Your First Home Starts with a Plan

Buying your first home is an exciting step—but it can also feel overwhelming. At Valko Financial, we’re here to take the pressure off and guide you through the process with clarity, confidence, and real support every step of the way.

From understanding what you can afford to securing the best rate and accessing first-time buyer programs, we simplify the journey from “just looking” to “keys in hand.” We work with top lenders to find the right mortgage for your needs—so you don’t have to shop around or guess what’s next.

To get started, you’ll need a few basics: your employment and income details, credit history, a down payment (as little as 5% with CMHC insurance), and an idea of your monthly budget and lifestyle goals. But if you don’t have it all figured out yet, that’s okay. We’re here to help you build the plan that gets you home.

How much do I need for a down payment?

In Canada, the minimum down payment depends on the price of the home:

5% for homes up to $500,000
10% on the portion between $500,000 and $999,999
20% for homes priced at $1 million or more

If your down payment is less than 20%, mortgage default insurance (like CMHC insurance) is required.

Not sure where you stand? We’ll help you calculate what you need, explore your options, and build a plan that works for your budget.

What costs should I expect besides the down payment?

In addition to your down payment, you’ll need to budget for several closing and upfront costs, including:

Legal fees
Land transfer tax (varies by province; rebates available for first-time buyers)
Home inspection and appraisal
Title insurance
Mortgage default insurance (if your down payment is less than 20%)
Adjustments (such as prepaid property taxes or utilities)
Moving expenses and utility hookups

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price for these costs.

At Valko Financial, we’ll walk you through all expected expenses so there are no surprises—and you can plan with confidence.

Can I use RRSPs or get help from family for my down payment?

Yes! There are two common ways to boost your down payment:

RRSPs through the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP):
If you're a first-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the last four years), you can withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free from your RRSPs to put toward your down payment. You’ll have 15 years to repay the amount back into your RRSP.
A gifted down payment from family:
Many buyers receive financial help from family in the form of a gifted down payment. Lenders typically require a signed gift letter confirming the funds are a gift—not a loan—and that they don’t need to be repaid.

Tracy and her team were recommended by our family members and what a great recommendation that was! As a first time home buyer, I was feeling overwhelmed. Tracy made this experience much more approachable - she was ready to listen to any questions we had and had responses/explanations that were thorough and easy to understand as someone who is unfamiliar with this world. Our realtor was also impressed with how quick and easy it was to work with this team. Can't recommend them enough!

Mara Thorsteinson

6 days ago

Working with Tracy was an outstanding experience from start to finish. She took the time to understand my situation, patiently answered my questions, and was always available whenever I needed guidance or clarification throughout the process. What impressed me most was Tracy's expertise as a mortgage broker. Her deep knowledge of the mortgage market helped me confidently navigate my options and choose the mortgage terms that were best for my situation. She explained everything clearly, offered thoughtful advice, and made what could have been an overwhelming process feel straightforward and manageable. On top of all of that, Tracy has a wonderful disposition – she is a genuinely positive person, who is just a pleasure to deal with. When I found my home, Tracy was excited for me, and her enthusiasm made the experience even more special. I'd also like to recognize her team member, Cindy, who was wonderful. She was friendly, responsive and organized, ensuring the administrative steps proceeded smoothly. I am truly grateful for the support, expertise, and care that Tracy and her team provided. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a mortgage specialist that combines exceptional knowledge with a genuine commitment to client success. Thank you Tracy!

Erin M

6 days ago

I had another fantastic experience working with the Tracy Valko mortgage team-this is my third time trusting them with my business! They are incredibly knowledgeable and always answer my questions efficiently. This time, I worked closely with Tonya, who was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond to ensure a smooth mortgage process. Her professionalism and dedication are unmatched. Highly recommend! - LP

Aerie P

8 days ago

Let’s Take the First Step Together

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be scary. With the right guidance, it’s exciting, empowering, and entirely possible.

Apply Online Download First Time Buyer Guide