It won't cost you a cent to find out.

Year's ago when roaming lost in the West Edmonton Mall I happened into a clothes shop and was admiring a pair of pants. The salesman there gave me one of the best lines I've ever heard: "it won't cost you a cent to try them on!" And I did try them on. And I did buy them. And I did like them! But I was fully prepared to walk by the opportunity until he spoke.

Today I'm speaking to the young people who might think they're too young to buy a home....but they're paying crazy rent prices!

I had lunch today with a dear client I helped to downsize last year -- she went from 13 acre hobby farm to a sweet rancher in town following the death of her husband.

As we sat chatting in Tim Horton's she asked about the market and I conveyed a sentiment I'm often repeating. I wish people would jump into this wonderful time to buy in the North Okanagan while even long term fixed rate mortgages can be had at remarkably good rates and prices are soft for the moment. She talked to me a bit about her grandson who is paying a significant amount of rent for a place in East Hill.

My own son is 22 and I think it's never too soon to think about investing in real estate -- especially in a gorgeous area expecting a 40% growth rate over the next 20 years! (Confirm by Googling CMHC stats.) As I expressed to my friend about her grandson, what most people, especially young people, fail to fully consider is that in BC the most effective way to build wealth tax free is through your principle residence! It is the only way I know of that you can make huge amounts of money in an improving market without a big tax burden. And, if there's one thing I know its that an area like this one is only going to go up over time.

Here's what I say to our young people. It won't cost you a cent to find out if you could qualify to buy a home! And it won't cost you a cent to see if there's anything in your price range that might interest you! There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't at least have a conversation about your future. Research a great Realtor and they will know a great Mortgage expert to meet with you.

I heard another expression that hits the nail on the head: paying rent is like buying a dead horse. Now, I have a rental apartment and I'm deeply thankful for renters! There are times when renting is either the only option or a smart short term option.

Even if you choose to continue to rent, young people, you owe it to yourself to at least know where you stand on buying your own home.

Enough said!