Getting a mortgage is a straightforward process for many people. However, there are certain buyers whose specific circumstances require a specialized mortgage product.

Kristi Hyson, mortgage associate with Axiom Mortgage Solutions, says some brokers primarily do basic mortgages, so if your needs "don't fit in that box" they might not have a ready solution.

First-time home buyer finds her new abode by following her instincts

Danielle Burtoway has always had her sights set on buying a home, rather than renting one.

"I want to be smart about it," said the 24-year-old, who currently lives with her parents. After looking for the past several months, Burtoway has taken the proverbial plunge – she's buying a unit in Copperfield Park III.

While Burtoway admits that price was a definite consideration, she didn't commence her property search with a specific list of criteria.

Experts say new mortgage rules might take some buyers out of the game

Getting into your "ideal" home might be more difficult following the introduction of new federal regulations pertaining to insured mortgages.

Under new regulations introduced this week, all mortgages must be "stress-tested" at the posted rate instead of negotiated rates that have recently been around 2.5 per cent.

Previously, only mortgages with a term less than five years, as well as any variable-rate mortgages, had to qualify at the benchmark rate.

Condo developers respond to 'downsizing' needs

As the largest segment of the population in North America, baby boomers have shaped our world more than any other age group. And their impact on housing is profound.

Now, while this generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is becoming increasingly gray, the real estate industry is responding to their needs for housing.

Many developers in Alberta are turning their attention to high-density high-rises in centrally located neighbourhoods to reflect boomers' demand for stylish, worry-free living, said Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of planning and marketing at Qualex-Landmark — a Vancouver-based development firm which is the force behind Park Point in the Beltline along 12th Avenue S.W.