Derek Ladouceur your Toronto City Realtor

10/09/2026

Ordered firewood for the cottage, and the guy tells me he can’t deliver for two weeks. But he’s happy to drop some off so I can have a few fires this weekend.

I offer to pay him, and he looks at me like I’ve got three heads. 😂

“Just pay me when I deliver the rest.”

In Toronto, I’m pretty sure they’d want an e-transfer before the first log came off the truck.

Up north? Apparently we’re still operating on trust and a handshake. And I absolutely love it.

Toronto people, am I wrong? 😂

10/08/2026

Sometimes the best thing you can do is get the hell away from everything for a little while.

I’ve spent the past week up north. A few days with family, followed by some much-needed time on my own. Long walks with the dog, the gym, a little work, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Life has a way of throwing s**t at all of us. And while getting away doesn’t make any of those problems disappear, sometimes it gives you the space to clear your head and put things into perspective.

I’ve realized this week that not everything deserves the amount of energy we give it.

Sometimes you just need to slow down, appreciate what you’ve got, and remember what actually matters.

And if that means a few less emails and a few more walks in the woods, I can live with that.

10/06/2026

There was a time in my life when I was told I’d never amount to anything. That I’d spend my life in and out of jail, or end up dead somewhere.

And to be fair, given some of the decisions I was making back then, I can understand why people thought that.

Today, I’ve got a family I adore, a real estate career I love, and a community I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

But none of that erases my past or the people I’ve hurt along the way. It’s a big part of why giving back, supporting local businesses, and being a better person matters so much to me.

I’m still a work in progress. At 54, I imagine I always will be.

And if you’re going through a dark time yourself, just remember that even when you can’t see a way out, it doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

Trust me, I’m living proof that things can change.

10/06/2026

Nothing quite like watching your neighbour’s house sell while yours sits on the market collecting dust. 😬

Toronto sellers, this isn’t the market to test your luck.

Buyers have options, and they’re being picky. Overpricing your home, cutting corners on presentation, or hiring a realtor whose entire marketing strategy consists of a lawn sign and a prayer isn’t going to cut it.

Homes ARE selling. The question is, what are you doing to make sure yours is one of them?

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s have a conversation before you make an expensive mistake.

10/02/2026

Went into Hemingway’s in Midland today for a haircut and a hot towel shave.

I don’t get hot towel shaves very often because finding someone who actually knows how to do one properly without leaving my face irritated or nicked up isn’t easy.

Then Leaf walks over.

And I’m looking at him thinking, “This guy doesn’t even look like he needs to shave, and I’m about to let him put a straight razor to my face.” 😂

Well… I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Great haircut, and Leaf was absolutely brilliant with the shave. The level of care and attention to detail was unreal. Not one nick, zero irritation, and my face is baby-bottom smooth.

Easily one of the top three hot towel shaves I’ve ever had.

If you’re in Midland or around Georgian Bay, go see Leaf at Hemingway’s. Apparently you don’t need to look like you shave to be fu***ng great at shaving everyone else. 😂

And of course repping my One Hundred Miles

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

Apparently living up north requires a few adjustments.

Carry cash. Enjoy the complete lack of traffic. And maybe stop using my horn like I’m still driving in Toronto.

I’m doing pretty well with the first two. 😂

10/01/2026

I have a silly Irish setter.

It’s funny I never thought setters would be the breed I fell in love with.

But over the years we’ve had an English and Irish setter, and now another Irish setter.
They’re incredibly goofy and funny and loving, but also very silly.
Cannot imagine our house without one.