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Flexibility vital when buying your first home

Canada's population is becoming increasingly diverse in nearly every region of the country.

According to the 2006 Census, an average of about 240,000 newcomers arrive in Canada each year. For many, finding a safe, affordable place to live can be one of the most immediate challenges.

To help Canada's newcomers make the best decisions for their families, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. offers the following tips on what to look for when buying or renting a new home:

Try to be as flexible as possible, especially when choosing your first home.

Housing in Canada can vary greatly between different provinces and territories, cities, communities and even neighbourhoods.

Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend, how many rooms you will need, where you'd like to live and what type of housing will help your family feel most at home.

Be prepared to adapt to Canadian housing customs and practices.

For example, Canadians consider a family with three or four children to be quite large, so finding a home with three or more bedrooms can be difficult.

You may have to accept a smaller place or less central location until you can find what you really want. Or consider a temporary measure such as using bunk beds so small children can comfortably share a room.

Chances are that the first place you live in Canada will be rented.

If you are renting, find out exactly what the rent will include. If you use a rental locator, check their reputation with the local Better Business Bureau.

Remember that while the rent may be higher in central areas, these neighbourhoods also often offer greater access to work, shopping, recreation and public transportation.

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