Your first home comes with a lot of first questions.
That's exactly where we start. We'll talk through the numbers, the process and what matters to you so you can make decisions with a clear understanding of what comes next.
You don't need to know how to buy a home before we start. That's part of what I'm here for.
You're not supposed to know how all of this works yet.
For most first-time buyers, the hardest part isn't choosing a house. It's figuring out where to begin, what you can comfortably afford and what all the unfamiliar terms actually mean.
We'll take it one decision at a time. I'll help you understand the process, point out the things worth paying attention to and bring in the right professionals when we need them.
And you can ask me the questions you think you're supposed to already know the answer to. Those are usually the best ones.
My goal is for you to understand the decision you're making — not simply get you to the finish line.
Start with the numbers. Then start looking.
Knowing your budget isn't just about the maximum mortgage you're approved for. It's about understanding what homeownership will actually cost and choosing a number that still lets you live your life.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
A lender or mortgage professional can help you understand what you qualify for, estimated payments and the financing options available to you.
Your Down Payment
We'll talk about what you've saved, where those funds are coming from and how your down payment fits into the bigger purchase picture.
Your Deposit
The deposit is part of your purchase price, but it comes into play much earlier in the transaction. We'll make sure you understand how and when it needs to be available.
Closing Costs
Legal fees, adjustments, land transfer tax where applicable, insurance and moving expenses all need room in the budget too.
What does buying your first home actually look like?
There are a lot of moving pieces, but you don't have to manage them all at once. Here's the process we'll work through together.
Let's Talk
We start with you — your plans, your budget, your timing and what you're hoping homeownership will look like.
Get Financing In Place
You'll connect with a lender or mortgage professional so we have a realistic price range before the search begins.
Build The Search
We'll separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves and start watching the homes and neighbourhoods that fit.
See Homes Differently
We'll look beyond staging and finishes to condition, layout, location, future costs and resale considerations.
Make An Offer
When the right property comes along, I'll walk you through price, terms, conditions and strategy before you sign.
Do The Due Diligence
Depending on the property and offer, this may include financing, inspection, insurance and other appropriate conditions or investigations.
Prepare For Closing
Your lawyer and lender take on important roles here, and I'll help keep you on track with what needs to happen next.
Get The Keys
Closing day is the end of the purchase process — and the beginning of actually making the home yours.
There may be programs that can help.
If you're buying your first home, it's worth understanding the savings plans and refunds that may be available to you. Eligibility is specific to each program, so we'll make sure you know what to ask your lender, accountant and lawyer about.
First Home Savings Account
An FHSA can allow an eligible first-time buyer to save toward a qualifying first home. Current rules provide $8,000 of participation room in the first year you open an FHSA, with a $40,000 lifetime contribution limit.
Official FHSA Information →Home Buyers' Plan
The Home Buyers' Plan currently allows an eligible buyer to withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP to buy or build a qualifying home. Repayment rules and eligibility requirements apply.
Official HBP Information →Land Transfer Tax Refund
Qualifying first-time homebuyers in Ontario may be eligible for a refund of all or part of the provincial land transfer tax, up to a current maximum of $4,000.
Ontario Program Details →Program limits, definitions and eligibility requirements can change and may differ between programs. This information is general in nature and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Confirm your eligibility and current program rules with the appropriate professional and government source.
The purchase price isn't the whole cost of the home.
A home that fits the budget on paper can feel very different once you account for the costs of owning it. Part of our job during the search is to look at the bigger picture.
Property taxes and estimated utility costs
Home insurance and, where applicable, condo fees
Age and condition of major systems and components
Repairs or improvements you may want to tackle after closing
Location, commute and how the neighbourhood fits your life
How the property may work for you a few years from now
Before you sign, we'll slow it down.
Buying can suddenly feel very fast when a property you love comes along. That's when understanding the details matters most.
Review
We'll review the property, comparable sales and the details we know before deciding how to proceed.
Strategy
We'll discuss price, timing, conditions and the approach that makes sense for you.
Offer
I'll explain the agreement and its terms so you understand what you're signing.
Negotiate
I'll represent your interests through the negotiation and keep you informed as things move.
Next Steps
Once accepted, we'll work through conditions, deadlines and everything required to get you to closing.
A few useful places to start.
You don't need to calculate everything yourself, but these tools can help you start understanding the numbers before we talk.
Mortgage Calculator
Explore estimated mortgage payments and start getting a feel for different purchase scenarios.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Learn more about how the Home Buyers' Plan may fit into your first-home purchase.
CMHC Calculator
Explore how mortgage default insurance may affect your financing when purchasing with a smaller down payment.
“Samantha went above and beyond for us to ensure we made the right purchase! She was there every step of the way, always keeping us informed and updated through the whole process.”
Sarah · Peterborough · Buyer
Start with the questions.
You don't need a perfect wish list, a chosen neighbourhood or every financial detail figured out before reaching out. A conversation is a good place to begin.
Real Estate Websites by Web4Realty
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