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Buying Your First Home Without Going Broke

First Time Home Buyer Seminar

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  • Get pre-approved early — it strengthens your offers.
  • Don’t confuse deposits with down payments.
  • Take advantage of government programs (RRSP HBP, FHSA).
  • Build the right team: realtor, mortgage broker, lawyer, and project manager.



Daniela emphasized the importance of coordination and communication:
  • Keeping lenders, lawyers, and realtors aligned avoids last-minute stress.
  • Staying on top of deadlines ensures a smooth closing.
  • Having a coordinator means buyers can focus on decisions, not logistics.

 Loft Tip: A strong team behind you makes the buying process seamless and far less stressful.


Keeping It All on Track (Daniela Ospina – Project Manager)



 


Daniel covered important legal considerations:
  • Land transfer taxes. First-time buyers benefit from rebates, though rules vary by region.
  • Title insurance. Protects buyers against fraud, unpaid taxes, or undisclosed issues.
  • Closing funds. Be prepared with certified funds before closing day.

 Loft Tip: Title insurance may feel like a small step, but it provides big protection for your investment.


The Legal Side (Daniel Coutts – Real Estate Lawyer)



 


Julia shared practical advice on beginning the search:
  • Start with a clear consultation to define must-haves and nice-to-haves.
  • Factor in market conditions and competition.
  • Work with your own buyer’s agent — they represent your interests, not the seller’s.

 Loft Tip: Your realtor is your advocate. Make sure you have someone negotiating for you.



 


Finding the Right Home (Julia Stevens – Real Estate Agent)



 


Buying your first home starts with knowing what you can afford. Amanda highlighted several key steps:
  • Get pre-approved early. Pre-approval sets your budget and gives you confidence when making offers.
  • Understand deposits vs. down payments. A deposit is paid when your offer is accepted and goes toward your down payment. The remaining down payment is due on closing and reduces the amount you need to borrow for your mortgage.
  • Leverage your resources. Programs like the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (up to $60,000 per buyer) and the First Home Savings Account (up to $40,000 lifetime, tax-advantaged) can make a big difference.
  • Focus on comfort, not just maximum approval. The right mortgage should fit your lifestyle and monthly budget.

 Loft Tip: Pre-approval is power. It strengthens your offers and gives you clarity from the start.



 


Financing Your First Home (Amanda – Loft Financial)



 


At Loft Financial, we were proud to be part of a recent First-Time Home Buyer seminar hosted by The Rick Jensen Team. Rick led an insightful discussion with an expert panel: Julia Stevens (real estate agent), Daniel Coutts (real estate lawyer), Daniela Ospina (project manager), and our very own Amanda from Loft Financial. Together, the panel shared guidance on every stage of the home-buying journey — from the first consultation to getting the keys.

Here are some of the most valuable takeaways from the session.




 


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October 6th | Written by Julie Folch

Quick Tips for First-Time Buyers

Watch the Complete Seminar

A big thank you to The Rick Jensen Team for hosting and leading this event.
The full seminar is embedded above — watch to hear the complete discussion and more practical advice from our panel.



Ready to Start Your Journey?

At Loft Financial, we make buying your first home less overwhelming. From pre-approval to closing, we provide clarity, personalized advice, and support at every step.

Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward the keys to your first home.