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Homebuyer's School

113 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★ - 25 ratings

Homebuyer's school is where new and seasoned homebuyers get the latest strategies and tips so they are better prepared when making their next home purchase.

Investing Business Education downpayment buyingahome buyinganewhome buyingmyfirsthome firsttimehomebuyers homebuyer homepurchase mortgage mortgagepreapproval sellinghomes
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Episodes

What are closing costs when buying a house or a condo?

March 05, 2020 17:26 - 6 minutes - 6.37 MB

About to finalize buying your home? What are the closing costs you need to be aware of? In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, Realtor with ReMax First, and discuss the additional costs you need to be aware of when buying a home, when they occur and where they come from. We also discuss if you can buy a home without any closing costs.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-are-closin...

Pros and cons of buying a home before and after marriage

February 06, 2020 23:44 - 6 minutes - 5.89 MB

Should you buy a home before or after you are married? In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, Realtor with ReMax First, and discuss the pros and cons of buying a home before and after getting married. You'll learn key family and economic conditions that will impact your decision to buy a home.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/pros-and-cons-buying-a-home-before-and-after-marriage  ...

Don't make these biggest first time home buyer mistakes (so you get the BEST VALUE!)

January 16, 2020 18:30 - 8 minutes - 7.89 MB

Planning on buying your first home this year? What are the top mistakes other first time home buyers make and how do you avoid them? In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, Realtor with ReMax First, and discuss some common mistakes when buying your first home such as assuming every home on the market is a good buy or being not ready to actually make a purchase.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homeb...

Top 5 things you must consider when buying a home for the first time

January 09, 2020 20:41 - 7 minutes - 6.86 MB

Before buying a home, what do you need to consider and prepare for? In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, Realtor with ReMax First, and discuss what are the top five things you absolutely MUST consider before buying a home for the first time.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/top-5-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-home-for-the-first-time   We discuss the following items:  What...

Should I wait to buy a house in 2020? What market factors SHOULD I consider?

January 03, 2020 19:04 - 7 minutes - 7.16 MB

Thinking about buying a home in 2020? What are some things you need to consider? In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, Realtor with ReMax First, and discuss what are the key factors to look if you are planning to buy a home in 2020. We explore if you should time the market and what non-monetary reasons to consider.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/should-i-wait-to-buy-a-house-in-2...

Does staging your home help it sell? (with DIY tips to help sell your home quicker!)

December 27, 2019 23:56 - 8 minutes - 8.11 MB

Ready to sell your home? Is staging your home required?  In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, realtor with Remax First, and discuss if staging actually helps sell your home faster. We explore how to make your home "less personal" for visitors and if it's better to have an empty home or a staged home. Finally, we provide some DIY staging tips if you don't want to pay for professional staging.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stori...

What are the hidden costs when buying and owning a house?

December 19, 2019 17:36 - 6 minutes - 5.8 MB

Wondering what the true cost of homeownership is? In this episode, we talk with Brad McCallum, realtor with Remax First, and discuss all the costs when buying and owning a home that aren't readily apparent. We talk about home maintenance costs and how location not just affects your home's cost but also lifestyle. We also explore the costs associated with new and resale homes.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential...

What's the difference between closing costs and down payment?

December 12, 2019 20:52 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MB

Wondering what the differences are between closing costs and a down payment? How do they affect you when buying a home? In this episode, we talk with Troy Champ, Mortgage Advisor with Mortgage Tree and discuss the differences between the two, how closing costs are applied when buying a home, what home builders may cover. Finally, we also look at differences between the two regarding new and resale homes.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: http://s...

What are the pros and cons of buying new vs. resale home?

December 06, 2019 17:10 - 6 minutes - 5.98 MB

Planning to buy a new home? Wondering if you should buy new or used? What are the pros and cons? In this episode, we talk with Cory McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss whether to buy a new or resale home and the benefits of each. We talk about pricing and additional fees as well as the impact of location when making your decision.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuye...

How to design the perfect interior lighting plan for my home

November 28, 2019 19:59 - 5 minutes - 4.65 MB

What's the best way to light up your home's interior? How about for every room? In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Hotchkiss, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss how to choose lighting for your home, lighting maintenance, as well as the best lighting design for each room of your home. We also explore different lighting design ideas.  Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/...

How to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile (and which is better!)

November 21, 2019 18:28 - 4 minutes - 4.52 MB

Debating whether to put porcelain or ceramic tile in your home? What are the best uses for each? In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Hotchkiss, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss the difference between porcelain and ceramic and where the best places to put them in your home. We also explore how to clean, maintain and if they need to be replaced.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com...

How to choose the best carpet for every room in your home (including bedrooms, living rooms and more...)

November 14, 2019 22:25 - 6 minutes - 6 MB

Thinking about changing carpet for your current home? How about for a new home? How do you choose the best one for each room? In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Hotchkiss, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss choosing the best carpet for your home including: quality and durability and which carpet is easier to clean. We also explore which carpet makes your home look bigger and how to choose the right colour for each room.    Prefer to watch the video or read and ...

How to choose the best tile for every room in your home

November 07, 2019 17:16 - 5 minutes - 5.04 MB

Looking to use tile for your new home? Which ones are best suited for each room? why?In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Hotchkiss, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss how to choose the best tile for each room in your home including maintenance and colour.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/how-to-choose-the-best-tile-for-every-room-in-your-home    We discuss ...

What are practical flooring alternatives to hardwood to use in your home?

October 31, 2019 20:25 - 3 minutes - 3.65 MB

Looking for different flooring options other than hardwood for your home? What are the costs and maintenance? In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Hotchkiss, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss flooring alternatives and when you would need them. We also explore how to maintain and pricing.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-are-flooring-alternatives-to-hardwoo...

How to choose the best countertop for your bathroom (with modern ideas for design)

October 24, 2019 17:17 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MB

Renovating or designing a bathroom? What countertops should you use? In this episode, we talk with Mackenzie Schurer, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss bathroom countertop ideas and how to choose the best one for your home. We explore cleaning and sealing, and modern design ideas to complement the rest of your house.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/how-to-choos...

How to pick the best (and complimentary) interior paint colours for your home

October 17, 2019 23:48 - 9 minutes - 8.59 MB

Updating the interior paint colours of your home? Choosing colours for a brand new home? How do you choose the colour that will complement the rest of the home? In this episode, we talk with Mackenzie Schurer, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss how to make this decision based on the type of room and complementary elements like flooring and countertops. We also explore which colours to choose to improve your home's resale value.     Prefer to watch the video or rea...

What are the best modern tile countertop ideas for your kitchen? (including cost and maintenance)

October 10, 2019 17:00 - 9 minutes - 8.31 MB

Planning on a renovating or installing new kitchen tile countertops? What are the best types of tile? How about the latest designs? In this episode, we talk with Mackenzie Schurer, Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss new countertop tiles for your kitchen, benefits of each, maintenance and price. We also review some tile countertop ideas, combinations and trends.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldr...

How much mortgage can I afford? (including calculating income and debt)

September 26, 2019 21:19 - 7 minutes - 6.63 MB

Wondering if you can actually afford to buy that home you've been eyeing? How much can you  afford? How much will your lender provide? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss how much mortgage you can afford and how the banks/lenders determine how much they can lend you. We explore how your income and debt impacts mortgage affordability and how you should set up a monthly budget to include your mortgage payments.     Prefer t...

How to choose the right mortgage lender (and get the best rates!)

September 19, 2019 19:57 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MB

Planning to apply for a mortgage? Who do you talk to? How do you get the best rates? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss choosing the right mortgage lender for you. We also explore how to do your research when looking for a lender, questions you need to ask and if you can (or should) change lenders when renewing your mortgage.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.broo...

What you need to do before applying for a mortgage (including how to improve your credit score)

September 12, 2019 22:07 - 6 minutes - 6 MB

Before applying for a mortgage, what do you need to prepare? How do you get your finances in order? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss how to prepare for a mortgage including how to understand your budget, ways to improve your credit and how the mortgage approval process works.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-you-ne...

Townhouse vs condo: What's the difference and which has better resale value?

September 09, 2019 21:04 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MB

Not sure about the difference between a condo or townhouse? How do you find out which one is right for you? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, we discuss the differences between the home types, property tax implications of each and which has a higher resale value.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/townhouse-vs-condo-whats-the-diffe...

Mortgage pre-approval vs approval: What's the difference? (and why they're both important)

September 05, 2019 20:46 - 9 minutes - 8.88 MB

What's the difference between a mortgage pre-approval and mortgage approval? What are criteria to get each? Who do you need to get approval from? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss the differences between the two approvals and their requirements. We also look at examples of why a bank might not give approval and what happens if you get declined by a mortgage insurance provider. Finally, we see if you can switch lenders after...

How to buy a townhouse for the first time: A Step-By-Step Guide

August 29, 2019 17:34 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

Thinking about buying a townhouse? Where do you start? What questions should you ask? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and look at the steps involved in buying a townhome and how to prepare. If you are comparing between a townhouse and condo, we also discuss the differences and which costs more.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/...

Downsizing from house to a condo: What you ought to know and expect

August 22, 2019 21:28 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MB

Moving into your first condo? Downsizing from your house to a condo? What should you know? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss some tips on condo living for those moving in to their first home to those downsizing to a condo. We explore adjustments you may have to make as well as decorating and upgrade ideas for your condo.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfi...

Fixed vs variable mortgage in 2019: Which is better for you? (and how to choose)

August 19, 2019 21:43 - 8 minutes - 7.9 MB

Planning to get or renew a mortgage? Wondering whether you should go with a variable or fixed rate in 2019? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss fixed and variable mortgages as well as mortgage rate outlook for 2019. We provide examples of when to use variable vs fixed. Finally we explore which is better, a five or ten year mortgage term including examples of using each.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes?...

Who's responsible for condo maintenance and repairs? (and who pays the fees?)

August 15, 2019 21:08 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MB

When buying a condo, who is responsible for maintaining it? What are the owner's responsibilities? Renters? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential and discuss maintenance responsibilities, how maintenance fees are calculated and what's included in these fees.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/whos-responsible-for-condo-maintenance-and-r...

How does a mortgage work? (what you MUST know to buy a home)

August 12, 2019 18:21 - 9 minutes - 8.63 MB

In this episode of Homebuyer's School, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss how a mortgage actually works and all the elements involved when borrowing to buy a home. We explore what a lien is, what happens if you can't pay off your mortgage and mortgage portability. Finally, we talk about the types of mortgage penalties and how to avoid them.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfi...

Are condos a good investment and worth buying? (what you NEED to know before buying)

August 09, 2019 18:05 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MB

Deciding if you should buy a condo and if it's worth investing in? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss if condos are a good investment. We explore how your research is different when buying a condo as an investment. Finally, we see if a resale or a new condo is a better investment.      Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/a...

How does the mortgage approval process work in Canada? (and how to get approved fast!)

August 01, 2019 19:08 - 10 minutes - 9.44 MB

Thinking about or ready to get a mortgage approval? What are the steps involved? What do you need to prepare? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss how the mortgage approval works and the steps involved throughout the home buying process. We also explore mortgage approval requirements including the 5 C's of credit that the bank or lender use. Finally, we talk about mortgage approval impacts to credit score, how long it takes to...

What are the pros and cons of living in a condo? (so you know if it fits your lifestyle)

July 29, 2019 18:25 - 8 minutes - 7.94 MB

Wondering if condo living is right for you? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss the pros and cons of living in a condo. We explore how noise travels through a condo and how it impacts you. We also review what to look for when research your condo preferences and how customizable is your condo.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyerss...

UPDATE: CMHC First time home buyer incentive program (easier to buy a home?)

July 25, 2019 20:37 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss new information about the First Time Home Buyer Incentive Program from the Canada Housing Mortgage Corporation (CMHC). We discuss who can apply, impact on the mortgage stress test, down payment requirements and how it affects mortgage insurance. We also go through an example of how the Incentive Program works and if it actually makes buying a home for the first time easier.    Prefer to...

What homeowners ought to know about downsizing your home (tips, strategies and when to do it!)

July 22, 2019 17:41 - 6 minutes - 5.61 MB

Thinking about downsizing your home? How do you know if and when you should start? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, Realtor with Remax, and discuss why would you want to downsize your home, how to start and when is the best time. We also explore if you should downsize your home to pay off debt and the impact of downsizing on your home equity.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/w...

Step by step guide on how to buy a condo for the first time

July 18, 2019 21:57 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Planning to buy a condo? Want to know the exact steps from pre-approval to possession. In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, we discuss how to buy a condo for the first time including a step by step guide. We also explore different types of condos, buying resale condos and downsizing to a condo.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/step-...

What first time home buyers need to know about buying an investment property

July 15, 2019 20:44 - 6 minutes - 5.92 MB

Not sure if your first home purchase should be to live in or as an investment property? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, a Remax realtor, and discuss the pros and cons of buying a home as an investment property as well as explore the financial implications of moving into your investment property.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-first-time-home-buyers-need-to-know-about-bu...

What are the real estate and housing market trends for 2019?

July 11, 2019 16:29 - 8 minutes - 7.7 MB

Wondering if now is the best time to get into the real estate market? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, a Remax realtor, and discuss the housing and real estate trends for 2019 and beyond. We explore trends for mortgage rates, home types, if 2019 is still a good year to buy a home and expectations into the fall market.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-are-the-alberta-and-c...

What to look for when viewing a house for sale (so you don't miss key details)

July 04, 2019 18:29 - 9 minutes - 8.95 MB

When viewing a show home or a resale home what should you look for? How should you prepare? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, a Remax realtor, and discuss what to look for when viewing a home for sale including key items that may be hidden by marketing or home preparation. We also explore how long your viewings should last, how to prepare before visiting the home and how to review the home's exterior.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: ht...

How to prepare to buy your first house (and avoid making a mistake!)

June 27, 2019 20:19 - 8 minutes - 7.75 MB

So you're ready to buy a home but how do you prepare? Who do you talk to and what do you need to get ready? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, a Remax realtor, and discuss discuss preparing and getting ready to buy your first home. We explore what research you need to do and who you need to work with. We also look at things NOT to do, especially when buying a brand new home.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresi...

How to get the best deal when buying a house

June 24, 2019 21:44 - 9 minutes - 8.36 MB

So how do you make sure you get the absolutely best deal when buying a home? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, a Remax realtor, and discuss how to get the best deal on your next home purchase. We look at shopping for mortgage rates, understanding the market and how to negotiate when buying. We also explore key elements that impact getting the best deal such your savings, home type, upgrades, and timeframe to purchase.   Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the ...

How to avoid the five biggest first time home buyer mistakes

June 20, 2019 21:06 - 8 minutes - 8.22 MB

Worried about making a mistake with one of the largest purchases in your lifetime? What can you do to avoid them? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, a Remax realtor, and we discuss the top five mistakes when buying your first home and how to avoid them. We look at pricing and financing mistakes as well as how much research should you do in addition to relying on trusted advisors, such as a real estate agent.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript...

Condo vs townhouse vs single family home: What are the differences? (with pros and cons of buying)

June 17, 2019 18:36 - 8 minutes - 7.95 MB

What are the differences between a condo, townhome and a single-family home? What are the pros and cons of living in each home type? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, Realtor with Remax, and discuss we look at the differences between each and the scenarios when you would buy one over the other.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/condo-vs-townhouse-vs-single-family-home-what-are-t...

Steps to buying a house for the first time (so you don't waste time and save money)

June 17, 2019 18:34 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MB

So you are ready to make your first home purchase. What are the exact steps in buying your new home? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, Realtor with Remax, and discuss how to buy a home for the first time and guide you with a step by step process on what needs to happen through the entire purchase: from getting your financing in place, to choosing your location, home inspection, home upgrades, closing the deal and more.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See th...

Is it harder for millennials to buy a house in 2019 and beyond?

June 10, 2019 20:43 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MB

Are you a first time home buyer and/or a millennial looking to buy a home? It is more difficult to buy a home these days? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, Realtor with Remax, and discuss millennials and home buying in 2019 and if it's harder for younger people to buy a home today than it was 5 or 10 years ago and why. We also explore if they are waiting longer to buy a home, stay in their homes longer and if there are any regrets when buying.    Prefer to watch the video or re...

How to choose a real estate agent to sell your home (and get it right!)

June 06, 2019 22:13 - 8 minutes - 7.76 MB

Ready to sell your home? How do you find the right real estate agent? How do you know if they are qualified and can fit your needs? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, Realtor with Remax, and discuss how to choose a realtor when selling your home including how to find the best one in your location. We explore if you should talk to a mortgage professional or realtor first and the cost of showing your home. Finally, we look at how realtors get paid and how agents get listings.     ...

Most important questions to ask a realtor when buying a house for the first time

June 03, 2019 22:14 - 6 minutes - 5.65 MB

Decided to use a realtor when buying your first home? What are the key questions to ask so you are well prepared? In this episode, we talk with Kevin French, Realtor with Remax Realty, and discuss the type of questions you need to ask your real estate agent when buying a home. We also explore realtor specializations, such as product or area, and is product or amenities more important. Finally, we discuss how a realtor can help you when researching a home you want to buy.    Prefer to wat...

Mortgage rates explained: How do they work and how to find the best rate!

May 30, 2019 22:18 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MB

So what are mortgage rates and how do they impact your ability to buy a home? How would you find the best rate? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with TD Canada Trust, we discuss everything about mortgage rates including; what they are, how are they determine/calculated and how to shop for and compare the best rate.  Finally, we explore where mortgage rates are headed in 2019 and beyond.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript...

Is it better to pay off my mortgage or invest my money?

May 23, 2019 22:37 - 6 minutes - 5.72 MB

Which will have a better long term financial benefit? Paying off your mortgage or investing your money? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with TD Canada Trust, and discuss which one is best for you and if you should save for retirement (or save in general) first or pay off your mortgage? We also explore if it's a good idea to withdraw your RRSP to pay off your mortgage.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stor...

How to pay off your mortgage faster in Canada (and when should you do it)

May 13, 2019 22:53 - 9 minutes - 8.84 MB

So how do you pay off your mortgage faster or earlier? Is it a good idea to? Are there any penalties? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with TD Canada Trust, and discuss how to pay off your mortgage faster and what is the fastest way to do so. We also explore if you should pay off your mortgage before your term ends and if there is a penalties for doing so.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfiel...

What's the difference between an insured and conventional mortgage in Canada?

May 06, 2019 18:19 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MB

Not sure which type of mortgage to get when buying your next home? What are the differences? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss the different type of mortgages in Canada, specifically insured vs conventional mortgage. We explore the benefits of each and the differing payment plans.     Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript: https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/whats...

What are the best available first time home buyer programs ?

April 29, 2019 18:05 - 6 minutes - 6.29 MB

Buying a home first the first time? Wondering what programs are available to help first time home buyers? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, dis and discuss what are the best first time home buyers programs available such as the First Time Home Buyer's Plan and the recently announced First Time Home Buyer Incentive. We also explore available down payment assistance programs.    Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See t...

Best way to start saving for a down payment on a house (and how to do it fast!)

April 22, 2019 21:17 - 10 minutes - 9.57 MB

Planning to buy a home? What's the best way to start saving quickly? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss top tips to save up for a down payment on a home. We also explore if you should pay off your debt before saving for a home, how much should you actually save and if it's better to save more than 20% for a down payment. Finally, we talk about down payment assistance programs you may want to take advantage of.      Pre...