Disclaimer: This event is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a real estate brokerage or mortgage professional.
The Top 10 Things Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know Right Now
Sharing what nearly two decades of working with first-time buyers in the GTA has taught us about buying smart, protecting yourself, and setting up your future.
Buying your first home is exciting, and often overwhelming. This free Zoom session is designed to cut through the noise and give you clear, practical guidance without pressure.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, March 10
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: Zoom (link sent after registration)
Cost: Free
Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under contract.
Working smarter and with confidence is just one click away...
What this session is
This is a real-world, educational session for first-time buyers who want to understand how buying works in today’s market, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you money, time, or peace of mind.
It’s designed for people who are thinking about buying in the next 6–24 months, including those looking in Halton, Waterdown, Cambridge, and the Waterloo Region.
If you’re buying with a partner, we recommend attending together.
What we’ll cover
You’ll leave this session with a clearer understanding of:
What mortgage pre-approvals really mean, and why details matter
How to prepare your budget (and avoid surprises later)
Why the price you see online is often not the price homes sell for
How supply and demand influences pricing and competition
Why beautifully staged homes almost always sell for more
Why the “cutest” home isn’t always the best first home
How to balance lifestyle, affordability, and long-term value
What types of properties tend to hold value over time
What to watch for in older homes and costly “money pit” issues
How to write offers that protect you, without creating unnecessary risk
How to win without “beating” the seller
We’ll also talk about offer strategy in a way most buyers don’t hear upfront:
When buyer letters can help, and when they don’t
Why lowball offers often backfire
Why unnecessary back-and-forth can cost you the home
What makes an offer feel “clean” and credible to a seller
How strategy changes depending on the home, the neighbourhood, and the market conditions
Your Host
During the Meeting !
Visit her website
Michelle Hawco
Sales Representative
RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc.,
Certified Negotiation Expert
Accredited Senior Agent
With nearly 20 years of experience working with first-time buyers across the GTA and surrounding markets, Michelle helps buyers understand pricing, competition, and how to make thoughtful decisions that support both lifestyle needs and long-term goals.
Visit her website
Kim Boehlke
Mortgage Agent Level 2
Premiere Mortgage Centre Inc.
License #10317
Team Finance Flo
Licensed for over a decade
With nearly 20 years of experience working with first-time buyers across the GTA and surrounding markets, Michelle helps buyers understand pricing, competition, and how to make thoughtful decisions that support both lifestyle needs and long-term goals.
Bonus resources for attendees
Everyone who attends will receive:
✅ Free download of the Canadian Mortgage App
https://canadianmortgageapp.com/
A helpful tool to explore:
payment scenarios
affordability planning
stress-testing budgets
real-time adjustments as your plans evolve
✅ Optional complimentary 30-minute consultations
with Michelle (buying strategy & market guidance)
with Kim (mortgage planning & affordability)
No pressure. No obligation. Just clarity.
