Don McAskin

Don McAskin

Broker of Record

Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage*

Mobile:
705-727-6777
Office:
(705) 722-6333
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.

Calculate Your Home-Buying Power Now

Don McAskin, a native of Barrie, Ontario, has been an integral part of the real estate landscape in Simcoe County for over three decades. Growing up in the Barrie area, Don has witnessed its tremendous transformation, watching the region evolve into one of the most desirable places to live in Ontario. His deep-rooted connection to the community, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the various neighborhoods and surrounding areas, sets him apart as a trusted and experienced real estate professional.

Don earned his degree from McMaster University and swiftly transitioned into real estate, obtaining his license in 1986. Since then, he has been working full-time as a realtor, helping countless clients find their dream homes and investment properties. As the Broker Owner of Realty Executives of Simcoe Inc., Don leads a successful team of real estate professionals, providing personalized and expert service to buyers and sellers alike.

With a strong belief in the importance of understanding local markets, Don prides himself on his in-depth knowledge of Barrie and the greater Simcoe County. Whether you're looking for a family home or a lucrative investment property, Don's expertise in identifying the best areas to suit your needs is unmatched. His commitment to his clients, combined with his passion for real estate, has earned him a reputation as one of the leading realtors in the region.

Don’s motto is simple: "I know neighbourhoods! Let me show you the best areas of Barrie to purchase your home or investment property." His decades of experience and strong community ties make him the ideal choice for anyone looking to buy or sell in Simcoe County.



Designation: Broker of Record

Education: McMaster University Alumni

Speciality: Investment Properties Residential Properties Commercial Properties Mortgage Investment Corp & Private Lending

Years of Experience: 35

Awards: Real Estate Broker, Mortgage Broker

Area Covered: Barrie Innisfil Alliston Collingwood Penetang Midland Angus Oro-Medonte Essa Township Clearview Springwater

Languages Spoken: English



Ready to Find a Home That Truly Fits Your Checklist?

Let our Dream Home Finder do the work for you. Discover homes that match your lifestyle, budget, and must-haves—all in one place.

Start Finding Your Dream Home

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 Don McAskin help you refine your checklist and find the right home—faster and with confidence.

Get Your Dream Home Guidance
 

Ready to See What Fits Your Budget? Explore Don McAskin’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.

Get Neighborhood Updates
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?

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted by Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage* via email, phone, and text about real estate services. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from calls and texts. To stop receiving emails, click Unsubscribe in any email. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more information.
Disclaimer By entering my contact information I give my express consent to be contacted by 'Don McAskin, Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage*' and or real estate salespeople on behalf of 'Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage*' to discuss potential services.

Dream Home Checklist: Wants and Needs

Dream Home Checklist: Wants and Needs

Home Location:  _________________________________________
Address:  ________________________________________________
Asking Price:  ____________________________________________
Annual Property Taxes:  __________________________________
Mortgage Terms:  ________________________________________

Exterior

  • Large lot and yard
  • Single-family detached home
  • Duplex/Triplex
  • Semi-detached home
  • Town home
  • Condominium
  • One storey home
  • Two storey home
  • Three storey home
  • Fenced backyard
  • Deck or patio area
  • Mature trees, landscaping
  • Low-maintenance landscaping
  • Swimming pool
  • Attached garage
  • One-car garage
  • Two-car garage
  • Private driveway
  • Enclosed front porch
  • Eaves troughs and downspouts
  • Brick
  • Wood
  • Aluminum siding
  • Recently painted woodwork

Home Location

  • Address
  • Asking price
  • Annual property taxes
  • Mortgage terms

Interior

  • 1 bedroom
  • 2 bedroom
  • 3 bedroom
  • 4 bedroom
  • 1 bathroom
  • 2 bathroom
  • 3 bathroom
  • 4 bathroom
  • Closet in foyer
  • Separate dining room
  • Fireplace in living room
  • Separate family room
  • Fireplace in family or recreation room
  • Eat-in kitchen
  • Island kitchen
  • Kitchen appliances with purchase
  • Kitchen pantry/adequate cupboard space
  • Garage has indoor access
  • Utility room (for washer/dryer)
  • Ensuite bathroom off master bedroom
  • Main-floor bathroom
  • Room for den or home office
  • Wall-to-wall carpeting
  • Hardwood floors
  • Plenty of closets/storage
  • Large windows
  • Thermopane windows
  • Window screens
  • Draperies or blinds
  • Basement for storage/workshop
  • Finished basement for additional living area
  • Apartment in basement for rental income

Systems

  • Efficient heating system
  • Oil heating system
  • Gas heating system
  • Electric heating system
  • Heat pump heating system
  • Wood heating system
  • Window Air conditioning
  • Central Air conditioning
  • Modern plumbing (copper) and fixtures
  • City water
  • Well water
  • High-amp electrical system (at least 100 amps)
  • Circuit breakers
  • Gas hot water heater
  • Electric hot water heater
  • Cable TV or antenna
  • Sewer
  • Septic Tank

Location

  • Nearby facilities
  • Quiet street
  • Shopping within walking distance or short drive
  • Parks/playgrounds
  • Golf course
  • Skating rinks
  • Restaurants /theaters
  • Community centre
  • Public swimming pool/tennis courts
  • Public library
  • Places of worship
  • Police
  • Fire department
  • Hospital
  • Medical (doctors, dentists, etc.)
  • Day care
  • Snow removal
  • Public transportation
  • Close to work
  • Near major highway
  • Schools
  • School-operated transportation
  • NOTES


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Source:  OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association) www.realtor.ca

Have Questions?

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted by Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage* via email, phone, and text about real estate services. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from calls and texts. To stop receiving emails, click Unsubscribe in any email. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more information.
Disclaimer By entering my contact information I give my express consent to be contacted by 'Don McAskin, Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage*' and or real estate salespeople on behalf of 'Realty Executives Of Simcoe Inc. Brokerage*' to discuss potential services.