For a first-time home buyer, entering the real estate market can feel intimidating. To help ease this transition and ensure that you get the home you have always dreamed of, our team has put together this simple guide.

To get you started, here is what you need to know as a first-time home buyer:

Choosing Your Team

When you are looking to make one of the biggest financial investments of your life, it pays to work with a local team of professionals that will guide you through the process. We provide our clients with honest advice at every step of their home search; with our experience purchasing, renovating, leasing, and selling real estate across the GTA, we know what a sound real estate investment looks like, and will only guide you towards decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

Rebates and Finance Options

In Ontario, first-time home buyers are eligible for tax rebates, including a Land Transfer Tax rebate of up to $4,000. If you’re purchasing a home in the city of Toronto, you’re eligible for a Land Transfer Tax rebate of up to $3,725. Qualified first-time home buyers can also take part in The Home Buyers’ Plan, a government program that allows them to withdraw up to $25,000 tax-free from their RRSPs. To determine a budget and discuss what financing options are right for you, meet with a financial specialist or mortgage broker.

The Type of Home

The right type of home should fit your lifestyle and plans for the future. Are you looking for a large detached home to grow into? Are you interested in becoming a landlord and need an income suite? Our team can help you narrow down the choices, whether you want a turn-key property or are willing to put in some extra work to make a house your own.

The Location

From the suburban communities in Oakville to the urban side streets of Toronto, where you choose to buy is just as important as what you choose to buy. To determine what the best area is for you, consider your budget, needed amenities, ideal commute time, and transit requirements.