Your first home
starts with
the right guidance.

Guidance, incentives, and smart mortgage options — from pre-approval all the way to closing day.

Fixed Rate
From 4.09%
5-year fixed
Variable Rate
3.60%
Prime − 0.85%
Beautiful Ontario home exterior
Modern home in Toronto GTA
Ontario home on a sunny day

Couple reviewing mortgage documents with Mortgage Made Better advisor
Happy first-time home buyers celebrating outside their new home
Your first home starts here

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones.

It's exciting, emotional, and often confusing. Between rising home prices, mortgage rules, and government programs, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

That's where we come in.

We help first-time home buyers across Toronto, the GTA, and Ontario understand their options, secure the right mortgage, and move forward with confidence — from pre-approval to closing day.


Mortgage options

Every first-time buyer's situation is different.

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all mortgages. 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.

We shop multiple lenders to find the best fit for your income, goals, and future plans.

Programs & incentives

Maximize every available benefit.

Savings

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.

RRSP

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.

Tax rebate

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.

Low down payment

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 — not just what's approved.

  • Your incomeSalaried, self-employed, or combined household income
  • Down payment5% minimum; more reduces monthly costs and insurance premiums
  • Credit scoreHigher scores unlock better rates and more lender options
  • Existing debtsCar loans, credit cards, and student loans all factor in
  • Interest rateAffects both your monthly payment and qualification amount
  • Amortization25 or 30 years changes your monthly payment significantly
First-time buyer reviewing mortgage documents
Beautiful Ontario home exterior
Money-saving tips

Smart strategies for first-time buyers.

Small decisions made early in the process can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage. Here's where most buyers leave money on the table.

01

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.

02

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 itself.

03

A slightly larger down payment can save thousands

Reducing or avoiding mortgage default insurance premiums through a higher down payment can significantly reduce your total borrowing cost.

04

Be flexible on property type

Condos, townhomes, and homes needing updates often offer better value in the same neighbourhood as turnkey detached homes.

05

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.

06

Negotiate more than price

Closing dates, conditions, and inclusions can all save you money. An experienced advisor knows where deals have room to move.

The process

From pre-approval to closing day.

01
Pre-approval
Get approved before you start viewing homes. Know your budget and lock in a rate for 90–120 days.
02
Home search
Find the right property and make an offer with confidence, backed by a solid pre-approval.
03
Secure financing
We finalize your mortgage terms and submit to lenders. You focus on the home — we handle the paperwork.
04
Clear conditions
Inspection, insurance, and legal review. We coordinate everything so nothing falls through the cracks.
05
Closing day
Your lawyer completes the transfer, registers the mortgage, and hands you the keys. You're officially a homeowner.
Family in a modern home dining room
Dream home in Toronto
Why work with us

We work for you — not the bank.

Your bank has one set of products to offer. We have access to multiple lenders and lending options — and we sit on your side of the table, not theirs.

"Too many first-time buyers wait until they feel ready. Readiness comes from having a plan — not from having everything figured out."

Whether you're six months out or two years away from buying, the right conversation now can save you thousands later. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what to focus on between now and your purchase date.

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.


Questions

First-time buyers usually ask us these.

No question is too basic. We've heard them all — and we're happy to answer every one before you commit to anything.

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.
Let's 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.

We work with buyers at every stage: whether you're just starting to think about it, actively saving, or ready to make an offer.

Call 416-262-LOAN (5626)
Serving Toronto, the GTA & all of Ontario  · mortgagemadebetter.com
Lic. 13747  ·  FSRA Regulated Brokerage