Homeowner AF: The Canadian First Time Homebuying Podcast

Hosted by Brianna Goslin

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Nov 2026

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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 buyers and 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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November 3, 202615 min

Variable Vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages in Canada: Which Is Right for You?

Not all variable rate mortgages in Canada work the same way, and understanding the difference could have a major impact on your monthly budget and long-term homeownership goals. In today's episode of Homeowner AF, I break down the two types of variable rate mortgages available to Canadian homebuyers, how they respond to Bank of Canada interest rate changes, and what you need to know before choosing one. Listen in to better understand your mortgage options and make informed decisions as you move towards homeownership in Canada. Here’s what you’ll learn: The difference between variable rate and adjustable rate mortgages and why these two mortgage products behave differently when the Bank of Canada changes interest rates What happens to your monthly mortgage payment when prime rates rise or fall The pros and cons of static payment variable mortgages What happens when rising interest rates cause more of your payment to go towards interest and how that could impact your mortgage at renewal Your options for locking into a fixed mortgage rate Why understanding your household cash flow, risk tolerance, and long-term goals matters just as much as securing a competitive interest rate If you're wondering which mortgage product makes the most sense for your next home purchase, renewal, or refinance, book a free call with me at www.bricallme.com for advice tailored to your specific situation. Please leave a like on this episode and subscribe to Homeowner AF for more expert advice on how to purchase a home in Canada. 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

October 27, 202610 min

Navigating HELOCs: The Wealth Within Your Walls, Part 3

In today’s episode, I’m wrapping up the third instalment of my Wealth Within Your Walls series by talking all about Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs). HELOCs are one of the most popular ways Canadians can tap into their hard-earned equity, but they’re not always an option for first-time home buyers, and I’ll be explaining why. Whether you’re currently buying your first home in Ontario or creating a homeownership game plan for the future, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to make confident decisions based on your goals. Stay tuned to learn: What a HELOC is and why you only pay interest on the amounts you borrow Why Canadian first-time buyers usually can’t access a HELOC right away and what has to happen first How parents can use a HELOC to gift their kids a down payment without touching their registered investments Why a HELOC can be a smart backup when an emergency costs more than your emergency fund covers The “pay to play” rule of HELOC payments and the credit mistake to avoid What hybrid mortgages are and who they might make sense for If you’re a first-time buyer in Ontario and think a HELOC might be something you want to access, let’s talk about it now. Book a free discovery call with me at www.bricallme.com and I’ll walk you through what a HELOC could look like for you as a Canadian borrower. If you have more questions, send me a voice note or message on Instagram @briannagoslingmortgages for a chance to have your question 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

October 20, 202613 min

Tapping In With a Refinance: The Wealth Within Your Walls, Part 2

Welcome back to Homeowner AF! This is the second installment in my Wealth Within Your Walls series, and today we’re talking about refinancing your mortgage: what it is, why people do it, and what you need to consider if it’s part of your financial plan as a homeowner. I’m chatting with a lot of Canadian homeowners right now who are carrying unsecured debt, so if that sounds like you, stay tuned! Here’s what I cover: The difference between a refinance and a mortgage switch, and why a switch might get you a better rate with no money out of pocket How to use your home equity to trade high-interest debt for a much lower mortgage rate The amortization strategy many of my clients use to free up cash flow, and the prepayment plan that keeps it from costing you long term When it makes sense to leverage your home equity to invest, buy a rental, or help your kids into their first home The legal fees, appraisals, and penalties that come with a refinance, and when you may not have to pay them out of pocket The one question you need to ask yourself before consolidating debt so you’re not back here refinancing in five years Next week, I’m covering another way to access your equity: home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Remember, no two financial situations are the same; to get advice tailored to your specific situation, book a free call with me at bricallme.com . Listen to Episode 15 of Homeowner Af: Fixed Vs. Variable: Which Mortgage Option Is Right for Me? 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

October 13, 202613 min

Understanding Your Home Equity: The Wealth Within Your Walls, Part 1

Your home isn’t just where you live, it can also be one of your biggest wealth-building tools. Today on Homeowner AF, I’m kicking off my Wealth Within Your Walls series by breaking down home equity, what it actually means, how it grows, and why it can become such an important part of your financial picture as a Canadian homeowner. I’m also sharing why understanding equity matters before you purchase your first home, especially if you want the flexibility to access that wealth in the future. Here’s what we get into: How home equity is calculated and how your down payment gives you your first equity position when purchasing a home The two major ways your equity can grow over time Why equity contributes to your net worth and how Canadian homeowners may eventually access it through refinancing, a second mortgage, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) When you can actually start accessing your home equity and why your equity position matters Why the mortgage you choose as a first-time home buyer impacts your options if accessing equity is a part of your five or 10 year plan This is just the beginning of our Wealth Within Your Walls conversation. In the next episodes, I’ll dive deeper into refinancing and home equity lines of credit so you can better understand the options available as your equity grows. If you’re ready to talk about your first home purchase, mortgage pre-approval, or how your mortgage can support your long-term homeownership goals, book a free call with me at bricallme.com . Download Brianna's Mortgage App 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

October 6, 202610 min

Homebuyer's Plan vs. FHSA: Which One Is Right for Me?

Your down payment may not have to come entirely from your regular savings. In this episode, I explain how the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) and First Home Savings Account (FHSA) can help eligible first-time home buyers in Canada access and build funds for a home purchase. I walk you through the rules you need to understand before incorporating either program into your strategy, so you can set yourself up for the best case scenario when you're ready to buy. Here’s what you’ll learn: Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer for the Home Buyers’ Plan and FHSA, including when a previous homeowner may become eligible again How the FHSA can help you build your down payment through tax-deductible contributions and tax-free qualifying withdrawals How eligible couples can each use an FHSA towards their purchase, increasing the amount available for their combined down payment How the Home Buyers’ Plan allows eligible buyers to access RRSP funds for a home purchase and what you need to know about repayment The key differences between the FHSA and HBP, including why the repayment requirement can influence how you use each program Why understanding the withdrawal and eligibility rules before making an offer is an important part of preparing for your mortgage and home purchase The Home Buyers’ Plan and FHSA can create additional opportunities for Canadians to strengthen their down payments, but the right approach depends on your specific financial circumstances and timeline. If you want advice tailored to your situation, book a free call with me at www.bricallme.com . Do you have a question you want answered on the podcast? Send me a message or voice note on Instagram @ briannagoslinmortgages . I'll see you next time! Resources: Homebuyer's Plan FHSA 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

September 29, 20269 min

Lowest vs. Best Mortgage Rate: Why Your Neighbour's Rate Doesn't Matter

Today on Homeowner AF, I’m answering one of the biggest questions I hear from Canadian homebuyers and homeowners: how do I get the lowest mortgage interest rate? Whether you’re purchasing your first home, renewing your mortgage, or refinancing, I’m breaking down why comparing rates to everyone in your community Facebook groups might not actually help you find the mortgage that saves you the most money. Keep listening to learn: Why comparing mortgage rates with others can be misleading when borrowers may be talking about completely different mortgage products, including fixed versus variable rates How an insured mortgage can come with a lower interest rate while the mortgage insurance premium increases your overall cost of borrowing How your income, debts, down payment, credit, amortization, property location, and financial goals all play a role in determining the mortgage rate and product you actually qualify for The hidden trade-offs that can come with a low interest rate and why saving on your rate today could limit your options or cost you more down the road How lender turnaround times can affect a home purchase, especially when you have a short financing condition or closing timeline Why working with a mortgage agent or broker can help you look beyond the headline rate and find a mortgage that fits your unique finances and goals Let’s find the best-fit mortgage for you, not the lowest possible rate. If you’re a first time home buyer in Ontario who wants advice based on your actual numbers, book a free call with me at bricallme.com . Don’t forget to leave a like on this episode and I’ll see you next week! Listen to Episode 2 of the podcast: Do You Really Need 20% Down? The Truth About Minimum Down Payment, Insured Mortgages, and Buying Sooner 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

September 22, 202612 min

Buying a Home in Ontario in the Next 6 Months? 4 Things I Would Do To Stay Mortgage Ready

Today on Homeowner AF, I share the practical steps I would take if I was buying in the next six months. If you’re currently planning to purchase your first home in Ontario, getting pre-approved is just the beginning. Listen in as I go over the steps you can start taking now so you can stay mortgage ready and be prepared to act fast when the right property comes along. Here’s what I get into: Why I want you to keep saving after your pre-approval and down payment are in place, including building an emergency fund for the added costs of homeownership How a mortgage rate hold can help protect your purchasing power when interest rates fluctuate Which mortgage documents you’ll need to keep updated so your application can move quickly once you have an accepted offer and a financing condition Why expanding your location search could open up more affordable homeownership opportunities, particularly if you work remotely or have flexibility with your commute How assembling your homebuying team early, including your mortgage agent, realtor, and real estate lawyer, can help you prepare for a smoother purchase Why choosing to work with people you trust matters The more prepared you are before you find your property, the better positioned you’ll be to move through your mortgage financing with confidence. Do you have specific questions about your unique homebuying situation? Book a free call with me at www.bricallme.com . Listen to Episode 3 of Homeowner AF: What is a Pre-Approval and Why Do I Need One? Mortgage Pre-Approval Explained 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

September 15, 202615 min

Can First-Time Homebuyers Still Buy a House in Ontario? What the 2026 Data Reveals

Today on Homeowner AF, I dig into Teranet’s Q2 2026 Market Insight Report and what the latest Ontario housing data actually tells us about Canadian first-time homebuyers. Heads up: the numbers may challenge some of the headlines you’ve been hearing. First-time buyers are making up a growing share of Ontario’s non-condo market and today, we’ll be looking at where they’re buying, what they’re buying, and how you can use this information to build a smarter homeownership strategy around your own finances. Here’s what I get into: The growing role first-time homebuyers are playing in the non-condo market How first-time buyers are purchasing homes across Ontario and why looking beyond one city or neighbourhood can change what’s possible within your budget What the rise in solo first-time homebuyers tells us about buying on your own, especially for buyers in their 20s and early 30s The four practical steps I recommend taking to position yourself for homeownership, starting with your mortgage pre-approval and the monthly payment you can comfortably afford Why being flexible with location and property type can create more opportunities without sacrificing the financial boundaries you’ve set for yourself Why your first-time homebuyer strategy should focus on what you can control rather than trying to predict interest rates or the next move in the Canadian real estate market If your goal is to become a homeowner in Ontario, this episode will help you think differently about what’s possible and where to start. Leave me a comment with a question you want answered on the podcast or send me a message on Instagram @briannagoslinmortgages . I’ll see you next week! Teranet’s 2026 First-Time Homebuyer Market Snapshot 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

September 8, 202612 min

Don't Overcomplicate It! How to Get Started As a First-Time Canadian Homebuyer in 2026

If buying your first home is on your radar but you’re not sure where to start, this episode is for you. Today, I break down the practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your finances, start building your down payment, and position yourself for a future mortgage pre-approval. Every first-time home buyer has a different starting point. You might already have savings and great credit, or you might be years away from purchasing and wondering where to begin. The important thing is having a plan that makes sense for your finances and your homeownership goals. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why opening a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) early on is a must The importance of building your savings muscle by consistently setting aside money for your down payment Why carrying debt doesn’t automatically prevent you from becoming a homeowner and how to think strategically about paying down debt while saving How protecting your credit can strengthen your future mortgage application and help position you for a competitive interest rate Why connecting with a mortgage agent or broker before you’re ready to buy can help you align your savings, debt repayment, and financial decisions with your ultimate goal of becoming a homeowner Whether homeownership is one year away or five, the decisions you make today can help put you in a stronger position when it’s time to purchase. Ready to lock into your goal of becoming a homeowner? Book a free call with me at www.Bricallme.com . Don't forget to leave a like and review on this episode. I'll see you next week! 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages

September 1, 2026Episode 2312 min

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Home in Ontario

Today on Homeowner AF, I share the things I wish I avoided as a first-time home buyer in Ontario. I purchased my first home in Oshawa in 2015 with my then-boyfriend, now husband, with a plan to build equity and use our starter home as a stepping stone toward our long-term goals. Looking back, there are a few conversations and decisions that could have made the process a lot less stressful. If you’re currently house hunting in Ontario as a first-time homebuyer, listen in to the lessons I learnt the hard way, so you can feel more confident when it’s your turn to buy. Tune in to hear: The importance of prioritizing your financial plan and homeownership goals above the opinions of friends and family Why we intentionally purchased a home with a basement apartment, how rental income helped support our lifestyle, and why being a landlord worked for us despite other people’s concerns How our mortgage pre-approval helped us choose a purchase price based on a monthly payment we were actually comfortable carrying What first-time home buyers should discuss before actually make an offer The kinds of conversations you should be having with your partner before going in on a shared down payment What I learnt about cohabitation agreements and why protecting yourself and your investment is an important part of buying real estate with another person Visit jointly.ca to learn more about cohabitation agreements in Canada. If you’re a first time home buyer in Ontario and you’re thinking about your pre-approval, let’s get you the information you need to make your next move with confidence. Book a free call with me at www.Bricallme.com . I’ll see you next week! 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: https://www.brxmortgage.com/agent/brianna-goslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannagoslinmortgages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianna.goslin.mortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagoslinmortgages