Buying Your First Home?
Buying your first home comes with a lot of questions. We'll help you understand how much you may qualify for, your down payment options, available first-time buyer programs and what you'll need to get pre-approved.
Mortgage advice backed by 14+ years of industry experience.
Everything You Need to Buy With Confidence
From understanding how much you can afford to knowing which programs may help, here's what we'll walk through together.
- Understand your buying power
- Explore down payment options
- Learn about first-time buyer programs
- Know what you'll need for pre-approval
How Much Home Could I Afford?
Enter a few details to get an estimate of your potential buying power.
Car loans, credit cards, lines of credit, etc.
Based on a 25-year amortization at a qualifying rate of 6.24% (stress-tested).
This is an estimate for illustration only and is not a mortgage approval or commitment. Estimates use standard Canadian qualification ratios (GDS 39% / TDS 44%) and a stress-tested qualifying rate. Actual qualification depends on your credit, income, the property, the lender and insurer guidelines. O.A.C.
How Much Cash Will I Need to Buy My First Home?
Your down payment isn't the only cost to plan for. Get an estimate of how much cash you may want to have available before you buy.
Appraisal, home inspection, adjustments, moving, etc.
Cash you'd typically need on closing day (down payment + closing costs).
All figures are estimates for illustration only. Mortgage default insurance (when your down payment is under 20%) is typically added to your mortgage and is not required as cash at closing. Actual land transfer tax, rebates, legal fees, adjustments and other closing costs can vary. First-time buyer rebates are subject to eligibility requirements.
First-Time Buyer Programs & Savings
Several programs and savings options may help eligible first-time buyers in Ontario. Eligibility requirements apply to each.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
Eligible first-time buyers may withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP to put toward a home, tax-free, and repay it over 15 years.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
A registered account that lets first-time buyers save up to $8,000 per year ($40,000 lifetime) with tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for a first home.
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund
Eligible first-time buyers may receive a refund of up to $4,000 on the provincial land transfer tax.
Toronto Municipal LTT Rebate
First-time buyers purchasing in Toronto may also qualify for a rebate of up to $4,475 on the city's municipal land transfer tax.
What Will I Need for a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Income
- Recent pay stubs
- Employment letter
- T4s when required
Down Payment
- Bank/investment statements
- Gift documentation when applicable
- Sale proceeds from another property when applicable
Identification
- Government-issued identification
Other Documents
- Additional documents may be required depending on employment type, property, lender and mortgage program.
Don't worry if you don't have everything yet. We'll let you know exactly what's required for your situation.
Start My Pre-ApprovalFrom Pre-Approval to Keys
Tell Us About Your Goals
Learn about the property you're looking for, your income, down payment and financial goals.
Understand Your Buying Power
Review qualification, estimated payments and available mortgage options.
Shop With Confidence
Once you understand your numbers, you can search for a home with a clearer budget.
Finalize Your Mortgage
Once you have an accepted offer, we'll work through the mortgage approval and lender requirements through closing.
What Homebuyers Say
Real Google reviews from first-time buyers and purchase clients.
Being a first time buyer I was nervous but Gian helped us and gave a very good service. Thank you Gian for wonderful service.
Jagjit Singh
May 2026 · Verified Google Review
I had a great experience working with Gian for my first mortgage. He was on top of everything from start to finish and made the whole process feel easy and stress-free. Highly recommend!
Kia Soze
Apr 2026 · Verified Google Review
Gian is so helpful, patient and helped us obtain a mortgage. He guided us and did amazing work. Thank you Gian!
Sunny
May 2026 · Verified Google Review
Working with Gian was an exceptional experience from start to finish. He demonstrated professionalism, kindness, and genuine care. He even made a home visit to ensure everything aligned with our expectations.
Lechelle Reynolds-Leila
Apr 2026 · Verified Google Review
Get Pre-Approved & Shop With Confidence
We'll review your application, income, credit and available lender options to help you understand your potential buying power and next steps.
130-Day Rate Hold Protection
Lock today's rate while you house-hunt. If rates drop before you close, we re-lock lower.
We Handle the Paperwork
From application to closing — we coordinate with the lender, realtor, and lawyer for a seamless purchase.
No Brokerage Fees on Prime Mortgages
Lenders pay our fee directly, so you pay $0 for expert advice and lender shopping.
Credit Review
A credit review can provide a more complete picture of your mortgage qualification and available lender options.
Need Immediate Guidance?
Our purchase desk is available Monday–Saturday 8am to 8pm EST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Ontario homebuyers.
Ready to Start Looking for Your First Home?
Let's find out what your numbers look like.
Get Pre-Approved