Canadian First-time Homebuyers Guide 2023

What you should know as a first-time homebuyer

First off, we at LowestRates.ca would like to congratulate you. Becoming a homeowner, whether you’re looking for a house, condo, or townhouse, is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — and we’re excited to help you through it.

While it’s exciting, it can also be a little scary. So, we created a first-time homeowners guide to walk you through the process; from obtaining a mortgage and looking for a great home insurance policy to renovations and closing costs.

It might seem daunting at first, but you’ll be a home ownership expert by the time you finish reading. If you’ve already got some of these steps covered, feel free to skip ahead to wherever you are in the first-time homebuying process.

So, settle in and get ready to buy your first home. We’ve laid out the steps of buying a house for the first time.

Mortgage

Key takeaways

• Choosing a fixed- or variable-rate mortgage is often the biggest decision you’ll make when getting a mortgage. A fixed mortgage will keep your interest rate unchanged during your term, while a variable will fluctuate, meaning it has the potential to go down and save you money — although the opposite is also true.
• Accelerating your mortgage payments can help you pay off your mortgage faster and lead to you paying less interest over the life of your mortgage.
• You’ll have to choose between getting a mortgage from a bank, a broker, or an alternative lender. Each of these options has pros and cons.
• All Canadian homebuyers will have to pass the stress test. This checks to see if you can afford your mortgage payment if interest rates go up.

What is a mortgage?

In simplest terms, a mortgage is a loan given to you by a lender (a bank or broker, for example), secured by property (which acts as collateral). Getting a mortgage means making monthly payments that go toward the interest and principal of your mortgage, and you’re required to make a down payment on your property to qualify for a mortgage in Canada. (Jump ahead to the down payment section using the menu on the left for more details).

Most homebuyers need a mortgage to be able to afford a property. As you pay off your mortgage, a greater proportion of your monthly payment goes toward your principal and less goes toward the interest. Some mortgage lenders will allow you to make additional payments, called prepayments, toward your mortgage on top of your monthly payments (which can come in handy if you get a bonus or inheritance). That amount will go to your principal, helping you pay off your mortgage quicker.

How to get a mortgage

You have to apply to a lender to get a mortgage. That lender will assess whether you qualify for a mortgage, how big the mortgage will be, and the loan’s interest rate. The lender will evaluate you based on your credit score, employment status, income, and several other factors.

Keep in mind, you have a say in the process too. Comparing the market and shopping for the best mortgage rate in your area can help you decide which lender is right for you.

You can get a mortgage from either a bank or broker. A rate comparison website like LowestRates.ca allows you to quickly compare several banks and brokers to see which one will offer you the best rate. Most lenders today will allow you to complete your application entirely online, making the process more convenient.

You should make sure you have essential documents — such as pay stubs, your most recent credit score, and up-to-date personal information — ready when you apply for a mortgage.

What is a mortgage term?

A mortgage term is a period in which specific factors of your mortgage, such as your interest rate and payment frequency, are in effect.

The most common term in Canada is five years — however, you can opt for mortgages that have terms anywhere from one to 10 years. You’ll also find that different terms come with different interest rates. For instance, interest rates on 10-year terms tend to be higher than those on one-year terms.

The length of your term should be determined by your future plans. If you believe you’ll be selling your property next year, for instance, opting for a five-year term might not make sense since you could be hit with a prepayment penalty. Keep reading to learn more about prepayments and other things to look for in your mortgage contract.

What is mortgage amortization?

Amortization is the total length of time you have to pay off your mortgage. The most common amortization in Canada tends to be 25 years.

As your amortization period goes on, you’ll find that more and more of your money will go toward principal payments, and less will go toward interest. In Canada, the longest amortization period available is for uninsured mortgages and can be as long as 35 years.

Fixed versus variable: what’s the difference?

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that stays unchanged during the period of your mortgage term. Meanwhile, a variable-rate mortgage will fluctuate depending on market forces.

This debate will challenge most first-time homebuyers when choosing a mortgage. A fixed-rate mortgage can offer peace of mind but often comes at the cost of a higher interest rate.

On the other hand, a variable-rate mortgage can offer a lower interest rate right off the bat. That’s because banks have the power to raise or lower your mortgage rate depending on the interest rate the Bank of Canada (the country’s central bank) sets.

For homebuyers, variable rates offer the potential to pay less interest over the life of a mortgage if interest rates fall or remain unchanged. However, they also present risks. When the Bank raises its policy rate significantly (like we’ve experienced over the past year), variable rates can be higher than fixed. If interest rates go up, so will your mortgage rate, which may mean much higher monthly payments.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sent both fixed and variable mortgage rates tumbling to record lows. High inflation post-pandemic caused the Bank to raise its policy rate eight times (at the time of writing), which is largely why variable rates on Lowestrates.ca are currently higher than fixed rates.

Open versus closed mortgages

Most mortgages in Canada are closed mortgages, which means that you cannot pay off your mortgage early without incurring penalties. The specifics of closed mortgages tend to vary from lender to lender — for instance, some may allow you to make additional payments every year if you don’t fully pay off your mortgage.

Open mortgages, on the other hand, are quite flexible. You can make additional payments or even pay off the entire mortgage without penalty. However, higher interest rates typically offset the convenience of doing so. Open mortgages might make sense for investors or those who feel they may sell off their property in the near-term future.

What is an accelerated payment?

An accelerated payment is the ability to increase your monthly payments so that you’re putting more money toward your principal mortgage payments — allowing you to pay off your mortgage sooner.

Not all lenders offer accelerated payments. Make sure to ask your lender if they do before accepting a mortgage.

What is a prepayment charge?

A prepayment charge is a financial penalty you incur if you pay off your mortgage early when your mortgage terms do not allow you to do so. Penalties vary depending on your lender’s rules, but often times they can be quite steep.

Those wanting to avoid prepayment charges should consider an open mortgage or a mortgage with a shorter term.

How large should your mortgage be?

Financial experts generally all have the same advice for first-time home buyers: make sure you don’t wind up house poor.

In other words, your mortgage should only be as large as you can afford. It might be tempting to pay more than you plan to during your house hunt, but it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. That way, you don’t run into problems down the road paying for other bills and saving.

Lenders in Canada follow the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) gross debt service ratio (GDS) when giving homebuyers mortgages — the GDS states that your monthly housing costs shouldn’t be any more than 39% of your gross monthly income. At the same time, your total debt service ratio (TDS) — the percentage of your monthly income that goes towards housing costs and all debts — should not be more than 44%.

The CMHC has first-time home buyer guides and resources to navigate the home buying process, including a handy checklist to determine your living costs.

Banks, brokers, and credit unions

There are a variety of lenders in Canada that are willing to offer you a mortgage. It’s important to know the difference between them.

Banks are perhaps the most common option for mortgages in Canada, especially as most of us already have chequing or savings accounts with such financial institutions. However, you won’t always find the best mortgage rates from banks and getting lower rates may require negotiation.

Brokers, by contrast, shop the market for you, helping pinpoint what the best mortgage rate is from the various lenders they work with. This may include the major banks. Brokers also have the option to lower a mortgage rate by taking less commission for themselves and passing on the savings to a borrower.

Finally, credit unions in Canada are community-focused lenders that tend to have customers in certain cities or provinces. While they may be less widespread, one advantage credit unions have is that they are not subject to the B-20 stress test — which means that borrowers can potentially qualify for larger mortgages by going with a credit union.

Private lenders offer mortgages in Canada, in addition to banks, brokers, and credit unions. These lenders tend to take on higher-risk clients and charge much higher interest rates. This sector of the mortgage industry is not regulated.

Finding the best rate

The best way to secure a great mortgage rate is to compare the market.

Canadians can save tens of thousands of dollars over the life of their mortgage by using the LowestRates.ca mortgage quoter. Our website allows you to compare mortgage rates from Canadian banks and brokers online, ensuring you’ll be able to quickly see the best available rate.

The mortgage stress test

Getting a mortgage in Canada requires undergoing a stress test to see if you can handle your mortgage payments if interest rates were to rise.

On June 1, 2021, new stress test rules were implemented, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage. Under the changes, borrowers must show they can afford their mortgage if rates rise by the interest rate set by their lender, plus 2%, or 5.25%, whichever is higher.

All borrowers — not only those with less than a 20% down payment — must pass a mortgage stress test if they apply for a mortgage, refinance their existing mortgage loan, or switch lenders. However, mortgage holders who renew with the same lender do not have to pass a stress test.

Incentive programs for first-time homebuyers

One of the biggest benefits of being a first-time home buyer is that you have access to unique government incentives.

These programs are designed to provide financial relief to first-time buyers in the form of tax credits, rebates, and equity sharing.

Some of these incentives include:

First-time Home Buyer Incentive 

This is a shared-equity program in which the federal government provides you with some of your down payment, allowing you to take on a smaller mortgage, and shares in the appreciation or depreciation of your home’s value over time.

First-time Home Buyers' Tax Credit

Also known as the Home Buyers’ Amount (HBA), this incentive allows you to claim up to $10,000 on your taxes if you, or you and your spouse/common-law partner bought a home for the first time. Conditions apply so be sure to do your research.

GST/HST New Housing Rebate

If you bought a house from a builder or built your own house, you could get back some of the GST/HST you paid on that purchase with the New Housing Rebate. Depending on the province you live in, you might also qualify for a provincial rebate.

Tax-free First Home Savings Account

At some point this year, Canadians will have a new tax-free savings account to help them save for a down payment. Money that’s withdrawn to buy your first qualifying home will not be taxed and deposits to the account will be tax deductible. But keep in mind, there will be an $8,000 annual contribution limit.

Extra costs

Key takeaways

• Homebuyers have historically been able to save more money by choosing a variable-rate mortgage over a fixed-rate one.
• The Foreign Buyers Ban, effective January 1, 2023, bans foreigners from buying residential property in Canada. However, if you’re not a permanent resident and want to buy a home here, there may be certain exceptions to your situation. Be aware that you will still be subject to a foreign buyer’s tax, or the Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST).
• Check to see if where you’re moving is subject to provincial and city taxes. Toronto homeowners pay both a provincial land transfer tax and a municipal transfer tax.
• Make sure your home-buying budget includes costs like furniture, movers, sales tax, utility adjustments, and appraisal fees.

Variable interest rates

With a variable-rate mortgage:

• Payments are the same for the duration of the mortgage term.
• The amount that goes towards the principal and interest, respectively, will change as the bank’s prime rate changes (this is the benchmark rate banks provide their most credit-worthy clients).
• If the prime rate goes down, more of your regular payment is applied to your principal. When the prime rate goes up, more of your payment goes towards interest.

The overnight rate set by the Bank of Canada, which influences the banks’ prime rates and, in turn, the interest charged on variable-rate products, is 4.5% as of January 25, 2023.

Given persistent inflation and the fact that rates were at historic lows throughout the early days of the pandemic, the Bank of Canada has raised the overnight rate eight times up until this year and is expected to continue until the inflation target is reached.

What effect does all this have on mortgages?

If you choose a variable-rate mortgage in an environment of rising rates, you could be extending the length of time it’ll take to pay off your mortgage and you’ll end up paying more in interest.

In June 2021, the federal government introduced revised rules that make it trickier to qualify for a mortgage.

Both insured and uninsured mortgages are now stress tested, whereas before only uninsured mortgages (where the buyers make a down payment of 20% or more) were impacted.

Presently, all homebuyers must afford mortgage payments at the minimum qualifying rate, which is either the benchmark rate of 5.25% or the rate offered by your lender plus 2% – whichever is higher.

The qualifying rate will be reviewed at least once a year in December, possibly more.

The new regulations also state that, you can’t use borrowed funds from other sources to fund a down payment, mortgage contracts excluded. Your Gross Debt Service and Total Debt Service ratios can’t exceed 39% and 44%, respectively.

Land transfer taxes

Apart from Alberta and Saskatchewan, every province has a land transfer tax (LTT) that you pay once you close the sale on your new home. However, the way it’s calculated varies from province to province. For instance, in Nova Scotia, individual municipalities decide on the tax rate. In Prince Edward Island, the land transfer tax is 1% of either the purchase price or assessed value (whichever is greater), but in Alberta, there’s a land transfer registration fee instead, which is calculated as $50, plus $2 for every $5,000 in property value, making it significantly cheaper than LTT.

LTT is paid to the province. The amount of tax you’ll pay depends on two things: the amount you paid for the home and the amount of debt you had to take to buy it.

Ontario, B.C., and P.E.I. offer rebates on the LTT, though the maximum amounts available on each vary.

Toronto charges homebuyers a municipal land transfer tax that is paid on top of the Ontario land transfer tax. However, Toronto offers its own rebate, the maximum value of which is $4,475.

How will this affect you? Well, the benchmark home price in Toronto as of January 2023 is $1,612,600. According to our land transfer tax calculator, on a house of that value, you would pay $28,727.00 in tax to the City of Toronto. You’d also pay the same amount for the provincial land transfer tax.

That means the final price tag on your $1,612,600 home just rose to $1,661,304.

The bright side? Don’t forget that as a first-time homebuyer in Ontario and Toronto, you’re eligible for a rebate, which in this case would be worth $8,750.00.

First-time homebuyers may be able to qualify for a discount on the land transfer tax, though. For example, according to the City of Toronto’s land transfer tax calculator, a first-time buyer would pay $28,727 in municipal land transfer tax on a $1,612,600 home.

Property taxes

Next up on the list of tax expenses is property tax, which is an annual charge that varies based on where you live. If you live outside of a town or a city, then you pay a Provincial Land Tax (PLT). If you live within a municipality, then you pay a Municipal Property Tax.

PLT is calculated as follows: current tax rate multiplied by the market value of your property. Keep in mind that the market value of your property is different than the price you paid for your home.

Municipal Property Tax (MPT) is based on the municipal tax rate, the education tax rate (which each province sets), and the market value of your property.

Property tax can be paid in instalments or rolled into your mortgage, depending on the lender you’re working with.

Property tax and utility adjustments

Depending on when you take possession of your home, you might need to factor in the cost of utilities like heat, water, and hydro. For example, if you move into your home in the middle of the month, the previous owners might not have been billed for these utilities yet, which could leave you having to cover the costs.

To avoid this, reach out to the various utility companies and find out the status of the account when you move in. You can let them know that you’ve just moved in halfway through the month, so anything charged prior to that needs to be billed to the previous owners.

The same can happen for property tax bills, so it’s best to get in touch with the appropriate parties to let them know when you took possession of the house.

In order to avoid any surprises, ask your real estate lawyer to track any adjustments that need to be accounted for when the sale of the home closes.

Appraisal fees

Another extra cost that comes with buying a home is hiring an appraiser to assess the value of the property you’re interested in. This can cost anywhere from $300 to $500, though the price depends on your appraiser.

Why is getting an appraisal important? Well, to start, it’s a crucial step in getting approved for a mortgage. In fact, lenders will typically get one of their pre-approved appraisers to scope out the home, similar to the way auto insurance companies will try and send you to one of their preferred body shops to have repairs completed.

Title insurance

Title insurance protects you against things like forgery, fraud, and identity theft — basically any sort of loss that’s related to the ownership of the property. While you’re not legally required to have it, you can purchase it via your real estate lawyer or directly from a title insurance company.

When it comes to title insurance, there are two types: owner’s policy and lender’s policy.

An owner’s policy, as you might guess from the name, protects the owner. A lender’s policy, on the other hand, protects the lender.

Typically, title insurance will cost you a one-time fee of up to $300, but the cost can vary greatly depending on the value of your property and the insurance company that’s providing the coverage. It’s a good idea to use a title insurance calculator to get a quote.

Furniture

Unless your new home comes fully furnished, which is pretty rare, you’re going to need to fill it with furniture. But before you do, you’re going to need to take measurements to find out how much furniture your new abode can hold. These measurements will really dictate where you can shop, too. For example, stores like Structube tend to cater to the urban lifestyle and have a good selection of smaller-sized furniture for apartments and condos. Somewhere like Leon’s or The Brick, on the other hand, might be a better bet for those with a lot more space to fill. Of course, if you’re trying to do things on the cheap, you might want to consider yard and garage sales, websites for second-hand furniture like Kiiiji, or other online buy-and-sell groups.

Even more costs…

Life insurance:

After you’re approved for a mortgage, the bank might also offer mortgage protection insurance that’s combined with your monthly payment. However, mortgage protection insurance is optional. Alternatively, a life insurance policy provides coverage for a wider range of events, and at a lower rate.

Take some time to compare life insurance quotes from various providers and see what makes the most sense for you.

Sales tax: If you’re buying a newly built home, you might also be subject to a sales tax. This isn’t the case in every province, but if it’s applicable to where you live, there’s some good news: you could be eligible for a tax rebate.

Warranty: If you’re buying a newly built home, it will come with a warranty. It’s up to you to verify whether or not the warranty costs get folded into the sale price or if you’ll need to pay them when you close the sale. It’s possible, too, that the builder will charge enrollment or solicitors fees, so make sure you ask every question you can think of in this regard.

Movers: Moving is always far more time and energy consuming than you think it will be — especially if your new home is considerably far from your current one. So, it makes perfect sense that some people opt to hire movers. If that’s the case, great, but just make sure you budget for the expense. The fee will vary based on whether it’s a local or long-distance move, and whether you’re hiring them for packing and moving, or only moving. It’s wise to get a quote before you commit to anything. You may also want to consider purchasing moving insurance from the company you hire. This will protect you in the event that anything is damaged during the haul.

Foreign buyer taxes: At the beginning of this year, the Parliament implemented a two-year ban that prevents foreign homebuyers from buying residential properties in Canada. The ban is meant to improve housing affordability and control bidding wars for Canadian residents. However, some are exempt from the ban including those with temporary work permits, refugee status, and non-Canadians co-purchasing property with their Canadian spouse.

If these exemptions apply to you, you will have to pay a Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST).

The NRST varies from province to province. For instance, in Ontario, foreign buyers are subject to an annual 25% non-resident speculation tax, whereas in British Columbia, foreign buyers are subject to a 20% tax. However, NRST rebates may be available for foreign nationals who have paid the tax and become permanent residents within four years after purchasing a property.

Down payment

Key takeaways

• A down payment is the amount of money you’ll pay up front to get a mortgage.
• This amount will be deducted from the overall purchase price of your home.
• The minimum down payment in Canada is at least 5% but may be more depending on the price of your home.
• Homebuyers have the option to use $35,000 of their RRSP savings for their down payment as part of the HBP.

What is a down payment?

The down payment is a fundamental expense on a first-time homebuyer’s checklist. A down payment refers to the amount of money you’ll pay up front to get a mortgage. This lump sum is deducted from the overall purchase price of your home. Your mortgage will cover the rest of your home’s price, which is also referred to as your mortgage principal.

In addition, a down payment can also function as a bargaining tool. The larger your down payment, the more leverage you’ll have when you negotiate with your mortgage lender to secure a great interest rate. If you’re buying a home and you know how much money you’d like to put towards the down payment, LowestRates.ca allows you to compare rates from mortgage lenders in your area and pick the best one.

Your down payment should consist of money you actually have. While down payments can be gifted from a family member, they can’t be borrowed.

What is the minimum amount for a down payment in Canada?

Unfortunately, the amount you put down isn’t entirely up to you. In Canada, you’re legally required to put down a specific amount (or more) of your home’s total purchase price. These percentages vary depending on the price of your home.

The rules, outlined by the federal government, specify the following amounts:

• This means that the minimum down payment on a home worth $500,000 would be $25,000.
• On a home worth $800,000, the minimum down payment would be 25,000 (5% of 500,000) + $30,000 (10% of the remaining $300,000), for a total of $55,000.
• On a home worth $1 million, the minimum down payment would be $200,000.

How much should you put towards your down payment?

For many first-time buyers, saving for the down payment can be the biggest obstacle to buying a home. As previously stated, paying more upfront means making a smaller mortgage payment each month and paying less total interest. This is an important metric to keep in mind while financial planning, as the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation advises that your housing costs (which include your mortgage payment) should be no more than 32% of your gross monthly income.

Furthermore, when your down payment is 20% or more of your home’s overall purchase price, you’re not required to purchase mortgage insurance. The next section explains this law, which is typically known as the 20% rule.

What’s the 20% rule?

The 20% rule is a federal law, which states that homebuyers who put less than a 20% down payment on their property are required to purchase mortgage loan insurance, sometimes also called mortgage default insurance.

Mortgage loan insurance is designed to protect the lender in case you’re not able to make your payments. If your down payment is less than 20% of the total price of your home, you’ll be required to purchase mortgage loan insurance. If you’re self-employed, you may also be required to purchase mortgage loan insurance even if your down payment is 20% or more.

Mortgage loan insurance premiums can range anywhere from 0.6% to 4.50% of the total amount of your mortgage. Premiums will depend on the amount of your down payment. The closer your down payment is to 20% of the value of the home, the lower your mortgage insurance premium will be.

How big should your down payment be?

As a first-time homebuyer making a down payment, the more you can put down, the better. Given the savings you can earn on interest with a smaller mortgage and the 20% rule, it’s advisable to put as much as is feasible towards your down payment.

However, coming up with 20% of your home’s total value is no small feat, especially in expensive cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Your best bet is to assess your budget and determine an amount that will help you reach your homeownership goals without putting too much stress on your budget. Would it be better to hold off on buying a home to avoid incurring extra costs on insurance and a large monthly mortgage payment, or would you rather buy now given the prices in your local market?

If you’re having trouble coming up with a magic number, comparing mortgage rates from lenders in your area might be a good place to start. LowestRates.ca can help you with that. We compare rates from banks and brokers in your area and our rates are always lower than posted bank rates.

What is the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)?

The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) is a program that allows a prospective homebuyer to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to put toward the purchase of a home.

Because RRSP funds are meant to help Canadians save for retirement, the Canadian government has attached a tax penalty for withdrawing money from the account. For example, if you make $45,000 per year and withdraw $10,000 from your RRSP, the extra $10,000 will be counted towards your income. In this example, this means that you’ll be taxed at a higher income bracket, but in many cases the extra income will simply be taxed at your marginal rate.

Home insurance

Key takeaways:

• Most mortgage lenders require you to buy home insurance before they’ll lend you money.
• Home insurance pays for the cost to rebuild your house (price of material and labour) — not its market value. In insurance terms this is referred to as “actual cost” versus “replacement cost.”
• One of the most important things for first-time home buyers to know is that not all forms of water damage are covered. Protection from sewer back-up and flooding needs to be purchased separately. However, under most policies, some water damage protection is provided. For example, accidental damage from a burst pipe is usually covered.
• Home insurance provides personal liability coverage that can be useful in several different scenarios, including if a visitor slips and injures themselves on your property.

What does home insurance cover?

Home insurance provides compensation to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by fire, flooding, or other unexpected events. For example, if a tree falls on it, you’ll be covered.

Canadian first-time home buyers aren’t required to purchase home insurance, but good luck trying to get a mortgage without it. Most lenders require all prospective home buyers to buy home insurance (not to be confused with mortgage insurance, which protects the lender in case you default on your mortgage). This makes sense if you think about it: your home technically belongs to the bank, so of course they want to protect their asset.

But your home is also where you live. And you’ll want to protect it, too.

Beyond protecting the bank, home insurance also protects your personal liability, which is something a lot of homeowners don’t realize.

If a visitor slips and injures themselves on your property, you have some protection against legal costs and medical expenses.

Home insurance will also pay for your hotel stay if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable, and in some cases, even pay for a rental car.

Some, but not all water damage is covered. Accidental flooding from appliances and watermain breaks are usually covered, but not all policies cover burst pipes. As a general rule, insurance policies do not cover damage that could have been avoided or have occurred as a result of negligence.

The best way to secure a low home insurance rate is to compare the market. On LowestRates.ca, you can compare rates from different home insurance providers across Canada.

Get started by filling out the form below.

What doesn’t home insurance cover?

Home insurance doesn’t cover every little misfortune that may befall your house.

A common complaint is that home insurance doesn’t kick in when you need it. Home insurance only exists for real emergencies that you didn’t cause.

It will not pay for things that were caused by neglect, as determined by the insurance company.  You need to prove that you took every possible action, for example, to prevent your roof from caving in. Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean you should be cutting corners on the upkeep of your home.

Overland flooding and sewer back-up are not included in home insurance policies, but they are available as add-ons, or endorsements. Depending on where you live, you might want to consider certain home insurance endorsements. With the rate of flooding increasing in Canada’s urban areas, it’s not a bad idea to think about including it.

The insurance company won’t reimburse you for the market value of your house. It will only provide coverage based on the estimated replacement cost.

When talking about home insurance, it’s worthwhile to note that it differs from condo insurance in one key way. Condo insurance factors in the fact that the building has its own insurance and that you are living in close proximity to other residents. Condo insurance is also typically cheaper than home insurance, since you’re protecting a smaller footprint.

Lastly, think carefully before you make a claim: if it’s something that you can pay for out of pocket, do it. Making frequent claims will raise the cost of your insurance premium.

The different kinds of home insurance coverages

Comprehensive insurance covers your home’s structure against all insurable perils, as well as its contents. It’s the most insurance you can buy. It costs a lot more than the other policies.

Named perils cover you only against perils that you specify with your insurance company — if you haven’t named it explicitly on your policy, you’re not covered for it.

Broad insurance covers your home’s structure against all insurance perils and your content against only perils that you name.

No-frills insurance is for homes that don’t meet underwriting standards, most commonly, these are homes that are in the process of being built from the ground up.

How do I get home insurance?

You can get home insurance through a variety of channels. You can get it through a direct writer of insurance or through the company that provides your car insurance. Insurance companies provide discounts to customers who bundle their auto and home policies.

The benefit of using a comparison site like LowestRates.ca is that you can see what multiple home insurance companies are willing to offer you. Using comparison sites grants you a higher degree of certainty that you’re getting the lowest price for the right amount of coverage.

What if I rent out my property?

You’ve bought an income property and you’re about to live the HGTV dream, that’s great! However, be aware that a standard home insurance policy might not provide enough protection for you.

It depends if you’re renting out the entire house or just one floor (or basement), or you’re bringing in roommates.

If you’re either renting out the entire house or a portion of it, you will need to purchase landlord insurance. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cover the risks that landlords take on by allowing tenants.

A typical landlord insurance policy will cover damage from fire, water, and rental income (if you should need to vacate the suite while repairs are being made).

You can add extra coverage onto your policy that covers your personal liability, theft of any items that belong to you, or vandalism.

Landlord insurance is costlier than homeowner’s insurance, and it could eat into your revenue, but if something happens, you’re going to be thankful you have that coverage. Additionally, you can claim landlord insurance on your taxes.

As with all home insurance policies, wear and tear that results from failing to maintain your property and damage caused by insects and rodents are excluded from your coverage.

If you’re only renting out a room in your house, your coverage needs may be met with a standard home insurance policy (with the requirement that your roommate purchases renters insurance worth $1 million). Even if you’re not sharing the same floor as your tenant, asking your tenants to buy renters insurance is a wise idea, since landlord insurance won’t cover their personal items.

House hunting

House hunting for the first-time buyer: key takeaways

• Make a detailed checklist with all of your requirements and preferences for a home.
• Consider hiring a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the current market conditions and area.
• A bidding war happens when there are multiple offers made on a home, but their details are kept secret from all potential buyers.
• Don’t forget to factor in closing costs, such as home inspection fees, land transfer tax, legal fees, among others into your budget.

Where do I start?

Buying a home may be the biggest purchase you ever make. As a first-time home buyer, it’s vital to make a list before you start house hunting. That’s right — a checklist with all of your requirements and preferences for a home.

Detailing your must-haves and nice-to-haves will come in handy when the house-hunting process becomes daunting, and you need to stay on track. This will help you easily narrow down your top picks and help you place reasonable offers on them.

Should I hire a real estate agent?

It’s not mandatory, but a real estate agent can play a key role in making your journey to becoming a homeowner much simpler. Especially when you are a first-time buyer with little knowledge about the homebuying process.

The best realtor will help you find the ideal home, negotiate on your behalf to help you get the best deal, coordinate a home inspection, and deliver your closing documentation.

Using a realtor also allows you to have access to the MLS system, which is operated by the Canadian Real Estate Association. This gives you more options not available to the public.

It’s in your best interest to have an experienced professional who’s knowledgeable about the current real estate market conditions in your corner to guide you through these tricky decisions.

Buying your first home

Purchasing your first home doesn’t have to be an intimidating step. Here are our main tips for first-time homebuyers:

Choosing the right neighbourhood

While affordability is at the top of Canadians' checklists, the location of your potential home should still be a top priority.

Some questions you’ll want to ask yourself to make sure the home will be right for you:

• How safe does the neighbourhood feel at night and during the day?
• How far is it to and from work?
• Is there access to public transportation, recreational facilities, shopping, or schools?
• Are there any upcoming developments in the area?
• What are the potential damage risks particular to that area? Is it prone to frequent floods or wildfires?

It’s impossible to predict exactly what it will be like to live in your chosen neighbourhood. To get as close as possible though, it’s important to look for homes in an area that not only fits your needs and wants but is also in a place you’d be comfortable calling home.

Bidding wars

During a bidding war, aspiring homeowners are expected to make an offer. If there are multiple bids on a home, potential buyers can only know how many there are, but their details are kept confidential from all potential buyers.

First-time homebuyers often get caught up in the excitement and offer way more than they can afford for the sake of potentially beating out their competitors. Big mistake. If you want to have a fighting chance during a bidding war, you're going to have to leave your emotions at the door. Before you start the process, come up with a maximum offer that you will not exceed. Focus on what a particular home is worth to you and stick to it, rather than worrying about what other bidders might offer. Take a step back and breathe. The perfect home — one that's affordable and won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse or render you house poor — is still out there.

Should I get a home inspection before I bid?

A home inspector evaluates the structures and systems that make up your potential home to check that everything is in good working order.

While not mandatory, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that you include a home inspection as a condition when you make an offer to buy a home.

Getting a home inspection on a condo isn't mandatory either, but it’s useful to point out any existing or potential problems with the physical condition of the condo and possible repairs needed before you buy it.

Once you are the owner of the property, any surprise repairs have the potential to burn a huge hole in your pocket, especially if they are related to the overall structure. Making inspections prior to purchase is a wise decision not only for the first-time buyer, but all buyers.

What happens after your offer is accepted

If you’ve had your offer accepted, first of all, congratulations!

If the offer you accepted had conditions, it would be considered “sold conditional” until you sign on the dotted line.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to do next as part of the mortgage approval process:

• Sort out your financing. Visit your lender or broker to verify and finalize the details of your mortgage
• Review any conditions that were part of the offer
• Arrange for a home inspection and appraisal
• Tie up loose ends and do a final walkthrough of the property
• Apply for home insurance. Your mortgage lender will require the home insurance policy for closing.
• Before moving in, you may also have to pay for moving costs, storage costs, real estate costs for selling your home (if applicable) — and don’t forget to change your address!

LowestRates.ca works with a number of trusted partners who are experts in helping clients through the mortgage approval process. Fill out the property form today to be connected with a broker who’ll help you through the process from beginning to end.

The closing costs

Saving for a down payment is a crucial step in the home buying process but it’s not the only cost you need to include in your budget. First-time homebuyers often skip over closing costs: the expenses associated with completing a home purchase, including home inspection fees, land transfer tax, legal fees, and land surveys to name a few.

Home inspection fees will vary depending on factors including the age, size, and location of the home. Choose your home inspector carefully by researching their qualifications and credentials. Choosing a reputable inspector could save you from running into unplanned and often costly issues in your new home.

Land transfer taxes are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price payable by the buyer upon closing. Land transfer taxes vary by province, and some cities like Toronto levy a land transfer tax as well.

Ontario first-time home buyers of an eligible home may be eligible to receive a rebate for all or part of the cost. Eligibility is restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Legal fees include your lawyer's legal fees, and disbursements include any expenses your lawyer had to pay for work on your behalf. Fees vary by province and municipality and may be subject to GST or HST.

Renovations and you

Key takeaways

• You could be eligible for a tax credit if you make accessibility-related renovations to your home
• It’s crucial to notify your home insurance provider of any renovations
• If you hire a professional to do your renovations, make sure they have their own insurance coverage
• Renovations can add value to your home, but expensive home improvement projects don't always guarantee a higher return on investment

Tax credits

If you wind up renovating your home, don’t forget to take advantage of tax credits available to you. Not every province has a renovation tax credit, but there is a federal Home Accessibility Credit (HATC) that allows you to claim renovation expenses if you’re a senior or a family member living with a senior, and renovate the home to make it safer and more accessible.

Under the HATC, you can claim 15% of all eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000 per year. So, for instance, if your renovation expenses add up to $10,000, you could earn a maximum of $1,500 back. Make sure you check out the federal government’s list of eligible and ineligible expenses.

In New Brunswick and British Columbia, there’s a similar provincial tax credit for seniors who make renovations to their homes, but it’s worth only 10% of eligible expenses.

Dos and don’ts

Whatever you do, make sure to notify your home insurance company about any renovations, since this can affect your policy. You might also be eligible for additional insurance while the renovations are going on.

Hiring a contractor versus DIY

If upgrades are needed in your new home, you can either hire a professional to do it or — if you have the skills, time, and interest — do some of the work yourself.

Apart from getting the job done faster, a good contractor will do the job right and efficiently. They will also know what regulations to follow, what (if any) permits are required, what resources are needed, and when it’s time to involve other contractors.

But there’s a hefty price to pay for calling a pro. Depending on the project, the cost of hiring a contractor can add up to hundreds of thousands because you’re paying for labour, in addition to materials. Get a few quotes from different contractors before going ahead with any major renovation.

Furthermore, understand the risks that come with hiring a pro to do work on your home and make sure whoever you hire also has their own insurance coverage so they can make a claim to reimburse you if there’s any damage. Lastly, always ask to see a contractor’s certification before hiring them.

The most obvious benefit of the DIY approach is the money you save. You may even pick up some skills along the way. Just keep in mind that renovations can get complicated so committing to a DIY project can be a huge time commitment. If you’re in a hurry, it might not be in your best interest to take it on.

Before you commit to a major DIY reno, remember there are projects that require expertise you don’t have. The Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) generally recommends renovators leave structural and mechanical renovations to the professionals.

Impact on resale value

When done right, renovations increase the value of your home. While certain home improvements will yield the biggest return, almost any project has the potential to negatively affect resale value.

Some projects offer more of an emotional return than a financial one. This doesn't mean you shouldn't undertake the project, it just means you shouldn't anticipate that the value of your home will automatically increase. Consider practical upgrades along with the changes that could guarantee the greatest return on investment.

As you make decisions regarding renovations for the purpose of reselling, pay attention to the market value of your home and the homes around you. Different housing markets have different trends, depending on factors like location, local climate, and tastes, so it’s important you have a good idea of what buyers in your area want before you invest in any renovations.

Additional information for first-time home buyers

Key takeaways

• We understand your need for extra help in navigating through the entire homebuying process.
• From mortgage calculators to finding realtors, the list of resources mentioned in this section will have you covered.

Irrespective of whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced buyer, you might need some additional assistance through the homebuying process.

As we conclude our First-time Homebuyers Guide 2023, here is a list of useful resources that can help you buy your dream home. Please note that these links are only meant to educate, raise awareness, and find the right help to optimize your homebuying experience. If you still have queries, we suggest getting in touch with a real estate agent or a real estate lawyer, as they can provide greater insight into the homebuying process.

Government-approved Guides:

CMHC's Homebuyers Checklist — Check out Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s detailed checklist that guides through every step of the home buying process.

Government of Canada - Buying a home — This is an official page by the Government of Canada that helps Canadians in understanding the steps involved with homebuying, with links to additional authoritative resources.

Calculators:

LowestRates.ca Mortgage Calculator — Try our easy-to-use mortgage calculator to get an estimate on your mortgage payments.

LowestRates.ca Mortgage Default Insurance Calculator — If you’re putting down less than 20%, use this calculator to get an estimate of your CMHC mortgage insurance premiums.

LowestRates.ca Land and Property Transfer Tax Calculator — Estimate how big your tax bill will be in every province that charges land transfer taxes.

Toronto Property Tax Calculator — This calculator from the City of Toronto provides property tax estimates in Toronto.

Niagara Property Tax Calculator — Use this calculator to check out property tax expenses in the Niagara region.

British Columbia Property Tax Calculator — An efficient property tax calculator for the province of British Columbia.

Useful tools:

CREA National Price Map — An interactive map that highlights average property rates in each province.

Find a Realtor — A useful website to find realtors, houses on sale, and more.

HomeStars — A website that provides home renovation services, including a blog for DIY home renovations.