Start with your numbers
Speak with a mortgage professional about pre-approval, affordability and monthly payments. Think about property taxes, insurance, utilities and any condo fees as well as the purchase price.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
Your first home starts with a clearer plan.
Buying your first home is exciting, but there are a lot of decisions between browsing listings and getting your keys. Start with the basics, understand the costs, and make each step with more confidence.
Winnipeg & Manitoba real estate guidance • Practical. Local. No pressure.View All 7 Guides →
A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN
Start with what matters most to you.
You do not need to know everything about real estate before you begin. You need a budget that works for you, a clear understanding of the process, and people who can explain the decisions in plain language.
✓Plan beyond the down payment
✓Understand how offers work
✓Feel ready for possession day
YOUR ROADMAP
A clearer path, one step at a time.
Use these starting points to organize your questions and next decisions before taking action.
Explore neighbourhoods and homes
Focus on your daily routine and non-negotiables before falling in love with a photo. Consider commute times, nearby services, home condition and how long the property may suit you.
Understand the offer
Price is only one part of an offer. Deposit, possession date, financing, inspection and other terms can all matter. Your agent should walk you through the choices before you sign.
Prepare for the keys
Budget for legal fees, applicable land transfer tax, adjustments and moving expenses. Arrange insurance and utilities in advance, and confirm the final possession details with your lawyer.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Three questions worth asking early
A few practical considerations can make a big difference when you're planning your next step.
What feels comfortable monthly?
Your lender may approve a higher amount than you want to spend. Leave room for savings, maintenance and everyday living.
What is the home likely to need?
A well-presented home can still have repair or maintenance needs. Ask questions about age, condition and appropriate due diligence.
What happens after the offer?
Financing, inspections, documents and lawyer timelines do not all happen on possession day. Know the milestones before making a commitment.
FREE DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE
Take the next step with a guide you can keep.
Our First-Time Home Buyers guide brings the planning essentials together so you can prepare at your own pace.
- An approachable home-buying roadmap
- A practical budget and closing-cost checklist
- What to know about deposits and offers
- Questions to ask when viewing homes
- A possession-day preparation checklist
Get your free First-Time Home Buyers guide
Enter your details and we’ll email the guide. No obligation and no pressure.
Your information is handled according to our privacy policy. Requesting a guide is not a commitment to buy or sell.
COMMON QUESTIONS
A few answers before you begin.
Do I need a full 20% down payment?
Not necessarily. Minimum down payment requirements depend on the purchase price, the mortgage and your eligibility. A lender or mortgage broker can explain current financing rules and mortgage insurance where applicable.
Should I get pre-approved before touring homes?
Usually that is a useful first step. Pre-approval helps define a realistic search, though final mortgage approval is still subject to lender requirements and the specific property.
What costs should first-time buyers plan for besides their down payment?
Depending on the transaction, plan for legal fees, land transfer tax where applicable, home inspection, insurance, property tax adjustments, moving and initial setup costs. Ask for a personalized estimate.
Mortgage qualification and incentives can change. Confirm current programs, tax implications and legal details with qualified professionals.
Questions? We're here to help.
Talk with the Buenaventura Team about your situation and what a comfortable next step could look like.
2141-E Henderson Hwy
Winnipeg, MB, R2G 1P8
