Your Complete Guide to Buying Your First Home (Without the Stress)

Buying your first home is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. From figuring out how much you can afford to understanding down payments, mortgage insurance, and closing costs, there’s a lot to juggle.

That’s exactly why I created a simple, step-by-step guide — to help you feel confident, informed, and prepared from start to finish

For your copy of my full 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Below is a condensed breakdown to get you started.

Step 1: Build a Realistic Budget (Not Just a Purchase Price)

Before you fall in love with a house, it’s important to understand what homeownership actually costs month to month.

Your mortgage payment is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also want to budget for:

• Property taxes

• Home insurance

• Heating and utilities

• Condo or strata fees (if applicable)

• Ongoing maintenance and repairs

A comfortable home is one that fits your cash flow, not just the bank’s approval. Being “house rich and cash poor” can take the joy out of homeownership quickly

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Your Secret Weapon)

A mortgage pre-approval helps you:

• Confirm what you can afford

• Lock in a rate for up to 120 days

• Strengthen your offer in a competitive market

While a pre-approval isn’t a final guarantee, it gives you a strong head start and helps avoid surprises once you find the right home

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Step 3: Understand Your Down Payment Options

Ideally, a 20% down payment avoids mortgage default insurance — but that’s not always realistic for first-time buyers.

Here’s how minimum down payments work in Canada:

• 5% on the first $500,000

• 10% on any portion between $500,000 and $999,999

• 20% for homes priced over $1 million

Your down payment can come from:

• Personal savings, TFSA, or RRSP

• Gifted funds from immediate family

• RRSP withdrawals through government programs

We’ll always confirm eligibility before you commit to anything

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Step 4: First-Time Buyer Programs That Can Help

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

The FHSA allows first-time buyers to save tax-free for a down payment:

• Up to $8,000 per year

• $40,000 lifetime maximum

• Contributions and growth aren’t taxed

• Can be combined with other programs

Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

You can withdraw up to $60,000 per person from your RRSP to buy your first home (that’s $120,000 for a couple).

It works like a self-loan, repaid over up to 15 years — and can be a powerful way to boost your down payment when used properly

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Step 5: Mortgage Insurance — What You Need to Know

If your down payment is less than 20%, mortgage default insurance is required. This protects the lender (not you), but allows buyers to enter the market sooner.

The premium is usually added to your mortgage — no large upfront payment — and is based on your loan-to-value ratio.

There are three Canadian providers, and we’ll walk through what this means for your situation before you commit

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Step 6: Don’t Forget About Closing Costs

Closing costs often catch buyers by surprise, so it’s important to plan ahead. They can total up to 4% of the purchase price and may include:

• Land transfer tax (with possible first-time buyer rebates)

• Legal and notary fees

• Title insurance

• Property tax adjustments

• Appraisal or survey fees

• Condo fee adjustments

We’ll estimate these early so there are no last-minute scrambles

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Step 7: What Happens After You Buy?

Once the keys are in your hand, the journey isn’t over — it’s just beginning.

Smart homeowners:

• Make mortgage payments on time

• Plan for maintenance and repairs

• Stick to a monthly budget

• Build an emergency fund

• Protect their credit score

Your home is likely your biggest investment — and a little planning goes a long way in protecting it long-term

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

Ready to Get Started?

Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With the right plan, the right support, and clear expectations, it can be an exciting (and empowering) experience.

If you’re thinking about buying — even “someday soon” — I’m always happy to run the numbers, answer questions, and help you map out your next steps.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. That’s my job.

For your copy of my 2025 Home Buyers Guide, please reach out to me at jeannie@mortgagesavvy.ca or 613-266-9865 and I’ll get a copy to you right away!

2025 is wrapping up, and for many Canadians, it’s been a long, expensive, unpredictable year.

But here’s the good news: the 2026 mortgage outlook is shaping up to be one of the most opportunity-filled periods we’ve had in a while.

And this is true for homeowners, buyers, and anyone renewing a mortgage.

Rates are lower, 1-2 more cuts are expected, and the shifting market is giving Canadians the chance to reset, rebuild, and rethink their strategies. Whether you’re entering a renewal year, considering a refinance, or planning a purchase, now is the time to prepare.

This 2026 Mortgage Playbook will walk you through what’s coming, what to expect, and what you can do right now to get ahead.

The big picture is simple:

👉 Rates are expected to come down at least a bit more in 2026

👉 Fixed rates and variable rates will behave differently, but overall they’re stable

👉 Renewals will be one of the biggest financial events of the year for many households (record numbers)

👉 Home equity remains one of the strongest financial tools Canadians have

Economic conditions are stabilizing, inflation remains close to target, and bond yields (which impact fixed mortgage rates) have been trending lower. This creates a more forgiving environment for homeowners and new buyers.

Bottom line:

The 2026 mortgage outlook suggests a year where Canadians can finally make proactive, strategic moves again rather than reacting to rising rates.

(RE/MAX envisions a pretty healthy housing market next year)

Fixed vs Variable: Which Makes More Sense in 2026?

This will be one of the most important decisions Canadians make this year. And honestly? There’s no “perfect” answer. It really depends on your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

Fixed Rates

Fixed rates offer stability. Your payment stays the same for the entire term, which can be comforting, especially after the volatility of the past few years (and with rates now close to their lows).

But fixed rates also come with higher penalties if you need to break early.

Fixed can make sense if you:

✔️ Want predictability

✔️ Don’t expect to move or refinance early

✔️ Prefer the safety of consistent payments

Variable Rates

Variable rates move with your lender’s prime rate. When rates drop, you benefit. Now that we’re near the bottom of the rate drops, a variable rate isn’t as appetizing (unless you get a good one).

Variable can make sense if you

✔️ Want to take advantage of falling rate

✔️ Care about flexibilit

✔️ Want lower break penaltie

✔️ Are comfortable with some movement

Just being honest:

The best choice isn’t about timing the market, it’s about what fits your life.

How to Prepare for a 2026 Renewal

2026 is shaping up to be a massive renewal year. If your mortgage comes due in 2026, your renewal will likely be one of the biggest financial moments of your year.

Here’s what to do:

✔️ Start Early (6–12 months ahead)

Most Canadians wait until they receive their renewal letter. That’s too late.

Starting early opens the door to better rates, better terms, and more negotiation power.

✔️ Don’t sign the first offer

Your lender’s first offer is almost never their best one. You have options, so use them.

✔️ Consider your goals

Do you want lower payments?

Do you want to access equity?

Do you plan to move?

Do you want to shorten or lengthen your amortization

Your renewal is the perfect time to re-shape your entire mortgage strategy.

✔️ Compare fixed vs variable again

The right choice at renewal might not be the same one from five years ago.

Markets change. Your life changes. Your mortgage should change with you.

Why Home Equity Will Be a Key Advantage in 2026

If you’re a homeowner, your equity is one of your most powerful financial tools.

Here’s why equity matters so much going into 2026:

1. Equity builds your wealth

Rates help your monthly budget… but equity builds your net worth.

When home values rise, your wealth rises (even while you’re relaxing and enjoying the holidays).

2. Equity gives you options

A strong equity position means you can:

✔️ Refinance

✔️ Consolidate high-interest debt

✔️ Renovate

✔️ Invest

✔️ Purchase a second property

✔️ Reduce financial stress overnight

3. Equity protects your future

Markets change. Life changes.

Higher equity gives you a cushion when things shift unexpectedly.

4. Rates move, equity stays.

Rates fluctuate daily. But once you’ve gained equity, it’s yours to leverage.

Mortgage Planning for Homeowners: What to Do Before 2026 Arrives

If you want to get ahead, here’s where to start:

✔️ Do a mortgage check-up

Once a year, minimum. No better time than the start of 2026.

Rates, equity, debt load, renewal dates: it all changes over time. A check-up gives you clarity.

✔️ Review your debts

Credit cards and lines of credit hit hard in 2025 for many Canadians. Rolling them into a lower-interest mortgage can free up significant cash flow.

✔️ Check your credit

Your credit score influences your rates & lender options. Even a small bump can save thousands over the term.

✔️ Decide your 2026 goals

Buying? Refinancing Renewing? Improving cash flow?

Knowing your goals early changes everything.

✔️ Ask questions early

Waiting never helps. Planning always does.

What Buyers Should Expect in 2026

If you’re planning to buy this year, the 2026 mortgage outlook gives you a few advantages:

• Lower rates improve affordability

• Pre-approvals help you shop with confidence

• The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and RRSP contributions are major tools

• Spring and summer markets are expected to be competitive

The earlier you prepare, the better your results will be.

The Bottom Line: 2026 Will Reward the Prepared

2026 isn’t about waiting for the “perfect moment.” It’s about making smart moves, early moves, and informed moves.

Whether you’re renewing, refinancing, planning to buy, or simply wanting to improve cash flow, the opportunities are real (but you need a plan to take advantage of them).

And that’s where I can help.

If you want a personalized breakdown of your 2026 mortgage strategy, send me a message.

I’ll walk you through everything in simple terms so you can go into the new year confident and informed.

Reach out anytime to review your plans and let’s build a mortgage strategy customized to fit your goals!

Cheers,

Jeannie