Name: New Brunswick First Time Home Buyer Programs Explained (FHSA, HBP, Tax Credits)
Uploaded: 2026-09-22T09:40:34-07:00
Duration: 2 min 50 s
Description: The FHSA, HBP, and tax credit programs that can put thousands back in a first-time buyer's pocket.

Question 1

How does the 3% total commission model work?

Accepted Answer

Richard charges a total commission of 3% on the sale price of your home — covering both the listing agent (Richard) and the buyer's agent. Most agents in Greater Moncton charge 4–5% total. On a $400,000 home, that difference saves you $8,000–$12,000 at closing — with no reduction in service, marketing, or representation.

Question 2

Is the service any different at 3% compared to a traditional agent?

Accepted Answer

No. Richard's 3% model includes everything a traditional full-service agent provides: professional photography, MLS® listing, staging consultation, offer negotiation, open house coordination, and full support through to closing day. What changes is the fee — not the quality of service. Richard has a 5.00-star rating on RankMyAgent across 24 verified reviews to back that up.

Question 3

Are there any hidden fees beyond the 3% commission?

Accepted Answer

No hidden fees. The 3% total commission is the complete cost of Richard's representation. Separate closing costs you'll budget for include New Brunswick's land transfer tax (1% of purchase price), legal fees ($1,500–$2,000), and a home inspection ($500–$700) — but these are standard costs on any transaction, not additional charges from Richard.

Question 4

How much can I save compared to a traditional 5% commission?

Accepted Answer

The savings scale with your home's value. At $400,000, you save $8,000. At $500,000, you save $10,000. At $600,000, you save $12,000. In 2025 alone, 3 Percent Realty Atlantic Inc. saved New Brunswick home sellers more than $1 million in commissions combined, compared to traditional brokerage rates.

Question 5

What's included in Richard's listing service?

Accepted Answer

Richard's full-service listing covers: a free home valuation based on real MLS® data, professional photography, MLS® listing with maximum exposure, targeted social media marketing, staging consultation, open house coordination, offer review and negotiation, and complete guidance from listing day through to closing. Everything is included in the 3% total commission — no add-ons required.

Question 6

How do I find out what my Moncton home is worth?

Accepted Answer

Richard offers a free, no-obligation home valuation based on current local MLS® data — not an automated algorithm. To get started, contact Richard at 506-802-8805 or Richard@Wontorra.com. He serves homeowners throughout Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, and Shediac.

Question 7

When is the best time to sell a home in Moncton?

Accepted Answer

The spring market (March–June) is typically the strongest in Greater Moncton, with the most active buyers and the highest likelihood of multiple offers on well-priced homes. The fall market (September–November) is also solid, with serious buyers who weren't ready in spring. Summer and winter tend to be slower, but a well-priced, well-presented home can sell in any season.

Question 8

What are the steps to buying a home in Moncton?

Accepted Answer

The core steps are: (1) Get pre-approved with a mortgage broker to confirm your budget. (2) Define your priorities — neighbourhood, school zone, commute, lot size. (3) View homes and make an offer — Richard prepares a competitive offer strategy based on current market conditions. (4) Complete a home inspection ($500–$700). (5) Close — budget for NB land transfer tax (1%), legal fees ($1,500–$2,000), and title insurance. Richard walks you through every step.

Question 9

What are typical closing costs when buying in Moncton?

Accepted Answer

Budget 2–4% of the purchase price beyond your down payment. On a $400,000 home, expect: New Brunswick land transfer tax (~$4,000), legal fees ($1,500–$2,000), home inspection ($500–$700), title insurance ($200–$400). If your down payment is under 20%, add CMHC mortgage insurance premiums. Richard provides a personalized closing cost estimate before you make any offer.

Question 10

Does a buyer pay Richard's commission?

Accepted Answer

No. As a buyer, you pay nothing directly to Richard. The buyer's agent commission is paid by the seller out of the total commission on the sale. Working with Richard as your buyer's agent costs you nothing — but gives you 16+ years of local market expertise and full representation through the entire purchase process.

Question 11

Is it a good time to buy a home in Moncton in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For most buyers, yes. Moncton continues to benefit from strong population growth, inter-provincial migration, and prices that remain far below most Canadian metros — averaging around $386,000 compared to $1.1M+ in Toronto. With the Bank of Canada's overnight rate forecast around 2.25% through 2026, mortgage rates are more accessible than in 2023–2024. If you plan to stay for 3+ years, buying in Moncton now is generally a sound financial decision.

Question 12

What is the average home price in Moncton in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The average sale price for a home in Moncton was approximately $386,000 in 2025, up about 2.4% year-over-year. RE/MAX projects a further 2.7% increase through 2026. Dieppe averages slightly higher at $465,000–$490,000, Riverview at $420,000–$450,000, and Shediac at a median of $479,000 — reflecting coastal demand and waterfront properties in the mix.

Question 13

How does Moncton compare to other Canadian real estate markets?

Accepted Answer

Moncton is one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Canada. A home that costs over $1.1 million in Toronto or $900,000 in Halifax lists for around $386,000 in Moncton. Combined with strong population growth — Greater Moncton added approximately 27,000 residents between 2021 and 2024 — Moncton offers a rare combination of affordability and genuine demand-side momentum.

Question 14

How competitive is the Moncton housing market right now?

Accepted Answer

The spring market (March–June) is the most competitive period, with well-priced homes in desirable neighbourhoods sometimes receiving multiple offers within days of listing. The fall and winter markets tend to offer more negotiating room for buyers. Typical days on market in spring sits between 14–30 days for well-priced properties. Richard monitors active market conditions weekly and provides clients with realistic expectations based on current data — not generalizations.

Question 15

Who is Richard Wontorra and what is his experience?

Accepted Answer

Richard Wontorra is a licensed REALTOR® with 16+ years of experience and more than 200 homes sold across Ontario and New Brunswick. He is affiliated with 3 Percent Realty Atlantic Inc., located at 1888 Mountain Road, Suite 2, Moncton, NB. In 2025, he was awarded the President's Platinum Club Award — one of the highest distinctions within the 3 Percent Realty national network — for exceptional sales volume and client service.

Question 16

What areas does Richard serve?

Accepted Answer

Richard serves buyers and sellers throughout Greater Moncton — including the City of Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, and Shediac. He is based at 1888 Mountain Road, Suite 2, Moncton, NB E1G 1A9 and can be reached at 506-802-8805 or Richard@Wontorra.com.

Question 17

Where can I read reviews of Richard Wontorra?

Accepted Answer

Richard holds a 5.00-star rating across 24 verified reviews on RankMyAgent — one of Canada's leading real estate review platforms. You can read all verified client reviews at rankmyagent.com/richard-wontorra.

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