Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast

Brianna Goslin

Welcome to Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast, the ultimate resource for first-time homebuyers in Ontario and across Canada. Hosted by experienced mortgage agent Brianna Goslin, each week she breaks down the barriers to homeownership, offering practical, easy-to-digest advice that will help you navigate the complexities of buying your first home, while de-mystifying your entry into Canadian Real Estate. Brianna covers topics like: Why do I need a pre-approval?What happens in the mortgage pre-approval process.How much cash do I need to close?How to expedite your down payment savings.What you should know when purchasing your first home after a divorce.What you need to know about credit scores.Housing market trends.Interest rates and how they affect you.Essential information about home insurance for new buyersand so many more first-time homebuying questions! This podcast supports Canadian first-time homebuyers at every stage of the homebuying journey, from real estate curious to ready to buy househunters- Homeowner AF will keep you motivated, inspired, and well-informed about the Canadian homebuying process. Tune in weekly for fresh insights that will make your home-buying journey feel less overwhelming and more empowering.

  1. 5d ago

    Cosigners and Guarantors: What You Need to Know About Getting Help Qualifying For a Mortgage in 2026

    Today on the podcast, I answer one of the most common questions I hear from first-time home buyers in Ontario: what is the difference between a cosigner and a guarantor? We dive into when each option makes sense, what lenders look for, and the important considerations you need to understand before asking someone to help you qualify for a mortgage. In this episode, I cover: • The key differences between a cosigner and a guarantor and how each impacts your mortgage application • Why lenders may require a cosigner even if you earn a good income  • When adding a cosigner or guarantor can help you buy your first home and when it could create bigger financial challenges down the road • The responsibilities your cosigner or guarantor takes on and what happens if mortgage payments are missed • The risks of relying on a cosigner or guarantor to increase your purchase price and how to avoid becoming house poor • How to remove a cosigner from your mortgage in the future and why having an exit strategy is essential before signing any documents Are you considering adding a cosigner or guarantor to your mortgage application and want advice tailored to your situation? Book a free consultation with me using the link below! Before you go, please leave a like and subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on the steps for becoming a homeowner in Ontario! Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

    15 min
  2. May 19

    What Happens After an Accepted Offer? Mortgage Conditions, Deposits and Closing Steps for First-Time Home Buyers in Ontario

    Today on Homeowner AF, I’m breaking down what exactly happens after your offer is accepted on a home in Ontario. Most first-time home buyers think the hard part is over once the seller says yes, but the truth is, some of the most important steps are only just beginning. If you’re buying your first home in Ontario, an understanding of this stage can save you stress and surprises.  In this episode, I cover: What happens during the critical 5 to 10 business day conditional period The truth about deposits, down payments, and when your money is actually at risk The documents lenders may still request after your pre-approval How appraisals can impact your mortgage approval and purchase price The risks of going in firm without a financing condition in a competitive market The importance of having a fully reviewed pre-approval before you go house huntingDo you have more questions about the home buying process in Ontario? Send me a message at hello@briannagoslinmortgages.com or a voice note over on my socials to be featured on the podcast. Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

    11 min
  3. May 12

    Let’s Talk About Gifted Downpayments: What First-Time Home Buyers in Ontario Need to Know

    Welcome back to Homeowner AF! Today on the podcast, I'm breaking down how gifted down payments work for first time home buyers in Canada and what you need to know before using gifted funds toward your home purchase. I also share advice for buyers who are saving without family support and explain why having a strategic homeownership plan can still move you closer to buying your first home in Canada. Whatever your situation, I'm here to get you closer to your goal!  In this episode, I cover: Who can gift funds and what lenders typically allowThe paperwork and bank documentation needed for mortgage approvalWhy closing costs may still need to come from your own savingsWhat borrowers need to know before accepting gifted funds from familyHow working with a mortgage agent early can help speed up your home buying journeyIf you’re preparing for a mortgage pre-approval or wondering how gifted funds affect your mortgage application, this episode will help you understand the process with confidence.  Send your podcast questions to hello@briannagoslinmortgages.com and my socials below, or send me a voice note to be featured on the podcast!  Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

    10 min
  4. Apr 28

    I'm Pre-approved, Now What? Next Steps for First Time Home Buyers

    Today on the podcast, I walk you through exactly what happens after you’ve been pre-approved and how to confidently move forward in your home buying journey. We dive into the practical next steps every first time home buyer in Ontario needs to take to turn that pre-approval into a successful home purchase. In this episode, I cover: How to choose the right realtor and why finding someone who aligns with you is key to your homeownership experienceWhy you need to send me MLS listings before making an offer and how I help determine your maximum offer priceHow property taxes, rental income potential, and interest rate changes can impact your affordability and mortgage strategyThe hidden red flags in properties that could get your mortgage declined by lenders or insurersWhat documents need to be updated quickly to meet financing conditions and avoid delaysHow to protect yourself with the right financing conditions and why doing your due diligence upfront is critical as a first time home buyerI hope this episode helps you make the move from pre-approval to purchase with clarity and confidence! If you’re in the process of becoming a first-time homeowner in Ontario, subscribe to the podcast for more expert advice. Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

    9 min
  5. Apr 21

    What Are Closing Costs in Canada and Why Are They So Expensive? Full Breakdown for Ontario First Time Home Buyers

    Today on the podcast, I am breaking down closing costs for first time home buyers in Ontario and why they are one of the most overlooked parts of the home buying process. I walk you through what you actually need saved beyond your down payment, and how to prepare for these costs so you can step into homeownership with confidence. In this episode, I cover: What closing costs are and why they can range from 1.5% up to 4–6% of your purchase price in OntarioLegal fees explained, what your real estate lawyer does and how much you should budgetLand transfer tax in Ontario, including first time home buyer rebates and how Toronto differsCMHC insurance tax and how insured mortgages impact your upfront closing costsAdditional expenses like title insurance, home inspections, appraisals and rural property considerationsHow to prepare your funds, avoid surprises, and ensure your closing day goes smoothlyIf you are a first time home buyer in Ontario trying to understand your true costs beyond the down payment, this episode will help you plan ahead and avoid costly surprises. Tune into Homeowner AF and take the next step toward homeownership fully prepared and financially confident. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: • Provincial Land Transfer Tax https://www.ontario.ca/document/land-transfer-tax ,  • Municipal Land Transfer Tax (Toronto https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/municipal-land-transfer-tax-mltt/municipal-land-transfer-tax-mltt-rates-and-fees/  Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

    14 min
  6. Apr 21

    What is a Pre-Approval and Why Do I Need One? Mortgage Pre-Approval Explained

    Today on the podcast, I am walking you through the true starting point of your homeownership journey as a first time home buyer in Ontario, and why getting a mortgage pre-approval before house hunting is one of the most important steps you can take. I break down exactly what a pre-approval includes, how it impacts your affordability, and how it sets you up to confidently enter the Canadian real estate market. In this episode, I cover: What a mortgage pre-approval is and how it determines your maximum purchase price and monthly paymentThe three key factors lenders assess: income, credit, and down payment for first time home buyersHow a rate hold works and how it protects you from rising interest rates in OntarioThe difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification and why that matters for your home buying strategyWhat documents you need, including T4s, NOAs, credit reports, and down payment verificationHow working with a mortgage agent versus a bank can impact your mortgage options and approvalIf you are a first time home buyer in Ontario looking to understand your numbers, strengthen your application, and move toward homeownership with confidence, I hope this episode will give you the clarity and strategy you need.  Send your podcast questions to hello@briannagoslinmortgages.com and my socials below, or send me a voice note to be featured on the podcast!  Specific Questions?  Ready to get started? Book a free call with Brianna: www.Bricallme.com Join my mailing list: https://briannagoslinmortgages.myflodesk.com/mortgagebites Website: http://www.briannagoslinmortgages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

    16 min

About

Welcome to Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast, the ultimate resource for first-time homebuyers in Ontario and across Canada. Hosted by experienced mortgage agent Brianna Goslin, each week she breaks down the barriers to homeownership, offering practical, easy-to-digest advice that will help you navigate the complexities of buying your first home, while de-mystifying your entry into Canadian Real Estate. Brianna covers topics like: Why do I need a pre-approval?What happens in the mortgage pre-approval process.How much cash do I need to close?How to expedite your down payment savings.What you should know when purchasing your first home after a divorce.What you need to know about credit scores.Housing market trends.Interest rates and how they affect you.Essential information about home insurance for new buyersand so many more first-time homebuying questions! This podcast supports Canadian first-time homebuyers at every stage of the homebuying journey, from real estate curious to ready to buy househunters- Homeowner AF will keep you motivated, inspired, and well-informed about the Canadian homebuying process. Tune in weekly for fresh insights that will make your home-buying journey feel less overwhelming and more empowering.

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