Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast

Choosing between a fixed and variable mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make as a first-time home buyer, and it's about more than just getting the lowest rate. Today on the podcast, I break down how each option works, what it could mean for your budget, and how to choose the best fit for your long-term goals and changing interest rates. As always, my goal is to he...

Today on Homeowner AF, I walk through three real-life examples that have successfully made my clients Ontario homeowners in 2026. If you’re feeling as though your budget just isn’t enough, this episode will help you navigate your mortgage qualification and today’s rising home prices. You may need to rethink your buying strategy, but in the end, these steps could open up homebuying opportunities th...

Just because a lender says you can spend a certain amount on a home, does that mean you actually should? Today on Homeowner AF, I’m breaking down how to plan your home purchase price as a first-time home buyer in Ontario, and why your pre-approval amount should never be the only number guiding your decision. We dive into what lenders look at, what they don’t look at, and how to build a purchase pl...

With rising living costs and more Canadians carrying balances on credit cards, student loans, and lines of credit, understanding how debt impacts your ability to buy a home has never been more important. Today on the podcast, I break down exactly how debt affects your mortgage qualification and what every first-time home buyer in Ontario needs to know before applying for a mortgage.  In this episo...

Have you ever thought about how much money you might be leaving on the table at your mortgage renewal? Most Canadians simply sign on the dotted line without realizing that this is the perfect moment to reassess, save, and take greater control of their financial future. Today on Homeowner AF, I break down exactly how to turn your mortgage renewal into an opportunity to set yourself up for long-term...

Today on the podcast, I answer one of the most common questions I hear from first-time home buyers in Ontario: what is the difference between a cosigner and a guarantor? We dive into when each option makes sense, what lenders look for, and the important considerations you need to understand before asking someone to help you qualify for a mortgage. In this episode, I cover: • The key differences be...

Today on Homeowner AF, I tackle one of my biggest frustrations as a mortgage professional: the misconception that single Canadians cannot buy a home. I break down strategies for single first-time homebuyers in Ontario and the support available to make homeownership achievable. Tune in to feel empowered, informed, and ready to take your next step toward owning your first home in Ontario. In this ep...

Today on Homeowner AF, I’m breaking down what exactly happens after your offer is accepted on a home in Ontario. Most first-time home buyers think the hard part is over once the seller says yes, but the truth is, some of the most important steps are only just beginning. If you’re buying your first home in Ontario, an understanding of this stage can save you stress and surprises.  In this episode,...

Welcome back to Homeowner AF! Today on the podcast, I'm breaking down how gifted down payments work for first time home buyers in Canada and what you need to know before using gifted funds toward your home purchase. I also share advice for buyers who are saving without family support and explain why having a strategic homeownership plan can still move you closer to buying your first home in C...

Many people assume that once they’re pre-approved, everything is set. Today on Homeowner AF, I’m sharing why this is a myth and exactly what you should avoid doing after receiving your mortgage pre-approval. If you’re a first time homebuyer, you’re going to want to listen in so you can avoid these common mistakes.  In this episode, I cover: The three key factors your pre-approval is based on and t...

Today on the podcast, I walk you through exactly what happens after you’ve been pre-approved and how to confidently move forward in your home buying journey. We dive into the practical next steps every first time home buyer in Ontario needs to take to turn that pre-approval into a successful home purchase. In this episode, I cover: How to choose the right realtor and why finding someone who aligns...

Today on the podcast, I am clearing up one of the biggest myths in Canadian real estate: that every first time home buyer needs 20% down. I break down what the minimum down payment actually looks like in Ontario, how CMHC insurance works, and how to decide whether buying sooner or waiting aligns better with your homeownership and wealth building goals. In this episode, I cover: Minimum down paymen...

Today on the podcast, I am walking you through the true starting point of your homeownership journey as a first time home buyer in Ontario, and why getting a mortgage pre-approval before house hunting is one of the most important steps you can take. I break down exactly what a pre-approval includes, how it impacts your affordability, and how it sets you up to confidently enter the Canadian real es...

Today on the podcast, I am breaking down closing costs for first time home buyers in Ontario and why they are one of the most overlooked parts of the home buying process. I walk you through what you actually need saved beyond your down payment, and how to prepare for these costs so you can step into homeownership with confidence. In this episode, I cover: What closing costs are and why they can ra...

Welcome back to Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast, with your host Brianna Goslin! I am excited to be back after a long break, and we are diving straight into what has changed for the first time home buyer in Ontario. I break down who actually qualifies as a first time home buyer in 2026 and how to position yourself properly for homeownership in today’s Canadian real estate m...

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 H...

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 yo...

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 is How it's measured What to do if your credit utilization is too high Resources: More about credit utilization: https://www.equifax.com/person...

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_Mohr If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you! Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free c...

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...

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 amount How to calculate your closing costs How much cash you need to close your first purchase Resources: Check out this minimum downpayment calculator: https://www.ratehub.ca/mo...

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 determined how the variable interest rate is determined pros and cons of each mortgage product PLUS Which mortgage product first time homebuyers are choosing most often in March 2024. Join Brianna's Email List for Exclusive Updates: Sign up here: https...

Did you know that what you qualify for, may not be what you can actually afford? Listen in to learn more. Book a Call with Brianna: Schedule your consultation here: https://calendar.app.google/X1Tv2yHfUtSCuRvp8 Join Brianna's Email List for Exclusive Updates: Sign up here: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/emailsignup Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with...

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 Downpayment The Canadian Homebuyer's Plan and The First Home Savings Account Cosigners and Guarantors Join Brianna's Email List for Exclusive Updates: Sign up here: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/emailsignup Specific Que...

You've gone house hunting,  you've found " The One",  you've submitted your offer and finally, OFFER ACCEPTED! But what's next? Listen in to learn: What happens before fulfilling the condition of financing What a lender is looking at during the condition of financing Why you may still need to submit documents to your mortgage professional at this time How much you sho...