One of the most fulfilling clients I work for are first time home buyers. As a real estate professional I enjoy the challenge of educating my first time buyers on what it takes to buy a house and what the process might look like. The main reason I enjoy it so much as I take great pride in protecting them from the elements so to speak. There are so many potential pitfalls or people looking to take advantage of their inexperience that it is such a great experience when their dreams of home ownership are fulfilled in a house that suits them.
First time buyers have become the lifeblood of our Sarnia real estate market as they are buying up properties under the $200,000 mark and then usually moving up in approximately 5 years after owning.
There are many incentives to first time home buyers:
- Up to $2,000 in Land Transfer Tax Rebate
- 5% Down mortgages through CMHC
- Use your RRSP’s for your down payment using the Governments Home Buyers Plan
- Hiring a Real Estate Agent is Free
If you are a first time home buyer reading this you should know that the home buying process is not as scary as it seems. I commend you for researching the market and real estate agents before you jump in. If you hire the right Realtor who knows how nervous you are and pledges to represent YOUR best interests over any others you will be OK. Many first timer’s buy off the listing agent through an open house or by calling the sign. This can lead to you saying the wrong thing to the agent which could cost you thousands of dollars in negotiating power. Remember the Listing Agent always represents the interests of the Seller and can and will use what you say against you!
Make the smart first step and call Ryan @ 519-381-4055 or email me at Home Buyers page and sign up to receive MLS listings that meet your criteria to your email. This will give you the market knowledge you need when you start viewing open houses.
