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First-Time Home Buyer Scott McGillivray Shares His Top Advice for First-Time Buyers Real estate expert Scott McGillivray explains the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make and the financial fundamentals that can help Canadians purchase their first home with confidence From your experience, what is the biggest mistake first-time buyers tend to make early in the home-buying process? Honestly, the biggest mistake is falling in love with a property before understanding what they can truly afford. Too many buyers start with listings instead of starting with their finances. Without a clear budget, pre-approval, and long-term plan, it’s easy to get emotionally attached and make decisions that create stress down the road.
With so many decisions involved, what should first-time buyers prioritize to make a smart, confident purchase? Focus on the fundamentals: location, affordability, and long-term livability. Get clear on your finances, know what you actually need versus what’s just a “nice to have,” and think about how this home fits your life long-term. The goal isn’t just to buy a home, it’s to buy the right home for where you’re headed.
How should first-time buyers evaluate a home beyond the listing price to understand its true long-term value? Read the entire Q&A with Scott online at innovatingcanada.ca
The real cost of a home is everything that comes after you get the keys. Maintenance, upgrades, utilities, property taxes, all of it adds up. You also want to think about resale.
Is this a property that someone else will want to buy down the road? That’s where real value comes from. This is where the guidance of a knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent is invaluable. Through my vetted network of top Canadian real estate professionals — available on scottmcgillivray.com — you can connect with the right expert to help you make smart, strategic real estate decisions.
If you could give firsttime buyers one piece of advice to help them feel confident and prepared, what would it be?
Honestly, the biggest mistake is falling in love with a property before understanding what they can truly afford.
G et you r f i na ncial foundation in place before you start shopping. When you understand your numbers, build your savings, and take advantage of tools like CIBC’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA) — a registered account that lets you save toward your first home with tax-free growth — you’re not just buying a home, you’re building a strong financial starting point. That’s what sets you up for success long after move-in day.
How the Right Agent Can Open Doors for First-Time Home Buyers Buying a first home is a thrilling milestone — and a daunting one. With the right real estate agent, a new homebuyer can proceed with confidence.
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Ken Donohue
urchasing a first home is a huge moment in anyone’s life — both thrilling and daunting. That makes it especially important that first-time buyers work with a real estate agent with the right skills and resources. “When buying your first home, look for a real estate agent who will guide you through all the details, really listen to you and ask the right questions,” says Todd Shyiak, Century 21 Canada executive vice-president. A good agent will offer new homebuyers'
insights into considerations they may not have thought of — the need to budget for strata fees, say, or commuting, schools, and clauses to include in an offer on that perfect home. “Together, our national resources and agents’ local knowledge ensure first-time home buyers get everyIf you’re looking for a thing they need, from detailed new home, find out how explanations of timelines and Century 21 Canada can taxes to viewing homes that help you get the keys at c21.ca. meet both their budget and family needs,” Shyiak says.
This article was sponsored by Century 21.
Why Move-in Ready Net Zero Homes Are the Smart Choice As Canadians leave major cities seeking affordability and quality of life, many are choosing quick-possession homes that are stylish, functional, and energy-efficient.
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Ken Donohue
any home buyers have their sights set on St. Thomas, a growing community near London, Ont., offering excellent value. What’s not to like about affordable homes with more living space? Doug Tarry Homes is a family-owned Ontario builder with seven decades of experience specializing in sustainable, energy-efficient homes in St. Thomas. Purchasing a first home is a big deal, and Doug Tarry Homes makes it easy to get the keys. It offers over 40 different home plans to suit every budget, plus a $5,000 first-time home buyers’ program.
The builder offers quick-possession homes, which offer faster move-in dates, greater certainty around timelines, and the opportunity to see the finished space before Learn how Doug Tarry can get you the keys to purchasing. It also builds Net Zero Ready your new home at homes, which offer greater comfort and dougtarryhomes.com. cost savings, as a standard. "Net Zero is This article was our standard of our quality built homes," sponsored by says Suzie Dennis, Vice-President of MarDoug Tarry Homes. keting at Doug Tarry Homes. Energy efficiency doesn’t mean limiting design choices. Home buyers still enjoy a wide range of floor plans, layouts, and interior selections.
Publisher: Maya Mezerhane Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.