For most people, buying a home is the most significant investment of their lives. Moreover, in spite of the doubt and confusion clouding both the financial markets and news headlines, there are many genuine real estate opportunities - especially for first-time buyers.

In general, prices are stable and historical data demonstrates that purchasing a home has proven a sound long-term financial investment. However, first-time homebuyers are often understandably anxious when it comes time to making the purchase. We have come up with a simple "do and don't" list to make the process easier for everyone dreaming of homeownership.

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1.) Find out if Home Ownership is Right for You

Renting vs. Buying

Buying a home is a big financial and lifestyle decision! Make your decision an informed one by taking a close look at the pros and cons of home ownership...

2.) Determine if You Are Financially Ready

How Much Can You Afford?

Now is the time to carefully define your current financial situation and estimate the price range in which you can expect to comfortably purchase...

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Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

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Here are links to information regarding first time buyer incentives, land transfer tax and also home renovation tax credit.

• This link refers to the Tax Credit for first time buyers announced with the recent federal budget: cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhbtc-eng.html
• This link refers to information regarding the Land Transfer Tax Rebate for first time buyers...: rev.gov.on.ca/english/refund/newhome/

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Coldwell Banker® Field Survey Reveals Possible Disconnect in First-Time Home Buying Process

Burlington, ON (April 16, 2009) First-time home buyers are primarily concerned with affordability when choosing a new home, but their expectations may be too high relative to their current financial buying power, according to a Coldwell Banker® survey conducted among its brokers and sales representatives in markets across North America. While nearly half of the Coldwell Banker survey respondents reported that affordability was the No. 1 concern for this group, 82 percent said today's first-time home buyers consider move-in conditions to be very important when searching for homes. In contrast, only 7 percent are looking to purchase "fixer-upper" homes that they could buy at a lower price and renovate themselves.

"In the past, first-time home buyers were willing to purchase older, more basic houses in an effort to save money and break into homeownership," said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC. "Today, this group has greater home expectations because they have grown up more accustomed to their parents' lifestyles." It is important for first-time homebuyers to remember that by considering a 'fixer-upper' for their first home purchase, they can build equity over time and move up and into a second-stage home that better reflects their expectations."

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Time right for first-time homebuyers: experts

Apr 14, 2009 - Kristine Owram - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Low mortgage rates and more affordable homes in many markets are pushing first-time home buyers to enter the market in droves, Canadian real-estate experts say.

Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Brookfield Real Estate Services, said that when the Canadian housing market was hot, bidding wars forced many buyers to put in offers without conditions to increase their chances of being accepted.

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