Decorated Canadian curler Ben Hebert has fond memories of his first home in Regina, though it will forever be tied to an unhappy event.

"We moved in May of 2009, right after we lost the world final in Moncton," he said. "That's how I remember it.

Seven years ago, Vancouver-based interior designer Jamie Banfield wasn't really thinking about buying a new home. That all changed, however, when he and his partner were introduced to a two-bedroom-plus-den apartment for sale in South Surrey that they couldn't pass up.

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre president and CEO Clark Grue has fond memories of his first home in Calgary, which ended up being perfect for his growing family for many years.

But Grue also recalls the circumstance surrounding the purchase of the home, which came at a hectic time for him and his wife, Cheryl.

For Kyle Shewfelt, 2004 was a year of important firsts, both personally and on the world stage.

At the Summer Olympics in Athens, he captured Canada's first and only Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics, picking up gold in the floor exercise. A few months later, the Calgary-born gymnast, who has also earned medals at the world championships and Commonwealth Games, bought his first home.

Long before Calgary culinary personality Julie Van Rosendaal fell in love with her Ramsay home, which was built in 1906, her mother declared it "Julie's House."

When custom-home designer Kathy Yuen purchased her first home 13 years ago, she quickly realized it wasn't the perfect fit.

"I think your first home really teaches you what you like and what you don't like," she said.

When Todd Hirsch went looking for his first home in 1994, he remembers telling his REALTOR® he wanted something that was new or recently updated.

As a husband, father and president of the Kerby Centre, Zane Novak has some big milestones under his belt, but his first home purchase still ranks as one the most notable experiences to date.

The press release haphazardly tacked up on the bulletin board inside the Saddledome media work room heralding the arrival of an unknown, undrafted, 6-foot-4 centre out of NCAA Division II Bemidji State was brief – all of one paragraph.

Over two decades later, the number remains as familiar as the signature 22 above the nameplate on the back of his Calgary Flames jersey through those many winters.

"Eight-fifty-seven,'' said Craig Conroy, reminiscing. "Kirkwood, Missouri. A little cul-de-sac, right at the back of town. Very private.