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First-Time Home Buyers

From First Viewing
to First Keys

Buying your first home in Greater Vancouver is a big step. I make it a clear one, with honest advice, a plan built around your budget, and support at every stage.

Book a free consultation
See how it works
$ 0

FHSA

Save up to $8,000 a year tax-free toward your first home.

$ 0

RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan

Per person, for your down payment. Can be used with your FHSA.

$ 0

BC transfer tax exemption

No transfer tax on the first $500,000 for homes up to this price.

$ 0

First-time GST rebate

Back on a new or presale home of up to $1 million.

Buying your first home

You bring the dream.
I’ll bring the plan.

Mortgage rules, deposits, subjects, inspections, closing costs: there is a lot to take in when you buy for the first time. You do not have to work it out alone. I explain every step in plain language and make sure nothing important is missed.

With access to every MLS® listing in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I help you find the right home for your budget, prepare a strong offer, and coordinate the inspection, financing and paperwork through to completion.

Start buying today

Six steps to your keys

How I guide you home

Every purchase is different, but the path is always clear. Here is what happens from our first conversation to the day you move in.

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1

Get pre-approved

We start with what you can comfortably afford. A mortgage pre-approval sets a realistic price range, holds a rate for a period of time and shows sellers you are serious. I can connect you with trusted lenders and explain the stress test, down payment and closing costs.

2

Find the right home

We talk about what matters most: location, size, commute, schools and future plans. I set up searches across every MLS® listing, flag new homes as soon as they appear, and give you an honest view of each one, including strata documents for condos and townhomes.

3

Make a strong offer

When you find the one, I prepare an analysis of recent nearby sales so your offer is based on real numbers. Together we decide on price, deposit, subjects and dates, so you are competitive without overpaying.

4

Negotiate the terms

I negotiate on your behalf for the best price and terms. Subjects such as financing, inspection and strata review protect you while you confirm everything, and I make sure every deadline is met.

5

Home inspection

A licensed inspector checks the structure, roof, plumbing, electrical and more. I attend with you, help you understand the report and, if something needs attention, negotiate repairs or a price adjustment before subjects are removed.

6

Walk-through & keys

Before completion we do a final walk-through to make sure everything is as agreed. Your lawyer or notary handles the transfer and funds, and on possession day you get the keys to your first home.

Free tools

Plan your numbers

Try different prices and down payments in seconds, then send me your results and we will go through them together.

01

Mortgage

Monthly payments, CMHC insurance and the stress test.

Calculate →
02

Affordability

How much home you could afford on your income.

Calculate →
03

Transfer Tax

BC property transfer tax with first-time buyer savings.

Calculate →
04

GST Rebate

Your rebate on a new or presale home.

Calculate →
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Why work with Alex

An advisor in your corner, start to finish

Local knowledge

Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond, the North Shore, Coquitlam, Surrey and Langley. I know the neighbourhoods, schools and prices that matter to first-time buyers.

Full-service support

Pre-approval, showings, the offer, inspection and paperwork. I coordinate each step so you always know what comes next.

Clear communication

Quick answers and honest advice, in English and Chinese [CONFIRM LANGUAGES], so you feel confident at every decision.

Rated 5 out of 5
I worked with Alex for the purchase and sale of my first home. Alex went above and beyond to walk me through the process and responded to all questions in a timely manner.
Donovan mckilliop
Condo Sale in Vancouver, BC

Good questions

First-time buyer FAQs

In Canada the minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the portion from $500,000 to $1.5 million. Homes of $1.5 million or more need at least 20%. With less than 20% down, mortgage insurance is added to your mortgage.

Yes. You can withdraw from your First Home Savings Account and use the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan for the same purchase, as long as you meet each program’s rules when you withdraw.

Plan for property transfer tax (reduced or removed for many first-time buyers), legal or notary fees, a home inspection, an appraisal if your lender needs one, title insurance, moving costs and property tax and strata adjustments. The transfer tax calculator gives you an estimate.

It depends on the market and your plans. Once an offer is accepted, subjects are usually removed within about a week, and completion is often 30 to 60 days later. Presales can take much longer.

[CONFIRM WITH ALEX: how buyer representation is paid and what is disclosed in his buyer agreement.]

Free consultation

Let’s plan your first home

What happens next

  • I reply within one business day [CONFIRM].
  • We talk about your budget, timing and must-haves.
  • You get a clear plan, with no obligation.

NuStream Realty Inc., Brokerage
#100-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC