First-Time Homebuyers Mortgage

Buying a home is a major milestone in life and first-time homebuyers can feel overwhelmed by the choices. For the vast majority of us, it is the single most expensive purchase that we will make. Not only that, it contains a bevy of uncertainty, excitement, and stress rolled into one not-so-neat package. But being a first-time homebuyer offers its benefits but also comes with a lack of experience and uncertainty.

The process of being a first-time homebuyer also means that you will need to start saving up for a down payment and the costs associated with purchasing a home. Perhaps you think that you will be unable to afford a home. What you may not have known is that there are a variety of incentives for first-time home buyers offered by the Canadian government like the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

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First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credits

Because you are buying your first home that means that you may have access to a number of tax breaks. This includes the First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit. This is claimed on your annual tax return and, in most provinces, those buyers can also claim things like a land transfer tax rebate.

First-time buyers can also take advantage of things like tax-sheltered savings using what is known as the Home Buyer’s Plan. This allows you to withdraw money tax-free from your RRSP so that you can purchase a home.

Because there are also government programs available, this means that the stress of the expense of purchasing that first home can be eased. Most importantly, there are a bevy of perks to be had. In addition to the aforementioned tax credits and Home Buyer’s Plan, this can also include things like the GST/HST new housing rebate.

Mortgage insurance is also offered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as well as other private insurers. This allows all home buyers, including first-timers, to buy a home with a down payment as low as 5%. There are also cash grants available, and though rarer, that can help buyers save thousands upon thousands of dollars but it is best to ask your broker first.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is meant to help qualified first-time buyers reduce their monthly mortgage payment without having to add to their financial burden. This is a shared-equity mortgage with the government of Canada and it offers:

1. A Minimum 5% for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a resale home
2. 5% for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a new or resale manufactured/mobile home
3. A down payment of 5% to 10% for a first time buyer’s purchase of a brand-new construction

This Incentive’s shared-equity mortgage is one where the government has a shared investment in the home itself. This means that the government shares in both the upside and downside of that property’s value.

Participating in this loan means not having to save quite as much for a down payment as would be necessary on your own. The home buyer will, however, have to repay the Incentive based on the property’s fair market value at the time of repayment.

For example, if a homebuyer receives a 5% Incentive, they would have to repay 5% of the home’s value when it comes time to repayment. This is meant to give new buyers a chance to purchase a home without as much down initially.

Mortgage Rates for First-Time Homebuyers

A great thing about being a first-time buyer is that if you have good credit and provide a sufficient down payment, you should be able to qualify for some of the best mortgage rates on the market today despite never having purchased a home before.

An important thing to remember is that you do not have to obtain a mortgage through the financial institution that you currently bank with. As a matter of fact, it is advisable that you do some shopping around to find the best possible rates.

Consider using a broker – as many first-time homebuyers do – to help facilitate the entire process, making it smoother going and providing a more helpful and educational experience as well.

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Superbrokers can assist in finding the best brokers that have access to some of the lowest rates in Canada. Not only that, they can find access to some pretty great lender products that have great repayment options and flexible terms to meet your need best.

Buying your first home is supposed to be exciting. If you have never had a mortgage before and need help looking for your first home or are simply looking to get more information, one of our mortgage brokers is available to answer all of your questions.

All of our consultations are free – you never have to pay us to get more information (like the basics) about the first-time homebuyer experience. That means going into this very exciting process with the most information and getting the best experience possible.

First-Time Mortgage Frequently Asked Questions

To avoid adding unwanted stress and confusion in obtaining your very first mortgage, read the following frequently asked questions. This valuable information will not only answer some questions you may have about mortgage brokers but, most importantly, may also make your first home purchase a money-saving experience.