Know Before You Go: What to Do Before Buying a House in Ontario

Since the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation guidelines changed in July, Ontario housing sales have dipped. If you are in the market and looking at buying a house in Ontario in the near future, this is good news for you. Since housing sales have dropped, so too will house prices. But what do you need to do before buying a house in Ontario or obtaining mortgage approval?

Firstly, before buying a home in Ontario, you need to figure out how much you are willing to pay and how much you can afford (sometimes these two numbers will not match)! Working with a Mississauga mortgage broker will help you calculate your monthly bills and using a mortgage affordability calculator will help you determine how much you can actually afford to spend on a monthly mortgage payment. Sometimes buying a house in Ontario at the top of your affordability price range may feel snug, so make sure you also figure out how much you are comfortable spending on a monthly basis. A Mississauga mortgage broker will also help you calculate your monthly carrying costs and all of those other monthly fees that come with buying a house in Ontario.

Securing a down payment on a house is also an important necessity. There is no point in going to seek approval for a mortgage if you do not have a down payment (or access to secure one). Your down payment, which needs to be at least 5% of the total value of the house, can come from various different sources, not just savings. Saving up the cash, receiving a gift from a family member, using investments, or obtaining a zero down payment mortgage are all options. First time home buyers can even use part of their RRSP’s. It is important to discuss these with your Mississauga mortgage broker prior to buying a house in Ontario.

Another important thing that your Mississauga mortgage broker will teach you before buying a house in Ontario is what to expect as far as closing costs. Closing costs are those costs that you are presented with on your closing date – and you need to be prepared for them. These costs typically include lawyer’s fees, home inspection costs, land transfer tax, insurance, and property tax adjustments. Many of these closing costs associated with buying a house in Ontario are mandatory, and so your Mississauga mortgage broker can tell you which ones you will need and how much to have on hand.

There are many things to think about before you actually go out and find that perfect house. Putting in an offer only to find out that you can’t really afford it is disappointing, and entering into a contract that makes you feel uncomfortable or ill prepared can have devastating impacts. Before buying a house in Ontario, speak to a Mississauga mortgage broker to find out all you need to know to make the best decision possible.

For more information about what to know before buying a house in Ontario, please contact Paul Mangion of The Mortgage Centre at 416-204-0156 or visit www.themortgagecentretoronto.com