What first-time and repeat buyers ask Trevor Bond most often, answered plainly: offers, deposits, closing costs and the parts of the process nobody explains.
- How do we begin?
- We start by meeting. A phone call, video chat, or in-person conversation, whatever feels easiest. We'll introduce ourselves, discuss your needs, your must-haves, your plans and timing, your dreams and goals. What makes this work most rewarding to me is getting to know your story — your experiences, and what's motivating your next move in life.
- Should I get pre-approved before we start looking?
- If this is your first home, yes. Understanding your capacity is key to informing the process. Getting a pre-approval requires documentation, time, and like with so many things, a second opinion can be handy. Start with a bank you have a relationship with, or if you prefer, I can introduce you to mortgage specialists/brokers who will help you understand your borrowing power and may be able to provide more personalized options than/alternatives to your bank.
If you have a house to sell, are downsizing, or have a complete understanding of your wealth and capacity, a pre-approval may not be needed.
- What are all the costs involved?
- We'll take time to go over your circumstances, identify any possible surprises, and uncover opportunities. I developed a very helpful, delightful, and dare I say cute tool named MATH that aggregates taxes, fees, and property-specific expenses like painting and repairs into one final number. Transparency is paramount, nothing should be hidden.
My greatest fear is a client that is surprised upon closing. Surprises are for birthdays.
- How do you get paid?
- As a buyer, the professional fees for myself, the seller's agent and the brokerages involved are typically paid by the seller as part of the transaction. These fees, plus HST, are paid on closing through the lawyers handling the sale, who distribute funds according to the agreed brokerage commissions. The cooperating brokerage then processes payment to the representatives involved. Transparency in a transaction is critical and is a key push by our Real Estate Board (TRREB) to instil consumer trust and confidence.
Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) If you agree to hire me (please and thank you), we complete a contract, among other things, it states my 'compensation'. This will read for example, as 2.5% of the sale cost or, "as otherwise mutually agreed". These fees are paid by the Seller through their brokerage on the closing date. Brokerages love when deposits are equal to or greater than the total professional fees, so they can be released without delay after the completion of the deal. However, there are may be times when we like a home that is being privately sold, or represented through a discount brokerage. Usually those sellers have a plan to compensate the Buyer's realtor, but it may have to be negotiated - that's why I include "as otherwise mutually agreed", allowing for various situations.
Confirmation of Cooperation This is a Form, included in every deal. In it, all parties clearly state who represents whom in the transaction, and the commission agreed upon.
Referral Fee I may also make money from referring buyers and sellers to other agents or brokerages. I consider this a service and take it seriously. I hand-pick and arrange interviews for up to three realtors that I feel best suit the needs of the referred. Exact fees are detailed in a form that you will sign. I often pay these referral fees to other agents. It's a professional courtesy and part of our business.
- How long does the buying process typically take?
- Complete preparation might demand more time than initially anticipated. You may change your mind as you discover more. Your decision may be long locked in place, execution-ready. Most buyers go from first meeting to firm deal in 30–90 days. Some see the perfect place first time out, others take years. My job is to guide, not rush. I understand the stakes, I'll set my pace based on your cues.
- Do you hate paperwork as much as I do?
- The volume of administrative mumbo-jumbo can be a little excessive, therefore I fold it into the process at opportune times so you're informed, not overwhelmed. I have a love/hate relationship with the complexity and bureaucracy of real estate. It's there to protect you, and to protect me. Interestingly, I'm paperless. It will all be painless, neat, and tidy. In a past life I was a squirrel.
- How will you protect me from overpaying?
- I'll obsess over every little thing that will give you an advantage during negotiations by grounding every decision in real market evidence. I prepare a detailed comparative market analysis, measure demand and competition, and establish a clear value range before emotions get involved. Then I guide you on when to hold firm, when to walk away, and when paying a premium actually makes sense.
- How do you approach negotiations?
- I've been described by one client as a duck — calm, fluid and graceful (I added that part) above the water, but frantically paddling below the surface.
While most negotiations appear to happen around price, they're usually about information. Before we make an offer, I'm speaking with the listing agent, learning about the sellers, the competition, the property's history and anything else that may influence the outcome.
Meanwhile, I'm researching, analyzing and pressure-testing the opportunity itself. I'm gathering facts, reviewing comparable sales, evaluating risks and looking for anything that strengthens our position or changes our strategy.
By the time we're negotiating, the work is largely done. We're simply putting the right information to work at the right moment.
- Should I communicate directly with the sellers?
- Usually, no.
One of the benefits of representation is that communication remains professional, strategic and well documented. Direct conversations can unintentionally create misunderstandings, reveal negotiating leverage, or complicate the process in ways that are difficult to unwind later.
My role is to manage those conversations on your behalf, ask the questions that need to be asked, communicate important information, and negotiate without unnecessarily revealing your intentions, motivations or limits.
This separation also allows buyers and sellers to make better decisions. Real estate transactions often involve large sums of money, competing priorities and strong emotions. Keeping communication agent-to-agent helps maintain clarity, reduce friction and keep negotiations focused on achieving the best outcome.
There are occasional exceptions, but in most situations, professional representation creates a smoother and more effective process for everyone involved.
- Do sellers care who I am, and is it worth writing them a letter?
- Sometimes. Sometimes not.
For some sellers, a home is simply an asset being sold. The strongest price and best terms usually win. For others, the property represents years—or even decades—of memories, milestones and hard work. They may genuinely care about who will be living there next.
When the circumstances are right, a thoughtful letter can help sellers see the people behind the offer. Not every seller will be influenced by one, and not every situation calls for one, but a sincere letter can occasionally create a meaningful advantage.
The most effective letters aren't long or dramatic. They simply explain what connected you to the home, what you appreciate about it, and perhaps how you envision your life there. Sometimes we may discover a shared interest, hobby or life experience that creates an additional point of connection.
Any letter is delivered through the agents and introduced thoughtfully as part of the broader offer strategy.
Will a letter always change the outcome? No.
Have I seen a well-written letter help my clients win in a competitive offer situation? Absolutely.
- Will you go the extra mile for me?
- Every purchase is different, so that additional mile rarely looks the same twice.
I've thrown snowballs at a bedroom window at 11:00 p.m. because my Buyers weren't answering their phone and an offer opportunity was melting away. I've been the last buyer rep standing after a chaotic multiple-offer night - I literally strolled in from a back room and pulled a deal from the ashes. Many times I've beaten pre-emptive ("bully") offers with one of our own. I've waited six months for a seller to come around on price, and spent another two months negotiating the purchase of a single property.
I've also spent four years dropping by homes, introducing myself to owners and leaving the occasional handwritten note. Eventually, one of those conversations turned into the perfect opportunity. Within 60 days, my clients had purchased their dream home, sold their existing one, and were on to the next chapter.
Sometimes the work isn't dramatic at all. It's creating drawings to explain an idea, obtaining contractor quotes, speaking with City staff, researching zoning, drafting complex clauses, or simply making one more phone call that everyone else assumed wouldn't matter.
There isn't a formula. There is, however, a mindset: avoid unnecessary drama, remove obstacles, solve problems, and quietly turn every stone until we've given ourselves the best possible chance of success.
- Should I sell my home before buying?
- Selling first provides financial clarity, you know exactly how much you have to work with for your next purchase. It also puts you in a stronger buying position since your offer can be cleaner, with fewer conditions. Selling first reduces the risk of carrying two properties through bridge financing or being forced into a rushed sale later, and it makes mortgage approvals and planning simpler.
The trade-off is timing. If you don't find your next home quickly, you may need temporary accommodation or storage, potentially moving twice. In fast markets, prices can rise while you're searching, and once you've sold, timelines can sometimes push buyers toward compromises.
Rather than following a rule of thumb, I prefer to reduce uncertainty first. We'll explore the market, understand your options, prepare your home for sale, and then choose the strategy that best fits your circumstances. Sometimes that means buying first. Sometimes it means selling first. The goal isn't to follow a formula—it's to make the best decision with the best information available.
- What is the current market like?
- It depends on the exact neighbourhood, price-band, and timing. Real estate is local, specific, and data-driven — not a single headline.
But in general, to answer the question, this market is more balanced than it's been in years. Buyers have leverage again, listings are taking longer to sell, and prices are stabilizing rather than skyrocketing. Good homes still move — but strategy, pricing, and preparation matter more than hype.
- What if the market shifts during my search?
- Markets move, but the strategy you and I have followed will keep us grounded in facts, not frightened by headlines. A market is made of individual decisions and when I spot a sale that doesn't fit the trends, I investigate and dish the dirt.
- Do you vanish after closing?
- Of course not, what a stupid question. I would be sad if you didn't continue to rely on me for anything. I love visiting past clients and providing reno advice, trade referrals, home maintenance input, or information about local developments or bylaw changes. I love to provide my opinion on anything from paint colours to kitchen updates. I always want to know what you've done to the place and will always tell you where to spend your money for the best return.
- Why is your bag always beeping?
- My bag contains a surprising collection of tools that help me assess, at first blush, almost any house—including yours.
I can tell whether visible knob-and-tube wiring is still active. I can check the polarity of receptacles and test GFCIs. I can take laser-accurate measurements as I amuse every cat. My moisture meter helps determine whether that suspicious stain on the basement baseboard is simply old history or an active concern. I also carry a squash ball (usually) to check how level the floors are. Challenging slopes have claimed more than a few balls over the years. I have a serious flashlight—for finding those runaway squash balls and illuminating every corner, crawlspace and questionable nook, whether I wanted to look there or not.
Soon enough, you'll be asking, "Don't you have something in your bag for that?"
- It's all so overwhelming, will you help me stay calm?
- Yes. Everyone has a different stress threshold. Some people feel too busy to begin; others feel so relaxed they risk never starting. If you don't spell it out, I'll pick up on your pace and adjust. Moving is more than contracts, numbers, and timelines. It affects family, routines, work, pets, and daily life. I can shoulder as much of the process as you want, from previewing homes and reporting back to co-ordinating prep, packing, and logistics. It will feel manageable, not chaotic.
- Do you work alone or with a team?
- You work directly with me, so nothing gets lost in translation and I stay close to every detail of your search and purchase.
Behind the scenes, I'm supported by a full-time administrator who handles much of the process and paperwork so I can focus on advising and negotiating for you. I also have a licensed assistant who supports rental clients when needed.
Over the years, I've built a trusted network of lawyers, mortgage brokers, insurance advisors, and skilled tradespeople, so when you need help beyond the transaction, you have reliable people to call.
- What neighbourhoods are your specialty?
- I reside in Toronto's East End - Riverdale. About half my business is in Leslieville, Playter Estates, Rosedale, East York, Danforth - but I work across the GTA. My first priority is getting you where you want to be, or matching your lifestyle to a neighbourhood that fits. Here's what I've learned and loved after almost 1,000 transactions across hundreds of communities in Canada's most densely populated region.
GTA Neighbourhoods:
Riverdale:
A mature, character-rich neighbourhood with historic homes, strong schools, and quick downtown access. Known for tree-lined streets, Withrow and Riverdale parks, and a stable, long-term homeowner base. Most the buyers in Riverdale are from Riverdale.
Riverside:
A blend of lofts, renovated semis, and light-industrial conversions with a younger, design-forward feel. Walkable, transit-friendly, and evolving quickly. I predict The Ontario Line will change the retail landscape dramatically.
Leslieville:
From Ashbridge family farmland and George Leslie's famed tree nurseries to brickworks and workers' cottages, Leslieville has evolved into a layered residential neighbourhood with strong street-level character. I started my family right on Queen East and undertook some land assemblies where condos now stand.
East York:
Offering generous lots, rooted in post-war family living, and a quieter pace than the downtown core. "Top up" renovations have changed from two stories to three stories, changing the traditional low-rise streetscape. School zones, lot potential, and renovation economics play a larger role in pricing and strategy.
Danforth Mosaic:
A Network of neighbourhood parks, the Danforth Mosaic is made up of distinct micro-areas close to a Line 2 Bloor–Danforth Subway Stop, each with its own housing character. Small geographic differences can have an outsized impact on value.
Roncesvalles:
Quietly has one of the highest concentrations of independent galleries and artist-run studios west of downtown, many tucked above shops or behind cafés — it's less "art district," more working artists' village. My wife has her art in the galleries here, so obviously, they have impeccable taste!
Bloor West Village:
Sits on top of one of Toronto's most intact pre-war main street retail strips, which is why so many family-run restaurants here have been open for decades — the bones were built for community, not turnover.
Rosedale:
Toronto's first garden suburb still feels unlike anywhere else in the city. The winding roads follow old creek valleys rather than a street grid, which is why I take my family on bike rides there and we try to get lost. Beneath the canopy are some of the city's most architecturally significant homes, yet it's only minutes from the financial district.
Leaside:
Originally planned as a model town around industry, Leaside somehow managed to become one of Toronto's most consistently family-focused neighbourhoods. Wide streets, excellent schools, thoughtful planning and remarkably stable housing stock continue to make it one of the city's most sought-after communities. I love the value per square foot and elbow-room these houses provide.
The Beaches:
Despite the name, most locals simply call it "The Beach." It feels like a small lakeside town that happens to be attached to Canada's largest city. Boardwalk mornings, mature trees and front porches define the neighbourhood as much as the lake itself.
Cabbagetown:
Home to one of the largest collections of preserved Victorian houses in North America, Cabbagetown somehow balances historic elegance with a quirky, creative spirit. Every street seems to have its own personality.
The Annex:
Built during Toronto's late-19th-century boom, The Annex combines grand historic homes, independent bookstores, cafés and the influence of the University of Toronto into one of the city's most intellectually curious neighbourhoods. We watch out for the student multi's, but often these big heritage homes are on way more practical lots than Rosedale, and buzz-adjacent.
Lawrence Park:
Frequently ranked among Canada's wealthiest neighbourhoods, Lawrence Park rarely feels showy. Curving streets, ravines and understated homes create an atmosphere that's more established than ostentatious.
Bennington Heights:
Tucked between the Don Valley and Leaside, Bennington Heights is one of those neighbourhoods many Torontonians have never visited despite driving past it for years. Quiet streets, generous lots and surrounding ravines make it feel surprisingly secluded. I've downsized many a couple that take wonderful memories.
Yorkville:
Beyond the luxury boutiques lies one of Toronto's oldest villages. Yorkville has reinvented itself several times over—from bohemian artists' enclave to international luxury destination—yet still rewards anyone willing to wander its quieter side streets.
The Kingsway:
Inspired by English garden suburbs, The Kingsway is defined by winding roads, mature oaks and homes that feel intentionally timeless. It's one of those rare neighbourhoods that has changed remarkably little because it got so much right the first time.
Forest Hill:
Grand homes may define the streetscape, but it's the topography that makes Forest Hill unique. The rolling hills are remnants of ancient Lake Iroquois, creating vistas and streets unlike almost anywhere else in Toronto.
High Park:
Living beside Toronto's largest park means the neighbourhood changes with the seasons more than almost any other. Cherry blossoms, hiking trails, Grenadier Pond and a true urban forest become part of everyday life rather than weekend destinations.
Bayview Village:
One of Toronto's quiet success stories. While many people think first of the shopping centre, the surrounding neighbourhood offers generous lots, mature trees, winding crescents and surprisingly easy access to highways, transit and North York's employment centres. Classic big-ranch bungalows and monster in-fill homes with streets safe enough to be the sidewalks as well.
Willowdale:
Few Toronto neighbourhoods have changed as dramatically over the past 30 years. Along Yonge Street, towers continue to reshape the skyline, while just a few blocks away, established streets of bungalows have gradually given way to custom homes, creating an unusual mix of old and new.
L'Amoreaux:
One of Scarborough's most underrated neighbourhoods. Built around parks, schools and winding residential streets rather than major commercial corridors, it offers exceptional value, generous lots and one of the city's most diverse food scenes just minutes away. I'm a big fan of this 'hood. It's diverse and dynamic and has a great family vibe.
Newmarket:
I love the farmer's market at Riverwalk Commons. Newmarket's historic downtown follows the original Holland River trade routes, making it one of the few GTA towns where the market culture isn't a revival — it's a continuation.
Grimsby:
Lies in a rare microclimate created by the Niagara Escarpment, which is why it quietly punches above its weight for vineyards, orchards, and rural estates.
Aurora:
Was once a manufacturing hub for pianos and organs, and that legacy shows up today in its unusually large number of well-proportioned heritage homes and deep lots.
Mississauga:
Isn't one city — it's over a dozen former towns stitched together, which is why Port Credit, Clarkson, Streetsville, and Meadowvale feel like entirely different worlds under one name.
Pickering to Newcastle:
Along this stretch, some of the GTA's best food is hidden in first-generation strip plazas, built to serve factory workers and truck traffic — authentic, unpolished, and wildly underrated.
Mimico and New Toronto:
Before Muskoka was accessible, this shoreline was literally Toronto's cottage country. Lined with summer homes, boarding houses, and bathhouses for downtown families escaping the heat.
Oakville:
I used to play in a band that had a regular gig in downtown bar and it was a real highlight. Always loved my walks at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek which was historically used as a natural ship shelter, that is why Oakville's harbour and downtown feel unusually tucked-in and walkable compared to other lakefront towns.
Burlington:
Is situated at the narrowest crossing between Lake Ontario and the Escarpment, making it a natural east–west gateway long before the QEW — location logic that still holds.
Hamilton:
Although we've been waiting a while for the big waterfront restoration, this city holds up against The Big Smoke and I could eat for weeks on Locke Street S. Hamilton has more waterfalls within city limits than any other Canadian city, earning it the nickname The Waterfall Capital of the World — a fact most people don't realize until they live there.
- What if I'm Buying in a different country?
- One of the benefits of being a representative of a 100 year old, well-respected brokerage like Bosley, is that we are members in Leading RE of The World, an international network bigger than any other. This organization is home to the world’s market-leading independent residential brokerages in over 70 countries. LeadingRE’s by-invitation-only network is ‘based on the unparalleled performance and trusted relationships that result in exceptional client experiences’. This gives me access world-class resources, as well as national and international connections to individual agents in the country you may be searching. I’m active in the representation selection process and remain part of the team.
- What is the role of a brokerage for me as a buyer?
- Think of the brokerage as the foundation that supports me.
While I'll be your primary point of contact throughout the process, I'm also backed by Bosley Real Estate—a licensed brokerage responsible for overseeing the transaction, safeguarding trust funds, ensuring regulatory compliance, carrying professional insurance, FINTRAC compliance, and providing the systems, expertise and support that help every transaction run smoothly.
That support often extends well beyond paperwork. Whether it's discussing a unique negotiation strategy, interpreting an unusual legal issue, reviewing a complicated offer, or drawing on the experience of colleagues who have encountered similar situations, a good brokerage provides an extra layer of knowledge and accountability.
For most buyers, the brokerage operates quietly behind the scenes. That's exactly how it should be. Its role is to support your Realtor, protect your interests, and help ensure your purchase is handled professionally from beginning to end. So it's always good to ask a Realtor which brokerage they joined forces with and why…
- Why Bosley?
- Since 1928 Bosley has been recognized as one of the most respected and reliable brokerages in Canadian Real Estate. The Bosley Family has consistently served on boards and governing bodies on National, Provincial and local levels. They are a full service brokerage with experience and longevity. Full service is what I provide my clients and what I expect from my brokerage. My paperwork is vetted. I have in-house legal, marketing, and experienced management. I sit on Bosley's Executive Committee. In 2025, I was the Director of the the Founders Division (just another way to make insecure agent's feel important - and I'm the 'Director' of them all!). I am a top-ten producing agent brokerage-wide, and have been for over a decade. I am part of their family and my loyalty runs deep.
- Have you always been a realtor?
- I've always been an entrepreneur. As a teenager I sold croissants from a shed beside a tea room, rented video equipment to university students, sold poster art on campuses, ran retail stores, operated Canada's first licensed repertory theatre/restaurant/banquet hall, renovated properties, owned a busy branding and marketing firm… and started a dozen other ventures along the way. Some were more successful than others.
Looking back, there's a common thread. I've always enjoyed building things, solving problems and helping people. Whether I was designing a renovation, creating a brand, or negotiating a business deal, the work was about understanding people and creating better outcomes.
In 2012, with my wife nine months pregnant and a successful career that somehow left me wanting something more tangible, I became a Realtor.
Real estate finally gave me a career where all of those seemingly unrelated experiences became useful on the same day.
- When can we have tea?
- Whenever you like! I love tea, but you can have coffee, water, wine or beer, I'm not one to judge. We can pick each other's brains.
