Becoming financially prepared to buy a house is not easy for everyone, and more companies are assisting Canadians through options such as lease-to-own programs.

For first-time homebuyers, mortgages can be pretty intimidating, causing many buyers to remark that they feel like they've 'signed their lives away.' But like the old adage, knowledge is power, and learning about this important part of the process is time well spent that could save you thousands

With more and more immigrants calling Canada home - 1.1 million between 2001 and 2006 - and many of them looking to buy their first home, the housing industry is doing its part to help these 'new Canadians' feel welcome.