Finding the Right Home Should Feel Confident — Not Overwhelming

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, you deserve a Realtor who takes the pressure off, listens to what matters most to your family, and guides you with honesty and clarity.
That’s the heart behind my business.
I’m David Hildebrand, a Realtor serving Smithville, West Lincoln, and the Niagara region — and my passion is helping families find a place where they truly feel at home. With a background in residential painting and home improvement, I bring a practical, hands-on understanding of houses that helps you make confident decisions, whether you’re evaluating a home to buy or preparing one to sell.
But more importantly, I understand what it feels like to choose the right community for your family.
My wife grew up here in Smithville, and when we made the move from St. Catharines to raise our own kids, this town welcomed us with open arms. The small-town warmth, the incredible families at our kids’ school, the community spirit, and the home-grown roots of this farming town — it all gave us a sense of belonging we hadn’t felt anywhere else.
That experience drives how I work today:
with transparency, local insight, genuine care, and zero pressure.
My job isn’t to sell you a house.
My job is to guide you toward what’s right for your family — whether that’s today, six months from now, or someday down the road.
🧭 My Story: How I Ended Up in Smithville
I grew up in St. Catharines, but Smithville became home when my wife — who was raised here — and I decided to build our family in her hometown. What began as a simple move quickly became a deep love for this community.
Smithville has something rare:
- A small-town feel where everyone knows each other
- A warm, welcoming community
- A school filled with incredible families, staff, and values
- A strong farming heritage and home-grown roots
- A place where people genuinely support one another
Our kids thrive here, and so do we. The pace, the people, and the sense of belonging are what make Smithville special — and why I’m passionate about helping others join this community.
From Painting Homes to Helping People Find Them
Before real estate, I spent years in residential painting.
That experience shaped the Realtor I am today:
✔ Customer service focused
I learned quickly that the heart of any job is the people you serve — listening, communicating, and treating every home like it matters.
✔ Hands-on home expertise
I’ve seen countless homes inside and out, and I understand how small improvements transform a space.
✔ Renovation & improvement guidance
This background helps my clients visualize what’s possible — whether preparing to sell or dreaming up renovations in their new home.
I didn’t leave customer service behind when I became a Realtor. I simply brought it with me.
🌍 Travel, Culture & Perspective
Before my painting career, I spent a couple of years traveling the world — an experience that shaped my appreciation for people and community. Seeing how different cultures function and support one another taught me to work with empathy, patience, and understanding.
That perspective guides the way I serve my clients today.
🏡 My Values
These are the principles at the core of my business:
• Transparency
Clear, honest communication at every stage.
• Educating Clients
I want you to understand the process, not feel rushed through it.
• Honesty
You’ll always get my genuine advice — even when it’s not the “easy” answer.
• Local Expertise
I live here, raise my family here, and know this community deeply.
• Community Involvement
I’m heavily involved in my church and believe a thriving town happens when people invest in it.
• No Pressure, Ever
My job is to guide you — not push you.
🏅 Why Work With Me?
Choosing a Realtor is personal. Here’s what you can expect when working with me:
✔ A calm, no-pressure approach
✔ Strong knowledge of home construction & improvements
✔ Deep roots in the Smithville community
✔ Help visualizing renovations or transformations
✔ Family-centered decision-making
✔ A community-first mindset
Whether you’re moving to the area, upsizing, downsizing, or preparing to sell, I’ll walk with you from start to finish with honesty, care, and practical guidance.
A Little More About Me
Outside of real estate, I:
- Love spending time with my family
- Enjoy sports
- Love connecting with people in the community
Smithville is more than where I work — it’s home.
📞 Let’s Connect
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Smithville, West Lincoln, or the Niagara region, I’d love to connect. You can call or text me anytime at 905-353-5149, or feel free to:
👉 Book a Consultation
👉 See My Latest Videos
Let’s talk about your goals — and how I can help you make the right move.
Reviews
David and Emily V.
“We loved working with David to find our forever home. David went above and beyond when showing homes to us and he has a real knack for seeing the pro’s and con’s of various properties. We really appreciated how communicative David was throughout the purchasing process, and how quickly he was able to move to help us secure the property we wanted to buy. I’d gladly recommend David and his team!”
Jay and Brittany
“Thank you to David Hildebrand and The Wayne Schilstra Team for your outstanding work in helping us find our forever home. You made the process from selling our last home and taking quick actions to find a home that would suit our needs for years to come very quick and easy. We will definitely recommend David and The Wayne Schilstra team to family and friends for their future real estate needs.”
Jack W.
“In what appeared to be a shaky market, David sold my unique downtown home in less than two weeks. Selling homes is very stressful but David’s experience and steady hand was extremely valuable. I have hired David on multiple occasions for buying and selling and I have never been disappointed. I spoke with David many times over the course of about three years before finally deciding to sell my house. Never did I feel pressured to decide – he always just provided me with important facts and suggestions. Ultimately, what sets David apart is the honesty and the integrity that he brings to the table. Having someone in your corner that you can actually trust during a real estate transaction is invaluable in my opinion. David also only works with the best marketing people. From the photographers to the film makers to the website designers, everything is extremely professional. The team goes above and beyond to highlight the qualities of your home. If you’re looking to sell your home and you value honesty and integrity, definitely contact David.”
Anna M.
“David Hildebrand was amazing to work with. He made sure that we got our dream house within our budget. My fiancé and I would highly recommend his services. As first time homes buyers, he made the process very simple, even when there were some challenges.”
