Guidance First
Recently landed permanent residents
You are building your life in Canada and want to understand when and how buying a home may become realistic.
Our Seminars · Newcomer to Canada Seminar
Free Event
The Newcomer to Canada Seminar That Explains Home Buying in Plain English
Team Shah Real Estate's Newcomer to Canada Seminar is a free, in-person educational session for people new to Canada who are considering buying a home in Brampton or Mississauga. The seminar is hosted by a Team Shah broker with invited industry subject matter experts. Support may be requested in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi or Marathi. There is no cost and no obligation to attend.
Many newcomers begin with limited or no Canadian credit history, and income or assets from another country may require additional documentation. Financing requirements may also depend on the buyer's immigration status and individual circumstances. This seminar explains the process in practical, plain language so you can understand where you stand and what to arrange next.
Upcoming dates, times and locations are posted on Eventbrite as new sessions are scheduled.
Who this seminar is for
Built for people at every stage of settling in
Work permit and student visa holders
You want to understand how your current status may affect purchasing eligibility, financing and planning.
Newcomers with limited Canadian credit
You have financial history in another country but are unsure how Canadian lenders will review your circumstances.
Family helping a newcomer relative
You want to help a parent, sibling, spouse or adult child understand the Canadian home-buying process.
What you will walk away knowing
Not a generic “how to buy a house” talk
These are the practical questions Team Shah regularly receives from newcomers planning to buy in the GTA.
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How Canadian credit history works
The habits that help build credit, the information lenders may review and how newcomer mortgage programs can differ from standard lending programs.
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What may count as income and down payment
How foreign income, overseas assets and gifted funds may be reviewed, together with the documents a lender may request.
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How your status may affect financing
Why mortgage requirements and purchasing eligibility can differ depending on immigration status and personal circumstances.
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Every dollar due at closing
Land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, adjustments and other closing expenses that buyers should prepare for.
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How offers work in the GTA
What an Ontario offer contains, how conditions work and what buyers should understand before signing.
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Your practical next step
A clearer understanding of whether you may be ready to begin looking or what you should arrange first.
Who hosts and speaks
People familiar with newcomer home-buying questions
Your host is a licensed Real Estate Broker from Team Shah Real Estate, Royal LePage Flower City Realty. Depending on the session, invited subject matter experts may include real estate lawyers, mortgage professionals, banks, insurance professionals, financial professionals or government-related organizations.
Newcomer files do not always fit a standard checklist. A buyer may have limited Canadian credit history, employment that recently started in Canada, income earned abroad or a down payment supported by family overseas.
The seminar helps attendees understand which questions to ask and which professionals should confirm their individual circumstances.
A common example: a newcomer may have stable income and savings but still require more documentation or additional Canadian credit history. A licensed mortgage professional can explain the available options and what the buyer should prepare next.
Why come in person
A room built for questions, not judgment
- No cost: no purchase required and no obligation to work with Team Shah or an invited speaker
- Small-group format: attendees have an opportunity to ask practical questions
- No assumptions: unfamiliar Canadian terms and processes are explained in plain language
- Useful materials: seminar information and materials to review afterward
- Accommodations on request: contact Team Shah before the event and we will do our best to assist
- Coffee and tea provided
- Multilingual support: English, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Marathi—contact us ahead of time to arrange support
- Family welcome: bring your spouse, parent or another person involved in the decision
We keep our commitments. When Team Shah schedules a seminar, we intend to run the session and provide useful information whether the group is large or small.
Common questions
The questions we hear most from newcomers
Is someone going to try to sign me up for something?
No. This is an education-first session. You will hear from a Team Shah broker and invited industry subject matter experts. There is no obligation to work with Team Shah or any speaker afterward.
Do I need permanent residency to attend?
No. The seminar is useful whether you have permanent residency, hold another immigration status or are still planning your path to buying in Canada.
Do Canadian lenders offer newcomer mortgage programs?
Some Canadian lenders offer mortgage programs designed for newcomers. Eligibility, documentation, down-payment requirements and accepted credit history vary by lender and may change. The seminar explains how to compare current options with an appropriate licensed mortgage professional.
How long does it take to build enough Canadian credit history?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on payment history, credit use, income, debt, documentation and lender requirements. The seminar explains practical steps and why timing should be confirmed with a licensed mortgage professional.
Is the seminar genuinely free to attend?
Yes. There is no cost and no purchase required to attend.
Can I bring family members with me?
Yes. You may bring your spouse, parent or another person involved in your home-buying decision.
What if my English is not strong yet?
Contact Team Shah ahead of time to request support in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi or Marathi.
Who hosts and speaks at the seminar?
The seminar is hosted by a licensed Real Estate Broker from Team Shah. Depending on the session, invited speakers may include mortgage, legal, banking, insurance, financial or government-related subject matter experts.
Where and when is the next seminar?
Upcoming dates, times and locations are posted on the Art & Cultural Exchange Society of Canada Eventbrite page . You may also contact Team Shah to ask about the next session.
Reserve your seat
Ready for some straight answers?
Upcoming seminar dates, times and locations are posted on Eventbrite as new sessions are scheduled.
Not ready to register yet?
Helpful resources before the seminar
Important information
What This Seminar Is—and Is Not
This seminar provides general educational information about the home-buying process in Ontario. It is not legal, tax, mortgage, financial or immigration advice. Invited subject matter experts are independent professionals. Attending does not create a client relationship with Team Shah or any speaker. Confirm your circumstances with the appropriate licensed professional.
Team Shah Real Estate: Gaurang Shah and Reena Shah are registered Real Estate Brokers with Royal LePage Flower City Realty. Team Shah's primary markets are Brampton and Mississauga, with Peel Region and GTA support when relevant. Communication is available in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Marathi. Call +1 (647) 892-2411 , email mail@myshahteam.com , or contact Team Shah .