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First-Time Home Buyer Scott McGillivray Shares His Top Advice for First-Time Buyers Real estate expert Scott McGillivray explains the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make and the financial fundamentals that can help Canadians purchase their first home with confidence From your experience, what is the biggest mistake first-time buyers tend to make early in the home-buying process? Honestly, the biggest mistake is falling in love with a property before understanding what they can truly afford. Too many buyers start with listings instead of starting with their finances. Without a clear budget, pre-approval, and long-term plan, it’s easy to get emotionally attached and make decisions that create stress down the road.
With so many decisions involved, what should first-time buyers prioritize to make a smart, confident purchase? Focus on the fundamentals: location, affordability, and long-term livability. Get clear on your finances, know what you actually need versus what’s just a “nice to have,” and think about how this home fits your life long-term. The goal isn’t just to buy a home, it’s to buy the right home for where you’re headed.
How should first-time buyers evaluate a home beyond the listing price to understand its true long-term value? Read the entire Q&A with Scott online at innovatingcanada.ca
The real cost of a home is everything that comes after you get the keys. Maintenance, upgrades, utilities, property taxes, all of it adds up. You also want to think about resale.
Is this a property that someone else will want to buy down the road? That’s where real value comes from. This is where the guidance of a knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent is invaluable. Through my vetted network of top Canadian real estate professionals — available on scottmcgillivray.com — you can connect with the right expert to help you make smart, strategic real estate decisions.
If you could give firsttime buyers one piece of advice to help them feel confident and prepared, what would it be?
Honestly, the biggest mistake is falling in love with a property before understanding what they can truly afford.
G et you r f i na ncial foundation in place before you start shopping. When you understand your numbers, build your savings, and take advantage of tools like CIBC’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA) — a registered account that lets you save toward your first home with tax-free growth — you’re not just buying a home, you’re building a strong financial starting point. That’s what sets you up for success long after move-in day.
How the Right Agent Can Open Doors for First-Time Home Buyers Buying a first home is a thrilling milestone — and a daunting one. With the right real estate agent, a new homebuyer can proceed with confidence.
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Ken Donohue
urchasing a first home is a huge moment in anyone’s life — both thrilling and daunting. That makes it especially important that first-time buyers work with a real estate agent with the right skills and resources. “When buying your first home, look for a real estate agent who will guide you through all the details, really listen to you and ask the right questions,” says Todd Shyiak, Century 21 Canada executive vice-president. A good agent will offer new homebuyers'
insights into considerations they may not have thought of — the need to budget for strata fees, say, or commuting, schools, and clauses to include in an offer on that perfect home. “Together, our national resources and agents’ local knowledge ensure first-time home buyers get everyIf you’re looking for a thing they need, from detailed new home, find out how explanations of timelines and Century 21 Canada can taxes to viewing homes that help you get the keys at c21.ca. meet both their budget and family needs,” Shyiak says.
This article was sponsored by Century 21.
Why Move-in Ready Net Zero Homes Are the Smart Choice As Canadians leave major cities seeking affordability and quality of life, many are choosing quick-possession homes that are stylish, functional, and energy-efficient.
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Ken Donohue
any home buyers have their sights set on St. Thomas, a growing community near London, Ont., offering excellent value. What’s not to like about affordable homes with more living space? Doug Tarry Homes is a family-owned Ontario builder with seven decades of experience specializing in sustainable, energy-efficient homes in St. Thomas. Purchasing a first home is a big deal, and Doug Tarry Homes makes it easy to get the keys. It offers over 40 different home plans to suit every budget, plus a $5,000 first-time home buyers’ program.
The builder offers quick-possession homes, which offer faster move-in dates, greater certainty around timelines, and the opportunity to see the finished space before Learn how Doug Tarry can get you the keys to purchasing. It also builds Net Zero Ready your new home at homes, which offer greater comfort and dougtarryhomes.com. cost savings, as a standard. "Net Zero is This article was our standard of our quality built homes," sponsored by says Suzie Dennis, Vice-President of MarDoug Tarry Homes. keting at Doug Tarry Homes. Energy efficiency doesn’t mean limiting design choices. Home buyers still enjoy a wide range of floor plans, layouts, and interior selections.
Publisher: Maya Mezerhane Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
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Are you purchasing a new home and want peace of mind? Air quality testing is an easy way to ensure you can breathe easy. Your nose can be your preliminary air quality test, but many pollutants can only be identified with professional testing.
Health concerns such as allergies, respiratory issues, nausea, or poor sleep may be linked to indoor air quality.
How a Home Inspection Can Save You from Headaches (Literally) Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Protect it with a home inspection and indoor air quality test.
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Poor air circulation and humidity can negatively impact indoor air quality.
Ken Donohue
rofessional inspection companies, such as Inch By Inch Inspections, provide detailed insight into the property you’re purchasing. Since inspectors vary in experience and thoroughness, make sure to engage a reputable inspection company. Inch By Inch offers home and commercial property inspections, indoor air quality testing, mould remediation, and asbestos testing, all conducted according to recognized industry standards. Clients receive objective reporting so they can make informed decisions about their property.
Peace of mind A home inspection is easy to complete and typically only takes a few hours. Certified inspectors will assess the exterior and interior of your home or building, including electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and foundation. These inspections can uncover potentially life-threatening problems, such as mould or faulty wiring that could cause a fire. Many lenders won’t offer financing on a property without an inspection. But don’t wait for the bank to demand one — a home inspection gives buyers peace of mind by identifying any potential issues before closing. It can also serve as a contingency in your contract, allowing you to back out if the inspection reveals significant issues.
The inspector provides a detailed report outlining any safety concerns and defects. This lets you know what work might be needed in the short, medium, and long term.
Breathe easy The air you breathe inside your home shouldn’t make you sick. Many pollutants are invisible or odourless, so an expert is needed to assess and address them. Inch By Inch uses state-of-the-art technology to test indoor air quality and provide property owners with a detailed analysis of pollutants and other factors contributing to poor air quality. Some common pollutants that impact air quality in a home include: • Airborne spores and bacteria from mould • Allergens created by poor air circulation • CO2 buildup from improper venting
Test for mould The biggest culprit contributing to home air quality issues is mould growth. Mould is an organic fungus that can easily grow and spread in areas with poor air circulation and high humidity, such as basements and attics. If you suspect poor air quality or mould in your home, trust a professional who can test for and remove mould, asbestos, bacteria, high levels of CO2, and more.
Breathe easy. Request a free quote at inchbyinch inspections.com/ contact-us.
If you’re purchasing a home, have done renovations, or suspect air quality issues, contact a certified professional to perform an air quality test. Inspections take 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the home.
This article was sponsored by Inch By Inch Inspections.
You’ll receive a written report with recommended next steps.
How First-Time Buyers Can Make Their Space Work Harder From space-saving design to financing flexibility, first-time buyers are rethinking how they furnish — and where they start.
F Emily Hellam
or many first-time home buyers, the excitement of getting the keys is quickly followed by a new kind of stress: figuring out how to furnish a space that’s often smaller, more expensive, and meant to last far longer than any rental ever did. “Decision paralysis is one of the biggest challenges I see,” says Cassandra Freeman, Senior Manager, Creative Content at The Brick. “This isn’t a temporary home. These pieces need to grow with you, from newlyweds to families to whatever comes next.” Today’s housing realities amplify that pressure. Smaller condos and starter homes demand smarter planning. Every square foot — and every purchase — has to work harder.
Smarter furniture for first homes Rather than viewing furniture as single-purpose, Freeman says today’s buyers are prioritizing multifunctionality. Sofas with built-in storage, modular sectionals that can be reconfigured, and coffee tables that double as work surfaces or concealed storage are becoming essentials, not upgrades. “You’re not just asking if a piece looks good,” she says. “You’re asking what else it can do for you.” A common mistake is furnishing in pieces rather than planning the space as a whole. This often leads to mismatched styles, inefficient layouts, and spending more in the long run. “Your vision
shifts over time,” Freeman explains. “If you can plan everything upfront, you end up with a space that’s functional and feels intentional.”
An all-in-one approach Working with a single, full-service retailer makes a meaningful difference. By offering furniture, mattresses, appliances, décor, design support, financing, delivery, and assembly in one place, The Brick helps simplify what otherwise can be an overwhelming process. Financing options, in particular, allow buyers to furnish their home at once while spreading costs over time, eliminating the need to compromise on function or quality. Freeman points to The Brick’s direct relationship with manufacturers as a key value driver. Designing and building products in-house allows for tighter quality control — from frame construction to foam density — while cutting out middlemen. “We decide what goes into every piece,” she says. “That’s how we deliver better quality at more accessible price points.” From modular upholstery to space-conscious case goods, The Brick has leaned into contemporary design while staying rooted in durability and value. Its digital resources, including inspiration-led social content, Get the Look pages, and guides on smallspace living and sleep wellness, further support buyers navigating their first home.
Freeman’s advice to first-time buyers is simple: prioritize function over impulse. “You rarely regret investing in a piece that works hard for you,” she says. “You regret not doing it.” For Canadians furnishing their first home, starting with a retailer that understands space, value, and long-term living can make all the difference.
Start your home journey at The Brick, to learn more visit thebrick.com.
Cassandra Freeman Senior Manager, Creative Content, The Brick
This article was sponsored by The Brick.
5 SMART FIRST PURCHASES FOR YOUR FIRST HOME A comfortable, durable sofa
A quality mattress
Storage-forward bedroom furniture
Multi-functional dining solutions
Accent pieces that reflect personality