First-time buyers also face the steepest learning curve on financing, from minimum down payment rules of 5 percent to $500,000 and 10 percent above that, to programs like the Home Buyers' Plan at $60,000 and the FHSA at $8,000 a year to $40,000. A local agent who works with these programs regularly can flag which one fits a specific buyer's situation.
Local knowledge also means knowing which Saskatoon neighbourhoods are realistic for a given budget right now, and which ones will require a compromise on size, condition or commute.
Joel Dyck works with first-time buyers across Saskatoon on exactly this kind of decision. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.