70% of young Canadians want more financial information about purchasing a home

The Canadian Real Estate Association collaborates with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to fill need

OTTAWA, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Consumers have a new tool to help navigate the complexities and financial implications of purchasing a home. Earlier today, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) launched the Homebuyers' Road Map. The Road Map is available on CREA's website at crea.ca.

In a recent Nanos Research survey¹ for CREA, more than 63% of Canadians indicated a "major need" for more information about the financial details of buying a home. That figure rose to 70% for respondents between the ages of 18 and 29.

"As REALTORS®, we appreciate that young Canadians and first-time homebuyers are craving more information about the financial details required to purchase a home. The purpose of the Homebuyers' Road Map is to empower consumers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions about one of the largest purchases they will ever make," said Gary Simonsen, CREA's CEO. "We're proud to have collaborated with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to develop this guide."

Launched to coincide with Financial Literacy Month, the Homebuyers' Road Map is a guide which will help Canadians better understand the home buying process as well as appreciate the importance of negotiating with lenders and researching government programs.

"Helping Canadians plan for the future, make sound decisions and ensure the financial security of their loved ones are essential in this increasingly complex world," said Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.

"Buying a home involves a number of steps and many buyers need some help in understanding the various options available. In order to make the decision that matches their own circumstances and goals, consumers need some money know-how — which is what financial literacy really is," added Ursula Menke, Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC). "This guide will help people make the right decision, and adds to the information on mortgages, loans and banking available on our website, itpaystoknow.gc.ca."

To access the Homebuyers' Road Map, and to find out how a REALTOR® can help, please visit crea.ca and click the Buying or Selling? tab.

ABOUT CREA
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 106,000 REALTORS® working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.

ABOUT FCAC
With educational materials and interactive tools, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their financial knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers.

You can reach FCAC through its Consumer Services Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting FCAC's website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

¹ Survey conducted by Nanos Research and commissioned by The Canadian Real Estate Association. The survey was a random national telephone survey of 1000 Canadians aged 18 and over and is considered accurate ± 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

 

SOURCE: Canadian Real Estate Association

For further information:

MEDIA CONTACTS 

CREA
Pierre Leduc 
Media Officer 
613-237-7111 
613-884-1460 (cell) 
[e-mail] 

FCAC
Julie Hauser 
Media Relations Officer 
613-941-4168 
[e-mail]