Buying your first home can feel out of reach — until someone breaks it down. Tina walks you through what you actually need (usually less than you think), which programs you may qualify for, and what your real monthly cost looks like. You go at your pace. No rushing.
Down-payment reality check: 3–5% options, gift funds, state assistance programs
First-time buyer program guidance including state-specific programs
Credit and budget prep with a plan if you’re not quite ready yet
Walk through of every step and every fee
Who it’s for: Renters and first-timers ready to stop guessing and start planning.
Contribute up to $8,000 a year (to a $40,000 lifetime max) — tax-deductible going in, tax-free coming out for your home.
Withdraw from your RRSP toward your down payment and repay yourself over time.
First-time buyers can claim a provincial rebate, plus an additional municipal rebate when buying within the City of Toronto.
Pre-approval is a lender’s confirmation that you qualify for a specific loan amount based on a credit check and financial review. It typically lasts 90 days. I often complete pre-approval during our initial phone call, so you can start shopping immediately with confidence. This letter shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
No. Pre-approval is based on income and creditworthiness, not down payment amount. I’ll show you what loan programs exist for your situation, including options with as little as 3-5% down. We discuss down payment strategy after you understand your options.
Yes. Existing debt affects your debt-to-income ratio, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. I’ll show you exactly how your debt impacts the loan amount you qualify for and what options exist if your ratio needs adjustment. Some programs are more flexible with debt than others.
Closing costs vary based on loan type, risk, and how the loan is structured and cover lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, inspections, and escrow. I break down every line item before you sign anything, so there are no surprises. Some lenders offer credits to help cover costs.
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate for the entire loan term, so your payment never changes. An adjustable rate loan is fixed for a period and then adjusts. On the positive side it typically offers a better rate than fixed. The risk being not knowing where the market will be… ARMs can save money short-term but carry risk if rates spike. I help you decide which fits your situation.
