Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast

Welcome back to Homeowner AF! Today on the podcast, I'm breaking down how gifted down payments work for first time home buyers in Canada and what you need to know before using gifted funds toward your home purchase. I also share advice for buyers who are saving without family support and explain why having a strategic homeownership plan can still move you closer to buying your first home in Canada. Whatever your situation, I'm here to get you closer to your goal! 

In this episode, I cover:

• Who can gift funds and what lenders typically allow
• The paperwork and bank documentation needed for mortgage approval
• Why closing costs may still need to come from your own savings
• What borrowers need to know before accepting gifted funds from family
• How working with a mortgage agent early can help speed up your home buying journey

If you’re preparing for a mortgage pre-approval or wondering how gifted funds affect your mortgage application, this episode will help you understand the process with confidence. 

Send your podcast questions to [email protected] and my socials below, or send me a voice note to be featured on the podcast! 

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Many people assume that once they’re pre-approved, everything is set. Today on Homeowner AF, I’m sharing why this is a myth and exactly what you should avoid doing after receiving your mortgage pre-approval. If you’re a first time homebuyer, you’re going to want to listen in so you can avoid these common mistakes. 

In this episode, I cover:

• The three key factors your pre-approval is based on and the importance of not making any changes to them
• Why co-signing any loan can potentially nullify your pre-approval
• How switching jobs during the pre-approval period can impact your mortgage terms, even if it’s to a higher paying job
• The importance of managing your credit after you’ve been pre-approved
• Why you must communicate any changes to your down payment to your mortgage broker

If you found today’s conversation helpful, give this episode a like and review. If you'd like to discuss your specific situation, book a free call with me. Stay tuned for more insider tips to help you navigate the home buying process.

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Today on the podcast, I walk you through exactly what happens after you’ve been pre-approved and how to confidently move forward in your home buying journey. We dive into the practical next steps every first time home buyer in Ontario needs to take to turn that pre-approval into a successful home purchase.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to choose the right realtor and why finding someone who aligns with you is key to your homeownership experience
• Why you need to send me MLS listings before making an offer and how I help determine your maximum offer price
• How property taxes, rental income potential, and interest rate changes can impact your affordability and mortgage strategy
• The hidden red flags in properties that could get your mortgage declined by lenders or insurers
• What documents need to be updated quickly to meet financing conditions and avoid delays
• How to protect yourself with the right financing conditions and why doing your due diligence upfront is critical as a first time home buyer

I hope this episode helps you make the move from pre-approval to purchase with clarity and confidence! If you’re in the process of becoming a first-time homeowner in Ontario, subscribe to the podcast for more expert advice.

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Today on the podcast, I am breaking down closing costs for first time home buyers in Ontario and why they are one of the most overlooked parts of the home buying process. I walk you through what you actually need saved beyond your down payment, and how to prepare for these costs so you can step into homeownership with confidence.

In this episode, I cover:

• What closing costs are and why they can range from 1.5% up to 4–6% of your purchase price in Ontario
• Legal fees explained, what your real estate lawyer does and how much you should budget
• Land transfer tax in Ontario, including first time home buyer rebates and how Toronto differs
• CMHC insurance tax and how insured mortgages impact your upfront closing costs
• Additional expenses like title insurance, home inspections, appraisals and rural property considerations
• How to prepare your funds, avoid surprises, and ensure your closing day goes smoothly

If you are a first time home buyer in Ontario trying to understand your true costs beyond the down payment, this episode will help you plan ahead and avoid costly surprises. Tune into Homeowner AF and take the next step toward homeownership fully prepared and financially confident.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
• Provincial Land Transfer Tax https://www.ontario.ca/document/land-transfer-tax , 
• Municipal Land Transfer Tax (Toronto https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/municipal-land-transfer-tax-mltt/municipal-land-transfer-tax-mltt-rates-and-fees/ 

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Today on the podcast, I am walking you through the true starting point of your homeownership journey as a first time home buyer in Ontario, and why getting a mortgage pre-approval before house hunting is one of the most important steps you can take. I break down exactly what a pre-approval includes, how it impacts your affordability, and how it sets you up to confidently enter the Canadian real estate market.

In this episode, I cover:

• What a mortgage pre-approval is and how it determines your maximum purchase price and monthly payment
• The three key factors lenders assess: income, credit, and down payment for first time home buyers
• How a rate hold works and how it protects you from rising interest rates in Ontario
• The difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification and why that matters for your home buying strategy
• What documents you need, including T4s, NOAs, credit reports, and down payment verification
• How working with a mortgage agent versus a bank can impact your mortgage options and approval

If you are a first time home buyer in Ontario looking to understand your numbers, strengthen your application, and move toward homeownership with confidence, I hope this episode will give you the clarity and strategy you need. 

Send your podcast questions to [email protected] and my socials below, or send me a voice note to be featured on the podcast! 

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Today on the podcast, I am clearing up one of the biggest myths in Canadian real estate: that every first time home buyer needs 20% down. I break down what the minimum down payment actually looks like in Ontario, how CMHC insurance works, and how to decide whether buying sooner or waiting aligns better with your homeownership and wealth building goals.

In this episode, I cover:

• Minimum down payment rules in Canada: 5%, 10% and how it’s calculated
• What an insured mortgage is and how CMHC, Sagen and Canada Guaranty protect lenders
• The true cost of mortgage insurance and how the premium is added to your loan
• Interest rate advantages of insured mortgages versus 20% down
• Ontario closing costs, land transfer tax and why your down payment is not your only expense

If you are a first time home buyer in Ontario trying to figure out how much you really need saved, this episode will help you make a confident, strategic decision. Tune into Homeowner AF and take the next step toward homeownership with clarity.

Send your podcast questions to [email protected] and my socials below, or send me a voice note to be featured on the podcast!


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
How much you need for a downpayment from the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/down-payment.html?  

Canadian mortgage insurers:
• Canada Guaranty: https://www.canadaguaranty.ca
• Sagen: https://www.sagen.ca
• CMHC: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca 

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Welcome back to Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast, with your host Brianna Goslin! I am excited to be back after a long break, and we are diving straight into what has changed for the first time home buyer in Ontario. I break down who actually qualifies as a first time home buyer in 2026 and how to position yourself properly for homeownership in today’s Canadian real estate market.

In this episode, I cover:

• Key market shifts since 2024, including interest rate trends, credit use and housing supply
• Who qualifies as a first time home buyer in Canada and Ontario
• Federal incentives like the Home Buyers’ Plan, FHSA and extended amortization options
• Ontario land transfer tax rebates and municipal down payment assistance programs
• How common law status, co-signing and the four year rule affect eligibility
• Plus, what I’ll be covering in future episodes!

I also share a real client example that shows why working with a mortgage agent early matters. If you are a first time home buyer, planning your next move or the friend of someone you know who is, share this episode and continue to tune into Homeowner AF weekly to get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence!

Send your podcast questions to [email protected] and my socials below, or send me a voice note to be featured on the podcast!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
• First Time Buyer Benefits in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2023/first-time-home-buyer-tax-incentives.html  

• Homebuyer's Plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/what-home-buyers-plan.html 

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account.html 

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

In this episode of Homeowner AF, I sit down with Scott McEachern, a Certified Financial Planner based in Barrie, Ontario. Scott specializes in helping families make smart financial decisions, from securing the right life insurance to planning for their biggest financial goals like becoming debt-free, saving for their kids’ education, or buying their first home. 

Together, we dive into the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) — a game-changing tool for first-time homebuyers in Canada.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What is the FHSA?

• Scott breaks down how the FHSA compares to other popular savings options like RRSPs and TFSAs, explaining why it’s a must-know for first-time homebuyers.

Eligibility Criteria for the FHSA:

• We cover who qualifies as a "first-time homebuyer" and the steps to open this account.

Where to Open an FHSA:

• Scott shares tips on where Canadians can access the FHSA — whether it’s through the big five banks or alternative financial institutions.

Contribution Limits and Carry-Forward Rules:

• Learn about the annual and lifetime contribution limits for the FHSA and how unused room can be carried forward.

Tax Advantages of the FHSA:

• Scott explains how FHSA contributions impact your taxable income and how they can be used as tax deductions.

Strategies for First-Time Homebuyers:

• Discover actionable tips to maximize your FHSA and reach your savings goals faster.

Risks and Limitations:

• We discuss potential risks or limitations of investing within the FHSA compared to other accounts.

What Happens If You Don’t Buy a Home?

• Find out how unused FHSA funds can be transferred or repurposed without penalties.

Connect with Scott McEachern:

• Instagram: @scmceachern
• Website: https://www.mceachernfinancial.ca/
  
  
  

Join Brianna's Email List for Exclusive Updates:

Sign up here: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/emailsignup

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Brianna is back with timely information for Canadian First Time Homebuyers:

Coming into effect December 14, 2024, first-time buyers in Canada will have access to 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages.

Also released were details about the insured mortgage cap which is now $1.5 MM compared to the previous $1MM maximum purchase price. 

Listen in to find out what these new regulations mean for you as a borrower and what to keep in mind if you are hoping to take advantage of these new opportunities in the market.

Join Brianna's Email List for Exclusive Updates:
Sign up here: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/emailsignup

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

Are you making the minimum payments on time, on all your debts, but still seeing your credit score decline? You might be using too much credit. In today's episode, Brianna talks about credit utilization. She discusses:

• Credit utilization: What it is
• How it's measured
• What to do if your credit utilization is too high

Resources:
More about credit utilization: https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/debt-management/articles/-/learn/credit-utilization-ratio/ 

Join Brianna's Email List for Exclusive Updates:
Sign up here: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/emailsignup

Specific Questions?  Ready to get started?
Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com

Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites

Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages