Leo  Falkovsky

Leo Falkovsky

Sales Representative

RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage*

Mobile:
416-356-6968
Office:
705-722-7100
Email Me

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Checklist 1: Know Your Budget and Lifestyle Needs

Before you start house hunting, get a clear vision on both your finances and your future lifestyle. This will help you prioritize your must-haves and make smarter decisions in a competitive market.

Finances:
  • Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?
  • What’s your price range?
  • How much do you have saved for a down payment?
  • Do the estimated monthly payments fit comfortably within your budget?
  • Have you budgeted for closing costs?
  • Do you have emergency savings in place?
Lifestyle Needs:
  • Do you need space for a future nursery or home office?
  • Do you need a garage, or is street parking enough?
  • Any special features for pets (e.g., fenced yard)?
  • How long do you plan to stay in this home?
  • Is wheelchair access or limited stairs important?

Ready to take the next step toward your dream home? Use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to discover what’s comfortably within your reach—and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Leo Falkovsky

Real Estate Agent & Mortgage Broker · 25 Years · Barrie, Ontario

I've spent 25 years doing two things I genuinely love — helping people buy and sell homes, and helping them finance those homes as smartly as possible.

Most people work with a real estate agent or a mortgage broker. You get both. And that combination makes a real difference — because the best home purchase means nothing if the financing isn't structured to work for you long term.

What drives me after 25 years is the same thing that drove me on day one: the moment a client walks into a home that feels right, or sits across the table from me and finally understands why their mortgage has felt like an uphill battle — and what we can do to change it. That moment never gets old.

I've always believed that technology should serve people — not replace them. I use every tool available to give my clients the sharpest market intelligence, the fastest processes, and the most informed decisions possible. But at the end of the day, buying or selling a home is one of the most personal decisions you'll ever make. And personal decisions deserve a personal touch.

Outside of work I'm passionate about health and fitness, cooking, travelling, reading, and constantly losing at chess — then working hard to get better. Most importantly, I'm a proud husband and father. Those two roles keep me grounded and remind me every day why the work I do matters.

If you're buying, selling, or thinking about financing in Ontario — I'd love to be part of that journey

What I stand for: Honesty · Integrity · Professionalism · Negotiation



Area Covered: All of Barrie, Springwater, Oro Mediate, Midhurst




Checklist 2: Home Features (Needs vs. Wants)

Separate your must-have essentials from nice-to-have features to search smarter, stay focused, and avoid compromise regrets.

Exterior

Needs

  • Single-family detached home
  • Semi-detached home
  • Town home
  • Condominium
  • Storeys (1, 2, or 3)
  • Fenced backyard and driveway
  • Garage Spaces (1, 2, or 3)
  • Low-maintenance landscaping

Wants

  • Large Lot and Yards
  • Swimming Pool
  • Aluminum siding
  • Enclosed front porch
  • Deck or patio area
Interior

Needs

  • Number of Bedrooms & Bathrooms
  • Kitchen appliances with purchase
  • In-unit laundry
  • Central air conditioning/heating
  • Plenty of closets/storage
  • Garage has indoor access

Wants

  • Island kitchen
  • Room for den or home office
  • Kitchen pantry/adequate cupboard space
  • Hardwood floors
  • Wood-burning Fireplace
  • Smart home features (thermostats, lighting)

Not Sure How to Prioritize Your Needs and Wants? Let Howard R. help you refine your checklist and find the right home—faster and with confidence.

 

Ready to See What Fits Your Budget? Explore Howard R.’s featured listings to understand price ranges and plan your home-buying budget.

Checklist 3: Location Essentials

Location is key when it comes to finding your dream home. The right location supports your lifestyle and long-term value.

Tips

Thoroughly explore the neighborhood by visiting at different times of day to get a true sense of its atmosphere and convenience. Research amenities, schools, transportation, and community events to ensure the location suits your lifestyle.

Stay ahead of the market—sign up for Neighborhood Buzzer to receive the latest listings in your preferred neighborhood.

Location
  • Nearby facilities
  • Parks, shopping & dining nearby
  • Commute & highway access
  • Close to work
  • Low Crime Rate
  • Schools & community centres
  • Places of worship
  • Fire department

Ready to Buy? Let's Discuss!

Have questions or just curious about the process? I'd love to chat and help you figure out your next step.

Have Questions?

Dream Home Checklist: Wants and Needs


Featured Listings