A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Darrell McCollom • April 18, 2024

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers.


What is an FHSA?

An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA.


Reasons to Invest in an FHSA:

  • Save up to $40,000 for your first home.
  • Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years.
  • Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000.
  • Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely.
  • Pay no taxes on investment earnings.
  • Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP).


How Does an FHSA Work?

  1. Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA.
  2. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster.
  3.  Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home.


Benefits of an FHSA:

  • Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income.
  • Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA.
  • No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home.


Numbers to Know:

  • $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit.
  • $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit.
  • $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase.


In Conclusion

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.


Darrell McCollum

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Darrell McCollom • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Let’s Talk About Getting Top Dollar for Your Property

By Darrell McCollom • April 22, 2026
When it comes to selling your home, most people think the first call should be to a real estate agent. But the smartest first step often isn’t with your agent—it’s with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because your mortgage plays a bigger role in your bottom line than most people realize. Planning to Buy After You Sell If selling means you’ll also be purchasing another property, you’ll want to know exactly where you stand financially before listing. Mortgage rules change regularly, and qualifying once doesn’t guarantee you’ll qualify again. Getting a pre-approval in place ensures you know what you can afford and eliminates surprises later. On top of that, reviewing the terms of your existing mortgage could uncover options you may not have considered. For example, porting your mortgage instead of arranging a brand-new one could save you thousands. Selling Without Buying Even if you aren’t planning to buy right away, there’s still an important step: understanding the cost of breaking your mortgage. Unless your mortgage is open, penalties apply—and they can be significant. By reviewing the numbers with a mortgage professional, you might find that simply adjusting your timeline could reduce or even avoid costly fees. Navigating Life Changes In situations like a marital breakdown, it can feel like selling the family home is the only path forward. But that’s not always the case. With the right guidance and a legal separation agreement, one spouse may be able to buy out the other, keeping the home and providing stability for everyone involved. The Bottom Line Selling your property is more than just putting a sign on the lawn—it’s about creating a financial plan that protects your equity and positions you for the best possible outcome. Before you take the leap, let’s sit down and review your options. 📞 If you’re ready to talk strategy and make sure you get top dollar for your property, I’d be happy to connect anytime.