Your choice for home purchase mortgages across Ontario

Hello there! First off, congratulations on considering the purchase of a new home. It's a big step and quite an exciting journey. I'm here to guide you through the process of obtaining a home purchase mortgage, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

Understanding a Home Purchase Mortgage

Simply put, a home purchase mortgage is a loan provided by a lender that enables you to buy a home. As a mortgage broker, I serve as an intermediary between you and potential lenders. Our role is to find you the best mortgage product that suits your financial situation and needs.

Mortgage Pre-Approval: The First Step

Before you start house hunting in the GTA, Toronto, North York or anywhere else in Ontario, it's wise to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of what you can afford. During this process, we'll look at your income, debts, credit history, and employment to determine how much a lender is willing to lend you. This is an important step, as it sets realistic expectations and strengthens your position when making an offer on a home.

Types of Mortgages

There are several types of mortgages available, and choosing the right one depends on your personal and financial circumstances:

• Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The interest rate remains the same throughout the term of the loan, offering stability and predictable monthly payments.
• Variable-Rate Mortgage: The interest rate fluctuates with the market, which can mean lower rates at times but also unpredictability.
• Conventional Mortgage: Requires a minimum down payment of 20% of the home's purchase price.
• High-Ratio Mortgage: If your down payment is less than 20%, you'll need this type of mortgage, which also requires mortgage default insurance.

Understanding Mortgage Terms

Mortgage terms in Ontario can range from 6 months to 10 years, with 5 years being a common term. The length of your mortgage term can affect your interest rate and how much interest you'll pay over time. At the end of each term, you'll have the opportunity to renegotiate your mortgage rate and terms.

Mortgage Payments: How They Work

Your mortgage payment is made up of two parts: principal and interest. The principal is the amount borrowed, while the interest is the cost of borrowing. In Ontario, you can choose from various payment schedules, including monthly, bi-weekly, or accelerated bi-weekly, which can help you pay off your mortgage faster.

Down Payment: What You Need to Know

In Ontario, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home's purchase price for properties less than $500,000. For homes between $500,000 and $999,999, it's 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for the remaining amount. For homes over $1 million, a 20% down payment is required. Remember, the larger your down payment, the smaller your mortgage loan and the less you'll pay in interest over time.

Mortgage Default Insurance

If your down payment is less than 20%, you'll need mortgage default insurance, which protects the lender in case you can't make your mortgage payments. This insurance can be a significant cost, but it allows buyers to enter the housing market with a smaller down payment.

Closing Costs: Prepare in Advance

As a homebuyer in Ontario, you'll also need to budget for closing costs, which typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. These include legal fees, land transfer tax, home inspection fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Land Transfer Tax in Ontario

In Ontario, you're required to pay a land transfer tax when you buy a property. The amount depends on the purchase price of the home. As a first-time homebuyer, you may be eligible for a rebate on a portion of this tax.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentives

As a first-time buyer in Ontario, you might qualify for various incentives, like the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), which allows you to withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSPs tax-free to buy or build a qualifying home.

The Role of a Mortgage Broker

As your trusted GTA, Toronto and Ontario mortgage brokers, we are here to help you navigate these choices and find the best mortgage product for your situation. We have access to multiple lenders and can compare rates and terms to find the most advantageous deal for you.

We are here every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your journey to homeownership in Ontario starts here, and we are excited to be a part of it.