Start with the GTA or jump to a city below.
Not ready to talk yet? Scroll down to see how the process works.
↓Where I Work
I focus on three cities along the lake so I can give you real answers about neighbourhoods, schools, commutes and what homes are actually selling for.
Start with what you know
You don't need to have it all figured out. Most buyers begin with a few answers and a lot of questions, and that's a perfectly good place to start. Here's what helps me most in our first conversation:
Your budget.
A rough range is fine. We'll tighten it up with a mortgage pre-approval.
Your timeline.
Are you ready to move in two months, or still deciding if this is the year?
Your must-haves.
Bedrooms, parking, a yard, a short walk to the GO, a good school catchment.
Your maybes.
The things you'd love but could live without.
Where you're curious.
Even if it's only a hunch about Oakville or Port Credit, tell me.
Not sure about any of it? That's what the first conversation is for.
Get your buyer game plan
How Dave works with Buyers
A clear process takes the stress out of buying. Here's what to expect from first call to getting your keys.
We talk it through.
A relaxed consult, in person, by phone or on video, to understand what you want, what you can afford and how soon you want to move.
We build your plan.
I'll connect you with a mortgage professional for pre-approval and map out the neighbourhoods and property types that fit your goals.
We search and tour.
You'll get new listings matched to your criteria as they hit the market, and I'll book showings around your schedule. I'll tell you honestly what I think of each one.
We make the offer.
I'll pull the comparable sales, explain what the numbers say, and negotiate price and conditions on your behalf so you can offer with confidence.
We close and stay in touch.
I'll coordinate with your lawyer, lender and Home Inspector through to closing day, and I'm still a phone call away after you move in.
You'll always know what's happening next, and you'll always get a straight answer from me, usually the same day.
Buying while also selling
Moving from one home to the next is the part that keeps people up at night: what if the new place closes before the old one sells, or the other way around? You don't have to figure out the timing alone. I coordinate both sides so the two deals work together.
There are a few ways to handle it, and the right one depends on your finances, your market and how much risk you're comfortable with:
Sell first, then buy.
The least risky path. You know your budget and your closing date before you commit to the next home. The trade-off is that you may need a short-term place to stay.
Buy first, then sell.
More flexibility to find the right home, but you may carry two properties for a time. This often involves bridge financing.
Line up both closing dates.
When it works, both deals close the same day or close together, so there's no gap and no double carrying cost.
Conditional offers.
Making your purchase conditional on selling your home can protect you, though in a competitive market it can make your offer less attractive. I'll tell you honestly when it will and won't work.
I'll look at your numbers, walk you through the options, and build a plan around your timeline, whether you're upsizing, downsizing or moving to a new city.
Tools and guides for Ontario buyers
A few things worth understanding before you start. Each one can link to a short page, a downloadable guide or a calculator.
Closing costs guide
Land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance and other costs to budget for on top of your down payment.
First-time buyer programs
Ontario and federal programs that may help, including land transfer tax rebates, the First Home Savings Account and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan.
Mortgage calculator
Estimate monthly payments at different prices, rates and down payments.
Pre-approval checklist
What lenders ask for, so you can gather it before you start.
Condo buyer checklist
What to look for in a status certificate, maintenance fees and reserve fund.
Need a mortgage professional? I work with a number of Mortgage Professionals and can introduce you.
Contact Dave and he can help you get started.
Questions buyers ask me
How much does it cost to work with you?
Before we start touring homes, we'll sign a buyer representation agreement that spells out how I'm paid. In many cases my fee comes from the commission the seller offers, and I'll explain exactly how it works for your purchase so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to buy a home?
What should I do before I start looking at homes?
How much do I need for a down payment?
What costs should I expect beyond the down payment?
Can I buy before I sell my current home?