First-Time Home Buyers · North Vancouver & BC

Your first mortgage is the beginning of something big. Let's get it right.

Buying your first home in BC is exciting — and complicated. Between rising prices, lending rules, down payment requirements, CMHC insurance, the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and a market that changes faster than the news cycle, it is easy to feel like you are already behind.



You are not. You just need the right guide. I have helped first-time buyers in North Vancouver, Vancouver, and across BC for over 30 years.

What we cover together

No rush. Just clear, honest guidance.

How much you can realistically afford — not just what the calculator says
Getting pre-approved before you start searching, so you can move fast when you find the right home
How to use the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) to maximize your down payment
What CMHC mortgage default insurance is, when it applies, and what it actually costs you
The difference between fixed and variable rates — and which makes sense for your situation right now
What to expect from the mortgage process so nothing surprises you at the closing table
How to read your mortgage commitment so you understand every word of what you are signing

What we cover together

No rush. Just clear, honest guidance.

The mortgage process is confusing by design — but it does not have to be. I have been guiding first-time buyers through every step of the process for over 30 years. My job is to make sure you understand exactly what you are signing, exactly what you can afford, and exactly what your options are.


I do not rush you. I do not push you toward a product that benefits me. I take the time to explain every detail until you feel confident — because you are about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

30+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
3000+
Clients helped
$1B+
mortgages funded

How it works

Getting started is simpler than you think

01

Let's talk

You've built a life in your home and leaving isn't the plan. But costs are rising, income is fixed, and you want more flexibility without uprooting everything.

02

I build your strategy

You've built a life in your home and leaving isn't the plan. But costs are rising, income is fixed, and you want more flexibility without uprooting everything.

03

I stay with you

Signing is not the end. I do annual mortgage reviews for every client. When rates shift, when your life changes, when you are thinking about your next move — I am already thinking about it too.

Common questions

First-time buyer questions I am asked all the time

Don't see your question here? Book a free consultation and I will answer it directly.

  • How much down payment do I need to buy a home in BC?

    In Canada, the minimum down payment depends on the purchase price. Homes under $500,000 require at least 5% down. Between $500,000 and $999,999, you need 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion above that. Homes at $1 million or more require at least 20% down. Most first-time buyers in BC fall in that middle range given Metro Vancouver prices.

  • What is the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)?

    The FHSA is a registered account that lets first-time home buyers save up to $40,000 tax-free for a home purchase. Contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-sheltered, and qualifying withdrawals are tax-free. It is one of the most powerful tools available to first-time buyers right now, and many people are not using it. I will help you understand how to maximize it.

  • What does mortgage pre-approval mean in Canada?

    A mortgage pre-approval is a written commitment from a lender that confirms how much you qualify to borrow at a specific rate, typically held for 90 to 120 days. It is not a guarantee of financing, but it tells sellers you are a serious buyer and protects your rate while you search. I recommend every buyer get pre-approved before they start viewing homes.

  • How do I qualify for a mortgage if I am a first-time buyer in BC?

    Lenders assess four things: your income and employment history, your credit score and history, your down payment and its source, and the property itself. I review all four with you before we approach any lender, so there are no surprises. If there are gaps, I help you address them before they become problems.

  • Should I choose a fixed or variable rate mortgage?

    There is no universal answer — it depends on your financial situation, your risk tolerance, and the current rate environment. I will walk you through both options with real numbers so you can make an informed decision that you feel comfortable with.

  • What is mortgage default insurance and do I need it?

    If your down payment is less than 20%, you are required to purchase mortgage default insurance (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty). This protects the lender — not you — but it does allow you to purchase a home with a smaller down payment. The premium is added to your mortgage balance. I will explain exactly what this costs and whether it makes sense for your situation.

Still have a question?

CONTACT

Ready to take the first step?

Let's make your first home purchase feel exciting

— not overwhelming.

No obligation, no pressure — just a direct conversation about where you are and where you want to be.



If you need to speak sooner, please reach out to me directly at 604-862-8526