The annual seminar for first-time home buyers can answer key questions
Rod Nutt
Sun
Although record-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 ninth annual seminar for first-time home buyers presented by the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) on Tuesday, April 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Guildford Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, 15269 — 104 Ave., Surrey.
Admission is free thanks to the sponsorships by The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Homeowner Protection Office, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp., Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Canada, TD Canada Trust, St. Paul
Guarantee Insurance Co., Shaw Cablesystems G.P., Real Estate Weekly, CKNW, Rock 101, MOJO Radio, 99.3 the FOX and Homebase Media.
Speakers are Cameron Muir, senior market analyst, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.; Bob Maling, director of licensing and registrar, Homeowner Protection Office; Susan Shepherd, regional director, GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Canada; Nick Douce, manager of residential mortgages, TD Canada Trust; Adnan Habib, partner, Baker Newby Barristers and Solicitors; Bill Binnie, president-elect, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver; and Darryll McDonald, vice-president, St. Paul Guarantee Insurance Co.
GVHBA president Jake Friesen is the moderator.
“Seminar presenters will help first-time buyers to do their homework before they take that important first step into homeownership.” GVHBA chief operating officer Peter Simpson said. “More than 800 people attended last year and, because the market is hot these days, we expect an even larger turnout.
“We invite people to arrive around 6 p.m. to view displays showcasing affordable homes, financial options, warranties and other relevant housing data.”
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.
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