The buying process

How I support you, step by step

  • Pre-qualification with our mortgage brokerTo find out how much you could qualify for, at no cost and no commitment.
  • House hunting with me as your agentWe filter properties based on what you really need, and I give you context on each neighbourhood.
  • Making an offerI negotiate the price and terms on your behalf, including the conditions that protect you.
  • DepositOnce the offer is accepted, the deposit is submitted, which counts toward your down payment.
  • Conditions, home inspection and mortgageAn inspector thoroughly reviews the property, and our mortgage broker finalizes approval with the bank.
  • One of our lawyersReviews the contract, conducts the title search, and handles the legal paperwork.
  • ClosingThe money is transferred, you sign the final documents, and you get the keys to your new home.
Circular diagram of the home-buying process in Canada: pre-approval, property search, offers and negotiations, deposit, conditions and inspection and mortgage, lawyer and title, closing
Do you already qualify?

The down payment you need is smaller than you think

This is the question I get asked most by my clients before they even start thinking about looking for a home. Here are the general minimums in Canada.

5%On the first $500,000 of the home's price
10%On the portion of the price between $500,000 and $1,500,000
20%On homes of $1,500,000 and up
FHSA / RRSPCanadian government programs that help you gather it faster

The exact number depends on your situation. Our mortgage broker offers a free, no-commitment pre-qualification to find out your specific case.

I support you at every stage

No matter where you're starting from

First-time buyers, families who currently rent, or those who already have experience buying, the support is the same: clear, in your language, and at your own pace.

1

First-time buyers

I walk you through every step from scratch, without assuming you already know how the Canadian system works.

2

From renter to homeowner

If you're currently paying rent and didn't know you could qualify, we start by confirming that together, at no cost.

3

Investors

If you're looking for your second property or an investment, I help you evaluate the real potential of each option.

Guides for buyers

Everything you need to know before buying

Down payment, savings programs, credit history, GTA areas and more, explained without the jargon.

Natalia Rendón Barco standing in front of a Coming Soon sign for a property for sale
Buyers · Guide

5 myths about buying a house in Canada as an immigrant (and the reality behind each one)

If you've been paying rent in Toronto or the GTA for years and think buying your first home is out of reach, it's probably not that you lack the mo…

Read more
Illustration of growing savings for a home down payment
Buyers · Finances

FHSA, RRSP and the Home Buyers' Plan: how to gather up to $100,000 for your first home

We talk a lot about saving more to eventually buy a home, but rarely about two tools the Canadian government designed specifically for this. Combin…

Read more
Illustration of growth steps for a home down payment
Buyers · Finances

How much down payment you need for your first home in Ontario

This is the question my clients ask me most before they even start thinking about looking for a home. The good news is that the amount is usually m…

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Infographic of the home-buying process in seven steps
Buyers · Guide

Step by step: here's how the home-buying process works in Canada

When you don't know the process, buying a home can feel like unfamiliar territory, full of terms you're not used to and steps you're not sure what…

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Illustration of the Toronto skyline and a residential area of the GTA
Buyers · Costs

Land Transfer Tax: how much it'll cost you in Ontario (and why Toronto is double)

This is one of the costs that surprises my clients the most, because it's not part of the home's price or the down payment, it's a separate tax pai…

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Inspectors reviewing a property before a purchase
Buyers · Guide

What a home inspection is and why you shouldn't skip it

In a competitive market, it's tempting to skip the home inspection to make your offer look more attractive. But this is one of the decisions I most…

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Illustrated map of the Greater Toronto Area
Buyers · Guide

Best areas of the GTA for Latino families, by budget

One of the questions I get asked most is where it makes sense to buy, not just for lifestyle, but for what your budget can actually afford. Here's…

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Illustration of a credit score gauge with a protection shield
Buyers · Finances

How to buy a home in Canada if you have a short credit history

One of the most common fears I hear is "I haven't been in Canada long, my credit history is too short, I probably don't qualify." The reality is th…

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Frequently asked questions from buyers

Do I need to be a permanent resident or citizen to buy?

Not necessarily. There are options for foreign buyers and newcomers, though down payment requirements may differ. We'll review it together based on your status.

Can I buy if I have a short credit history in Canada?

Yes. There are mortgage options for those who've been in the country a short time, as long as you can show stable income.

How long does the whole process take, start to finish?

From pre-qualification to getting the keys, it usually takes between 2 and 4 months, depending on how quickly you find the right property.

Do I need the full down payment from day one?

No, but it is important to know how much you have available before you start looking, so you can focus on the right price range for you.

Do you only work with first-time buyers?

No. I also support those who've bought before, investors, and anyone looking to move up to a new home.

Ready to take the first step?

Let's start with a free pre-qualification, or I'll see you at the free seminar "From Renter to Homeowner".

Book a consultation Join the seminar