A who’s-who of industry leaders will guide attendees through the home-buying process
Peter Simpson
Sun
Oh boy! Oh boy, oh boy! My 28-year-old daughter recently purchased her first home — a solid, two-storey, red-brick number that cost her more dough than I paid for my first four homes combined.
I knew this day was imminent because she started to call me regularly for advice. Still, it was a shock to my daddy system when she broke the news. “By the way,” she said following a conversation about her latest workplace challenges and triumphs, “I bought a house.”
It’s official — my first-born princess, my sweet Emily, is all grown up.
Emily made me proud because she did her homework before taking that first, often scary step into homeownership.
Her research was impeccable, including pre-approval for a mortgage in her price range, and she built a trusting relationship with an experienced real-estate agent who, during the intensive two-week search, steered her away from trouble and into a house that feels like home.
She takes possession next month and is looking forward to an important part of her life’s journey.
We all remember the first time. I was single, 24, and wanted to sell my Corvette convertible and settle down. Buying a home would be a snap. What’s to worry about? Nothing, right? Well, when my offer was accepted, I woke up in a cold sweat every night for a week fretting about the details.
I wish I knew then — so many, many years ago — what I know now.
Twelve years ago, I convinced the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association that it should be offering a free seminar for potential first-time home buyers. The association let me run with it and, thanks to the support of many generous industry sponsors, the seminar has grown to the largest of its kind in North America, perhaps even the world. More than 800 attended last year.
Vancouver-area young people, like my Emily, are eager to purchase their first homes, but many of them need a little help to de-mystify the process. What location is best? What type of home is best matched to needs and financial position? 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 at this year’s seminar, to be presented Tuesday, April 4 from 7-9 p.m. in the ballroom at the Guildford Sheraton Hotel, 15269 104 Avenue, Surrey.
A who‘s-who of industry leaders will guide attendees through the home-buying process. Speakers are Cameron Muir, senior market analyst, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.; Ken Cameron, chief executive officer, Homeowner Protection Office; Jason Neziol, regional director, Genworth Financial Canada; Bill Niblett, residential mortgages manager, TD Canada Trust; Gregory van Popta, associate, McQuarrie Hunter Barristers and Solicitors; Rick Valouche, president, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver; and Tom Reeves, director of home warranty operations, Lombard General Insurance Co. of Canada.
Other sponsors include The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Shaw Cablesystems, CKNW, Rock 101, MOJO Radio and 99.3 the FOX.
Because of the popularity of this free seminar, pre-registration is required. Call 604-588-5036.
Plan to arrive about 6 p.m. to allow ample time to view the displays of new-home projects, financial choices, warranties and other housing products and services.
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It’s often difficult to figure out the residents of North Delta. Mention redevelopment, and they start hammering together the protest signs. Some are against so-called monster homes, while others condemn the development of affordable condos and townhomes for first-time buyers and seniors.
The latest project to attract attention is the development of a 680-unit condominium complex on Scott Road. Granted, some residents have legitimate concerns, but I take exception to the shrill homeowner who was quoted in a regional newspaper as saying, “I think what you are proposing is a highrise ghetto in our backyard.” This insensitive lout deserves a challenge — and a history lesson.
Ghettos were neighbourhoods where ethnic or religious groups were forced to live against their will.
Recently, the world witnessed a troubling situation in France, where marginalized minorities living in suburban housing projects believe they are excluded from the benefits, privileges and protection enjoyed by other citizens.
Yes, perhaps the initial design and mass of the Scott Road condo could be tweaked, taking into account legitimate neighbourhood concerns, but the condo will not be a ghetto, it will be home to both first-time home buyers and seniors — close to shopping, schools, transportation and medical services.
Some of the families who will purchase those condos might well be immigrants who came to Canada in search of a better life in a welcoming, tolerant society.
Delta Mayor Lois Jackson is a champion for sustainable communities. She should make sure narrow-mindedness does not win the day.
Peter Simpson is chief executive officer of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association.
E-mail: [email protected].
© The Vancouver Sun 2006