James Double
All the Way From the UK
Working at a local hardware store where he found there was no more room for growth, James booked a one-way ticket from the UK and came to Burlington to stay with some family friends while he got his bearings. The idea of home-ownership wasn’t top of mind – or yet anyway.
James pictured here enjoying the sights and sounds of Niagara Falls with his fiancé.
“I’ve always been a hard-worker and knew I’d be quick to find opportunities” he said. Within a couple weeks, he was hired as a Sales Consultant with Goodlife Fitness and presently, is the Assistant General Manager at the Jackson Square location in the heart of downtown Hamilton.
In July of 2017, James recalls a night at a friend’s house where the topic of home-ownership came up. “You have to talk to my realtor” the friend said. Suddenly, a new dream came to mind for James; owning a home in Hamilton within 6 months. James called Justin Brown of Coldwell Banker, the Realtor whom his friend recommended.
Justin Brown, B. Comm, Broker
Coldwell Banker Community Professionals Real Estate, Brokerage
318 Dundurn St. South
Hamilton, ON
L8P 4L6
Phone: 905-522-1110
Fax: 905-522-1467
Direct: 905-537-2439
E-mail: justin-brown@coldwellbanker.ca
Website: www.brownrealestateconsultants.ca
Striving for 100% customer satisfaction!
It was at this point, the house-hunting journey began:
- James was looking for a small, cozy home, with a backyard where he could enjoy the simpler things in life.
- Given the uniqueness of James’ situation and “the market in Hamilton”, Justin advised James to speak with a trusted Mortgage Broker.
- James called Greg Cocks of Synergy Mortgage Group, Justin’s go-to Broker and together, they went over a budgeting and affordability plan.
Greg Cocks
Mortgage Agent License No. M15000178
Synergy Mortgage Group
Mortgage Financial Corp
License #10421
Office: 905 529 2521 ext 208
E-mail: Greg@SynergyMortgageGroup.com
“Greg was up-front in telling me about the additional costs associated with purchasing a home, not just the price tag” James said. Lawyer fees, closings costs and a home inspection were just some of things to take into consideration. James realized he had to curb his expectations and start saving additional funds.
Although James’ dream was now delayed as he needed to save more for the not-so-thoughtabout costs of a home, the timing all seemed to be perfect. It was around this time that the Hamilton Down-Payment Assistance Program was launched which gave eligible applicants a 10% grant towards the purchase of a home.
The date was May 3rd, 2018. James recalls being one of the first people to ensure his application was submitted. He, like many others realizing the home-ownership dream, all anxiously began the process of waiting to see if their applications had been accepted. As he was waiting on a response, James decided to travel back home for a visit to his old neighborhood. Upon his return, there was a letter in the mailbox from the City of Hamilton.
James’ application had been accepted! He picked up the phone, called Justin and told him “line me up some houses.”
“It felt like the longest day ever, but when I got the call I felt freedom I had never felt before.”
That’s what James told Synergy Mortgage Group about the day he found out from Justin, that the offer on the house he wanted was accepted. As James now sits in his home, he thinks back to that day in his plane seat not knowing what the future held as he arrived in (at the time) a foreign country. “Life’s too short to not take risks” he told us.
When asked about his home-buying experience, he had some advice for those with the same dream:
“At the end of the day, especially as a first-time buyer, it’s important to surround yourself with professionals like Greg and Justin.” I can’t praise them enough for going the extra mile and because of that, they have a client and advocate for life.”
If yourself, a friend or family member are looking to purchase your first home, start a conversation with us today and let us help you make your dream into reality.
Working at a local hardware store where he found there was no more room for growth, James booked a one-way ticket from the UK and came to Burlington to stay with some family friends while he got his bearings. The idea of home-ownership wasn’t top of mind – or yet anyway.
James pictured here enjoying the sights and sounds of Niagara Falls with his fiancé.
“I’ve always been a hard-worker and knew I’d be quick to find opportunities” he said. Within a couple weeks, he was hired as a Sales Consultant with Goodlife Fitness and presently, is the Assistant General Manager at the Jackson Square location in the heart of downtown Hamilton.
In July of 2017, James recalls a night at a friend’s house where the topic of home-ownership came up. “You have to talk to my realtor” the friend said. Suddenly, a new dream came to mind for James; owning a home in Hamilton within 6 months. James called Justin Brown of Coldwell Banker, the Realtor whom his friend recommended.
Justin Brown, B. Comm, Broker
Coldwell Banker Community Professionals Real Estate, Brokerage
318 Dundurn St. South
Hamilton, ON
L8P 4L6
Phone: 905-522-1110
Fax: 905-522-1467
Direct: 905-537-2439
E-mail: justin-brown@coldwellbanker.ca
Website: www.brownrealestateconsultants.ca
Striving for 100% customer satisfaction!
It was at this point, the house-hunting journey began:
- James was looking for a small, cozy home, with a backyard where he could enjoy the simpler things in life.
- Given the uniqueness of James’ situation and “the market in Hamilton”, Justin advised James to speak with a trusted Mortgage Broker.
- James called Greg Cocks of Synergy Mortgage Group, Justin’s go-to Broker and together, they went over a budgeting and affordability plan.
Greg Cocks
Mortgage Agent License No. M15000178
Synergy Mortgage Group
Mortgage Financial Corp
License #10421
Office: 905 529 2521 ext 208
E-mail: Greg@SynergyMortgageGroup.com
“Greg was up-front in telling me about the additional costs associated with purchasing a home, not just the price tag” James said. Lawyer fees, closings costs and a home inspection were just some of things to take into consideration. James realized he had to curb his expectations and start saving additional funds.
Although James’ dream was now delayed as he needed to save more for the not-so-thoughtabout costs of a home, the timing all seemed to be perfect. It was around this time that the Hamilton Down-Payment Assistance Program was launched which gave eligible applicants a 10% grant towards the purchase of a home.
The date was May 3rd, 2018. James recalls being one of the first people to ensure his application was submitted. He, like many others realizing the home-ownership dream, all anxiously began the process of waiting to see if their applications had been accepted. As he was waiting on a response, James decided to travel back home for a visit to his old neighborhood. Upon his return, there was a letter in the mailbox from the City of Hamilton.
James’ application had been accepted! He picked up the phone, called Justin and told him “line me up some houses.”
“It felt like the longest day ever, but when I got the call I felt freedom I had never felt before.”
That’s what James told Synergy Mortgage Group about the day he found out from Justin, that the offer on the house he wanted was accepted. As James now sits in his home, he thinks back to that day in his plane seat not knowing what the future held as he arrived in (at the time) a foreign country. “Life’s too short to not take risks” he told us.
When asked about his home-buying experience, he had some advice for those with the same dream:
“At the end of the day, especially as a first-time buyer, it’s important to surround yourself with professionals like Greg and Justin.” I can’t praise them enough for going the extra mile and because of that, they have a client and advocate for life.”
If yourself, a friend or family member are looking to purchase your first home, start a conversation with us today and let us help you make your dream into reality.