5 questions a first-time buyer couple asked me this month

This month I sat down with a young couple and their mortgage broker to talk about buying their first home. Their questions were so good that I turned them into a full guide. Here are five of them.

1. Can we get a 30-year mortgage? Yes. Since December 2024, first-time buyers can get a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage, which is one with less than 20% down.

2. Can we lock in a rate before we find a home? Usually. A pre-approval can hold your rate for 60 to 130 days, depending on the lender.

3. Can my parents help with the down payment? Often, yes, with a signed gift letter and a clear record of where the money came from. If it's coming from overseas, start early.

4. Who pays the realtor? Usually the seller. As a buyer, you normally pay your realtor nothing directly.

5. Should we wait for spring? The season matters far less than finding the right home at the right price.

Read all the questions and answers, in English and Thai, in my First-Time Buyer Questions guide. Have a question of your own? Call me at 778.953.6597 or book a coffee.