First-Time Home Buyer Specialist

Unlock the Door to Your First Home with Confidence

The journey to homeownership can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. From calculating your borrowing power to navigating government incentives, I provide the roadmap you need to go from "searching" to "sold."

Jeremy Legg

Jeremy Legg

Mortgage Agent

License Information

M25002963 | FSRA: 13463

Associated with BRX Mortgages

Your 5-Step Roadmap

Simple, transparent steps to take you from a dream to a down payment.

1

Pre-Approval

Know exactly what you can afford before you start looking.

2

House Hunting

Shop with confidence knowing your rate is held.

3

The Offer

We review the numbers quickly to support your bid.

4

Underwriting

I handle the heavy lifting with the lenders.

5

The Keys

The paperwork is done—time to move in!

Interactive Purchase Scenario

Adjust the purchase price and interest rate to see an estimate of your costs in Ontario.

$300k $1.5M
1.0% 10.0%
Rates change daily and are based on your specific credit profile. This is for illustrative purposes only.

1. Upfront Cash Needs

Down Payment (Min) $35,000
Ontario Land Transfer Tax $8,475
First-Time Buyer Rebate -$4,000
Legal Fees (Est.) $1,800
Total Cash Required $41,275

2. CMHC Insurance

Required for down payments < 20%.

Estimated Premium (At Selected Down)
$22,600
Premium is 4.00% of loan
At Min Down Payment $22,600
At 10% Down Payment $16,740
At 20% Down Payment $0
Total Principal (Inc. Ins.) $587,600

3. Monthly Estimate

Assumption: Down Payment Pct
Estimated Payment
$3,385/mo
*Estimated 25-year amortization.
Down payments over 20% can extend to 30 years.

First-Time Buyer Programs

Canada offers several programs to help first-time buyers get into the market sooner.

Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)

Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSPs tax-free to use toward your down payment.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Save tax-free for your first home with the newest government incentive.

Land Transfer Tax Rebates

In Ontario, first-time buyers can receive a rebate of up to $4,000 on provincial land transfer tax.

Don't guess. Know.

There is a lot of misinformation out there. I offer a complimentary "First-Time Buyer Strategy Session" to break down your specific numbers.

Book Your Free Strategy Session

Ontario First-Time Home Buyers: 2026 Guide

A visual guide to navigating your journey to homeownership in Ontario.

Ontario First-Time Home Buyers 2026 Guide and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

In Canada, the minimum is 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for any portion above that. If the home is $1M or more, 20% is required. For example, a $600k home requires $35,000 min.

Closing costs include Land Transfer Tax, legal fees, title insurance, and property tax adjustments. You should typically budget 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price as cash-on-hand for these.

Fixed rates offer stability, while variable rates fluctuate with the Bank of Canada. This choice depends on your risk tolerance. During our session, we'll look at the current market pros and cons for both.

The stress test requires lenders to ensure you can afford your mortgage if rates rise. You must qualify at either 5.25% or your contract rate plus 2%—whichever is higher.