In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush welcomes mortgage expert Alana DeLong from Dominion Lending to demystify the journey of becoming a first-time home buyer. With over 30 years of experience, Alana shares invaluable insights on how to financially prepare, what programs are now available in 2025, and the crucial do's and don'ts before purchasing your first property. If you're dreaming of homeownership this year, this episode is packed with practical advice, optimism, and the motivation to take that next step.

Connect with Alana https://alanadelongmortgageteam.com/

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:02:40] Alana’s background and experience

[00:03:45] The resurgence of first-time home buyers in 2025

[00:04:30] Step one: Why pre-approval is critical

[00:05:45] Financial habits to build before buying

[00:06:30] What if you’re not ready yet? Alana’s guidance

[00:07:45] Mistakes to avoid after pre-approval

[00:08:30] Budgeting for homeownership and unexpected costs

[00:09:30] New 2025 programs and benefits for first-time buyers

[00:10:45] Land transfer tax exemption details

[00:12:00] Insight on current and predicted interest rates

[00:13:45] Fixed vs. variable rates explained

[00:15:00] Impact of inflation and tariff talk on rates

[00:16:00] Renewals, refinancing, and managing credit

[00:17:30] The emotional side of helping first-time buyers

[00:18:15] Final advice and why it’s never too early to start

[00:20:00] Ways to get creative with qualifying for a mortgage

Notable Quotes:

"Don’t go house shopping without a mortgage pre-approval—it’s like showing up at the airport without a plane ticket." – Alana DeLong

"Just because you're not ready today doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for tomorrow." – Diana Cassidy-Bush

Resources & Mentions:

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Government of Canada FHSA Overview
• CMHC Mortgage Insurance Info: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund for First-Time Homebuyers: https://www.ontario.ca/page/land-transfer-tax
• Credit Building Tips: Contact a local financial advisor or Alana DeLong for guidance on secured credit cards and budgeting

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: info@thedcbteam.ca

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs....

In this debut episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush dives into the power of goal setting and how turning dreams into actionable steps can lead to success. Whether you're planning to buy a home, invest in real estate, or make a life change, setting clear goals is the key to making it happen. Diana shares proven strategies for identifying goals, creating action plans, and staying motivated. From the importance of writing down your goals to overcoming common obstacles like fear and procrastination, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you achieve your aspirations.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Welcome to The Country Club Podcast: Introducing the show and its focus on rural living, real estate, and lifestyle.

[00:02:00] – The power of goal setting: Why some people achieve their dreams while others struggle.

[00:03:00] – Defining goal setting: Applying it to different aspects of life.

[00:04:00] – The importance of writing goals down: Research-backed insight on how it increases the chances of success by 42%.

[00:05:00] – Creating an action plan: Steps to move towards your goal effectively.

[00:06:00] – Practical strategies: How to stay committed and make progress.

[00:07:00] – Overcoming obstacles: How to tackle fear, procrastination, and comparison.

[00:08:00] – Inspirational quotes and motivation: Words of wisdom from successful figures.

[00:09:00] – Homework challenge: Writie down one goal and takie the first step.

[00:10:00] – Closing thoughts and encouragement: Stay consistent, keep moving forward, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations.

Notable Quotes:

“You don’t need to see the whole staircase; you just need to take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.”

“To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t—consistent, determined, and willing to work for it.” – Tom Brady

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver

Connect with Diana:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: info@thedcbteam.ca

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!

 Welcome to The Country Club Podcast - not the kind with dress codes and tee times - this is a different kind of country club.

One where home, community, and opportunity come together. I'm Diana Cassidy-Bush and I'm so happy that you're here. My purpose is to empower you to make informed decisions, whether you're buying, investing, or dreaming of life beyond the city limits.

As we know, life is busy, messy, and uncertain at times and there's so much noise out there. I wanted a space to be able to connect with people to share valuable information to help guide them through some of the most important financial decisions they will ever make in a safe and no pressure space.

Are you searching for the perfect home, looking for a recreational property, or ready to invest in country real estate? This podcast is for you. Each episode will break down everything from finding the right property. And understanding the market to making strategic investment moves that set you up for success.

You'll hear expert insights, real life success stories, and practical advice to help you live, play, and invest with confidence. In real estate and in life, it's more than about just buying property. It's about making the right moves, seizing opportunities and building a future that you love. So grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let's talk about turning your lifestyle dreams into reality.

Welcome to The Country Club Podcast, where we're here empowering you to win.

Subscribe now to The Country Club Podcast with Diana Cassidy-Bush on your favourite podcast platform and let's start building your future together.

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: info@thedcbteam.ca

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!