When preparing your budget, you will want to discuss what resources you can allocate to mortgage payments, living expenses, and other financial situations. As your Real Estate Advisor, I can either help or recommend you to a professional who can assist you in establishing a budget and reviewing your financial position. In addition they may suggest some alternative methods to obtain financing, either through traditional lenders or other institutions.
To purchase a home, a down payment of as little as 5% down is required. Fortunately, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers a federal insurance program designed to help Canadians purchase their first home at an affordable cost. If you choose to put down 20% or more, you will not be required to have any CMHC insurance. Your Real Estate Professional or Mortgage Broker can provide additional details on this program.
To prepare your budget, collect the following:
- Credit card statements
- Monthly rent or mortgage payments
- Utility payments (gas, water, power, telephone)
- All other monthly expenses (such as food, child care, dues, etc.).
- Annual or semi-annual expenses (such as insurance, car repair, taxes).
- As well allow for unexpected items such as medical emergencies, travel and education.
- Non-fixed expenses (for example, medical expenditures) for the last year. This will give you an estimate of average expenses of this type. Records or an estimate of personal expenses (entertainment, travel, etc.)
Once you subtract your expenses from your total income, the amount left over is called your net worth. This will give you an estimate of your financial situation at present and will help you determine how much you can afford for a down payment.
