Frequently asked questions

In Canada the minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 of the price and 10% on the portion above that. Under 20% down, you'll also pay mortgage default insurance (CMHC), which is added to your loan. I can connect you with a mortgage broker to pin down your exact numbers.

No. Unlike Toronto, Ottawa has no separate municipal land transfer tax — you pay only the provincial Ontario Land Transfer Tax. First-time buyers can claim a provincial rebate on part of it. Your real estate lawyer calculates the exact amount at closing.

A few things stack: the Ontario first-time-buyer land-transfer-tax rebate, the federal Home Buyers' Plan (borrowing from your RRSP), and the First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Eligibility and limits change, so confirm the current details with your lender — but most first-time buyers qualify for at least one.

Yes — it's the first thing I recommend. A pre-approval tells you your real budget, locks a rate for a set window, and makes your offer far stronger in a competitive situation. It's free and doesn't commit you to anything.

Beyond your down payment, budget for land transfer tax, legal fees, a title search, adjustments (like prepaid property taxes), and a home inspection. A common rule of thumb is 1.5–4% of the purchase price. I'll give you a realistic estimate for your specific purchase.

It varies. Once you're pre-approved, finding the right home can take a few weekends or a few months. From an accepted offer to getting your keys is typically 30–60 days. I'll move at whatever pace suits you — there's no rush from my side.

I price from recent comparable sales in your specific pocket of Ottawa, your home's condition and features, and current demand — not a guess or an online estimate. I'll prepare a free, no-obligation home valuation so you can see the numbers and the reasoning.

On a sale, commission comes out of the seller's proceeds and is agreed up front, in writing, before your home is listed. As a buyer, my representation typically costs you nothing directly. I'll walk you through exactly how it works before you sign anything.