As the holiday season approaches, mortgages may not be on people's minds. However, it's important to do your homework before buying a home. A young client in northern B.C. faced challenges due to a lack of credit history, despite having a significant down payment. Adding his parents to the application was a temporary solution. It's advised for first-time homebuyers to open a First Home Savings Account to save for a down payment. Seeking advice from a mortgage professional early on is also recommended.