Knowing your budget upfront helps you focus your search and can save you both time and stress. Use a mortgage calculator to see how much you may be able to afford and what your mortgage payments would look like. Make sure have some cash in hand for down payment and closing fees. 

In Canada, you need a down payment of at least 5% to buy a home. However, make as large a down payment as you can to lower your mortgage payments and potentially avoid paying additional costs such as mortgage insurance.

Talk to a mortgage professional to determine your buying power. They can help you to find out how much you can afford, how much you should put towards a down payment, and can walk you through loan options and other costs or fees associated with purchasing a home. 

Be sure to get a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approved mortgage means the bank has made a commitment (subject to conditions such as a property valuation) to loan you the money for your home. This tells you how much you can borrow if you decide to borrow.

Once we've found the home you're interested in, we can help negotiate a fair offer based on comparable homes in the area. If the seller accepts the offer, you'll make a down payment and be officially under contract. 

During the due-diligence period between signing the purchase agreement and closing on your home, we will help you understand the conditions, provisions, and obligations of your contract. As well as guide you through the appraisal and home inspection processes. 

Congratulations! You've made it to the final step of your home buying journey. At closing you'll sign your mortgage paperwork to solidify your purchase. From there you officially become a homeowner and will be handed the keys to your new home.