“It’s like a dream come true,” says Katherine Hipolito about purchasing her first home.
Katherine and her husband, Bryan Hipolito, bought their first home this summer after renting for the past eight years.
The Hipolitos are first-generation Canadians. They grew up in the Philippines, then lived in Singapore for several years before making the big move to Canada eight years ago. “Canada was the ultimate goal,” says Katherine.
Katherine and Bryan didn’t plan on buying a home and were doubtful they could make their homeownership dreams a reality.
“We were hopeless about owning a house of our own – all of our married life we’ve been renting,” she says.
When the couple learned the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation would be tightening its mortgage rules, making it more challenging to qualify, the Hipolitos took action. They set up an appointment with First Calgary Financial’s Mortgage Specialist, Cory Grieve.
“We went to First Calgary and asked Cory for advice – not to buy a house, but wondering if we could within the next few years.”
Cory provided the couple with more than just advice.
“I was able to help them uncover that homeownership would actually be cheaper than their current rent and that they could afford a new house,” says Cory.
He also referred the couple to a realtor partner who helped the Hipolitos negotiate S15,000 off the asking price of their home.
And he didn’t stop there. He then surprised the couple with First Calgary’s 1.99% five-year fixed-rate mortgage offer, which reduced the Hipolitos’ monthly payment and will save them thousands of dollars in interest.
“All of this is possible because of Cory,” says Katherine. “We went there with no expectations. When he said ‘we can process it today,’ we were shocked,” exclaims Katherine.
A Smooth Process
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases people make in their life and can be a stressful process. Having Cory guide them through the home-buying process made the experience easy for the Hipolitos.
“The most stressful part is actually the packing – that’s how helpful Cory is,” laughs Katherine.
“Cory is like a mortgage specialist, realtor, and financial advisor all in one,” says Bryan.
“When we’re talking to him, it’s like talking to a friend,” Bryan explains. “Because we’re first-time homebuyers, we tend to get intimidated with big words, but he explains everything and makes sure we understand.”
For Cory, helping people achieve homeownership is one of the best parts of his job. “What I enjoy most about my job is that I can have such a big impact and really change their lives in such a positive way.”
Katherine says she still can’t believe she and her family are moving into their new home this week. “It feels like I’m dreaming,” she says. “This is going to be our forever home.”
First Calgary can help you get on the path to homeownership with fast approvals and competitive rates. Book an appointment today to find a plan that suits your personal situation best!
First Calgary Financial, a division of Connect First Credit Union
Address: 200 – 2850 Sunridge Blvd. NE Calgary, AB, T1Y 6G2
Phone: 1.866.923.4778
Hours: Branches are currently available by appointment-only. Please call us to request an appointment.
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