Explore First-Time Home Buying
Start with the stage you're in today
Whether you're just beginning to think about buying or you're ready to make an offer, these guides will help you understand what comes next.
Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming.It doesn't have to.
There are a lot of moving pieces when you buy your first home: your down payment, closing costs, affordability, mortgage approval, and everything that happens between an accepted offer and getting the keys.
My job is to make the process easier to understand, answer your questions honestly, and help you feel prepared before you make one of the biggest decisions of your life.
What the process looks like
From your first question to getting the keys.
Getting Started
We’ll talk about your goals, your timeline, and what you should understand before beginning your home-buying journey.
Down Payment
We’ll review how much you may need, where your down payment can come from, and the other costs you should prepare for.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
We’ll review your income, credit, down payment, and monthly obligations so you understand what may be realistic.
Buying Your Home
Once you understand your numbers, you can begin house hunting and make an offer with greater clarity and confidence.
Closing & Moving In
I’ll guide you through the final mortgage approval and stay involved through completion so you know what to expect before getting the keys.
Quick Answers
Answers to common first-home questions
Sometimes you don't need another complete guide. You just need a clear answer to the question that's holding you back.
How Much House Can I Afford?
See how your income, debts, down payment, interest rate, property taxes, and other housing costs can affect how much mortgage you may qualify for.
What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Understand what a mortgage pre-approval tells you, what it doesn't guarantee, and why it's helpful before you start looking at homes.
Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?
Find out when you can buy with less than 20% down and how the minimum down payment is calculated in Canada.
How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a Home?
See which costs you may need to prepare for beyond the down payment, including legal fees, inspections, and property transfer tax.
What Is Mortgage Default Insurance?
Understand when mortgage default insurance is required, how the premium works, and why it isn't the same as mortgage life insurance.
Helpful Advice
Common first-time buyer mistakes.
Every one of these mistakes is avoidable. Knowing about them ahead of time can save you stress, money, and disappointment.
Waiting too long to talk to a mortgage broker
Many buyers wait until they've already found a home before asking questions. Starting earlier gives you time to understand your options, your budget, and any hurdles before they become stressful.
Assuming you need a 20% down payment
This is one of the biggest myths I hear. Many buyers purchase with less than 20% down. The right answer depends on your purchase price and your individual situation.
Shopping at the top of your budget
Just because a lender may approve a certain amount doesn't always mean that's where you'll feel financially comfortable. Your mortgage should support your life, not stretch it.
Making large purchases before your mortgage closes
Buying furniture, appliances, or a new vehicle before your mortgage funds can affect your approval. It's usually best to wait until everything has officially completed.
Choosing a mortgage based only on the interest rate
The lowest rate isn't always the best mortgage. Features, flexibility, penalties, and your future plans can all be just as important.
The good news?
Every one of these mistakes is preventable. My job is to help you understand your options before they become expensive surprises, so you can move forward with confidence.
Continue Exploring
Plan your first-home purchase with confidence
Use these tools and answers to better understand your down payment, closing costs, and mortgage options before you begin house hunting.
Mortgage Tool
Down Payment Calculator
Estimate the minimum down payment, mortgage default insurance, and total mortgage for a home you are considering.
Mortgage Tool
Closing Costs Calculator
Estimate property transfer tax, legal costs, and other expenses you may need to prepare for before completion.
Mortgage Minute
How Much House Can I Afford?
See how your income, debts, down payment, interest rate, and housing costs can affect how much mortgage you may qualify for.
Common Questions
Questions first-time buyers often ask.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Asking questions is part of the process.
The minimum down payment depends on the purchase price, the type of property, and how you plan to use it. We’ll review your available funds and determine what may work for your situation.
A Note From Kiersten
You do not need to know exactly what to ask or be ready to buy tomorrow. Sometimes the best first step is simply having a conversation and finding out where you stand.