Most people dream to own their own home, and it is likely to be the most expensive purchase one will ever make. If you are like many young adults in BC, the reality of owning your own home might seem close to impossible. But by following these tips and tricks the dream of becoming a home owner can easily become a reality.

Start with a plan.

If you begin with a plan you are much more likely to reach your goal. Determine how much of a deposit you require, what saving techniques will be used and an overall timeline.

Saving techniques.

1. Watch your spending. Before you buy your first home, it is a good idea to track your current spending and begin to cut out things that are not really necessary.

2. Give up that morning coffee. Rather than popping through a Starbucks drive-thru try transferring the money you would have spent on coffee to a savings account. You will be amazed by how fast this can grow! Try the same for meals out.

3. Set-up an automatic payment plan. Treat your savings like a monthly bill. Plan for it in advance. Don’t view it as spending money that could be savings if it doesn’t get spent before your next pay day. Budget for it and ensure it makes it into a protected savings account where it’s untouched and can build interest.

4. Be sensible. It can be easy to be caught up in buying your new home, but it is important to stay within your means. While the banks may approve you for a larger loan, be realistic and take stock of your current financial situation. This is a big purchase, and life throws you curve balls along the way. Don’t get in over your head.

5. Start small. While your dream might include a large home with a white picket fence, it could be a good idea for you to start small. Get into the market, and begin building equity. You can upsize when you are ready – at least you will be building equity versus paying a stranger’s mortgage.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. We invite you to stop in and check out the spacious homes offered at Kensington, Willoughby Town Centre’s first residential offering. The presentation centre is located at 20728 Willoughby Town Centre Drive in Langley.

The spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bath layout at Kensington, with more than 650 sq. ft. of living space, is designed using quality materials and attention to detail one would expect to find in a custom home.

The spacious kitchen features modern, shaker style cabinetry, a full Stainless Steel appliance package and breakfast bar, perfect for entertaining friends and family. The Living and dining areas are conveniently placed next to the kitchen, and with the option for a Northern or Southern views, it’s easy to imagine summer nights with the doors thrown open to warm breezes while you dine with the mountain or village views as your backdrop.

The bedroom is spacious, offering plenty of room for your King size bed and dressers. His and her closets and the spacious spa-inspired ensuite are an added benefit to having more space. Priced from only $199,900, come in today to see it for yourself, and prepare to be impressed!

This is your opportunity to be among the first to live at the very heart of a dynamic, masterplanned community. Willoughby Town Centre is Langley’s first true town centre where people can live, walk, eat, shop and play.

Kensington is located in Willoughby Town Centre at  The Presentation Centre and display home are open daily 12PM to 5PM, except Fridays.

 
Buying a new home is an exciting time for some, nerve-racking for others. Here are 5 things to consider when buying a new home that can help to set your mind at ease.
 
1. Location: It is very important to like where you are living. Most of us buy with a 5 – 20 year plan and if you don’t like the location, staying on plan may be tough. Do a bit of research and find out what the area will look like in 5 – 10 years.
 
2. Community: While similar to location, you will also want to know what is available within your community. Is there a rec centre nearby? Is transit close? Are the stores and services you want within walking distance or a 10 minute drive?
 
3. Layout: Ask yourself what concept are you looking for in your new home? Are you more partial to the open concept design, or do you love having a more compact design, making use of all the space?
 
4. Your personal needs: Also consider if your family dynamic may be changing. Will your family be growing, or will your kids be moving out in the near future? Are you downsizing, and looking for a location that is more accessible?
 
5. Commute to work: Unfortunately, many of us spend too much of our time commuting to and from work. Look for a home that is close to where you work, near a transit line, or close to someone who you can carpool with. This will help alleviate some of the daily stress.
 

 
Remember, even after considering all of the 5 points above, the most important one is that you love your new home. Other factors may change as the years go by, but if you love your home, you will be able to easily adjust to the changes.