Buying your first home is one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — experiences in life.
When I bought my first home, I was thrilled, nervous, and completely consumed by the details. Like most first-time buyers, I had a budget, a dream list, and a lot of “what ifs.” Now, after years of helping clients through the same process, I can look back and say there are three big things I wish I’d known sooner.
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into homeownership in Victoria, these lessons might save you time, stress, and a few sleepless nights.
1️⃣ Neighbourhoods Matter More Than You Think
When I first started looking for a home, I was laser-focused on the house itself — layout, finishes, backyard size, and how close it was to work. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how much where you buy shapes how you live.
In Victoria, every neighbourhood has its own rhythm and character. Fernwood has that artsy, community feel; Cook Street Village offers endless walkability and cafés; Saanich is family-friendly with easy access to trails and parks; and Esquimalt is vibrant, coastal, and still surprisingly affordable.
Your neighbourhood becomes part of your everyday story — where you grab your morning coffee, walk your dog, or meet your neighbours at the market. The right fit isn’t just about the walls around you, it’s about the life you’ll build within and beyond them.
✨ Pro Tip: Before making an offer, spend a weekend exploring the area at different times of day. Grab lunch locally, chat with shop owners, and see if it feels like “you.”
💬 Looking for local insight? I love helping clients match their lifestyle to the right neighbourhood — not just the right home. Let’s chat about areas that may work well for you.
2️⃣ Hidden Costs Add Up
When I was budgeting for my first home, I focused on the down payment and mortgage — and completely underestimated the smaller costs that come with ownership.
Things like inspections, lawyer fees, insurance, moving costs, property transfer tax, and home maintenance all add up. None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth planning for so nothing catches you off guard.
When I work with first-time buyers now, one of the first things we do is map out a complete budget — not just for the purchase, but for those first few months of homeownership. That clarity changes everything.
💡 Pro Tip: Set aside 2–3% of your purchase price for closing and moving costs. It’s one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of surprises and enjoy a smoother transition.
📦 Need help building your first-home budget? I’ve created a “First Home Checklist” to guide you — download it free at YourVanIsleHome/buying.
3️⃣ You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
When you’re buying for the first time, it’s easy to feel like you need to figure everything out yourself — especially in a competitive market like Victoria. But here’s what I learned: having the right guidance makes all the difference.
A good REALTOR® doesn’t just unlock doors — they help you understand the process, ask the right questions, and make decisions that protect your long-term goals. They also connect you with trusted local professionals — mortgage brokers, inspectors, lawyers, and tradespeople — who become part of your support system.
One of my favourite parts of this job is walking my clients through the process step by step. Whether it’s celebrating a mortgage pre-approval, navigating an offer, or handing over the keys, every milestone matters — and it feels a lot less stressful when you have someone in your corner.
☕️ Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let’s sit down, map out your goals, and create a plan that fits your life and your budget.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home for the first time is so much more than a financial decision — it’s the start of a new chapter.
Looking back, I wish I’d focused less on rushing the process and more on learning from people who’d already walked the path. Now, I get to be that person for others — helping newcomers and first-time buyers find not just a property, but a place to belong.
If you’re ready to explore your first home in Victoria, I’d love to help you start strong.
💛 Ready to Begin?
✅ Download your free Home Buying Guide
✅ Explore the latest listings at YourVanIsleHome.com
✅ Or book your First-Home Roadmap Session — a friendly, no-pressure chat about your next steps.
Because finding your home in Victoria should feel exciting, empowering, and full of possibility.
—
Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
www.YourVanIsleHome.com
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Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.
