Let me share something personal—especially for those of you dreaming of your first home and feeling unsure where to begin.

About 20 years ago, I was in your shoes.

Some of you might relate to part of my journey. Maybe you're working full-time and trying to figure out how to make homeownership a reality. Maybe you're new to Ontario—or even new to Canada—and don’t have a family safety net to lean on. Maybe you’re simply overwhelmed by it all.

No matter your story, I want to share mine.
Because if I could do it, starting from where I was, you can too.

No Safety Net, No Clue Where to Start

I didn’t grow up around real estate talk.
No one explained the difference between a townhouse and a detached home.
I had no parents to co-sign a mortgage or lend money for a down payment. I was working a 9-to-5 job and living paycheque to paycheque.

So, I did what most people do:
I started with a Google search.

And let me tell you—it was a rabbit hole.

I was bombarded by websites, mortgage calculators, acronyms I didn’t understand, and forms asking for my contact info. Within days, my inbox was full of newsletters, drip campaigns, and “hot listings” I couldn't afford.
But I still didn’t have answers.

Asking Around... But Still Feeling Lost

So, I turned to my co-workers and friends.
Some had already bought homes, but most had done so years earlier, when prices were different. Their experiences were helpful—but not quite mine. The market had shifted, and what worked for them didn’t necessarily apply to me.

Still, I asked. I listened. I learned.

And one conversation changed everything.

The Simple Advice That Shifted My Mindset

I asked a colleague,
"How did you save for your down payment?"

She told me something I’d never considered:

“I asked HR to direct my quarterly bonuses straight into my RRSP.”

No tax deducted. No temptation to spend it. And when she was ready, she used the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to withdraw those savings tax-free and put them toward her first home.

That tip lit a spark in me.
For the first time, I had a strategy. A clear first step.

I didn’t need to overhaul my entire lifestyle overnight.
I just needed to be consistent—and patient.

How I Researched Where to Live Without Family Nearby

Once I started saving, I knew it was time to explore where I might live. But without family or deep roots in a particular neighbourhood, I had no idea where to begin.

So, I got creative.

Every week, I’d go grocery shopping in a different neighbourhood.

I’d drive to a new area and step inside the local stores.
Not to “house hunt”—just to observe.

Were there families with kids? Young couples? Seniors?
What kind of energy did the place have?
Were there local bakeries, community bulletin boards, strollers in the aisles?

I learned more about a neighbourhood by shopping there than I ever could by just driving around looking at homes.

It helped me decide not just where I could afford to live—but where I could see myself building a life.

Fast Forward… My First Home Was Within Reach

Bit by bit, the savings added up.
The research added clarity.
The overwhelm started to fade.

Fast forward—it really wasn’t that long :)—and I found a modest home that checked the boxes:
✅ Within budget
✅ In a community that felt right
✅ A starting point I was proud of

It wasn’t big. It wasn’t perfect.
But it was mine.
And that meant everything.

If You're Starting from Scratch, You're Not Alone

Maybe your situation is like mine.
Maybe it’s completely different.

Either way, if you’re a first-time buyer trying to figure it out—you’re not alone.
I’ve been there. And now, I help people navigate it every single day.

Whether you’re saving for a down payment, unsure where to live, or just tired of conflicting advice online—let’s talk.

Reach out anytime with your questions.
There’s no pressure. No sales pitch. Just real help.

Helping you is what I do.
Because I remember exactly what it felt like to stand where you’re standing now.

Click here to book time with me if you're thinking about moving to Belleville, Quinte West, or Prince Edward County — or if you already live here and are considering a change: upsizing, right-sizing, or just exploring what’s next.
I’m always happy to help.

Moving can be a stressful time for anyone, including your furry friends. As a realtor and a dog lover, I understand the challenges of moving with dogs and how important it is to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips to help your dogs adjust to their new home:

1  Take Your Dog for a Walk in the New Neighborhood Before the Move

Before moving, it's a good idea to take your dog for a walk in the new neighborhood. This can help your dog get familiar with the area, the sights, and the smells. This can also help your dog feel more comfortable with their new surroundings.

2  Book a Doggy Daycare for the Day of and Days Before and After the Move

Moving day can be chaotic and stressful, and your dog might be overwhelmed by all the activity. To help your dog stay calm and safe, consider booking a doggy daycare for the day of the move, as well as the day before and after. This will give your dog a safe and secure place to stay while you're busy with the move.

3  Pack a Box of Your Dog's Toys and Essentials

Make sure to pack a box of your dog's toys, blankets, and other essentials that they are familiar with. This can include their favorite chew toys, blankets, and treats. Once you move into your new home, make sure to set up a designated space for your dog with all their familiar things. This will help them feel more at home and comfortable in their new surroundings.

4  Update Your Dog's ID Tag and Microchip Information

Make sure to update your dog's ID tag and microchip information with your new address and phone number. Call your vet and update the information, or look for a new vet in the new Neighborhood before the move day. This will help ensure that your dog can be quickly reunited with you if they get lost during the move.

5  Set up a Designated Space for Your Dog in Your New Home

To help your dog feel more comfortable in their new home, set up a designated space for them with their bed, toys, and water bowl. This can be a crate or a specific room. This will give your dog a familiar place to retreat to and feel safe in during the chaos of moving.

6  Keep Your Dog's Routine as Consistent as Possible

Try to keep your dog's routine as consistent as possible during the move. This includes feeding and exercise times. Keeping their routine consistent can help your dog feel more secure and less anxious during the transition.

7  Give Your Dog Extra Love and Attention

Finally, make sure to give your dog plenty of love and attention during the move. They may be feeling stressed or confused, so spending extra time with them and reassuring them can go a long way in helping them feel comfortable in their new home.

Moving can be a challenging time for everyone, but with a little extra care and attention, you can help your furry friend adjust to their new surroundings. By following these tips, you can help make the moving process a positive experience for both you and your dog. Good luck with your move!

Thinking about relocating to Belleville, Quinte West, or Prince Edward County? Let’s find the right fit — for you and your furry companion. Click here to book time with me — I’m always happy to help