A practical guide to your first home
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and there is a lot to understand before you receive the keys. REALTOR® Alexis Friesen helps first-time buyers across the Okanagan prepare for the process, weigh their options and make informed decisions.
The right first home is more than a number on a listing.
Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to schedule viewings, Alexis can help organize your next steps and connect you with the right professionals along the way.
Explore the Okanagan neighbourhoods and the main buying guide. Read more about Alexis as you plan your search.
Five steps
Start by speaking with a qualified mortgage professional about financing and pre-approval. Consider not only the purchase price and monthly mortgage payment, but also property taxes, insurance, utilities, strata fees where applicable, maintenance and one-time closing costs.
A condo, townhouse or detached home may each suit different budgets and lifestyles. Compare storage, parking, pet rules, building condition, proximity to daily destinations and likely maintenance responsibilities. Communities across the Okanagan vary significantly by neighbourhood, so look closely at the streets and property features, not only the community name.
Before making an offer, understand price, deposit, dates, inclusions and any conditions that protect your interests. Financing, inspection and strata-document review are common areas to discuss, depending on the property and your circumstances. Have the contract and your obligations explained before signing.
A home inspection, strata document review, title review or other specialist assessment can help identify important considerations. Different properties may require different investigations. No property is entirely risk-free, and informed due diligence is essential.
Plan for legal or notary services, insurance, moving arrangements and closing costs. British Columbia may offer certain property purchase exemptions or programs to eligible buyers; check current requirements with the appropriate professionals before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
It is wise to understand your financing position early, even though pre-approval is not an unconditional commitment to lend. Final lender approval can depend on the property and other factors.
There is no universal answer. Consider your budget, upkeep preferences, space needs, strata documents, bylaws, fees and likely future plans.
Ask about applicable transfer taxes, legal or notary costs, inspections, insurance, strata adjustments and moving expenses. The actual amount varies by purchase and eligibility.
Local perspective
From Vernon and Lake Country to Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and the South Okanagan, the valley offers a broad mix of neighbourhoods and housing. Compare commute patterns, property type, ongoing expenses and what each area makes possible.
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