First-Time Buyer Guide

Your first home, without the overwhelm.

Five short steps. Read what you need, skip what you don't, and book a 15-minute call whenever you're ready.

Step 1

Can you afford a home? Let's find your number.

Before looking at listings, understand your budget, down payment, monthly costs, and what a lender will actually qualify you for. The calculator below is a quick starting point — we'll sharpen it on a call.

Mortgage calculator

See your monthly payment in seconds.

Estimate your mortgage payment based on price, down payment, rate and amortization. Then reach out , I'll shop 50+ lenders to beat it.

Get my real rate
$850,000
20% · $170,000

Monthly payment

$3,892

Loan amount

$680,000

Total interest

$487,738

Estimates only. Actual payments depend on lender, insurance, taxes and qualifying criteria.

Step 2

How the mortgage process works.

Five simple stages from first call to keys in hand. Most clients close in under 30 days.

  1. 01

    Pre-approval

    A 15-minute call and soft credit check tell you exactly what you can afford — before you start looking.

  2. 02

    House search

    Shop with confidence knowing your budget, your rate hold, and your monthly payment range.

  3. 03

    Offer

    Found the one? I'll confirm your numbers fast so you can write a clean, competitive offer.

  4. 04

    Approval

    Once your offer is accepted, I shop 50+ lenders and handle the paperwork to lock in your final approval.

  5. 05

    Closing

    Sign with your lawyer, pick up the keys, and move in. I stay on as your broker for every renewal.

Step 3

What are your mortgage options?

There are two main types of mortgages. The right choice depends on your comfort with risk and your plans for the future.

Fixed Rate

Stability & Predictability

  • Same payment every month for your full term
  • Protection from rate increases
  • Ideal if you want certainty and peace of mind
Good fit if you:

Prefer stability and want to budget with confidence.

Variable Rate

Flexibility & Potential Savings

  • Usually a lower starting interest rate
  • Payments can go up or down with the market
  • Good if you're comfortable with some risk
Good fit if you:

Want lower payments now and can handle some fluctuation.

Not sure which is right for you?

We'll review your situation, goals, and risk tolerance to recommend the best fit.

No pressure. Just expert advice to help you make a confident decision.

Step 4

Common mistakes first-time buyers make.

Avoid these and you're already ahead of most buyers: taking the first rate your bank offers, maxing out your pre-approval, ignoring the fine print on penalties and porting, and making big purchases or job changes between approval and closing.

A welcoming first home with a green front lawn at golden hour
David Lee, Vancouver mortgage broker
Step 5

Ready to move forward? Let's make a plan.

Book a 15-minute call and we'll map out your budget, your timeline, and the right mortgage for your situation — no credit pull, no pressure.

Ask MeApply Now →