If you’re a first-time home buyer in Alberta and you’re thinking about a new build, there’s a recent federal change you should know about — one that could genuinely save you tens of thousands of dollars.

The federal government has introduced a new First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate. For most first-time buyers purchasing a new home from a builder (or building one themselves) here in Alberta, it can mean getting the full 5% GST you paid back, up to a maximum of $50,000.

That’s not a small number. And because there’s no HST in Alberta — just the 5% GST on new homes — the math is pretty clean. On a $500,000 new build, the GST is $25,000. If you qualify for the rebate, you get all of it back.

Let me walk you through how it actually works.

Yes — self-employed Albertans get mortgages every day. The process works a bit differently than it does for salaried employees, and the documentation requirements are more involved, but it's absolutely achievable. The key is understanding how lenders assess self-employed income and making sure your file is presented correctly.

A great mortgage broker in Medicine Hat should have access to multiple lenders (not just one), explain things clearly without jargon, be genuinely responsive, and have real experience with the range of situations that come up in Alberta — from first-time buyers to complex financial profiles.

Refinancing your mortgage means replacing your existing mortgage with a new one — usually to access equity, get a better rate, consolidate debt, or change your mortgage structure. In Alberta, you can generally refinance up to 80% of your home's current appraised value through a conventional refinance.

Mortgage pre-approval is a review of your personal financial and credit profile. The preapproval assesses your lending limit at a set interest rate, based on a verified review of your income, credit, and financial profile. It's not a final mortgage approval — but it's the most important first step you can take before buying a home.

A mortgage rate is the interest you pay on the money you borrow. In Alberta — and across Canada — your rate is shaped by your lender, your financial profile, and the type of mortgage you choose. Understanding how rates work helps you make a better decision, not just find the lowest number.

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Alberta, the most important things to understand are your budget, your mortgage options, and the true cost of buying a home. From down payment requirements in Canada to first-time home buyer programs in Alberta, having a clear plan can make the process smoother—and a lot less stressful.

Buying or refinancing a home in Alberta? If you’re married, separated, or even divorced-but-not-quite, you might bump into one of Alberta’s most interesting pieces of real estate law: The Dower Act. It’s part love story, part legal safeguard, and part “wait, we still have that?”

Let’s unpack it - with a smile - so you know where you stand (and who else has to sign!) when it comes to property ownership.

Debbi Secondiak with ReMax Medalta Real Estate is providing some tips for navigating a low-inventory market here in Medicine Hat

Have you often wondered how your credit score is calculated? Do you monitor it and think what made it go up or down?

When you are looking to secure financing, especially real estate financing you want to ensure you are putting your best foot forward. Here is what goes into your credit score!

Have you wondered how fixed mortgage rates are set? Bond yields and mortgage rates have an inverse relationship. When bond yields rise, mortgage rates tend to rise, and when bond yields fall, mortgage rates tend to fall as well.

Welcome to my new website. The goal of this website is to provide you with information regarding the mortgage process to make your purchase of real estate as simple as possible.

Introducing Laura Snyder Realtor with ReMax Medalta Real Estate.

Laura will take us through the market trends for 2021 & what it means for buyers and sellers this year.

If you have any questions related to mortgage financing make sure to reach out.