Start with the money. Minimum down payment is 5 percent on the first $500,000 and 10 percent above that, so at the Saskatoon benchmark of $444,700 that works out to a meaningful sum most first-time buyers need to plan for well ahead of an offer, and under 20 percent down a buyer also carries CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty insurance with provincial sales tax on the premium due in cash at closing.
Two accounts do most of the heavy lifting for savers. The Home Buyers' Plan allows up to $60,000 from an RRSP, and the First Home Savings Account allows $8,000 a year to a $40,000 lifetime limit. Joel asks whether either has been used before showing a single house.
From there it is process: financing and inspection conditions on the offer, a $400 to $600 home inspection budgeted in, and a possession date lined up with a lease end if needed. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.