First-Time Home Buyer

Achieving the dream of homeownership

Enjoy a smooth and stress-free home-buying journey as we handle every detail from start to finish.

Your trusted partner in achieving first-time homeownership

At Fortune Funding, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the homebuying journey, from pre-approval to closing day. We aim to make the process simple, stress-free, and focused on securing your dream home.

Your roadmap to mortgage approval

We begin with a comprehensive application and an initial phone consultation to assess your mortgage needs. After reviewing your financial situation and collecting necessary documentation, we secure your pre-approval. This provides a conditional mortgage approval, locking in competitive rates for up to 120 days while you search for your home, strengthening your offer position.

With access to a wide network of lenders, we help you choose the mortgage product that aligns with your goals. We also guide you through significant recent changes in the industry:

  • Insured Mortgage Cap: Increased to $1.5 million.
  • 30-Year Amortizations: Now available for first-time homebuyers and purchasers of newly constructed homes, providing flexibility in managing monthly payments.

We ensure you benefit from every government incentive available, including:

  • Home Buyers’ Plan: Access up to $60,000 from your RRSP ($120,000 for couples).
  • New First Home Savings Account (FHSA): A registered plan allowing first-time homebuyers to save tax-free (up to certain limits) to buy or build a qualifying first home.
  • First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit: Savings of up to $1,500.
  • Land Transfer Tax Rebate: Savings of up to $4,000.
Additionally, we collaborate with your legal team to plan for closing costs, typically ranging from 2–4% of the purchase price.

We provide clarity on qualification requirements:

  • Credit Score: Minimum 640 (680+ for the best rates).
  • Housing Costs: Must remain below 39% of gross income (GDS).
  • Total Debt Service (TDS): Should not exceed 44%.
If you are unable to meet these qualification requirements, don’t worry—we work with many lenders who can assist if you have a minimum 20% down payment. Our partnerships with specialized lenders allow us to find creative solutions or help you develop a plan for future homeownership. Our team of underwriters thinks outside the box to overcome financing obstacles and guide you toward your goals.
We stay with you through every step of the process, ensuring your legal team has all the documents needed for a smooth closing. Our goal is to ensure you receive your keys on time and with minimal stress, handling every detail professionally and efficiently.

Step into homeownership with confidence.

Buy your first home with confidence. We’ll answer your questions and walk you through the mortgage process.

Understanding what our mortgage team will do for you

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We will assess your finances to determine eligibility

Once approved, we will finalize terms and ensure you understand and move to funding

Steps to qualify for your first mortgage

Maintain a good credit score over 680 in order to secure favorable mortgage terms

Establish stable income to show lenders that you can easily pay your monthly payments

mortgage

Save for a down payment of a minimum of 5% for insured mortgages or 20% for conventional ones

Prepare your documentation including proof of income, bank statements, ID, and tax returns to streamline the approval process

Get pre-approved for a loan, giving you a clear understanding of your budget and strengthening your offer when purchasing a home

Find the right home that fits your needs and budget. Ensure it aligns with your pre-approved loan amount

Different mortgage types and how they work

Fixed rate mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage offers a locked-in interest rate for the entire mortgage term.

Why choose a fixed-rate mortgage:
Enjoy consistent interest rates with predictable monthly payments, making budgeting easier and shielding you from economic fluctuations.

Why it may not be ideal:
Fixed rates are often higher, and you won’t benefit from falling interest rates, potentially missing savings.

Variable rate mortgages

Have an interest rate that fluctuates with the lender’s Prime Rate, which is influenced by the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate.

Why choose a variable-rate mortgage:
There is potential for lower costs if interest rates decrease, offering an opportunity to save on interest over the life of your mortgage, with the added flexibility to switch to a Fixed Rate Mortgage during the term.

Why it may not be ideal:
There is potential for lower costs if interest rates decrease, offering an opportunity to save on interest over the life of your mortgage, with the added flexibility to switch to a Fixed Rate Mortgage during the term.

Conventional mortgages

Requires a down payment of at least 20% of the home’s purchase price or appraised value and is not insured by the government.

Why choose a conventional mortgage:
With greater equity in your home from the start, access to tools like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), no mortgage insurance premiums to reduce monthly costs, and typically less paperwork and faster processing, you can enjoy a more efficient mortgage experience.

Why it may not be ideal:
Saving 20% for a down payment can be difficult, and there are stricter eligibility requirements compared to insured mortgages.

High ratio mortgages

Exceeds 80% of the property’s value and requires mortgage insurance from providers such as CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty.

Why choose a high ratio mortgage:
Lower interest rates due to the insurance enable quicker entry into the real estate market or an upgrade in property.

Why it may not be ideal:
Mortgage payments are higher due to insurance premiums, which are often added to your payments, and this option is only available for homes valued at $1 million or less.

Open mortgages

Enable you to repay all or part of your mortgage at any time without penalties.

Why choose an open mortgage:
With the flexibility to pay off the balance anytime without prepayment charges, the freedom to renegotiate terms as needed, and an easy transition to a closed mortgage, you have more control over your mortgage.

Why it may not be ideal:
This mortgage option has higher interest rates compared to closed mortgages, is typically offered for shorter terms, and often comes with variable interest rates, subject to fluctuations.

Closed mortgages

Cannot be prepaid, renegotiated, or refinanced before the term ends without incurring penalties. This is the most common mortgage type.

Why choose an closed mortgage:
With stable monthly payments for confident budgeting, lower interest rates, and longer terms compared to open mortgages, some options allow limited prepayment privileges, such as lump sums or doubling payments.

Why it may not be ideal:
Prepayment penalties apply if you pay off the mortgage early or refinance before the term ends.

Download your free CMHC guide & workbook

Get detailed information, customized calculators, and tools to track your budget, calculations, and notes.

Learn about first-time home buyer mortgages

First-Time Home Buyers FAQS

What are the criteria to be considered a first-time home buyer in Canada?

To be considered a first-time home buyer in Canada, you or your common-law partner must not have owned a home or investment property in the current calendar year or the preceding four calendar years. However, you can regain your first-time home buyer status if you have recently experienced a breakdown of a marriage or common-law partnership, provided you have lived separate and apart for at least 90 days.

The minimum down payment required in Canada depends on the purchase price of the home. For homes priced under $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5%. For homes between $500,000 and $1,499,999, the minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of any amount over $500,000. For homes priced $1,500,000 or more, the minimum down payment is 20%

  • Besides the down payment, there are several other costs to consider:

    • Closing Costs: Include land transfer taxes, legal fees, appraisal fees, and home inspection costs, which can range from 3% to 5% of the home’s purchase price.
    • Emergency Savings: It’s advisable to have additional funds for unexpected expenses such as repairs or replacements of home systems.
    • GST/HST New Housing Rebate: You may be eligible for a rebate on some of the GST/HST paid when buying a new home.

We’ll help you gather the required documents, such as proof of income, employment, and credit details. Once your pre-approval is secured, we’ll guide you through reviewing your mortgage options to find the best fit for your needs. With your pre-approval in hand, you’ll have a clear understanding of your budget and a stronger position when making offers on your dream home. Reach out today to get started!

In addition to the down payment, there are several other costs to keep in mind. Closing costs, which typically range from 3% to 5% of the home’s purchase price, include expenses like land transfer taxes, legal fees, appraisal fees, and home inspection costs. It’s also wise to have emergency savings set aside for unexpected expenses, such as repairs or replacements of home systems, to ensure you’re financially prepared for any surprises.

Apply Now

After you submit the form, we’ll reach out to discuss your goals, address any questions, and provide customized, no-obligation quotes. Feel free to let us know if there’s anything else you need!

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You will benefit from the expertise of a Fortune Funding Mortgage Advisor, whether over the phone or at a time and place that is convenient for you.

We will contact you within 1 business day.

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