Buying in Guelph · First-Time Buyer
Your first home
Your first home
is a big deal.
Excited, nervous, and overwhelmed all at once — that’s completely normal. What matters is having someone beside you who has done this hundreds of times and still treats your purchase like it’s the only one that matters.
Our Promise to First-Time Buyers
Book Your Free Consultation
We slow down so you can keep up.
Most first-time buyers feel rushed, under-informed, and like just another transaction. We built Empower to be the opposite. You will understand every step before you take it — in plain language, no jargon, no surprises.
Sean’s first purchase in Guelph in 2009 showed him exactly what the industry was getting wrong. That experience is the reason every first-time buyer at Empower feels in control — not processed.
“The best first-time buyer experience ends with you thinking — that was actually easier than I expected.”
— Sean Baker, Broker
Every step explained before you take it
No jargon, no assumptions. We walk you through what’s happening and why before it happens.
Zero pressure, ever
We never rush you toward a decision you’re not ready for. Your timeline is the only timeline that matters.
Trusted professionals, ready to go
Mortgage broker, home inspector, real estate lawyer — we have trusted partners for every step. You don’t have to find them.
First-time buyer incentives you may qualify for.
Before you spend a single dollar, we walk through every incentive you’re entitled to. Most first-time buyers don’t know what’s available — these can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
$4,000
Land Transfer Tax Rebate
First-time buyers in Ontario may qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000 on their provincial land transfer tax.
$40,000
First Home Savings Account
The FHSA lets you save up to $40,000 tax-free toward your first home — contributions are tax deductible.
$35,000
Home Buyers’ Plan (RRSP)
Withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free to put toward your first home purchase.
$1,500
First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit
A federal non-refundable tax credit worth up to $1,500 for eligible first-time buyers.
GST/HST
New Housing Rebate
If you’re buying a new build, you may qualify for a partial GST/HST rebate on the purchase price.
Not sure which incentives apply to your situation? We walk through every one on your first call — at no cost, no obligation.
Book a Free Call →
From first call to keys in hand.
Most first-time buyers are in their home within 60–90 days of their first call with us. Here’s exactly what that journey looks like.
Week 1–2
Discovery
Discovery Call + Pre-Approval
We listen first — understanding your goals, timeline, and what home means to you. Then we connect you with a trusted mortgage professional so you know your real budget before you fall in love with anything. Pre-approval is free and takes about an hour.
Week 2–6
Search
Search + Viewings
Curated listings that fit your life — not just your checklist. We walk every property with you and flag what others miss: drainage issues, deferred maintenance, neighbourhood dynamics, future development. You never walk in blind.
Week 6–8
Offer
Offer + Conditions
Strategic offer, home inspection, financing condition satisfied. You understand every clause before you sign anything — in plain English, not legal jargon. We never let you sign something you don’t fully understand.
Closing Day
Keys
Keys in Hand
Lawyer, final walkthrough, title transfer. We’re there every step. You arrive at closing day relaxed and ready — because we’ve handled every last detail. And we don’t disappear after the keys. We’re your resource for life.
What first-time buyers ask us most.
I don’t know if I can afford it.
Most first-time buyers are surprised by what they qualify for. Pre-approval is free, takes an hour, and gives you real numbers — not guesses. It costs you nothing to find out. Book a call and we’ll connect you with a trusted mortgage professional the same day.
What if I make the wrong choice?
That’s what we’re here to prevent. We walk every property, flag concerns early, and never let you rush into a home that isn’t right. Our job is to slow the process down — not speed it up. You’ll never feel pressured to make a decision you’re not confident about.
The market looks scary right now.
The best time to buy is when you’re financially and personally ready — not when the headlines say so. Markets move in cycles. We’ll give you an honest read on current Guelph conditions and help you build a strategy around your actual situation, not the noise.
Do I need a lawyer and a home inspector?
Yes to both — and we have trusted professionals we’ve worked with for years. A real estate lawyer handles the title transfer, mortgage registration, and closing funds. A home inspector protects you from inheriting serious problems. We’ll coordinate both for you.
What does a buyer’s agent cost me?
In most cases, nothing out of pocket. The buyer’s agent commission is typically paid by the seller. We represent you completely — strategy, negotiation, guidance — at no direct cost to you. Sean will walk you through the exact structure on your first call.
What closing costs should I expect?
Budget roughly 1.5–4% of the purchase price for closing costs — land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, and adjustments. As a first-time buyer you may qualify for a land transfer tax rebate of up to $4,000. We walk through every dollar before you make an offer so there are zero surprises.
Which Guelph neighbourhood is right for me?
That depends on your commute, lifestyle, school needs, and budget. Guelph has 20 distinct neighbourhoods — from walkable downtown heritage streets to quiet family suburbs in the south end. We match you to the right area before we look at a single listing. Explore all neighbourhoods →
What First-Time Buyers Say
Real results from real clients.
★★★★★
“As first-time buyers we were nervous. Sean and Leah turned what felt overwhelming into something we genuinely enjoyed. We felt informed and in control every single step.”
A. & D. Mehta
First-Time Buyers · Pineridge
★★★★★
“Sean made us feel completely in control at every step. Never pushed, always prepared. Best decision we made for our family.”
M. & K. Thornton
Guelph, ON
Ready to Start?
Your first home is closer than you think.
One free conversation — no obligation, no pressure. Just an honest look at what’s possible for you right now.
Book a Free Consultation
Call Sean — 519-240-0191
Other Buyer Journeys
Your first home starts here.
One conversation. No pressure. Let’s figure out what’s possible.