First Time Home Buyers in Alberta — Educate Yourself

Buying Your First Home Should Be Fun

Purchasing your first home is a big life decision, and being a first time home buyer can be stressful at times.

There are, however, ways to help reduce your stress and even have some fun buying your first home. There is a first time home buyer plan (tax credit) available to you if you meet the criteria. The tax credit can help alleviate the overall cost of your home. Another great option is to pursue a mortgage pre-approval — so you’ll know how much you can afford to spend and have more negotiating power with the home seller.

There are many online resources at your disposal to help in the process of getting a mortgage, navigating the first time homebuyer tax credit, and completing your purchase. Brokers For Life can help you get approved with a great rate, and ensure you take advantage of the first time home buyer credit.

Getting Pre-Approved Gives You “Buying Power”

When you are buying your first home consider getting a mortgage pre approval as it lets you know how much you’ll be able to borrow. Also, your rate will be guarantee for 120 days even if mortgage rates go up during this time.

Getting pre-approved also shows a real estate agent or seller that you are serious about a potential purchase and gives you an advantage over other potential buyers, as well as the power of negotiation.

In short, it ensures that you are taken seriously as a buyer. Also, consider using our mortgage affordability calculator — giving you a chance to see what you can afford.

Mortgage Basics — From Amortization to Variable Rates

The Canadian mortgage landscape can be tricky to understand. It’s important to be informed, in order to help ensure you make the right choice for your needs. Our online resources can help you understand the basic terms and definitions, and also find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Our mortgage check list can also you get identify what documentation you’ll need to provide to help ensure a speedy mortgage approval.

Once you’ve done your research and are ready to apply, fill out our secure online application — our mortgage team will get started on your approval right away. Or, contact your local Brokers For Life mortgage associate.

The Role Credit Plays

One of the components of the home buying process is having a good credit rating. A good credit score can help equate to good mortgage rates when you obtain financing for your home. Understanding your credit is an important part of this process and should not be overlooked when buying a home. There are five important factors that go into your main credit rate, and it’s important to know what they are so you can make sure to keep your credit score high. The better your credit score, the better chance you’ll have to securing a great mortgage rate.

First Time Home Buyer Tips

When you are a first time home buyer, it seems as though information is coming at you from just about every angle. Instead of soaking it all up and becoming downright overwhelmed, consider working with an experienced mortgage broker. They’ll help you understand each step at a time and how your choices will impact your long-term goals.

Consider the following tips:

  • Get everything in writing. From financing terms to making an offer, it should all be clearly recorded.
  • Take your time. Don’t rush the process or you could end up with a mortgage you can’t afford.
  • Don’t buy a house you can’t afford. Otherwise, you won’t be a homeowner for very long.

An Experienced Mortgage Broker Can Help

An experienced mortgage broker can help you throughout the first time home buyer process. Consider a mortgage pre-approval, by filling out our secure online application. Or, you can meet with your local Brokers For Life mortgage associate. Either way, we’re happy to help your first home purchase be a successful (and fun) experience.