Without a doubt, buying your first home is an exciting milestone. But as with any large financial decision, it can also be quite a daunting experience. As a first-time homebuyer, you may have many questions and concerns about the process. Don’t worry, it’s not expected of you to know everything. That's why I've put together some quick tips and resources to help you navigate the home buying process with more confidence. 

Budgeting

Before you start looking for a home, it's essential to determine your budget. Remember to make it flexible, as you’ll likely run into some unforeseen costs along the way. Account for your current income, expenses and any debt you may have. Ideally, pay anything that’s due before taking on a mortgage, as concurrent payments can quickly complicate your finances. Setting your budget can also help you avoid falling in love with a property that's outside of your price range and having to walk away. If budgeting is not your strong suit, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced professional to tackle the dirty work. It’s also a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage, as it will help you build a reasonable budget while giving you an advantage over buyers who haven’t done the same.

Look beyond the looks.

Don’t write a home off because the interior doesn’t match your style. Remember that the decor and colour palette that the current owners use may be negatively influencing your decision. What matters most is the structural integrity and functionality as a place of living, as these cannot be fixed as easily as cosmetics. Also consider looking at older, lower-cost homes and planning a renovation budget.

Take your time, plan carefully.

The worst thing you can do is rush into things. Nothing should be pressuring you into making a decision before you’re comfortable with doing so. This pressure can come from a variety of factors that may be influencing your purchase or sale, such as:

• Housing prices. Buy a home when it makes sense for you. The market can be unpredictable, so rushing into the process or waiting things out may hurt you.
• Interest rates. Similar to housing prices, don’t feel pressured to rush or wait if you aren’t comfortable with the current rates.
• Seasonal markets. You don’t have to wait for a particular season to buy. You may be able to find lower prices in less active seasons.
• Competitors. Don’t feel you have to raise your offer based on what others are doing if it strays too far from your budget. There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Resources

Here are a few great resources if you’re looking to buy your first home in Ottawa:

• The “First-Time Home Buyer Incentive” lets first-time homebuyers reduce their monthly mortgage payments.
• The “Home Buyers’ Amount” helps those who qualify pay for their legal fees, disbursements and land transfer taxes. 
• The “Home Buyers’ Plan” allows you to borrow $35,000 from your retirement savings plan (RRSP), tax-free, to buy or build a home.

Any questions?

You probably still have many questions, and that’s understandable. If you’re looking to buy your first home in Ottawa, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d be glad to help you achieve your goals.