If you’re on the hunt for your first home and want to have a smooth and successful home purchasing experience avoid these common first-time homebuying mistakes.

1. Thinking you don’t need a real estate agent

You might be able to find a house on your own but there are still many aspects of buying real estate that can confuse a first-time buyer. Rely on your agent to negotiate offers, inspections...

Having problems finding your dream home?  Have you said, "great home, great location, too bad the kitchen is so outdated?"  Don't overlook these properties, as there are mortgage programs available that can help you get into the home with the dream kitchen or hardwood floors you so badly want.  These programs save you the inconvenience or hassle of arranging a second loan after closing to do the improvements. 

Both CMHC and Genworth Insurance offer a program called "Purchase Plus Improvements" that allow you to purchase a home, renovate it the way you like and...

Making prepayments on your mortgage could save you thousands of dollars over the years—as long as your mortgage lender allows them.

A mortgage prepayment is any amount you pay in addition to your regular payments. This can include increasing the amount of your regular mortgage payments or making a lump-sum payment to reduce or pay off your mortgage balance...