🏡 First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Welcome to the exciting, nerve-wracking, totally worth-it world of real estate. Whether you're buying a cozy condo or a family-friendly townhome, here's what every first-time buyer should know before jumping in.

✅ 1. You (Probably) Don’t Have to Pay a Realtor

  • Good news — in most cases, buyer agent commissions are paid by the seller, not you.
  • You get expert advice, negotiation power, and help every step of the way — at no cost to you.
  • Think of me as your home-buying sidekick, not another bill.

💰 2. You Only Need 5% Down

  • The minimum down payment in Canada is just 5% for homes under $500,000.
  • For homes $500K–$1M, it’s 5% on the first $500K and 10% on the rest.
  • Less than 20% down? No problem — mortgage insurance has you covered.

🏦 3. Talk to a Mortgage Broker Before You Start Browsing

  • Get pre-approved before falling in love with a home.
  • A broker helps figure out what you can afford and shops multiple lenders.
  • This gives you real numbers — and confidence — going in.

📉 4. Always Shop for the Best Rate

  • Small differences in rates can save you thousands over time.
  • Ask your broker about fixed vs. variable, and prepayment penalties.
  • Don't settle for the first offer — this is your money we're talking about.

🏘️ 5. Expect to View 5–12 Homes Before Making an Offer

  • Most buyers view 5 to 12 homes before writing their first offer.
  • Take your time — it’s a big decision.
  • Some buyers fall in love on day one, others need a few weeks — all good.

🧾 6. Other Costs to Budget For

  • Closing costs (legal fees, inspections, property transfer tax, etc.) are usually 1.5–4% of the purchase price.
  • You may qualify for a Property Transfer Tax exemption as a first-time buyer in BC.
  • Also consider furniture, moving costs, and the inevitable Costco run.

🛠️ 7. Home Inspections Are Worth It

  • Even if everything looks great, inspections can reveal hidden problems.
  • They give peace of mind or leverage in negotiation — worth every penny.

🎯 8. Get Clear on Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

  • Think location, size, parking, strata fees, pet rules, and more.
  • Know your non-negotiables to make searching more efficient.

🙋‍♂️ 9. Have Questions? Ask Everything.

  • There's no such thing as a dumb question — ask away!
  • I’ll walk you through contracts, timelines, offers, and next steps.
  • This process is better with guidance — that's where I come in.

🗂️ 10. Strata Documents Matter — and I’ll Help You Read Them

Buying a condo or townhome? Then you’re not just buying a unit — you’re buying into a strata (a shared ownership community with rules, budgets, and bylaws).

That’s why I always request at least two years of strata documents before you write an offer — and here’s what I do with them:

  • 📑 I read through the minutes, budgets, and depreciation reports for you.
  • 🧠 I look for red flags like upcoming special levies, lawsuits, poor maintenance, or weak financials.
  • 💬 I break it down for you in plain English — so you feel confident in what you're buying into.
  • 🔍 My goal is to help you avoid nightmare buildings and find a strata that’s well-managed, well-funded, and drama-free.

You don’t have to become a strata expert — that’s what I’m here for.

🎉 Ready to Start?

Let’s chat about your budget, goals, and what your ideal home looks like. Whether you're ready to buy next month or just starting to explore, I'm here to help — no pressure, just real advice.

📞 Call or text: 604-440-2225
📍 Based in Langley – proudly serving the Fraser Valley
💬 Message me: dylan@dylanwhitnack.com