In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush welcomes mortgage expert Alana DeLong from Dominion Lending to demystify the journey of becoming a first-time home buyer. With over 30 years of experience, Alana shares invaluable insights on how to financially prepare, what programs are now available in 2025, and the crucial do's and don'ts before purchasing your first property. If you're dreaming of homeownership this year, this episode is packed with practical advice, optimism, and the motivation to take that next step.

Connect with Alana https://alanadelongmortgageteam.com/

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:02:40] Alana’s background and experience

[00:03:45] The resurgence of first-time home buyers in 2025

[00:04:30] Step one: Why pre-approval is critical

[00:05:45] Financial habits to build before buying

[00:06:30] What if you’re not ready yet? Alana’s guidance

[00:07:45] Mistakes to avoid after pre-approval

[00:08:30] Budgeting for homeownership and unexpected costs

[00:09:30] New 2025 programs and benefits for first-time buyers

[00:10:45] Land transfer tax exemption details

[00:12:00] Insight on current and predicted interest rates

[00:13:45] Fixed vs. variable rates explained

[00:15:00] Impact of inflation and tariff talk on rates

[00:16:00] Renewals, refinancing, and managing credit

[00:17:30] The emotional side of helping first-time buyers

[00:18:15] Final advice and why it’s never too early to start

[00:20:00] Ways to get creative with qualifying for a mortgage

Notable Quotes:

"Don’t go house shopping without a mortgage pre-approval—it’s like showing up at the airport without a plane ticket." – Alana DeLong

"Just because you're not ready today doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for tomorrow." – Diana Cassidy-Bush

Resources & Mentions:

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Government of Canada FHSA Overview
• CMHC Mortgage Insurance Info: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund for First-Time Homebuyers: https://www.ontario.ca/page/land-transfer-tax
• Credit Building Tips: Contact a local financial advisor or Alana DeLong for guidance on secured credit cards and budgeting

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: [email protected]

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!