Buyer's guide
How buying a home works, start to finish
Buying a home in the Greater Toronto Area follows the same seven steps whether it's a $500K condo or a $2M detached. Here's the whole process in plain language, and where we fit in.
The seven steps
Define your needs and budget
One honest conversation about what you need (bedrooms, schools, commute) versus what you'd like, and what monthly payment actually fits your life, not just what a lender will approve.
Get pre-approved
A pre-approval tells you your real price range and locks a rate for 90–120 days. We'll connect you with lenders and mortgage brokers who compete for your business.
Choose your agent
Buyer representation costs you nothing, the seller pays the commission, and gets you honest walkthroughs, comparable sales data, and a negotiator on your side of the table.
Tour and shortlist
We arrange private showings and tell you what the listing photos don't: the cracked foundation, the loud street, the renovation that wasn't permitted.
Make an offer
Price is only one term. Conditions (financing, inspection), deposit size, and closing date all shape whether your offer wins, and whether you're protected if something goes wrong.
Secure financing and inspect
Once your offer is accepted, your lender formally approves the property, and a home inspector checks everything from the roof to the electrical panel. If either raises a flag, your conditions let you renegotiate or walk away.
Close and get your keys
Your lawyer handles title, the land transfer tax and the paperwork. We do a final walkthrough with you before closing day, then the keys are yours.
What it costs beyond the price
Budget roughly 3–5% of the purchase price for closing costs: Ontario land transfer tax (plus Toronto's municipal tax if buying in the city), legal fees around $1,500–$2,500, title insurance, adjustments for prepaid utilities and property tax, and moving costs.
If your down payment is under 20%, mortgage default insurance (CMHC) is added to your loan. Use our calculators to see all of these numbers for your price point.
Program rules, limits and tax rates change. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice, confirm the current numbers with us or your advisor before acting.
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647 892 7200Visit
227 – 1325 Eglinton Ave E, Mississauga, ON L4W 4L9
Serving
Toronto, Brampton, Markham, Mississauga