Greater GTA realtor David Visentin set for new season of LOVE IT OR LIST IT

By JOSH McGINNIS

Reality TV fans can rejoice as LOVE IT OR LIST IT is back for a brand new season with host and former Beach resident David Visentin, joined by new co-host, Page Turner.

The Canadian show first premiered in September 2008, posing a straightforward yet impactful question to homeowners: Will they LOVE IT or LIST IT? Since then, the series has gained international popularity.

Visentin, alongside former co-host Hilary Farr, helped North American homeowners navigate renovations and decide whether to stay in their newly improved homes or sell and move on. Now, Turner takes on the design duties while Visentin tours prospective new homes with the featured homeowners. At the end of each episode, the homeowners must decide: do they love the renovations enough to stay, or will they list their property and move into a home hand-picked by Visentin?

For long-time viewers, it’s well known that many homeowners tend to “Love it” instead of “List it”. In an interview, Visentin offered several theories on why this often occurs. “People don’t like picking up and moving. They want to stay in the neighbourhoods they know, and it can be hard to find something that matches everything,” he said. “We moved around a lot — my dad was a realtor — so every five years we’d move. You take memories with you, but it’s not always easy.”

Visentin grew up surrounded by real estate, crediting his father with inspiring his own successful career.

“I feel like I’ve always been in real estate. Ever since I was a kid, my father would take us on appointments. He sold a lot of country properties, so we’d walk around these farms and explore old barns. It was fascinating. I’m in real estate because of my father. Everyone in my family has a real estate licence — except my mother.”

Today, David works alongside his siblings, and said there are unique advantages to working together. “When you work with family, you’re all invested in keeping the ball rolling. It’s different from working solo. Honestly, I don’t think I would have pursued real estate without my family.”

David, Bonnie and Paolo Visentin specialize in both city and country Living and operate the Visentin Real Estate Team through Real Estate Homeward Brokerage, located at 1858 Queen St. E. in the Beach.

Having lived in the Beach for several years, Visentin spoke fondly of the area, noting its special character. His sister Bonnie and her family have also lived in the Beach for the past 20 years, so the entire Visentin clan have a vested interest in its continued growth and market appeal.

“It’s such a beautiful, unique part of the city. You’re right by the trails, the bike path and the water. It feels like a real community, even though you’re in the city. It has great schools, great restaurants — it’s like a little slice of heaven.”

When asked what he enjoys most about working on LOVE IT OR LIST IT, Visentin said it’s the entire process — particularly the reveals. “I love the real estate, I love seeing the transformation. I’m right there with the homeowners and the viewers at the reveal. I see the house at the start, but I don’t see any of the renovation. So when I walk in, it’s like I’m a homeowner seeing it for the first time. I love it all, but the transformation is my favourite part.”

Visentin admitted he typically hopes homeowners choose to list, given his role on the show. “I hope they lean towards listing. Most of the time, the homes I show make more sense, but people tend to stay because it’s comfortable. So I really have to deliver something extraordinary to convince them to leave that comfort zone.”

With Toronto’s real estate market experiencing its ups and downs, Visentin also shared some practical advice for those navigating the current climate. “Do your homework and surround yourself with the right people. Surprises are going to happen, but the right team can handle them. Get a good mortgage broker, a reliable home inspector, and a knowledgeable realtor — this can make the process much less stressful.”

And for homeowners considering renovations, Visentin recommends careful planning. “If you’re going to renovate, especially now when people are watching their budgets, you need to make sure you’re getting what you need. Sit down with your family and ask, ‘What do we need to make our lives better?’”

The first episode of LOVE IT OR LIST IT’S new season premiered on HGTV in the U.S. on April 21. Canadian viewers can watch the show weekly at 9 p.m. starting on Sunday, May 25, on Home Network and streaming on StackTV.

And if you’re in the market for real estate services, you can connect with David, Bonnie and the rest of the Visentin Real Estate Team at https://visentinrealestate.com