A clearer way to buy
Buying a home is a big decision, and the process can feel noisy. Rates, listings, neighbourhoods, inspections: there's a lot to hold at once. My job is to make that quieter. I explain what matters for your situation, what doesn't, and what I'd do next if I were in your shoes.
I’m Ashley Smith, team lead of the ASP Group at SAGE Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. I was born and raised in Toronto, studied at Queen’s University, and I’ve been licensed since 2015 in the city of Toronto. I’ve built a business around the understanding that not one size fits all, and that every client has a different reason or goal in mind for their purchase. I never take that lightly.
I spend most of my time in Toronto’s west end: Trinity Bellwoods, Little Portugal, Roncesvalles, Little Italy; but frankly, I go where my clients go. Since I was born in the city, I have a deep understanding of its many pockets. If you’re looking anywhere in the city, I’m happy to talk it through and be honest about whether I’m the right fit.
How I work with buyers
When we work together, I pay attention to three things.
Your goals and your budget
We start with how you actually live, what you can comfortably afford, and what "enough" looks like for you. I always check recent comparable sales before we talk about an offer, so the numbers stay grounded.
Fit matters more than speed. If a place looks good on paper but doesn't feel right, we keep looking. I won't push you toward a purchase that isn't a match.
Clear advice at every step
From the first search to the final signing, I'll tell you what I'm watching, what a listing's price really means, and where the risks are. You make the call. I make sure you have the information to make it.
If you want introductions to a mortgage specialist, a real estate lawyer or trusted trades, I can connect you. You don't have to figure out the whole team on your own.
What the buying process usually looks like
Every purchase is a little different. This is the path most buyers follow, in plain language.
Get clear on the money
Start with a conversation with a mortgage specialist. You'll want a realistic budget, a sense of your down payment, and (when you're ready) a pre-approval so you know what lenders will support. Shopping around for both rate and service is worth the time. The minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 of the purchase price, plus 10% of any portion above $500,000. For a home priced at $1.5 million or more, the minimum down payment is 20%. Confirm the current requirements with your lender.
Get clear on the money
Start with a conversation with a mortgage specialist. You'll want a realistic budget, a sense of your down payment, and (when you're ready) a pre-approval so you know what lenders will support. Shopping around for both rate and service is worth the time. The minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 of the purchase price, plus 10% of any portion above $500,000. For a home priced at $1.5 million or more, the minimum down payment is 20%. Confirm the current requirements with your lender.
Get clear on the money
Start with a conversation with a mortgage specialist. You'll want a realistic budget, a sense of your down payment, and (when you're ready) a pre-approval so you know what lenders will support. Shopping around for both rate and service is worth the time. The minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 of the purchase price, plus 10% of any portion above $500,000. For a home priced at $1.5 million or more, the minimum down payment is 20%. Confirm the current requirements with your lender.
Write down needs and wants
Once you have a price range, get specific about how you want to live. Schools, parks, transit, parking, outdoor space, work-from-home setup, pets, stairs, reno appetite. Put it in writing. A short needs-versus-wants list keeps showings focused when a pretty listing tries to pull you off track.
Write down needs and wants
Once you have a price range, get specific about how you want to live. Schools, parks, transit, parking, outdoor space, work-from-home setup, pets, stairs, reno appetite. Put it in writing. A short needs-versus-wants list keeps showings focused when a pretty listing tries to pull you off track.
Write down needs and wants
Once you have a price range, get specific about how you want to live. Schools, parks, transit, parking, outdoor space, work-from-home setup, pets, stairs, reno appetite. Put it in writing. A short needs-versus-wants list keeps showings focused when a pretty listing tries to pull you off track.
Choose an agent you trust
You should feel comfortable asking questions, slowing down, or saying no. A good buyer's agent sets up your search, books showings, reads the fine print, and represents your interests in negotiation. If we meet and it isn't the right fit, I'd rather you find someone who is.
Choose an agent you trust
You should feel comfortable asking questions, slowing down, or saying no. A good buyer's agent sets up your search, books showings, reads the fine print, and represents your interests in negotiation. If we meet and it isn't the right fit, I'd rather you find someone who is.
Choose an agent you trust
You should feel comfortable asking questions, slowing down, or saying no. A good buyer's agent sets up your search, books showings, reads the fine print, and represents your interests in negotiation. If we meet and it isn't the right fit, I'd rather you find someone who is.
Search and see homes
I'll set you up on a search based on your criteria and keep you updated as new listings hit. We'll tour the ones worth your time, talk honestly about condition and value, and skip the rest. Seeing a few places side by side usually teaches you more than any checklist.
Search and see homes
I'll set you up on a search based on your criteria and keep you updated as new listings hit. We'll tour the ones worth your time, talk honestly about condition and value, and skip the rest. Seeing a few places side by side usually teaches you more than any checklist.
Search and see homes
I'll set you up on a search based on your criteria and keep you updated as new listings hit. We'll tour the ones worth your time, talk honestly about condition and value, and skip the rest. Seeing a few places side by side usually teaches you more than any checklist.
Offer, diligence and closing
When you find the right place, I'll help you shape an offer the seller can respond to: accept, counter or decline. Before anything goes firm, review the home inspection (or the status certificate for a condo) carefully. After firm, you'll finalize the mortgage with your lender and sign at your lawyer's office on closing day. That's when the keys are yours.
Offer, diligence and closing
When you find the right place, I'll help you shape an offer the seller can respond to: accept, counter or decline. Before anything goes firm, review the home inspection (or the status certificate for a condo) carefully. After firm, you'll finalize the mortgage with your lender and sign at your lawyer's office on closing day. That's when the keys are yours.
Offer, diligence and closing
When you find the right place, I'll help you shape an offer the seller can respond to: accept, counter or decline. Before anything goes firm, review the home inspection (or the status certificate for a condo) carefully. After firm, you'll finalize the mortgage with your lender and sign at your lawyer's office on closing day. That's when the keys are yours.
There's no prize for rushing. If you want to walk through where you are in this process, book a consultation and tell me what you're considering.
What clients say
"She is a wealth of knowledge and never pressured me into anything. She merely gave me her professional opinion and left the decision up to me."
Helpful resources
A few places to start if you like to read before you talk.
A free tool to help you get clear on numbers before you start touring. Use it on your own time, then bring your questions to our consultation.
Start with the areas I cover most, then we can narrow from there.
Thinking about buying?
If you're just starting to look, or you've been watching the market for a while and want a clear read on your options, book a consultation. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about what makes sense for you.
Ashley Smith, ASP Group, SAGE Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
General information only. Mortgage rules, fees and market conditions change, so confirm anything important for your own situation with your lender, lawyer and agent.
