faq’s for purchasers

Buying a home in Toronto in 2025? It’s exciting. It’s intense. It’s emotional. And yes—it’s probably one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But you don’t need to know *everything*. You just need to know what matters right now—and have the right people (hi, me) guiding you.

Here’s a few of the important buyer questions I get frequently asked about:



Q – How much do I need for a down payment?

A – It depends on the purchase price. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Under $500,000: You need a minimum of 5% down.
  • $500,000 to $999,999: 5% on the first $500K, then 10% on the rest.
  • $1 million and up: 20% minimum—no exceptions. At this price, it’s treated as a “conventional mortgage.”

Example time? Sure.

For a $750,000 home, your minimum down payment would be:
5% of $500,000 = $25,000
10% of $250,000 = $25,000
Total: $50,000

For a $1.1M home, your minimum down payment is:
20% of $1.1M = $220,000

And remember, you’ll also need to budget for closing costs (land transfer taxes, legal fees, etc.) which are usually 1.5%–4% of the purchase price.

Let’s talk numbers based on your budget and what neighbourhoods you’re looking at—I’ll help you plan realistically, not optimistically.


Q – Should I buy or wait?

A – There’s no universal answer — only what makes sense for *you*. If you’re financially ready, understand the market, and plan to stay put for a few years? It might be your moment. Let’s weigh your options based on where you are and what you want next.


Q – What’s the deal with bidding wars? Are they still a thing?

A – Yes—on the right property, in the right pocket, at the right price. But not every listing is a bloodbath. I’ll help you read the room, assess offer strategy, and avoid overpaying out of panic.


Q – How do I know what a place is really worth?

A – I run comps (aka comparable recent sales), analyze trends, and factor in things like location, upgrades, and timing. This isn’t guesswork—it’s data + experience. And I don’t sugarcoat numbers.


Q – What does it actually cost to work with you?

A – For buyers, nothing out of pocket. Sellers pay the commission (usually 2.5% to the buyer’s agent). If there’s anything non-standard, I’ll tell you right away and we’ll figure it out together. No surprises.


Q – Should I buy a condo or a house?

A – Depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Condos = convenience and lower maintenance. Houses = space and land. We’ll walk through what each option means for you in real life, not just on paper.


Q – Can I just work with the listing agent?

A – Technically? Yes. Strategically? No. The listing agent works for the seller. You deserve someone in your corner who negotiates for *you*—not someone trying to keep both sides happy. That’s where I come in.


Q – Do I really need a real estate lawyer?

A – Yes. 100%. Not your cousin who does corporate law. You need someone who understands title searches, closing statements, and status certificates. I have a few excellent options I can recommend.


Q – What’s a status certificate and why should I care?

A – It’s basically the report card for a condo building—financials, legal issues, reserve funds, and how well it’s being run. If you’re buying a condo, you want your lawyer to review it before going firm. No surprises, no regrets.


Q – How do I get started?

A – Easy—reach out. We’ll have a low-pressure chat about your goals, budget, timelines, and neighbourhood wish list. No hard sales, no confusing jargon, no stress. Just real talk, a good plan, and probably coffee.