Exciting Updates for First-Time Home Buyers: Extended Amortization & Higher RRSP Limits Featured Image

Are you a first-time home buyer dreaming of stepping into your own home? The Canadian government has just rolled out two major updates that could transform your home-buying journey: extended amortization periods for newly built homes and significantly higher RRSP withdrawal limits. These changes aim to make homeownership more attainable and affordable for Canadians starting August 1. Let’s dive into what these updates mean for you and how they can help you secure your dream home.

What's in this Blog?

In this detailed guide, we'll explore:

  • The benefits of the new 30-year amortization periods for insured mortgages.
  • How the increased RRSP withdrawal limits can boost your home-buying budget.
  • Insights from officials on how these…

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Discontinuation of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Featured Image

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a program designed to assist qualified first-time homebuyers in reducing their monthly mortgage payments, has been discontinued. This shared-equity mortgage program, offered in partnership with the Government of Canada, aimed to make homeownership more accessible by providing a 5% or 10% incentive for the purchase of newly constructed homes, and a 5% incentive for the purchase of resale (existing) homes or new/resale mobile/manufactured homes.

One of the key features of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive was its shared equity component, where the government shared in both the upside and downside of the property value, up to a maximum gain or loss of 8% per annum. This meant that homebuyers could afford lower…

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Finding the Perfect Time to Buy a Home in Edmonton: A Comprehensive Guide Featured Image

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to buying a home at the perfect time, there are several factors you’ll want to consider to help you make an informed decision.

Your Financial Circumstances

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, and your finances play a crucial role in determining the right timing for such a large investment.

Savings and Down Payment:

Having sufficient savings for a down payment is essential when purchasing a home. 5% is the minimum down payment required in Canada, with all down payments of less than 20% subject to mortgage insurance. Keep in mind, the more you put down, the lower your monthly mortgage payments and the better…

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The Benefits of Choosing a Semi Detached Duplex Home in Edmonton

From growing families and first-time buyers to downsizers and working professionals, Edmonton duplexes are ideal for every taste, lifestyle and budget. In addition, these spacious semi-detached homes offer many of the same benefits as the average single-family property, less the price tag and maintenance.

Here are just a few of the many benefits that come with owning a duplex in Edmonton:

Duplex Living Defined

In short, duplexes are multi-family homes containing two units in the same building. Duplexes are commonly side-by-side, but they may consist of two floors with separate entrances. Unlike a townhome or apartment-style condo, duplexes share only one common wall with the neighbouring unit, giving them more of a “single-family home feel.”

…

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Are you a first-time buyer struggling to purchase a new home in Edmonton? Canada’s First-Time Home Buyer Incentive may help make homeownership more affordable.

What Is the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive and How Does it Work?

Simply put, the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive helps first-time home buyers live more affordably by reducing their monthly mortgage payments. Without adding to their current debt load, first-time buyers can enter into a shared-equity mortgage with the Government of Canada, which will match the buyer’s initial minimum down payment by an additional 5 or 10% (10% applies to newly constructed homes, only).

In receiving the Incentive, first-time buyers may not need to save as much to make their mortgage payments more…

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Are you ready to purchase your first Edmonton home? Here are our top 12 tips for first-time buyers, just like you.

1. Get a Handle on the Process

What does the home buying process look like, exactly? With so many moving parts involved in any real estate transaction, we recommend learning more about the steps you’ll need to take ahead of time. Of course, your Edmonton REALTOR® will walk you through it all, but even the smallest amount of research will help reduce first-time buyer overwhelm.

2. Consider Your Credit

Your credit score is the first thing mortgage lenders will consider during the mortgage approval process. To avoid any surprises (and to secure a better interest rate), be sure to check your credit report beforehand. Keep in…

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Are you thinking about buying your first home in Edmonton? Did you know buying a home that doubles as an investment property can make first-time homeownership all the easier? While many homebuyers will opt to wait until they’ve purchased their first, second or third home before entering Edmonton’s real estate investment market, there are many advantages to beginning your real estate investment journey now.

Here are our top reasons why your first home should also be an investment property:

1. It’s Easier to Get a Mortgage 

Buying a home with a rental income suite (sometimes referred to as a secondary suite) can make it easier to qualify for a mortgage. This is because the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) allows first-time…

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Even for the most experienced buyer, a home is no small expense – but for a first-time buyer, the idea can be nothing short of overwhelming. However, in addition to Edmonton’s thriving real estate market, there are many reasons why now may be a better time for first-time home buyers than ever before.

Here are 5 reasons why now is the perfect time to buy your first Edmonton home:

1. Historically Low Interest Rates 

According to experts, Canada’s mortgage rates are the lowest in history, with the Bank of Canada having dropped its target rate to 0.25% in early 2020, where it has stayed for the last year.

In short, lower interest rates equate to lower monthly payments, ultimately making mortgages more affordable. A such, current rates and…

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When it comes to buying your first home, the community you choose is every bit as important to your happiness as the property itself. No one wants to commute 20-minutes for a litre of milk or find themselves house poor as a result of property taxes they can’t reasonably afford.

If you’re on the hunt for your first Edmonton home, here are our top tips for choosing the right neighbourhood for your needs: 

Determine Your Wants and Needs

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a contemporary new home in a developing neighbourhood or are you looking to settle in an established community with historic charm? Your wants and needs will have a direct impact on the home style and community you choose.  

For instance, if…

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For most first-time buyers, affordability is the number one priority for choosing the right home. The good news is, Edmonton features a variety of diverse and budget-friendly home styles, guaranteed to suit every lifestyle and personality.

Here are three affordable and first-time buyer-friendly home styles you’ll want to consider:

Apartment-Style Condos

Average Price: $230,688*

Minimum Down Payment: $11,534

Depending on the size, style and location, apartment-style condos are perhaps the most affordable home style around. For this reason, they are a popular choice among first-time buyers looking to enter the market and build valuable home equity. They’re also extremely low-maintenance, making them an attractive option for working…

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