To get started, click any of the Get Started buttons on our website. Our first step is to gather information about you. It takes just a few minutes and is all done online. We’ll then request supporting documentation to move to the next step. From there, our team will get to work immediately to find a mortgage solution for you, and to secure your pre-approval within 48 hours. We’ll create a custom lender comparison report that outlines the best options for you. 

Generally they aren’t far off, but everyone is different, and automated systems can only do so much. It’s best to reach out to us directly to review your unique situation. We take our time to really consider your financial situation, using established underwriting guidelines and looking at our options from every possible angle to ensure you get a mortgage solution that suits your reality.

There’s no need. We review the mortgage products of every major Canadian bank and mortgage lender, which will likely include your bank. With our experience, we know what to look for and what to ask to get you the best possible rates and terms. Your bank will only offer you their own mortgage products. Because we work with many different lenders, we have access to many more options, meaning there a very good chance we will find you a better rate than your bank will offer.

Plus, your bank may have slow turnaround times and might even lack the specialized mortgage expertise that Robinson has, as a specialized professional mortgage broker. This is our sole area of focus. And we have a rapid response, advanced search technology and streamlined process all focused on getting you the best mortgage and customer service you’ll find anywhere.

For Canadian permanent residents, the minimum down payment is 5 percent for the first $500,000 of your purchase price, and 10 percent for any additional amount between $500,000 and $999,999. For homes that cost $1 million and up, the minimum down payment is 20 percent of the purchase price.

As an example, for a $600,000 home, the minimum down payment is:

$500,000 x 5% = $25,000

$100,000 x 10% = $10,000

For a total minimum down payment of $35,000.

Note: If you’re self-employed or have a weak credit score, you may need a larger down payment. 

If your down payment is less than 20% of the cost of your home, you will need to purchase mortgage default insurance, which is between 2.8 and 4 percent of your mortgage.

As a first-time home buyer, you can withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSPs, tax free, to buy or build a home under the Government of Canada’s Home Buyers Plan. You must repay any funds you withdraw within 15 years. You qualify as first-time home buyer if, in the past four years, you didn’t live in a home that you or your current spouse or common-law partner owned. In other words, even if you have previously bought a home, you may qualify for the Home Buyers Plan and be able to use RRSPs. Visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn more. 

No. A deposit is a sum of money you offer to show the seller of the home you intend to buy that you’re serious. It’s also called “consideration.” The deposit is usually made after the seller has accepted your offer to purchase the home and before you take formal ownership. 

A down payment is the portion of the total cost of your home that you can afford to pay up front when you buy. The larger the down payment you make, the smaller the mortgage you will need. The deposit represents a portion of your down payment. It is not in addition to your down payment.

When you find the place that’s perfect for you, you'll work with your realtor to submit an offer to the seller. You’ll have your pre-approval qualification report from Robinson in hand, so you’ll be ready to go.

It depends on the property you intend to purchase. We’ll work closely with you and your realtor to make sure you have the right conditions in place to protect you, but not so many that the seller chooses another buyer over you. We’ll provide you with the necessary documents in the pre-approval process, so that the condition of obtaining financing can be met quickly. 

We’ll outline your closing costs. They may include: 

Land transfer tax 

Property transfer tax: First-time home buyers are exempt from the property transfer tax when buying a home under $500,000, or when buying a brand new home under $750,000 (there are a few other conditions, which we can discuss).

Solicitor fees: 

Budget $2,000, though this expense varies from lawyer to lawyer. 

Home Inspection: 

Budget $300 to $600. This is not something you want to skimp on. Investing in a thorough home inspection before you buy can help you save a lot of money (and stress) in the future.

Appraisal: 

Budget $300 to $500. You may only need an appraisal if you're paying 20 percent of more for your down payment. Some lenders will offer to cover this cost, and we'll outline the ones that do.

Mortgage default insurance: 

If your down payment is less than 20 percent of the total cost of your home, you will need to purchase mortgage default insurance, which is between 2.8 and 4 percent of your mortgage.

Yes. If your parents are registered on the property title as one percent owners and you are identified as 99 percent, you can access 99 percent of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. The tax credit enables you to claim up to $5,000 for the purchase of a qualifying home.

No. Even if your name is not on the title of their mortgage or property, you are no longer considered a first-time home-buyer, as you are occupying a home with someone who owns another home.

When your pre-approval is issued, a rate hold will be initiated on your behalf. This rate will be held for a maximum of 120 days. As long as you don’t change your application information in a significant way, you will qualify for the amount noted on your pre-approval.