Saddle Ridge success

Time spent saving paid off in the form of a new Savanna duplex for Amandeep Khaira

Amandeep Khaira loves her five-year-old daughter Jannat with all her heart. So providing her with a safe and cozy home was at the top of the priority list when the 32-year-old, single mom moved to Canada from India three years ago. She scrimped and saved, and in July, she took possession of her first home – a three-bedroom, two-storey duplex in Savanna, a new section of the northeast community of Saddle Ridge. It was a dream come true. CREB®Now: What inspired you to begin the search for a new home?

Amandeep Khaira: I always wanted to give a good-quality life to my daughter. The first thing that came to my mind was to save enough to buy a house, so that she could live happily and freely in her own home, instead of living in rented apartments and basements. And, of course, it is a great feeling to own your house.

CREB®Now: What style of home was on your radar and what attracted you to the Homes by Avi project?

Amandeep Khaira: I wasn't looking for a very big house, since it is just my daughter and I. Honestly speaking, the first showhome that I saw was by Homes by Avi and I simply loved it – the design, the interiors, the wall colour and flooring.

"I always wanted to give a good-quality life to my daughter. The first thing that came to my mind was to save enough to buy a house, so that she could live happily and freely in her own home."

I did look at a few other homes and condos by other builders, but the Homes by Avi design really resonated because of its location, the beauty of the home, the cost and the customer service.

CREB®Now: What do you love about the community of Savanna in Saddle Ridge?

Amandeep Khaira: The transportation is great. It's close to the CTrain station – a five-minute drive and a 20-minute walk – and the bus stop is nearby, within a five-minute walk. There are schools in and around this area, as well as many amenities, including the Genesis Centre, Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart and all the major banks, which makes life really easy. There is also a kids' park in the Savanna area and we are close to the airport.

CREB®Now: Have you thought about how you're going to furnish your new home?

Amandeep Khaira: It is really exciting to buy a new house. But with a new house comes new financial responsibilities, so I am still in the process of buying furniture, paintings, etc.

CREB®Now: Do you have any advice for new Canadians buying a home for the first time?

Amandeep Khaira: Just go slow. Look around before you decide. If you have kids, a lot of things come into picture, like parks, schools and safety. Get your mortgage pre-approved, giving you a realistic idea about the purchase price and down payment, and start saving.