First Time Buyers
Your First Home, Without the Fear
Nobody teaches this in school. Down payments, offer dates, conditions, closing costs. First time buyers get education, not pressure: what everything means, what everything costs, and honest advice on what to buy now versus wait for.
The Path
Six Steps From Renting to Keys
Get Educated
A no pressure session covering financing, costs, timelines, and how offers actually work in Markham.
Get Pre Approved
Your true budget, a rate hold, and credibility before your first showing. Neeraj can connect you with trusted mortgage professionals.
Pick Your Pocket
Match your budget to the right neighbourhoods: Box Grove for value, Cornell for new builds, Downtown Markham for condo living.
Tour With Purpose
See homes worth your Saturday, with honest talk on condition, resale, and what the price should really be.
Offer With a Ceiling
Comparable analysis sets your maximum before emotions enter the room. Compete hard, never blindly.
Close With Confidence
Inspection, financing, lawyers, keys. Every step managed, every question answered, including the ones you were embarrassed to ask.
Programs That Help
Money on the Table Most Buyers Miss
- Ontario Land Transfer Tax rebate: up to $4,000 for eligible first time buyers
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA): tax free saving toward your down payment
- RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: borrow from your own retirement savings
- GST/HST New Housing Rebate on qualifying new construction
- CMHC insured mortgages enabling under 20% down
Program rules change. Confirm current eligibility with your lender and lawyer; Neeraj will point you to what applies.
Ask What Applies to MeFirst Timer Questions
The Questions You Were Embarrassed to Ask
Asked by every first time buyer. Answered without judgment.
How much down payment do I need in Canada?
5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion above that, up to $1.5M under recent federal rules; higher price points require 20% down. Under 20% down also means mortgage default insurance. Confirm current rules with your lender, as they change.
What first time buyer programs exist in Ontario?
Key programs include the Land Transfer Tax rebate of up to $4,000, the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, and the GST/HST New Housing Rebate on qualifying new builds. Neeraj walks clients through what applies to their situation.
What can a first time buyer afford in Markham?
Condos, condo townhomes, and select freehold townhomes are the realistic entry points, especially in Box Grove, Greensborough, Cornell, and Downtown Markham. The right answer starts with a pre approval, not a listing search.
What are the hidden costs of buying?
Beyond your down payment, budget roughly 2 to 4% of the purchase price: Ontario Land Transfer Tax, legal fees, title insurance, inspection, adjustments, and moving. Neeraj provides a full cost sheet before you offer on anything.
Should I buy now or keep renting?
It depends on your savings, job stability, and how long you will stay. If you will hold for five plus years and can carry the payments comfortably, ownership in Markham has historically rewarded patience. Neeraj will run your real numbers honestly, including the case for waiting.
Every Owner Was Once Exactly Where You Are
The difference between renting forever and owning in Markham is usually one honest conversation about the numbers. Have it this week.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca