Buying a home is likely the largest financial commitment you will ever make. To ensure a smooth journey, you must start with preparation long before you attend your first open house. Before looking at houses, look at your bank statements.
Take advantage of programs designed to help you save faster:
Allows you to save up to $8,000 annually (to a $40,000 lifetime limit) tax-free for your down payment. what to do first when buying a home
In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% for homes under $500,000, while homes over $1.5 million require 20%. 2. Leverage Government Incentives
When buying a home, the absolute first thing you should do is . While it is tempting to start browsing listings immediately, establishing a realistic budget based on your actual income and expenses—rather than just what a bank might approve—is the critical foundation of the process. Buying a home is likely the largest financial
Don't just rely on a lender's maximum loan amount. Use an Online Mortgage Calculator to estimate monthly payments, but ensure your total housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance) stay under 32% of your gross monthly income to avoid being "house poor".
The following article outlines the essential first steps for any prospective homebuyer. Take advantage of programs designed to help you
Your score directly impacts your mortgage rate. Aim for at least 680 to 720 to secure competitive terms. You can check your report for free via Equifax or TransUnion .
Buying a home is likely the largest financial commitment you will ever make. To ensure a smooth journey, you must start with preparation long before you attend your first open house. Before looking at houses, look at your bank statements.
Take advantage of programs designed to help you save faster:
Allows you to save up to $8,000 annually (to a $40,000 lifetime limit) tax-free for your down payment.
In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% for homes under $500,000, while homes over $1.5 million require 20%. 2. Leverage Government Incentives
When buying a home, the absolute first thing you should do is . While it is tempting to start browsing listings immediately, establishing a realistic budget based on your actual income and expenses—rather than just what a bank might approve—is the critical foundation of the process.
Don't just rely on a lender's maximum loan amount. Use an Online Mortgage Calculator to estimate monthly payments, but ensure your total housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance) stay under 32% of your gross monthly income to avoid being "house poor".
The following article outlines the essential first steps for any prospective homebuyer.
Your score directly impacts your mortgage rate. Aim for at least 680 to 720 to secure competitive terms. You can check your report for free via Equifax or TransUnion .