Although low mortgage rates are enticing Vancouver-area young people to purchase their first homes, many of them need help to de-mystify the process. What location is best? What type of home is best matched to needs? What mortgage type and term to choose? What are the legal considerations? What are the benefits of builder licensing, warranties and homeowner protection?
These and other key questions will be answered by a panel of housing experts at the 11th Annual Seminar for First-time Home Buyers presented by the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) on Tuesday, April 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Guildford Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, 15269 104 Avenue, Surrey.
Admission to the seminar is free thanks to the sponsorships by The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Homeowner Protection Office, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Genworth Financial Canada, TD Canada Trust, National Home Warranty Programs, Shaw Cablesystems, CKNW, Rock 101, MOJO Radio and 99.3 the FOX.
Speakers are Cameron Muir, senior market analyst, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Ken Cameron, chief executive officer, Homeowner Protection Office; Jason Neziol, regional director, Genworth Financial Canada; Geoff Willis, residential mortgages manager, TD Canada Trust; Adnan Habib, partner, Baker Newby Barristers and Solicitors; Georges Pahud, president, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver; and Ray Windsor, chief executive officer, National Home Warranty Programs. GVHBA Chief Executive Officer Peter Simpson is moderator.
“Seminar presenters will help first-time buyers to complete their homework by investigating all available options before they take that important first step into homeownership.” said Simpson.
“More than 800 people attended last year and, because real estate is still a hot topic, we expect a similar attendance this year. Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow attendees time to view displays of new homes, financial choices, warranties and other housing products and services,” said Simpson.
Pre-registration is required. Call 604-588-5036 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Registrations will also be taken by answering machine at the same phone number on weekends.