Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuyer Podcast

In this episode of Homeowner AF, I sit down with Scott McEachern, a Certified Financial Planner based in Barrie, Ontario. Scott specializes in helping families make smart financial decisions, from securing the right life insurance to planning for their biggest financial goals like becoming debt-free, saving for their kids' education, or buying their first home. Together, we dive into the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) — a game-changing tool for first-time homebuyers in Canada.What You'll Learn in This Episode:What is the FHSA?Scott breaks down how the FHSA compares to other popular savings options like RRSPs and TFSAs, explaining why it's a must-know for first-time homebuyers.Eligibility Criteria for the FHSA:We cover who qualifies as a "first-time homebuyer" and the steps to open this account.Where to Open an FHSA:Scott shares tips on where Canadians can access the FHSA — whether it's through the big five banks or alternative financial institutions.Contribution Limits and Carry-Forward Rules:Learn about the annual and lifetime contribution limits for the FHSA and how unused room can be carried forward.Tax Advantages of the FHSA:Scott explains how FHSA contributions impact your taxable income and how they can be used as tax deductions.Strategies for First-Time Homebuyers:Discover actionable tips to maximize your FHSA and reach your savings goals faster.Risks and Limitations:We discuss potential risks or limitations of investing within the FHSA compared to other accounts.What Happens If You Don't Buy a Home?Find out how unused FHSA funds can be transferred or repurposed without penalties.Connect with Scott McEachern:Instagram: @scmceachernWebsite: https://www.mceachernfinancial.ca/

Brianna is back with timely information for Canadian First Time Homebuyers:Coming into effect December 14, 2024, first-time buyers in Canada will have access to 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages.Also released were details about the insured mortgage cap which is now $1.5 MM compared to the previous $1MM maximum purchase price. Listen in to find out what these new regulations mean for you as a borrower and what to keep in mind if you are hoping to take advantage of these new opportunities in the market.Questions?Connect with Brianna:via email: hello@briannagoslinmortgages.comon Instagram: @briannagoslinmortgages.comCheck out Brianna's website: briannagoslinmortgages.com

Are you making the minimum payments on time, on all your debts, but still seeing your credit score decline? You might be using too much credit. In today's episode, Brianna talks about credit utilization. She discusses:Credit utilization: What it isHow it's measuredWhat to do if your credit utilization is too high Resources:More about credit utilization:https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/debt-management/articles/-/learn/credit- utilization-ratio/ Use Brianna's Mortgage Calculator to estimate your payments: https://gopineapple.ca/briannagoslin/mortgage-calculatorConnect with Brianna:Instagram: @briannagoslinmortgagesEmail: briannagoslin@gopineapple.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you!

In this week's episode, Brianna and Alex, a fellow mortgage agent, chat about timely topics affecting mortgage holders and homebuyers in the Spring of 2024.Connect with Alex Instagram @Alex_MohrConnect with Brianna:Instagram: @briannagoslinmortgagesEmail: briannagoslin@gopineapple.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you!

In this episode, discover the benefits of working with a mortgage agent for Canadian first-time homebuyers. Learn why rate shopping without guidance is unwise and explore:Why a mortgage agent is essential for your credit: Understand the pivotal role of a mortgage agent in safeguarding and optimizing your credit score.The value of post-close support: Delve into the importance of access to support post-close and beyond for first-time homebuyers, and how a mortgage agent provides ongoing assistance.Saving time and money: Learn how partnering with a mortgage agent can streamline the homebuying process, ultimately saving you both time and money. Resources:Use Brianna's Mortgage Calculator to estimate your payments: https://gopineapple.ca/briannagoslin/mortgage-calculatorConnect with Brianna:Instagram: @briannagoslinmortgagesEmail: briannagoslin@gopineapple.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you!

Congratulations! You've saved your downpayment, and you're ready to buy... but how much more cash will you need to close on your first home purchase? Listen in to learn:How to determine your minimum downpayment amountHow to calculate your closing costsHow much cash you need to close your first purchaseResources:Check out this minimum downpayment calculator:https://www.ratehub.ca/mortgage-down-payment Check out my mortgage calculator:https://gopineapple.ca/briannagoslin/mortgage-calculatorQuestions?Connect with Brianna on Instagram @briannagoslinmortgagesSend Brianna an email: briannagoslin@gopineapple.com

Fixed or variable rate mortgage in 2024? Which one is right for you? In today's episode, Brianna explains:how the fixed interest rate is determinedhow the variable interest rate is determinedpros and cons of each mortgage productPLUSWhich mortgage product first time homebuyers are choosing most often in March 2024.Questions?Connect with Brianna on Instagram @briannagoslinmortgagesSend Brianna an email: briannagoslin@gopineapple.com

Did you know that what you qualify for, may not be what you can actually afford? Listen in to learn more.Connect with Brianna on Instagram @briannagoslinmortgagesSend Brianna an email: briannagoslin@gopineapple.comLearn more about minimum downpayment requirements:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talk-downpayment-to-me/id1670967579?i=1000608577670

2023 was a rough year for first-time home buyers, yet most of my clients were first-time buyers! Curious about how they did it?My buyers leveraged:Gifted DownpaymentThe Canadian Homebuyer's Plan and The First Home Savings AccountCosigners and GuarantorsWant to get started? Reach out at briannagoslin@gopineapple.com to start your pre-approval or head to my website: https://gopineapple.ca/briannagoslin Do you have questions you'd like answered on the pod? Reach out to Brianna on Instagram @Briannagoslinmortgages

You've gone house hunting, you've found " The One", you've submitted your offerand finally,OFFER ACCEPTED! But what's next? Listen in to learn:What happens before fulfilling the condition of financingWhat a lender is looking at during the condition of financingWhy you may still need to submit documents to your mortgage professional at this timeHow much you should save for closing costsHow Brianna works with First Time HomebuyersDo you have questions you'd like answered on the pod? Reach out to Brianna on Instagram @BriannagoslinmortgagesListen to Melissa Douglas's episode explaining "What Happens At The Lawyer's Office?" Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-homebuying-series-what-happens-at-the-lawyers/id1670967579?i=1000637627716

In this timely episode, Brianna talks about the role of proper pre-approval in the first homebuying process as it pertains to the Spring 2023 market. Listen in to learn:What's going on in the Real Estate Market right nowThe offer processHow to prepare for a multiple-offer situationHow Brianna works with First Time Homebuyers, (AND gives them a competitive edge in multiple offer situations)Do you have questions you'd like answered on the pod? Reach out to Brianna on Instagram @Briannagoslinmortgages

Emily Cerilli aka @sudburyrealtor.emily, visits the pod to chat:The Sudbury, Ontario market and the opportunities that exist in the Northern communityHOUSE HACKING: What it is, and why you should explore this opportunity to add income to your mortgage application and get into the market quicker. Cochrane's $10.00 building lot offering First-time homebuyer mindsetconnect with Emily on Instagram @sudburyrealtor.emilyconnect with Brianna on Instagram @briannagoslinmortgages

Lesli Gaynor and Parimal Gosai, realtors and creators of the Husmates app, drop in to chat:the benefits of co-ownership and the diverse opportunities that open up with this model of homebuyinghow it works and where to startWhat's next for Husmates and what we need now in Canada to promote more affordable housingCheck out Husmates:https://www.husmates.com/ Connect with Parimal @parimalgosai on InstagramConnect with Lesli @gaynorlesli on InstagramConnect with Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/

Suzy Fernandes-Arruda, BDM at Home Equity Bank (Home of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage), chats with Brianna about reverse mortgages, myths and false impressions, and how to accelerate your home ownership journey with a little help.Learn more about CHIP Reverse Mortgage here:https://www.chip.ca/Check out the Reverse Mortgage Calculator here:https://www.chip.ca/reverse-mortgage-calculators/Connect with Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/ https://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

Brianna chats with Nicole Montgomery @raddestrealtor about first time buying, and what's happening RIGHT NOW in the Canadian real estate market. Listen in for:Nicole's home ownership storyWhy you should be tracking BOTH data and consumer sentiment while preparing for a first home purchaseWhich numbers actually matter to first-time buyersSetting realistic expectations for a home purchaseEQUITY: What it is, Why it matters, and how you can leverage it in the futureConnect with Nicole @raddestrealtor on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/raddestrealtor/Connect with Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/

Seif El-Sahly drops by Homeowner AF to talk about how his company, Newfore Inc., is helping homeowners leverage their existing properties to: create more housing units in our most populated Ontario cities generate income for their financial goals (you may be surprised at just how much!)support mutli-generational livingStick around for Seif's insights and preditictions about the future of building and buying in Canada, how to set yourself up for success as a first time home buyer, and advice on how to be a landlord.(recorded in September 2023). Check out Newfore Construction and Renovations at www.newfore.com Check out the Tiny Homes: Garage Editionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYiysnkPA8k Connect with Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagramhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

Muskoka realtor with Coldwell Banker, Kari Clark, stops by the pod to explain the new TRESA regulationshow they will affect Ontario homebuyers Kari's advice for first-time homebuyers looking forward to 2024Connect with Kari on Instagram@kariclarkhomesConnect with Brianna on Instagram@briannagoslinmortgageshttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9 Visit Brianna on the web and join her mailing list:www.briannagoslin.com

Theresa aka @theremimethod is a social media coach, content creator, investor and mom of three.Listen in as she walks through her “wealthy woman” journey, and learn how you can take your money mindset into your own hands too.Connect with Theresa on Instagram@theremimethodConnect with Brianna on Instagram@briannagoslinmortgageshttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

Today, in the fourth and final episode of The Homebuying Series, Alma Aquino and Emerson Munsayac from the Pineapple family chat with Brianna about:Why you need insurance: point blank, period.When you should get life insuranceWhat options are available to youWords of wisdom for first-time buyers in 2023 and beyondWant to learn more about Pineapple?Check out @pineapplemortgage and @empoweredbypineapple on InstagramConnect with Brianna @briannagoslinmortgageshttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

Lawyer and owner of Douglas Law Firm, Melissa Douglas, drops by the pod to chat about:what to expect at the lawyer's office for your first purchaseWho qualifies as a "First Time Homebuyer"how to protect yourself when purchasing with a partnerthings to keep in mind when purchasing after divorceMelissa's entrepreneurship journey and her words of encouragement for First Time HomebuyersFind Melissa @douglas.lawfirm on InstagramFind Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagramhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

This week, Brianna welcomes Corey, a local Muskoka RealtorThey chat about:What to expect when house huntingWhere to startRural living and Muskoka real estateTips when buying in a new municipalityCheck Corey out on Instagram @boughtwithbrownDM Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on InstagramGet your money tracker at briannagoslin.comhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

This week, Brianna gives you the rundown on pre-approvals.what to expectwhat documents you needwhy you absolutely need to be pre-approved before househuntingWant to get started? Get in touch!DM Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagramemail Brianna: briannagoslin@gopineapple.com**Get your money tracker at briannagoslin.com **https://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

How do first-time homebuyers save up a downpayment in 2023?They make sacrifices to get them closer to their goals!Alexandra Tejeda dropped by the pod to chat about what she's doing to kickstart her real estate investing journey and what the GTA homebuying (and leasing) landscape looks like for young Canadians.Listen to The Cash Flow Queens Podcast here: https://cashflowqueens.buzzsprout.com/Connect with Brianna on Instagram @briannagoslinmortgageson LinkedIn and Facebook.Connect with Alexandra on Instagram @teamtorontohttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bRnx3wjPmw4ybLVz9

TW: domestic violence and financial abuseToday, Bridget shares her homeownership story with the Homeowner AF community. Her homeownership journey spans three provinces, two real estate transactions and quite a number of moves. Bridget shares how she's grown in confidence and knowledge and what it took to get to homeownership.GET YOUR MONEY TRACKER at briannagoslin.comConnect with Brianna @briannagoslinmortgages on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook

Tune in for a candid conversation with Caitlin Gillham.Connect with Caitlin:On Instagram @caitlingillham.crippsrealty

This week Brianna chats with a fellow mortgage agent, Arghavan Rastegari!What drew Brianna and Arghavan to the mortgage industryThe importance of service and education in the mortgage funding processBarriers to homeownership that exist for new CanadiansBoth agents' experience in the industry and the power of collaborating with your colleagues

Are you getting outbid on starter homes in the Spring market? If yes, this one's for you. Brianna gives you an overview of:3 strategies to bump up your pre-approval amountThe stress test and non-B20 compliant mortgage productsThe state of the real estate market as it relates to first-time homebuyersHow to get your mind right (and stay positive!) throughout your homebuying journeyGet Brandy's *Believe* journal here:https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Minute-Journal-Transform-Destiny/dp/0228869382Book a call with Brianna here:https://calendar.app.google/ERjwABSYgKsVdtBA6

This episode features Suzanne Martineau, Chair of the Muskoka Community Land Trustand Sandi Martin, Business Development Leader for the Muskoka Community Land Trust.Find out more at:https://www.muskokacommunitylandtrust.org/Find the newsletter here:http://eepurl.com/h8DNjX Follow MCLT on instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/muskokaclt/

Dayle Carmody is a realtor with Ferrow Real Estate. Today she chats on the pod about: Her transition from flight attendant to realtor The value of community as an entrepreneurBuying pre-construction (and what to look out for)Investing in real estate out-of-provinceRed flags and green flags in a real estate dealWant to connect with Dayle? Find her on instagram!https://www.instagram.com/daylecarmodyrealtor/

This week Brandy Mullen sits down to chat about her company, Sprout Properties, and the benefits of Rent to Own for potential homeowners.Reach out to Brandy through instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sproutproperties_/ Find Brandy's journal here:www.believejournal.caLearn more about Sprout Propertieswww.sproutproperties.ca

This week Brianna sits down with Madison Low, an Advisor in Muskoka, Ontario.We chat about:Everything FHSA- First Home Savings Account (at 13:00)How to choose an advisor who is aligned with you and your goalsPlanning your first purchase and how best to leverage the skills of your financial dream team!Why you should ask your advisor (and your mortgage agent) about their compensation model.How an advisor can help you protect your investments, your family and of course, your first home with an appropriate insurance approach.Grab your notebooks! Lots of info here for you first time homebuyers More information about the FHSA available here:https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account.htmlWant to access the FHSA right now? Check it out here:At Questradehttps://www.questrade.com/account-selectionAt National Bankhttps://www.nbc.ca/personal/savings-investments/fhsa.htmlWant to learn more about Madison? Connect with Madison:On Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mlowfinancial/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-low-a42ab849/?originalSubdomain=caorVisit her websitehttps://advisor.sunlife.ca/madison.low/ Curious about Rotaract Muskoka? Check us out!:https://www.rotaractmuskoka.com/https://www.instagram.com/rotaractmuskoka/

This week, I answer the most googled downpayment questions in Ontario. Head to my DMs to share your own thoughts!Rate Hub's downpayment calculatorhttps://www.ratehub.ca/mortgage-down-paymentMy mortgage calculator (DM or email me for today's rate)https://gopineapple.ca/briannagoslin/mortgage-calculatorConnect with me on Instagram:@briannagoslinmortgageshttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/on Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mortgageswithbreeon Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages/ *Youtube channel coming soon *Have a mortgage or home-buying question? DM me or shoot me an e-mail:briannagoslin@gopineapple.com

Welcome to the pod, Jayden Kennedy!Jayden is a Real Estate Broker, 26 year-old homeowner and a retired professional athlete.Are you interested in purchasing a multi-unit property as your first home? Listen up because Jayden tells us exactly how she did it.Not only is she a force in the real estate world, but she gives back in a big way. Listen as we discuss the importance of serving the communities who support us.We also chat about our shared background in competitive sport and how that gives us an advantage as entrepreneurs.Reach out to Jayden on all platforms @JaydenkennedyrealestateConnect with me on Instagram:@briannagoslinmortgageshttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/on Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mortgageswithbreeon Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages/ *Youtube channel coming soon *Have a mortgage or home-buying question? DM me or shoot me an e-mail:briannagoslin@gopineapple.com

This week is all about first steps, and these look different for everyone! Shoot me a DM to get personalized advice and in the meantime, gather the following:Tax documentsbudget (Find my budgeting tool available for download here: https://gopineapple.com/mortgage-resources/homebuyer-budget-template-for-current-expenses goal listHappy homeworking!Connect with me on Instagram:@briannagoslinmortgageshttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/on Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mortgageswithbreeon Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages/ *Youtube channel coming soon *e-mailbriannagoslin@gopineapple.com

Are you dreaming big enough?This week, I sit down with Holly Carroll from The Agency Muskoka.Holly is a luxury real estate agent, an international model and an all-around force. In our conversation, Holly opens up about her mindset and purpose, her journey to real estate and how she manifested an incredible 30 million dollar listing.Want to learn more about Holly? Connect with her on instagram@hollyanncarollConnect with me:Instagram@briannagoslinmortgageshttps://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages/Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mortgageswithbreeLinkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages/ *Youtube channel coming soon *

Brianna and her friend, Angie, chat about Angie's journey to homeownership as a single woman. The ladies touch on paying off student debt, downpayment, working with financial professionals and the Canadian Homebuyers Plan.The pair explores their approach to goal-setting and manifestation. They also dive into their upbringings and how their shared childhood experiences have shaped their views of money and wealth.Curious about the Canadian Homebuyer's Plan?Canadian Homebuyer's Plan (HBP)https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/what-home-buyers-plan.html Do you live in the Peterborough Area? Reach out to Angie's consultant, Lacey!Lacey Richard, CFP, RRCSenior Financial Consultant(705)876-1282Lacey.richard@ig.ca

Homeowner AFEpisode 1- It's me, Bri!Thank you for listening to the debut episode of HOMEOWNER AF! This week's homework (Only complete this if you are serious about TAKING ACTION) Find my budgeting template here