Before we get to what really matters, let’s get the historical facts out of the way. I was born in Montreal and moved to Toronto when I started law school. Sorry to say I’m still a Habs fan, but Toronto is definitely my home. I live in central Toronto with my wife and teenage twins, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

I have a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill and a law degree from Osgoode Hall. I’ve worked as a business consultant and practised law downtown, and a large part of my practice involved real estate matters, which was great experience for what I do now.

I obtained my real estate license in 1992 and formed Advocate Realty Ltd. in 1995, mostly because I’m a pretty meticulous guy and I wanted to make sure things were done a certain way. I specialize in condos and houses of all sizes and prices in Toronto; no commercial, no industrial and no recreational properties. I don’t try to be all things to all people. I always strive to be the best at what I do, and I’ve found the best way to accomplish this is to choose a niche and learn everything there is to know about it.

So why real estate? Two reasons: First, from a business perspective, I felt that my legal and business backgrounds would provide me with a competitive advantage. Very few people in real estate have the combination of marketing, negotiating and legal skills that I’m able to use to my clients’ advantage. And second, on a personal level, I truly enjoy helping people achieve their goals and making them happy.

When I formed Advocate Realty in 1995 my objective was to create a residential real estate brokerage that would get it right. My primary goal has been and always will be to give you the best service and treatment that you’ve ever had as a consumer; not just from other real estate companies, but from any other company. Period.

How do I accomplish this? Let’s start by looking at a few of the principles that guide my relationships with my clients. To me, these are carved in stone.

1. I’m always honest with you because trust is the most important element of our relationship. I’m going to give you the bad with the good and I’m going to spell out the pros and cons of every situation.
2.  I treat you the way I’d treat my mother (we’re very close, so no need to worry). I really care about my clients and want to make sure you’re happy.
3.  I’m careful not to work with too many clients at the same time. I’m not interested in being the agent who sells the most homes. To me, quality is much more important than quantity.
4. I always strive to do the best possible job for my clients. I’ve looked at thousands of homes over the years so I’m always up to date on the market. I’ve found that this helps me know all the options, distinguish good homes from not so good homes, estimate value, and negotiate more effectively. My legal training taught me how to review your contract to make sure you’re protected and how to negotiate the best deal possible for you. I take great pride in what I do. Being satisfied with a job well done is more important to me than a commission.
5. I will always do what’s best for you, even if it’s not best for me. You’re putting your trust in me and I won’t let you down.
6. You’ll never be pressured by me. Ever! I hate being pressured myself and always try to follow the Golden Rule.

So how does all of this come together to help you and why should you hire me? At the end of the day, you want a realtor you can trust; someone who has your back. But you also want someone with exceptional skills and experience to do a great job for you. I’m that guy.

If you’re still not convinced, contact me anytime for a casual, no pressure conversation. I’d love to hear from you.