Did you know…? You can obtain government grants when you purchase your first home. You are entitled to free services concerning energy efficiency (Éconologis) when you are a new homeowner; check out the Novoclimat website for information on ecological home construction. Gaz-Métro and Hydro-Quebec also offer subsidies to encourage home energy efficiency improvement. Also, inquire to see if your municipality offers certain advantages to first-time homeowners. There is also a First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. You or your spouse can claim this tax credit on your income tax declaration. To be eligible, you cannot have lived in another home owned either by you or your spouse during the year you purchased your new house or during the previous 4 years. Lastly, there the HBP federal program that allows you to borrow a maximum of $25,000 from your RRSP if either you or your spouse is eligible. A mortgage broker can help guide you through the different subsidies available. If you know someone who will soon be a first-time buyer, send them this article!