Resources

We pride ourself on supporting those looking to buy their first home. Below you will find links that we feel are great sources of information for first time home buyers. If you've got a question about anything, send us an email. We're here to help.

Government Programs



Home Buyer's Plan (HBP)
Learn about the government home buyer's plan that allows you to withdraw up to $25,000. from your RRSP to buy or build a qualifying home for yourself or a person with a disability. 
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Land Transfer Tax Rebate
Home purchases are subject to land transfer tax, figured as a percentage of the purchase price of the property. First time home buyers are entitled to a land transfer tax rebate of up to $2000 on their purchase
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EcoEnergy Retrofit Grants
As part of the Goverment of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the ecoEnergy Retrofit-Homes program is helping hundreds of thousands of homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. Find out how to get a government grant to retrofit your home. 
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Financing Information



CMHC
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Genworth Mortgage Loan Insurance
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Rent or Buy Calculator
Should you rent or buy a home? And what are the long term costs?
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Mortgage Alliance - Our in-house Mortgage Brokers
The first place to start when considering buying your first home is to arrange your financing so you know exactly what you can afford. The services of our mortgage agents are absolutely free to you. You'll find mortgage, affordability and rent v.s. buy calculators here.
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The Big River Team
Keller Williams Golden Triangle Realty, Brokerage
871 Victoria St. N. Kitchener, On N2B 3S4
email: BigRiver@Rogers.com
Direct: 1.888.387.3826
Office: 519.570.4447
Fax: 519.772.8968

Special Offers from us to you!



Find out about the latest homes for sale.
Homes are posted with us days before they are posted with Realtor.ca. By signing up to receive the latest listings, we'll send you an email notice as soon as the latest homes go up for sale online.You'll find out before other buyers searching the internet. There is absolutely no obligation and the service is free!
Click here to get started today>

 Find out how to save for your First Home
1) The government approved Home Buyers Plan (HBP) allows a buyer to use up to $25,000 of their RRSP towards a down payment.
2) The new Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) provides a tax sheltered way to save for many things including that First Home.
3) Many people do not realize that with permanent participating life insurance, there may be cash values that they can access to utilize for down payment, closing costs etc.
Connect with our  financial advisor to find out more.


Find out if you qualify to buy a home. 
You may have an idea of what you can afford, but your bank may feel otherwise.  Pre-qualification for a mortgage will let you know exactly what you can afford, how much you will need for the down payment and how much the lender feels you can afford in monthly payments.

You can get started right away by visiting our in-house mortgage site. Contact Ron and tell him The Big River Team sent you. :) 

If you choose to share your  personal information, remember we respect your privacy and your information will be shared only with our mortgage agent to help you pre-qualify for your mortgage. The service is part of our job, free and without obligation. Please feel comfortable and secure.
Click here to find out how much home you can afford>

Get a free personal consultation.
All real estate agents are not alike. Skills, experience and track records vary greatly. Finding great deals on homes for people like you is our job. We've done that many, many times over for happy clients.

We offer a free presentation to all prospective buyers, which includes the details of our First Time Buyer Program, tailored to fit YOUR needs. We'll tell you exactly how the home buying process works, describe different types of home ownership and determine if you're ready to buy.

We'd love the opportunity to make a presentation to you. It's free and there is no obligation. We're here to help.

Click here to schedule a consulation>
Click here for info on our buyer program>


Request these free reports.

Top 20 Mortgage Mistakes Buyer's Make (And How to Avoid Them) .
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How and Why to Buy a Home in a Buyer's Market.
Click here>

Regional Links

Explore Waterloo Region
Find out what's do to in your region, accomodations, museums, recreation, shopping, dining and more. This site covers Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Woolwich, Wellesley, Wilmot and North Dumphries.
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School Finder
If you have school aged children, you can find out here which schools they will attend in the neighboods you are considering purchasing your home in. This site includes both public and separate schools in Waterloo Region.
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City of Guelph Maps
Use the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) to find an address, city facility or school. See which ward your in. Determine youe Wet-Dry-wast collection day and which snighbourhood group services your area. Leadn which roads are closed and more.
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Region of Waterloo Map Locator
Find a street, specific street address or point of interest in Waterloo Region.
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