Buying your first home in Greater Vancouver can feel overwhelming — new terms, big numbers, and a fast-moving market. My job is to make it simple. Here's how the process works and what to expect, with no pressure and no jargon.
Before looking at homes, talk to a mortgage broker or lender to find out what you can borrow. A pre-approval tells you your price range and shows sellers you're serious. I can connect you with trusted brokers if you don't have one.
In Canada, the minimum down payment is typically 5% on the first portion of the price and more above certain thresholds, with 20% required on higher-priced homes. Mortgages with less than 20% down require mortgage default insurance. Beyond the down payment, budget for closing costs (below). Exact thresholds and rules change — I'll walk you through the current numbers for your situation.
This is where I come in. We'll define your must-haves, set up alerts, and tour homes that genuinely fit your needs and budget — so you're not wasting weekends on places that don't work.
When you find the one, I'll prepare a competitive offer and advise on price and conditions (“subjects”) like financing, inspection, and reviewing strata documents. I negotiate on your behalf to protect your interests.
Once your offer is accepted, you'll satisfy your conditions (final financing, home inspection, document review), then a lawyer or notary handles the legal closing. On completion day the home is yours — and on possession day you get the keys.
First-time buyers in B.C. may be able to take advantage of several government programs and savings tools. These change periodically, so treat this as a starting point — I'll help you check what currently applies to you:
Enough for a down payment plus closing costs — but the first real step is a pre-approval, which is free and tells you exactly where you stand. Let's start there.
In most resale transactions, the buyer's agent commission is covered through the sale, so my guidance typically comes at no direct cost to you. I'll always confirm the specifics with you upfront so there are no surprises.
It varies — some buyers find the right home in a few weeks, others take a few months. The pre-approval and search can start right away; closing usually happens a few weeks after an accepted offer.
This page is general information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Program details, thresholds, and rules change — please confirm current specifics with the relevant authority, your lender, and your lawyer/notary. I'm happy to point you in the right direction.