Navigating a separation is one of the most stressful experiences you'll face. When real estate is part of the equation, you need a trusted, experienced professional who understands both the market and the process — without judgment.
Get a Confidential ConsultationWhether you're selling the matrimonial home, exploring a spousal buyout, dealing with a court-ordered sale, or simply trying to understand what the property is worth before you sit down with your lawyer — I'm here to help.
I'm Matthew Gizzie, a real estate professional with over 10 years of experience serving York Region, Simcoe County, and the Greater Toronto Area. I work with clients going through separation and divorce on a regular basis, and I understand that this isn't just a real estate transaction — it's personal, it's complex, and it needs to be handled with care.
My role is purely on the real estate side. I don't take sides. I give you straightforward, professional guidance on your property so you can make informed decisions and walk into any legal conversation prepared and confident.
"Separation is hard enough. Let me take the real estate piece off your plate — professionally, confidentially, and without the drama."
— Matthew Gizzie, Real Estate Professional
Every separation situation is different. Here are the most common ways I assist clients dealing with real estate during a separation or divorce:
When both parties agree — or are required — to sell, I manage the entire process from listing to closing. I handle the details so you and your ex-partner don't have to be in the same room to make it happen.
If the courts have ordered the sale of a property, I'm experienced in working within those parameters — communicating professionally with both parties and their legal teams to ensure a smooth, compliant transaction.
If one party wants to keep the home, I provide independent market analysis and guidance on current property values to support a fair buyout negotiation — giving both parties a clear picture of what the home is actually worth.
I provide professional real estate Letters of Opinion — a written assessment of the property's fair market value — that you can submit to your family law lawyer or use in mediation and court proceedings.
Not sure what the home is worth? I provide honest, market-driven property assessments based on current comparable sales in York Region and the GTA — no inflated numbers, no bias.
Before you meet with your lawyer, it helps to understand the real estate side of your situation. I offer confidential consultations where you can ask questions, understand your options, and get a realistic picture of where you stand.
A Letter of Opinion (also called a real estate opinion letter or market value opinion) is a professional written document from a licensed real estate professional that states the estimated fair market value of a property based on current market data and comparable sales.
In a separation or divorce, your lawyer or mediator will often need to establish the value of the matrimonial home as part of equalization of net family property. A Letter of Opinion from an experienced local realtor gives you a credible, market-based starting point for those discussions.
A Letter of Opinion is not a formal appraisal — it is a professional market assessment from a licensed realtor. For formal court-ordered appraisals, a certified property appraiser may be required. I can advise you on which is appropriate for your situation.
I've been working in York Region for over 10 years. I know what homes are actually selling for in Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Georgina, Markham, and surrounding communities — not just what's listed, but what's closing. That knowledge matters when we're talking about fair value.
I don't take sides. My job is to give you accurate, honest real estate information. Whether I'm working with you individually, alongside your legal team, or in a situation involving both parties, I remain professional and objective at all times.
Your situation is personal. Everything we discuss is handled with complete discretion. You won't be judged, and your privacy is always respected.
Separation-related real estate transactions often involve additional complexity — coordinating with multiple lawyers, navigating timelines set by courts or agreements, and managing emotional situations. I've done this before, and I know how to keep things moving professionally.
If you're just trying to understand your options right now, reach out. An initial conversation costs you nothing, and you'll leave with a much clearer picture of where you stand.
When you sell or buy your next home through Matthew during or after your separation, you receive a complete support package — because starting over shouldn't cost you more than it already has.
Both parties receive up to $3,000 toward moving costs when purchasing their next home with Matthew. Whether you're each moving into separate homes or one of you is relocating, both of you are covered. One less thing to worry about when you're starting a new chapter. Conditions apply — ask for details.
Whether one or both of you are purchasing a new home, Matthew includes a one-year warranty on vital systems — furnace, A/C, plumbing, and electrical. Both parties benefit individually on their respective purchases, giving everyone peace of mind as they settle into the next chapter.
When you purchase your next home, Matthew covers the cost of your home inspection — up to $500 — and you choose the inspector. No restrictions, no preferred vendor you're pushed toward. You pick someone you trust, and Matthew takes care of the bill.
Need a written property value assessment for your lawyer or mediator? Matthew provides a complimentary Letter of Opinion — a service that positions you to walk into any legal conversation fully prepared, at no cost to you.
Not sure what your matrimonial home is worth in today's market? Matthew provides a no-obligation CMA so you have real numbers before you make any decisions — no pressure, no strings attached.
Qualifying for a mortgage on a single income after separation is one of the biggest concerns people face. Matthew connects you with a trusted mortgage broker who specializes in exactly this situation — helping you understand what you can realistically afford before you start looking.
Need to make repairs or updates before listing the matrimonial home? Matthew connects you with reliable, pre-vetted tradespeople — painters, handymen, cleaners, and more — so you're not scrambling to find someone you can trust on your own.
Matthew doesn't give legal advice — but he can connect you with trusted family law lawyers and paralegals in York Region who understand separation and property matters. Having the right legal team alongside the right realtor makes a real difference.
* Moving expense incentive and home warranty apply when purchasing a home through Matthew Gizzie. Speak with Matthew directly for full details and eligibility. Some conditions apply.
Not necessarily. I can be engaged by one party to provide a Letter of Opinion or a market assessment independently. If both parties agree to use me to list and sell the home, I can act in that capacity with full transparency to both sides. In more contested situations, each party may have their own realtor — and I'm comfortable working in that environment too.
That's actually quite common, and it doesn't prevent the process from moving forward. My role is to provide clear, factual real estate information. I leave the legal decisions to your lawyers. Having accurate, independent data on your property's value often helps reduce conflict rather than add to it.
Yes. I'm comfortable communicating directly with legal counsel and providing documentation in a format that's useful for legal proceedings. Many lawyers appreciate having a local market expert they can rely on for real property questions.
Turnaround depends on the specifics of the property and situation, but in most cases I can provide a written Letter of Opinion within a few business days of viewing the property and reviewing comparable sales data. If you have a legal deadline, let me know and I'll do my best to accommodate it.
I serve York Region including Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, and Bradford West Gwillimbury, as well as Simcoe County and the broader Greater Toronto Area.
Absolutely. Everything you share with me is treated with complete discretion. I understand this is a sensitive time, and your privacy is a priority.
No pressure, no obligation. If you're navigating a separation and have real estate questions, reach out today. I'll give you straight answers and help you understand your options clearly.
Contact Matthew Today📞 (289) 338-1433 | ✉️