Buying your first home is exciting, but it can feel like a lot to take in. At Ehrenberg, we've helped thousands of buyers across Saskatoon and Regina, and we're here to make sure you feel informed and in control, not overwhelmed. Here's a quick guide to what really matters.

1. Get Pre-Approved: Talk to your bank or a mortgage broker before you start house hunting. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your budget, locks in your rate, and speeds up the process.

    

2. Understand the Full Cost: Your mortgage isn't the only thing to budget for. Plan for your deposit, legal fees, title transfer, property taxes, home insurance, utility hook-ups, and smaller things like mailbox keys or blinds. Set aside a little buffer for move-in day too.

    

3. Know What You Really Need: It's easy to get swept up in finishes, but think about your actual lifestyle. How many bedrooms do you need? Will a suite-ready basement help in the future? Is a garage a must-have or a nice-to-have?

    

4. Tour Builders and Ask Questions: Not every builder includes the same features. At Ehrenburg, we include many finishes that others treat as upgrades, but no matter who you're working with, ask what's standard, what's extra, and what the timeline looks like.

    

5. Review the Contract and Timeline: When you've chosen a home, you'll sign a purchase agreement and provide a deposit. Make sure you understand what's included, when possession will happen, and how communication will work along the way. Delays can happen with weather or materials, so clear expectations matter.

    

6. Finalize Your Mortgage and Hire a Lawyer: Once the deal is signed, you'll finalize your mortgage and then remove your conditions and provide your final deposit. About a month prior to possession, you'll work with a lawyer to handle the legal paperwork and title transfer. If you're not sure where to start, we can connect you with trusted local partners.

    

7. Prepare for Possession Day: Possession day is when the home becomes officially yours. We'll walk you through it, hand over the keys, and make sure everything's in place. Just make sure you've set up your utilities, insurance, and mail forwarding ahead of time and plan your moving truck for the day after possession. You may not get keys to your new home until later in the afternoon depending on when keys are releasable by the lawyers office.

    

8. Understand Your Warranty Coverage: Most new homes in Saskatchewan are backed by the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program. That includes one year for materials and finishes, two years for the building envelope, and ten years for structural coverage. Ehrenburg also gives you access to Omnee, a digital tool that helps you manage service requests and seasonal maintenance reminders in one place.

    

Have questions? Reach out to our sales team at any time. We're happy to help however we can—whether you're just starting your search or ready to make your move.