Before you start actually looking for the home that you want to buy, you should get educated about the process, speak to your Mortgage Broker, get a full pre-approval for a mortgage... and then start actually viewing potential houses or condominiums to buy!

Our Next Kelowna Home Buyer Workshops:

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ACT NOW! Because classes are deliberately small, they tend to fill up fast.

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If you want to move into your Kelowna & area home within the next six to nine months, by far, the best way to jump start your home search is to come to one of our free, no-obligation Home Buyers Knowledge Workshops!
Walk into the workshop unsure and fearful of where to start, feeling overwhelmed and worried about laying out the largest amount of cash that you've ever invested in one item...

Two and one half hours later, walk out feeling confident, knowing exactly how to begin your home search and having a clear vision of how the entire home buying process comes together. You'll be provided with handy fill-in forms and charts to guide you through a smooth, hassle-free home-buying process.

We know that our workshop will save you time, money and worry, even if you've owned a home before!

Even if you already own a home, many parts of the home-buying process have changed dramatically during the last few years since disclosure and buyer agency became more common.

Here's what you'll discover at these Home Buyer Knowledge Workshops:

· How to best begin your home search to save you time, money and worry
· How to avoid buying a "money pit" and ways to spot the 6 signs that could mean expensive, hidden trouble
· The critical questions to ask a Realtor before you "hire" him or her to be your Buyer Agent and represent you for what will likely be the biggest single purchase of your life. We'll also tell you the correct answers to expect
· The easiest and most accurate way to find out what you will get for your money in today's local housing market
· The formulas that financial institutions use to qualify you for a mortgage so that you can 'crunch your own numbers'
· Why a verbal or written "Quick Qualifier" from a bank is not enough to guarantee that you can actually get a mortgage... and what you should get instead
· What three critical things you should do ahead of time to give you the edge in a multiple offer situation

We're confident that the Home Buyers Workshop will be the best 2 1/2 hours that you invest during your 'home-searching' phase.

Not only that, it's free, there's no obligation and you’ll receive valuable tips and advice.

Here's what some of our Home Buyer’s had to say about their experience:

Who is Neil McJannet? Neil is a man who I believe is dedicated and a very experienced professional in the mortgage business.

14 years ago we had the opportunity to meet with Neil to get our first mortgage. Neil was so approachable and friendly. He asked us what we were looking for in a mortgage and then got right to work at finding us the best mortgage rate possible. He made us feel comfortable and at ease. Within a day he had obtained a lender for us with a good mortgage rate and when we went down to his office, all the paper work was completed and ready for signing. The way he treated us made us feel like we were his most preferred customer.

Just last year I had the opportunity to meet with Neil again as I was looking to purchase another home. After explaining what I was looking for he immediately got to work, and by the next day he had obtained a lender with a good rate and the documentation was faxed to me for my review.

I think Neil is a true professional who works hard for his clients and is committed to getting the best possible rate for his clients. I have recommended Neil to my friends and co-workers. To me, trust is a pivotal part of any business endeavour, and I can say that Neil has earned my trust.

Neil also sends out a monthly newsletter which is interesting and informative, a nice personal touch I think.

Sincerely,

Kate, Kelowna , BC
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After making several phone calls to the Banks and finding out their lending rates and criteria to qualify for a mortgage, I realized I would not be able to meet their criteria. I was most fortunate to pick up the phone book and randomly call "Mortgage Man" Neil McJannet. I soon realized how knowledgeable he was about the various lenders available and realized he would probably be able to get me the refinancing I needed. With great ease Neil helped me get the refinancing I needed on my home and within a period of approximately two weeks all was finalized.

About one year later I sold my home in Kelowna and needed to get another mortgage on another home on Vancouver Island and Neil McJannet was again there to make sure I got the mortgage I needed to buy that home.

I would highly recommend "Mortgage Man" Neil McJannet!
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I was first introduced to Neil McJannet when, as a single woman, I decided to purchase my first home 5 years ago … his guidance, assurance, insight, and knowledge were invaluable in making, what can often be, an overwhelming experience into a thoroughly enjoyable one.

Now, newly married and again looking to purchase a home, it was a natural choice to contact Neil when we wanted to get pre-approved prior to beginning our search. As before, Neil has provided valuable knowledge to my husband and I as we traverse the real estate market … no easy task if you knew how often we e-mailed him with questions! As always, Neil handles our inquiries with speed, efficiency and, most importantly to us, with an easy sense of humour. There is no doubt as we begin to look for investment properties in the not-so-distant future that Neil’s number will be the first we call.

Thanks Neil!

Malea, Kelowna & Edmonton

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Our Home Buyer Workshop Curriculum

The Home Buyer Workshop is moderated by Mortgage Specialist Neil McJannet with The Mortgage Centre Approved Mortgages.

He is joined by a local Home Inspector and other guest speakers.

This is your chance to learn inside tips from experts in their field, people who are "out in the trenches" every day.

You'll discover all the 'meat & potatoes' details about the entire mortgage process and buying a house or condo such as...

· The important definitions that relate to home purchasing so that you're able to speak the language to all the parties involved (buyer agent, mortgage lender, lawyer, home inspector, etc)

· A complete explanation of Buyer Agency... what a Buyer Agent should be doing for you in the transaction, how they get paid, why some agents are NOT motivated to get you the best price and what one extremely important question you should ask BEFORE signing any buyer agency contract

· Learn the three critical reasons why you should avoid buying a home from the listing agent like the plague

· What happens at a Buyer Consultation and what the pitfalls are if your buyer agent does not take the time to have one with you

· The difference between how much you can afford to pay and how much you want to pay monthly for house or condo expenses. Don't get caught eating Kraft Dinner every night so that you can pay your monthly mortgage!

· The specific benefits of filling out a 'Wish List' before you start looking at houses or condominiums to help you focus on and decide what type of home suits your lifestyle best

· How to choose the proper home when you're out viewing properties with your buyer agent AND ways to determine how much to make your initial offer for

· Learn how to calculate 'Fair Market Value' and avoid overpaying even if you've fallen in love with the property

· What happens at a Mortgage Consultation... learn what your mortgage options are and how you can negotiate the absolute best rate

· Zero down payment options and how to create a down payment even if you haven't saved a penny so far

· Discover how to use free money from the Government to save thousands when you buy your first home. You'll even learn the tips and techniques to use to get actual cash back from the Federal Government and from the lender at the same time

· What does the home inspector do? Why can some of them be a major liability to you? What should you be doing while the home inspection is going on?

· Learn how the offer presentation process really works... what conditions in your offer are different between a house and a condominium and what $$ deposit you need when you present your offer

· Find out what lawyers do during the real estate transaction and when you need to get one involved in the process

· Once your offer is accepted, what needs to happen next... when do you assemble your down payment and when and where are all the documents signed?

· You'll receive a detailed rundown of closing costs that you can expect to pay

· We will show you how to pay off your mortgage in just ten years without you making ANY lump sum payments whatsoever... our exclusive and trademarked Mortgage Eliminator Program can save you between $80,000 and $140,000 of interest payments during the life of your mortgage and anyone can do it

The Home Buyer Workshop is free, but some restrictions to attending DO apply. Plan to arrive about ten (10) minutes early to grab a good seat!

Please be prepared to stay for the full 2 1/2 hours, as this workshop will prove to be invaluable in your home buying experience.

To Register For The Next Home Buyer Workshop...

Fill in the Registration Form Below And Email It To Us

Once you have registered, you will receive an email giving you the exact location and a confirmation of your attendance.

Don't delay - there are limited seats available at each workshop location. We do reserve the right to limit registration at either location.

If you do have to cancel once you've registered, please notify us immediately to free up the seat for someone else. We'd be pleased to register you for another upcoming workshop. Please give us as much notice as possible so that we can invite someone from our waiting list to attend.

* ALL Fields MUST be filled in below or your registration will not be accepted... confirmations are sent out by "snail" mail and/or email.

Home Buyer Workshop Registration Form

The Flip Side Of Buying For Investment... Be Ready For The Problems As Well As The Headaches!

During a hot real estate market many people get excited about all the benefits of owning real estate. Unfortunately, when the real estate or rental market slides, it can hurt big time. Click Here To Read More

Six Ways To Beat The Stress Of Buying A Home

There are two very different kinds of needs that people have while moving. First there are the transactional needs, like finding the home that is just right for them, finding a seller who is realistic, negotiating the price, filling out the paperwork, handling the escrow, and arranging for the move. Click Here To Read More

Seven Different Reasons Why You Should Quit Renting And Own Your Own Home

You've probably seen lots of financial arguments about why you should own your own home rather than rent. This includes budgeting (no rent increases) and the property appreciation you'll most likely have. Now we're going to give you some reasons you probably haven't heard. Click Here To Read More

Seven Common Mistakes For Move-Up Buyers To Avoid

Homes have normal wear and tear, paint gets dull and shabby, landscaping can become overgrown, and roofs deteriorate. Often times as we live in a house we "live with" minor inconveniences that we intend to fix "some day." ........... Click Here To Read More

Proof That Buying Is Better Than Renting

Compelling Proof That It Makes Financial Sense To Buy Instead Of Rent! Click Here To Read More

Professional Home Inspection Buys Peace Of Mind

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Why Is One Neighbourhood Better Than Another For Your Family?

Once you've become pre-approved for a mortgage, you should be ready to put your house-hunting efforts into full gear. But don't skip the important step of scouting out Kelowna’s many neighborhoods before you start your search for the perfect house. Click Here To Read More

When Parents Choose To Help Their Kids Buy A Home

With the average home price in the Kelowna area hovering around $335,000, it is not easy these days for young, first-time buyers to break into the home market. Often, the only way today's 20-sometimes can arrange to buy a home is with a little help from their parents, grandparents or the proverbial 'Aunt Mary'. Click Here To Read More

Visualize Yourself In Your New Home

There are so many things to think about when you are buying a new home: financing, what you want in a dream house, which neighbourhood to live in. We give out information about all those issues, but one trick that we've found is both handy and easy for new homebuyers is to try mentally living in a place. Click Here To Read More

Three Most Common Fears Of Home Buyers And How To Conquer Them

Buying a home must be up there with public speaking and the remake of The Exorcist for frightening experiences, but many of us will buy a home, speak publicly and watch horror movies again and again in our lifetimes. Click Here To Read More

Things You Should Know About Moving

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The Rent Or Buy Dilemma

Most people decide to buy a home for very emotional reasons. Their home-owning friends are constantly talking about fix-up projects and gardening chores. Family members keep asking when the apartment dweller will be hosting a holiday dinner. Children want bedrooms of their own and a backyard for playtime. And so it goes. Click Here To Read More

The Real Meaning Of 'Deferred Maintenance' And 'Subject To'

What is Deferred? First, it just means that you put it off. You waited. Maintenance? Taking care of something. Put the two together and it all makes sense. You put off taking care of something. Click Here To Read More

Procrastination And It's Relationship To Home Buying

The Nike JUST DO IT! slogan sounds so simple and yet, we all have at some point found ourselves putting off doing the very things we think we should be doing to be more successful. Click Here To Read More

New Trends In Home Styles

When it comes to housing trends, good things are coming in smaller packages, the dining room is disappearing and multimedia rooms are becoming necessities rather than luxuries. Click Here To Read More

Moving Day Survey Says Packing Is The Worst Pain

When Canadians think about moving, it is the prospect of packing that leaves them the most irritated, according to a recent Royal Bank housing study. Click Here To Read More

Moving Checklist

Let's face it: Moving is NEVER fun! But you can make it as stress and hassle-free as possible! For starters, use this handy checklist. Click Here To Read More

More Canadians Cocooning At Home, Survey Says

Canadians love their homes and are spending more time there than ever before, says a wide-ranging survey by Royal LePage. Click Here To Read More

Making The Move Easy On The Kids

Moving from one house to another is seldom easy and fun for adults, and it can be especially troubling for children. But if parents deal with their children’s concerns and needs thoughtfully, much of that distress and discomfort can be avoided. Click Here To Read More

Is Fear Of Making Mistakes Holding You Back?

Fear takes the fun out of a lot of things, but there is reasonable fear and unreasonable fear. Unreasonable fears have no basis in reality, so there is little you can do beyond getting professional help for your anxiety. Reasonable fears you can handle on your own with a little common sense. Click Here To Read More

Is Condo Living Right For You?

Living in a condominium is not that different from living in a home, but you'll want to explore whether the differences appeal to you or not. Click Here To Read More

How To Take Advantage Of A Tight Seller's Market

Kelowna’s house and condo sales are still at record levels. That's great news for sellers, but is enough to make a potential buyer's stomach churn watching prices mount on a monthly basis. So, if you are a buyer, it's more important than ever to be prepared and be ready to make an offer at a moment's notice. Click Here To Read More

How To Buy The Home You Always Wanted...... Without All The Money You Thought

Buying a home can seem like a frightening prospect. Whether it's your first home, or your fifth, so much is at stake — your savings, your credit rating, your financial freedom. Click Here To Read More

Home Buying Made Easy

Ester had done a lot of research into buying her first home which was her ultimate dream. She even attended a Buyer Workshop but still made no further attempt to take it to the next step and actually start looking for a home. Her biggest obstacle was ‘fear’... fear of making such a huge commitment and, despite her detailed research, a fear of the unknown! Click Here To Read More

Home Buyer Questions

We've decided to address those most commonly asked questions up front so that you keen home buyers can do a little bit of homework before coming out to the Workshop. If you have the time we encourage you to do so because you will be just a little better informed and will then be able to ask more specialized questions when you arrive at the Workshop. Click Here To Read More

Get The Most Out Of Your Home Inspection

With thoughts of how you're going to arrange the furniture in your new home, whether you'll make the deadline for registering the kids for their new school and how you'll find a mover on short notice, the home inspection process sometimes takes a back seat. Click Here To Read More

Eight Quick Tips For Buyers

Let's cut to the chase -- what really, really crucial things do you need to do as a homebuyer? We've distilled our more than two decades of mortgage broker knowledge to distill it down for you into eight quick tips. Click Here To Read More

Do You Have 'Buyer's Paralysis'?

Do You Have Buyer's Paralysis? You've looked at dozens of homes. Your Realtor is about to tear her hair out with frustration. You are paralyzed, letting one great home after another pass you by. Why can't you make a decision? Click Here To Read More

Condos - An Affordable Housing Alternative

If you're a buyer in search of affordable housing for your first purchase, don't overlook condominiums as an alternative to the highly touted 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family house. In most areas, a condominium provides many of the benefits of homeownership without some of the home-care hassles. Click Here To Read More

Condo Fees Won't Cover Loss Of Personal Possessions

Before you purchase a condo you probably don't give much thought to insurance for your unit. After all, that's what condo fees are for, right? Not exactly. Click Here To Read More

Closing Day Is Soon And So Is Your Move

Have you just bought a new home? Before the agony of house hunting subsides, it's already time to start thinking about the fate worse than death: moving. Click Here To Read More

Choosing The Right Neighbourhood

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Are You In The Market For Your First Condo?

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Some FAQ's About Condos

Owners must be given written notice of a meeting at least 15 days before the date of the meeting. While notices of meetings are most often delivered either by hand or through the mail, the new act also allows notice to be sent to an owner through fax, e-mail or any other method of electronic communication, as long as the owner agrees in writing to receive notice in these ways. Click Here To Read More

Why An Up-to-date Survey Is Crucial

With the growing popularity of title insurance in recent years, there seems to be a widespread misconception that is no longer necessary to have a survey for a residential property purchase. Even though title insurance will, in some circumstances, avoid the need for a proper survey, the fact is that aside from the deed, the survey is probably the most important document in a real estate transaction. Click Here To Read More

What Home Buyers Should Know About Mold

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Warning If You Are Going To "Just Look" At A Home, BEWARE !

Even if you're thinking "We don't know if we are serious so we shouldn't bother their realtor realtor", call them anyway ! It will surely save you thousands of dollars ! Click Here To Read More

How Title Insurance Can Save You Thousands

When one of our clients first heard about title insurance from us, he wasn't exactly sure what it was. As a first time home buyer he knew that, before taking possession of his semi-detached home, his lawyer would have to get all of the right papers and documents signed, ensuring that the home would be rightfully his. Click Here To Read More

Tips For Singles On Buying A Home

It appears fewer singles are buying homes. And competing against dual-income bids in a period of low interest rates and a dearth of available homes could spell more tough months ahead for single homebuyers. Click Here To Read More

How To Succeed With Counter Offers

All at once it happens -- the seller accepts an offer from someone else. Your first question: How is this possible? Your second question: What could have been done differently to produce a better result? Click Here To Read More

Six Signs In A House That Could Mean Hidden (Expensive) Trouble

Cracks, bulges, stains, odors, squeaks and tilting are easy to spot and can mean a little or a lot of trouble in any home. Click Here To Read More

How To Avoid 10 Common Rookie Mistakes When Buying A Home

First-time homebuyers face a steep learning curve. There's much to know, much to learn, and a great potential for "rookie mistakes" -- with potentially costly consequences. Click Here To Read More

Making Home Inspections Mandatory Not Possible... But Still Highly Recommended

If you're buying real estate, you're thinking location, location, location. But for sellers and their real estate agents, the mantra should be disclose, disclose, disclose. Click Here To Read More

Don't Get Stuck With A Money Pit!

Most People think a house that has expensive defects will be very obvious to detect, but often the most expensive defects are hidden and take a little more investigating. Here are six signs to look for when inspecting a house... Click Here To Read More

How To Come Out On Top In Multiple Offer Situations

The Greater Kelowna Area is experiencing a hot seller's market right now, as you probably know. As a result, many home vendors get multiple offers for their homes. What's the best way for you to come out on top in these situations? Click Here To Read More

Don’t leave home until you read these seven tips.

When homeowners head off for a relaxing vacation, often they're in so much of a hurry to pack up and catch the next flight that they leave their homes vulnerable to thieves. Click Here To Read More

Buying Solo

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Buyers Beware: Sellers May Unintentionally Fail To Disclose Defects

Most of the time, people have good intentions, but as a buyer, you need to protect yourself from mistakes the seller may make in giving you proper disclosures. Click Here To Read More

Better Protection For Buyers Of Resale Homes Through Buyer Agency

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How Do You Guarantee That You'll Get A Good Tenant?

You've all probably heard the horror stories... tenants trashing the house or apartment, rent cheques bouncing and landlords being stuck with thousands of dollars of unpaid rent! Click Here To Read More

Crucial Questions Buyers Should Ask About A Potential Home

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Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide

According to the United States EPA, carbon monoxide poisoning represents a silent, but very real, killer. The colorless, odorless gas is found as a result of "incomplete" combustion. People become ill when their heaters are not properly vented or are broken, when their automobile is allowed to run in a confined space, when indoor appliances such as gas ovens and dryers operate improperly, and in other similar ways. Click Here To Read More

5 Powerful Buying Strategies To Use When Purchasing A Kelowna House Or Condo

Do you want to get the best house you can for the least amount of money? Then make sure you are in the strongest negotiating position possible. Price is only one bargaining chip in the negotiations, and not necessarily the most important one. Click Here To Read More