Canadian Mortgage Affordability Calculator & 31-Point Checklist
Your Complete Guide to Buying Your First Home in Canada
Get instant access to professional-grade tools that will guide you through every step of the home buying process.
Built specifically for Canadian mortgage rules and stress test requirements
• First Home Savings Account (FHSA) - Up to $40,000 with tax benefits
• Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) - Up to $70,000 for couples from RRSP
• First-Time Buyers Tax Credit - Up to $1,500 federal credit
• Provincial Land Transfer Tax Rebate - Up to $4,000
• Toronto Municipal Rebate - Additional $3,725
• Strategic Program Layering - $15,000+ total potential savings
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Home in Canada
☐ 1. Obtain free credit reports from Equifax and TransUnion
☐ 2. Calculate debt service ratios (GDS ≤32%, TDS ≤40%)
☐ 3. Gather 3 months of bank statements
☐ 4. Collect recent pay stubs and T4s
☐ 5. Pay down high-interest consumer debt
☐ 6. Research and open FHSA if beneficial
☐ 7. Document down payment sources with gift letters if needed
☐ 8. Ensure credit utilization is under 30% on all cards
☐ 9. Research qualified mortgage brokers vs banks
☐ 10. Get proper pre-approval with full documentation review
☐ 11. Understand your maximum qualifying amount
☐ 12. Secure rate hold protection (90-120 days)
☐ 13. Compare penalty structures (3-month vs IRD)
☐ 14. Understand stress test implications
☐ 15. Review mortgage insurance requirements if down payment <20%
☐ 16. Connect with experienced realtor in target areas
☐ 17. Research neighborhoods within actual budget
☐ 18. Understand current market conditions and competition
☐ 19. Create property evaluation criteria checklist
☐ 20. Factor in ALL carrying costs (taxes, heating, maintenance, condo fees)
☐ 21. Arrange home inspection contacts
☐ 22. Practice making offers with proper conditions
☐ 23. Verify property approval by lender (avoid co-ops, high-fee condos)
☐ 24. Set up legal counsel contacts
☐ 25. Budget for closing costs (2-3% of purchase price)
☐ 26. Research home insurance options and get quotes
☐ 27. Understand land transfer tax rebates (Ontario: up to $4,000)
☐ 28. Plan for immediate repairs and improvements
☐ 29. Arrange moving logistics and budget
☐ 30. Plan for rate renewal scenario (5+ years out)
☐ 31. Set up emergency fund for homeownership (3-6 months expenses)
First Home Savings Account (FHSA):
Home Buyers' Plan (HBP):
First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit:
Land Transfer Tax Rebate:
Toronto Municipal Land Transfer Tax Rebate:
Layer these programs for maximum benefit: