delta peat moss factory. The porch bases are made from hand-gathered rocks. There are stained glass windows, old dressers for vanities, maple and stainless steel counters. All the garden plant material has been chosen to appeal to birds, bees and butterflies. Much of it was gifted from other folks’ gardens – each plant sparks memories. It was a true adventure and we’ll always be grateful to the guys (all locals), particularly Jack Ferguson and Stephen Jones, who helped make our dream come true.
Going back to school in my forties to start a new career was a true test in more ways than one. But I faced my fear and did it anyway. Fifteen years later, I still enjoy my work and have the opportunity to meet so many people who wouldn’t have crossed my path otherwise. They’ve taught me a lot about human nature – both theirs and mine. I’ve had to keep learning and embrace change. I’m very grateful for all of that.
LAURA'S HOME WAS CUSTOM BUILD WITH MANY RE-USED MATERIALS FROM AROUND THE LOWER MAINLAND.
Recently you began contributing to The Ocean Parker with the monthly "Tell Me a Story" piece. What inspired you to interview Ocean Parkers and what leads you to each interviewee?
I’m drawn to people who care about what they do and who do it well. It really doesn’t matter to me what line of work or what sort of hobby or skill. I’m just fascinated with people’s spirit and inventiveness and what they produce, whatever it may be. Ocean Park and Crescent Beach just happen to be my neighborhood and they’re filled with people like that.
I meet some of them through my real estate work or community projects. Maybe it’s my prairie roots but I often find myself chatting with people in line-ups, or on street corners waiting for the light to change. I’m curious about who it is that’s fixing my car or trimming hedges or putting together an art show or performing music for seniors in care homes. Everyone has a story and some of those stories are particularly inspiring. The world has plenty of bad news. There’s an old song “I sure could use a little good news … today.” I believe we all could. So I’m happy to share what I learn from the people I meet.
LAURA WITH "THE BEE PEOPLE" INTERVIEWING FOR HER NEXT STORY FOR THE OCEAN PARKER.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?
Oh man. So many people.
But honestly, the people I’d really love most to sit down and talk with are my parents. They’re both on the other side now and there isn’t a day goes by that I don’t wish I could thank them for everything they did for me. I’d go back in time to when they were forty or so. I’d let them know that I would turn out okay and I was sorry for every sleepless night I put them through. I’d like to tell Dad that I would see him every day in my son. I’d let him know his love of music, animals and the mountains lived on. And I’d tell my Mom that her words would come out of my mouth like clockwork and that yes, she was absolutely right – kindness is just as important as brains and every woman should know she can look after herself.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?
Oh man. So many people.
But honestly, the people I’d really love most to sit down and talk with are my parents. They’re both on the other side now and there isn’t a day goes by that I don’t wish I could thank them for everything they did for me. I’d go back in time to when they were forty or so. I’d let them know that I would turn out okay and I was sorry for every sleepless night I put them through. I’d like to tell Dad that I would see him every day in my son. I’d let him know his love of music, animals and the mountains lived on. And I’d tell my Mom that her words would come out of my mouth like clockwork and that yes, she was absolutely right – kindness is just as important as brains and every woman should know she can look after herself.
THE WILLOW TREE AT DUNSMUIR PARK. ONE OF LAURA'S FAVOURITE WALKS.
What is your perfect "Ocean Park Day"?
I’m busy with people a lot. And my phone is on 24/7. So my absolutely perfect day is a quiet one. No phone. A quiet coffee and conversation over the paper with my husband. Our morning round along the back dykes, Dunsmuir Garden and around the beach. Brunch at the Sunshine Café. Maybe a bike ride or a local “field trip” like visiting friends at their horse farm in Langley or doing music with friends from Vancouver. Walking the beach with our dog Louis looking for agates. Dinner at Seahorse Grill with our son Mack and his girlfriend, Lindsay. Or just having takeout from Fong’s. Having friends in and baking a pie made from our own apples. Savoring the simple things with people (and animals) I love.
I’m busy with people a lot. And my phone is on 24/7. So my absolutely perfect day is a quiet one. No phone. A quiet coffee and conversation over the paper with my husband. Our morning round along the back dykes, Dunsmuir Garden and around the beach. Brunch at the Sunshine Café. Maybe a bike ride or a local “field trip” like visiting friends at their horse farm in Langley or doing music with friends from Vancouver. Walking the beach with our dog Louis looking for agates. Dinner at Seahorse Grill with our son Mack and his girlfriend, Lindsay. Or just having takeout from Fong’s. Having friends in and baking a pie made from our own apples. Savoring the simple things with people (and animals) I love.
LAURA + HUSBAND YVon AT CRESCENT BEACH PIER.
At the end of the day how do you like to de-stress, Ocean or Forest? And, why?
Walking what we call the “circuit” at Crescent Beach offers both water and trees – both of which soothe my soul. It still amazes me after living here for so many years that I get to see the ocean and the mountains and forests in between all at once every… single… day.
Walking what we call the “circuit” at Crescent Beach offers both water and trees – both of which soothe my soul. It still amazes me after living here for so many years that I get to see the ocean and the mountains and forests in between all at once every… single… day.
THE PERFECT MIX OF MOUNTAIN, OCEAN AND TREES IN CRESCENT BEACH.
If you want to see more beautiful nature shots of Crescent Beach follow Laura @lthibeaultrealestate
