Try hitting the
tab
key and notice how the focus stays within the modal itself.
Also,
esc
to close modal.
Before You Start Looking
The homes you see online are only part of the picture. The real work happens before you ever step into a showing: understanding your budget, your timeline, and what “the right place” actually looks like for you.
This guide focuses on Vaughan and the GTA, but the principles apply broadly: get clear on your numbers, get clear on your needs, then build a smart plan instead of reacting to every listing that pops up.
Step 1 - Know Your Numbers
The first step isn’t browsing listings—it’s understanding what you can comfortably afford.
Lucas recommends:
➔ Speaking with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved
➔ Understanding your monthly payment comfort zone, not just maximum approval
➔ Factoring in closing costs (land transfer tax, legal fees, inspection, moving)
A clear pre-approval makes your search more focused and your offers more credible when you’re ready.
Step 2 - Define Your Needs vs. Nice-to-Haves
Every buyer has a wishlist—but not every item is equally important. Lucas helps you separate:
➔ Must-haves: Bedrooms, bathrooms, parking, commute, school zones, accessibility
➔ Nice-to-haves: Finishes, bonus rooms, lot size, specific streets
Getting honest about what you really need keeps you from ruling out good homes for the wrong reasons—or stretching your budget for the wrong ones.
Step 3 – Find the Right Area, Not Just the Right House
In Vaughan and the GTA, two similar homes can feel very different depending on the street and neighbourhood. Lucas helps you compare:
➔ Commute and transit options
➔ School catchments and parks
➔ Access to shopping, restaurants, and services
➔ Future growth and development plans
The goal is to find a home + area combo that fits your day-to-day life—not just a property you like on paper.
Step 4 – See What’s Really There, Not Just the Staging
When you walk through homes with Lucas, you’re seeing them through a builder’s lens—not just a buyer’s. He’ll help you notice:
➔ Layout and flow—how the home will actually live
➔ Construction details that suggest quality or cut corners
➔ Signs of potential issues (moisture, structure, age of systems)
➔ What’s cosmetic vs. what could be expensive to fix
That way, you’re not just falling in love with décor—you’re understanding what you’re actually buying.
Step 5 – Understand Value Before You Offer
List price is only part of the story. Lucas reviews:
➔ Recent comparable sales
➔ How long similar homes are taking to sell
➔ The condition and location versus other options
➔ Current buyer demand in that pocket
He’ll walk you through what the data suggests, what the home is likely worth in today’s market, and where it fits within your budget and comfort level.
Step 6 – Structure a Smart Offer
Today’s market is more about strategy and protection than bidding wars. Lucas helps you decide:
➔ What price makes sense based on the data
➔ Which conditions you may want (financing, inspection, sale of property, etc.)
➔ Ideal closing dates and other terms
He then negotiates on your behalf—balancing your protection with what it will realistically take to secure the home.
Step 7 – From Accepted Offer to Keys in Hand
Once your offer is accepted, there’s still work to do:
➔ Completing your mortgage approval
➔ Fulfilling conditions (inspection, appraisal, etc.)
➔ Coordinating with your lawyer on documents and closing
Lucas stays involved and available throughout, helping coordinate the steps and answering questions so you’re not left wondering what comes next.
— Want This as a Checklist? —
If you’d like this guide in a simple checklist format you can print or keep on your phone, Lucas can send you a downloadable version along with a few extra tips tailored to Vaughan and the GTA.
Instagram:
#scorewithlucas
Instagram:
#scorewithlucas