Landmark Mortgages

Mortgage Services

First-Time Home Buyers

The process feels designed to confuse you. I'll change that.

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The Big Picture

What to expect when you buy your first home

Most first-time buyers come to me with a number in their head and a lot of questions. That's exactly the right place to start. Before you spend a single Saturday at an open house, you'll want to know what you actually qualify for, not just what the online calculator tells you.

A pre-approval locks in your rate for up to 120 days, tells your realtor what price range to shop in, and shows sellers you mean business. I'll pull together your full financial picture: income, down payment, debt, and match you with the right lender before you're emotionally invested in a specific property.

After your offer is accepted, I handle the lender conditions, coordinate with your lawyer, and send you a personalized video walking through every detail of your mortgage, so you can review it with your family without scrambling to take notes on a call.

The Process

How it works

01

We look at your full picture

Income, down payment, debt, and goals. This takes one conversation, usually 20 to 30 minutes. I'll tell you exactly where you stand and what your realistic purchase price looks like.

02

You get pre-approved

I submit to the right lender for your situation and get your pre-approval in place, with a rate hold so you're protected while you shop. You'll have a clear budget before you look at a single listing.

03

Offer accepted, I handle the financing

Once you're under contract, I manage the conditions, respond to lender requests, and keep everything on track for your closing date. Then I send you a custom video walkthrough of your mortgage so you know exactly what you signed.

Eligibility

What documents you'll need

Gathering the right paperwork upfront speeds everything up. Here's what most lenders will want to see:

Proof of income

Two years of T4s or NOAs, plus recent pay stubs. If you're salaried, that's usually enough. Self-employed? We have other options.

Down payment confirmation

90-day history on your savings account, TFSA, RRSP, or FHSA. Gift letters if part of the money is coming from family.

Identification

Two pieces of government-issued ID.

Employment letter

A letter from your employer confirming your position, start date, and income. If you're on probation, that matters too.

Government Programs

Programs worth knowing about

There are a few federal programs designed specifically for first-time buyers. Whether they apply to you depends on your situation, but they're worth understanding before you buy.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Contribute up to $8,000 per year (lifetime max $40,000), get a tax deduction, and withdraw tax-free to buy your first home. One of the best savings tools available if you're planning ahead.

RRSP Home Buyers' Plan

Withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free to use toward your first home purchase. You have 15 years to repay it back into your RRSP.

First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit

A $10,000 non-refundable federal tax credit on qualifying home purchases, worth up to $1,500 back on your taxes.

GST/HST New Housing Rebate

If you're buying a new build or substantially renovated home, you may qualify for a partial rebate of GST or HST paid.

Get Started

Let's get you into your first home.

Not sure if this applies to your situation? One call usually gives you a clear answer.