First-Time Home Buyers · Toronto & GTA
Buy your first
home with
confidence.
Understand your buying power, explore your mortgage options, and get expert guidance before you make an offer. A licensed broker reviews your file — not an algorithm.
Mortgage Options
Every first-time buyer's situation is different.
We search across multiple lenders — banks, credit unions, trust companies, and monoline lenders — to find the right fit for your income, goals, and future plans.
Fixed and variable rates
Choose the rate structure that matches your risk tolerance and budget comfort.
High-ratio and conventional
Options for every down payment amount, from 5% and up.
25 or 30-year amortizations
Balance monthly payments with total interest costs over time.
Purchase plus improvement
Buy and renovate in one mortgage — ideal for homes needing updates.
All income types welcome
Salaried, self-employed, and mixed-income borrowers all considered.
Multiple lenders
Access to banks, credit unions, trust companies, and monoline lenders.
Programs & Incentives
Maximize every available benefit.
First-time buyers in Canada have access to powerful government programs. We make sure you use every one you qualify for.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Contribute up to $8,000/year (lifetime max $40,000). Tax-deductible going in, tax-free on withdrawal for a qualifying home purchase. Open yours as early as possible — contribution room accumulates annually.
Home Buyers' Plan
Withdraw up to $60,000 per person from your RRSP tax-free for your down payment. Couples can access up to $120,000 combined. Repayment starts two years after withdrawal, giving you time to settle in.
Land Transfer Tax Rebates
Ontario first-time buyers can receive up to $4,000 back on provincial land transfer tax. Toronto residents may also qualify for a municipal rebate of up to $4,475. We confirm your eligibility as part of our process.
CMHC Insured Mortgages
Buy with as little as 5% down. Mortgage default insurance through CMHC makes homeownership accessible without a full 20% down payment — this is how most first-time buyers in Canada get into the market.
Affordability
How much home can you actually afford?
Affordability depends on multiple factors working together. We calculate your true buying power and help you avoid stretching beyond what's comfortable.
Your income
Salaried, self-employed, or combined household income
Down payment
5% minimum; more reduces monthly costs and insurance premiums
Credit score
Higher scores unlock better rates and more lender options
Existing debts
Car loans, credit cards, and student loans all factor in
Interest rate
Affects both your monthly payment and qualification amount
Amortization
25 or 30 years changes your monthly payment significantly
Money-Saving Tips
Smart strategies for first-time buyers.
Get pre-approved early
Know your budget, lock in a rate, and shop with confidence. Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours and costs you nothing.
Compare lenders, not just rates
Different lenders treat income, debt, and credit history differently. The right lender for your profile matters as much as the rate.
A larger down payment saves thousands
Reducing or avoiding mortgage default insurance premiums through a higher down payment significantly reduces your total borrowing cost.
Be flexible on property type
Condos, townhomes, and homes needing updates often offer better value in the same neighbourhood as turnkey detached homes.
Budget for all closing costs
Legal fees, land transfer tax, inspections, and title insurance add up. Set aside 1.5%-4% of the purchase price beyond your down payment.
The Process
From pre-approval to closing day.
Pre-approval
Get approved before you start viewing homes. Know your budget and lock in a rate for 90-120 days.
Home search
Find the right property and make an offer with confidence, backed by a solid pre-approval.
Secure financing
We finalize your mortgage terms and submit to lenders. You focus on the home — we handle the paperwork.
Clear conditions
Inspection, insurance, and legal review. We coordinate everything so nothing falls through the cracks.
Closing day
Your lawyer completes the transfer, registers the mortgage, and hands you the keys. You're officially a homeowner.
Why Work With Us
We work for you — not the bank.
Your bank has one set of products. We have access to multiple lenders and sit on your side of the table, not theirs. We serve borrowers across the GTA, so you can work with a local Scarborough mortgage broker, Toronto mortgage broker, Markham mortgage broker, York Region mortgage broker, Durham Region mortgage broker or Peel Region mortgage broker.
Multiple lenders
Banks, credit unions, trust companies, and monoline lenders — all searched on your behalf.
Clear explanations
No jargon. No fine print surprises. Just straightforward guidance you can act on.
Personalized strategy
Based on your unique income, goals, and timeline — not a template.
Full support
From your first conversation through to closing day and beyond.
Local expertise
Serving Toronto, the GTA, and all of Ontario.
Free to you
Our fee is paid by the lender when your mortgage closes. Expert guidance at no cost to you.
Common Questions
First-time buyers usually ask us these.
No. In Canada, you can buy with as little as 5% down on homes priced up to $500,000. Between $500K and $999,999, it's 5% on the first $500K and 10% on the remainder. Homes over $1M require 20%. With less than 20% down you'll need CMHC mortgage default insurance — this is what makes homeownership possible for most first-time buyers.
Yes. Self-employed mortgages are a core part of what we do. Banks often assess declared income, which can appear low if you write off significant expenses. We work with lenders who use business bank statements, gross revenue, or other income verification methods that better reflect your actual earnings.
Not legally — but practically, yes. A solid pre-approval locks in a rate for 90-120 days, gives you a clear budget, and signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer. In competitive markets, many sellers won't entertain offers without one.
Most lenders want to see a score of 680 or higher for the best rates. Scores between 600-679 may still qualify with certain lenders. Below 600, alternative lending options exist, though at higher rates. We assess your full profile — credit is one factor among many.
Yes, and this is one of the most powerful strategies available to first-time buyers. You can stack your FHSA withdrawal with your RRSP Home Buyers' Plan withdrawal, and also claim the Land Transfer Tax rebate separately. We walk through all available incentives with every client.
Get Started
Find out what you actually qualify for.
The conversation is free. No pressure, no obligation. Most people walk away surprised — in a good way — by what's possible for them.
Start your free pre-approval
Takes about 60 seconds. A licensed broker follows up within one business day.
Rates shown are subject to qualification, lender approval, and applicable conditions, and may change without notice. FSRA Lic. 13747.