Divorce & Separation
Real Estate.
Handled With Care.
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.
No contracts. No commitment. Just clarity.
✓ Work With Matthew If:
- You're separating or divorcing and need to sell the matrimonial home
- You need a Letter of Opinion for your family law lawyer or mediator
- One spouse wants to buy out the other and you need an independent market value
- The courts have ordered the sale of a property
- You want to understand your options before meeting with your lawyer
- You need a realtor who can work with both parties professionally
✗ Probably Not the Right Fit If:
- You're selling in a standard situation — see the Sellers page
- You're a first-time buyer — see the First-Time Buyer Guide
- You're an investor looking for opportunities — see the Investors page
- You need a formal appraisal from a certified appraiser (I can refer you)
in Your Corner
Whether 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 separation real estate specialist 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. If both parties choose to retain me to sell the property, all required disclosures and written consents under Ontario real estate regulations will be provided before any agreement is signed.
Need clarity on your home's value? Book a confidential call →
Every Situation Is Different
Here are the most common ways I assist clients dealing with real estate during a separation or divorce:
Selling the Matrimonial Home
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.
See Seller Services →Court-Ordered Property Sales
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.
Spousal Buyouts
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.
Get a Free Home Evaluation →Letters of Opinion for Legal Proceedings
I provide professional real estate Letters of Opinion — a written assessment of the property's fair market value with comparable sales data and market rationale — that you can submit to your family law lawyer or use in mediation and court proceedings. Delivered within 3 business days, or faster if you have a deadline.
Learn About Letters of Opinion →Independent Property Valuations
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.
Get Your Home's Market Value →Pre-Legal Consultations
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.
Book a Confidential Consultation →Not sure which service you need? Let's talk — 15 minutes, no obligation →
and Why Do You Need One?
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.
When is a Letter of Opinion used?
- As supporting documentation for your family law lawyer during property division negotiations
- In mediation to establish a fair baseline value for the matrimonial home
- To support early-stage legal negotiations and equalization discussions — court proceedings may require a certified appraisal
- When one party is buying out the other and an independent value is needed
- To challenge or corroborate an existing valuation from the other party
What's included in your Letter of Opinion?
- Comparable sales analysis — recent sold data from your immediate area, not generic regional averages
- Written market rationale — a professional narrative explaining how the value was determined, in language your lawyer can use
- Current market conditions summary — inventory levels, days on market, and pricing trends for your property type
- Property-specific adjustments — accounting for upgrades, condition, lot size, and features that affect value
- Delivered within 3 business days — or sooner if you have a legal deadline (let me know and I'll prioritize it)
Delivered within 3 business days · No cost · No obligation
Unsure if you need a Letter of Opinion or a formal appraisal? Ask me →
Simple, Professional, Confidential
Whether you're selling, buying out, or just need to know where you stand — here's how we'll work together.
Confidential Consultation
We start with a private conversation about your situation — no judgment, no pressure. I'll learn about your timeline, your goals, and what stage of the process you're in.
Property Assessment
I'll review the property, analyze comparable sales, and prepare a detailed market valuation. If needed, I'll provide a formal Letter of Opinion for your legal team.
Strategy & Coordination
Whether it's listing the home, navigating a buyout, or coordinating with lawyers on both sides — I build a plan that fits your specific situation and keeps things moving forward.
Execution & Support
I handle the real estate details from start to finish — staging, marketing, showings, offers, negotiations, and closing. You stay informed at every step without the added stress.
Moving Forward
If one or both of you need a new home, I'll help with that too — including access to my full buyer perks package worth up to $4,750 per person. Because starting over shouldn't cost you more than it already has.
No contracts. No commitment. Just clarity.
Have a legal deadline? Call me directly →
What Sets Me Apart
Local Market Knowledge
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.
Neutral, Professional Approach
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. If both parties retain me, all required disclosures under Ontario real estate regulations are provided in writing before any agreement is signed.
Discretion & Confidentiality
Your situation is personal. Everything we discuss is treated with strict professional confidentiality. You won't be judged, and your privacy is always respected.
Experience with Complex Transactions
Separation-related 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.
Answered Clearly
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 — all required disclosures and written consents under Ontario real estate regulations will be provided before any agreement is signed. 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.
In most cases I deliver a completed Letter of Opinion within 3 business days of viewing the property and reviewing comparable sales data. Each letter includes comparable sales analysis, a written market rationale, and property-specific adjustments — formatted for use by family law lawyers in mediation, equalization negotiations, or court filings. If you have a legal deadline, let me know and I'll prioritize 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 strict professional confidentiality. I understand this is a sensitive time, and your privacy is always respected.
Yes. Many of my separation clients also need help finding their next home. I offer a full buyer service including up to $4,750 in perks per person — covering inspections, appraisals, home warranty, moving costs, and more. If you're a first-time buyer starting over, see my First-Time Buyer Guide for programs you may qualify for.
A Letter of Opinion is a professional market assessment from a licensed realtor based on comparable sales and market conditions. A formal appraisal is conducted by a certified property appraiser and is typically required for court-ordered valuations. I can advise you on which is appropriate for your situation — and in many cases, a Letter of Opinion is sufficient for mediation and early-stage negotiations.
If one or both of you need to purchase a new home after the separation, every buyer who works with Matthew receives up to $4,750 in perks — per person. That means both parties can each receive the full package on their respective purchases.
Free Home Inspection
Up to $600 — choose your own inspector or use a trusted partner.
Free Appraisal
Up to $350 — know exactly what the property is worth before you buy.
Free 12-Month Home Warranty
$500+ value — coverage for major systems and appliances for a full year.
Free Deep Clean + Moving Costs
Professional cleaning ($300+) and up to $3,000 in moving expenses — per person.
Free Letter of Opinion
Complimentary property valuation with comparable sales and market rationale — delivered within 3 business days.
* Buyer perks apply per person when purchasing through Matthew Gizzie. Some conditions apply. Details provided in writing before any agreement is signed. Full details on the Buyers page →
Ready to Talk?
Let's Start with a Conversation.
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.
Get Your Confidential ConsultationNo contracts. No commitment. Just clarity.
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