My initial advice was and still is "Find a good Mortgage Broker"

Even in 2002, when I first bought, I was told I'd need at least 25% deposit. Luckily, I was put in touch with a good broker who got me a decent mortgage offer with a 10% deposit.

A buyers market means that there are too many units up for sale at the moment. This can only mean that prices will go down. What's the rush?

The pertinence of JGK's advice might be tempered by the vast difference between property values in Saskatoon and in downtown Toronto.

Try budgeting and surviving on EI when saddled with a mortgage of the size you'd need. And there's no such thing as a secure job if you're on a TWP.

True I'm in Saskatoon now and, to be honest house prices here are comparable to those in Georgetown, ON which I left last year. I've lived in QC, ON and now SK and with the exception of SK have bought and sold houses in all three areas.

Fair enough. My comment wasn't meant to reflect on you, your experiences or your advice, but in the context of the OP's remarks, I'd be interested in how big a mortgage you had during the period of unemployment you mentioned.

I d listen to those that are giving very good advice

WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I doubt prices are going to rise anytime and soon and are more likely to fall as inventory rises. The market has only recently stalled and I suspect some air is going to come out of the bubble

If one is financially positioned to take on little debit in a place they intend on staying in for some time, then go for it - but with temp work permits, and potentially high payments I d wait