With so many diverse factors to take into consideration when buying a new home, particularly in the Vancouver region, it is no surprise first-time home buyers need a little help de-mystifying the process.

Key questions will be covered by a panel of experts at the 18th annual Seminar for First-time Home Buyers, presented by the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA) on Tuesday, April 3 at Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, from 7 to 9 p.m.

"Our experts will help first-time buyers consider all available options and important issues before they take that critical first step onto the property ladder," said Peter Simpson, GVHBA president and CEO.

Speakers on April 3 include Robyn Adamache (senior market analyst, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp.), Wendy Acheson (Homeowner Protection Office, branch of B.C. Housing), Narrinder Dhanoya-Bhangu (vice-president, Pacific region, Genworth Financial Canada), Inde Sumal (vice-president of residential mortgages, B.C. region, RBC Royal Bank), Eugen Klein (president, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver), Tom Reeves (National Home Warranty) and Aaron Lightman (Farris & Company LLP). Seminar moderator is Shayne Ramsay, chief executive officer of B.C. Housing.

Seminar attendance is expected to be as many, or greater, than the 750 young people who attended last year's event, Simpson said. Doors open at 6 p.m., allowing attendees time to view builder displays and other homerelated products and services.

Pre-registration is required, online at www. gvhba.org or call 778-565-4288 from 8: 30 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Event attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for Surrey Food Bank.