How buying works

A clear path from search to keys

Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. I keep it simple, transparent and focused on what's right for you.

  1. 1
    Consultation and goalsWe talk about budget, must-haves, neighbourhoods and timing.
  2. 2
    Get pre-approvedI connect you with trusted mortgage brokers so you know your real budget.
  3. 3
    Search and tourCustom MLS® alerts, private showings and honest feedback on every home.
  4. 4
    Make a strong offerPricing based on comparable sales, with subjects that protect you.
  5. 5
    Subjects and due diligenceInspection, financing and strata documents reviewed carefully.
  6. 6
    Completion and keysI coordinate with your lawyer or notary right through to move-in day.
First-time buyer savings

Use every program you qualify for

Many of my clients are first-time buyers. I'll make sure you understand every program and every cost before you write an offer.

Property transfer tax exemptionQualifying first-time buyers pay no BC property transfer tax up to $500,000, with a partial exemption up to $835,000.
First Home Savings AccountSave up to $8,000 a year (lifetime $40,000) tax-free toward your first home.
RRSP Home Buyers' PlanWithdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP for your down payment and repay it over time.
Low down paymentBuy with as little as 5% down on the first $500,000 of the purchase price.
"It was my first purchase of a home and I couldn't have asked for a better person to do it with."
R Gunner · First-time buyer, Google review
Another path to your first home

Why first-time buyers are choosing presale and new-construction homes

A presale condo or townhome can be the easiest way into the market: more time to save, extra tax savings and a brand-new home. I specialize in presales, and I'll help you decide whether resale or presale fits you better.

More time to save

Deposits are usually paid in stages over months, giving you time to grow your down payment before completion.

Lock in today's price

Secure your price now. If values rise before completion, you could already have equity when you move in.

GST relief for first-time buyers

Eligible first-time buyers can receive a federal GST rebate on new homes, worth up to $50,000 on homes up to $1 million.

Property transfer tax savings

BC's newly built home exemption can remove property transfer tax on qualifying new homes, often saving more than the resale exemption.

Brand-new, under warranty

Modern layouts, energy-efficient systems and BC's 2-5-10 new home warranty mean fewer surprise repair bills.

Choose your finishes

Pick your floor plan, view and colour scheme, and move into a home nobody has lived in before.

Know what you're signing. Presale contracts have their own deposit structures, completion dates, assignment rules and a 7-day rescission period in BC. I'll review the disclosure statement with you before you commit.

Talk to me about presales
Budget beyond the price

Closing costs to plan for

Set aside money for these on top of your down payment. I'll estimate them for any home you're considering.

  • Property transfer taxExempt or reduced for qualifying first-time buyers
  • Legal or notary feesConveyancing and title registration
  • Home inspectionStrongly recommended on every resale home
  • AppraisalSometimes required by your lender
  • Home insuranceNeeded before completion day
  • AdjustmentsPrepaid property taxes and strata fees

Free First-Time Buyer's Guide

Get my free guide to buying your first home in BC: budgeting, first-time buyer savings, resale vs. presale and what to expect at every step.

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Cover of The 2026 Fraser Valley Home Buyer's Guide by Sarbir Grewal
First-time buyer FAQ

Questions first-time buyers ask

Still unsure where to start? Call or text (778) 846-7065 for a no-pressure conversation.

Do I pay anything to work with a buyer's agent?

In most BC purchases the buyer's agent commission is paid out of the seller's proceeds, so you usually pay nothing directly. I'll explain exactly how compensation works on any home before you write an offer.

How long does it take to buy a first home?

Many buyers go from pre-approval to an accepted offer in 30 to 90 days, then completion is typically 30 to 60 days later. Presales complete when the building is finished, often one to four years out.

What are subjects, and do I have a cooling-off period?

Subjects are conditions like financing, inspection and strata document review that protect you after your offer is accepted. Most BC resale purchases of residential property also include a 3-business-day rescission period, with a fee of 0.25% of the price if you rescind. Presales have a separate 7-day rescission period.

How much do I need saved besides the down payment?

Plan for roughly 1.5% to 4% of the price for closing costs such as legal fees, inspection, insurance and adjustments, plus property transfer tax if you don't qualify for an exemption.

Is a presale or a resale home better for a first-time buyer?

It depends on when you need to move and how you prefer to save. Resale lets you move in within weeks. A presale gives you time to save, a brand-new home and possible GST and transfer tax savings. I'll compare both for your budget.