The Dylon Mendanha Guide Collection · First-time buyers
Your first home starts with a clear plan, a comfortable budget and a team that makes space for your questions.
This starter guide is a conversation companion for an Ontario purchase. Use it to prepare for meetings and organise your next steps. Property-specific legal, tax and lending decisions belong with your lawyer, tax adviser and qualified mortgage professional.
01 / Know your comfortable number.
Write down reliable take-home income, unavoidable monthly costs and what is left over. Include existing debt payments and savings goals. Then build a housing budget with more than the mortgage: property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and condominium fees where relevant.
Set aside a separate list for one-time costs. Ask your lawyer and lender for estimates of legal costs, applicable taxes, adjustments and other closing expenses. Keep moving costs and initial repairs on your own list too.
02 / Put the right people around you.
Ask your agent to explain how they would represent you, what services are included, how compensation works, and the scope and duration of any agreement before you sign. Bring financing questions to a qualified mortgage professional and contract questions to your lawyer.
A useful first meeting starts with your preferred locations, timeline, savings, priorities and questions—not with pressure to choose a property.
03 / View the home and the life around it.
Make three lists: must-haves, preferences and deal-breakers. Visit the area at times that reflect your routine. Consider the commute, nearby amenities, layout and the work you would be willing to take on.
Ask what is known about repairs, age of major components and ongoing costs. For a condominium, ask your lawyer what documents and financial information they should review. Use qualified specialists for inspections and questions beyond your agent’s expertise.
04 / Understand the offer before it becomes your offer.
Ask your agent and lawyer to walk you through price, deposit, dates, included items, conditions and each deadline. Discuss what investigations or approvals you need and what happens if a condition is not met. Do not assume an inspection or financing step is covered unless you understand the written terms.
05 / Prepare for closing and the first month.
Keep an agreed timeline with your lawyer and lender. Confirm required documents, funds, insurance arrangements and utility changes with the relevant professionals. Budget for the first month’s costs and keep your closing paperwork organised.
If someone sends new payment instructions, verify them through a trusted contact channel before moving money.
Your first meeting checklist
- Your comfortable monthly housing budget
- A summary of savings, debts and recurring commitments
- Preferred areas, timeline and must-haves
- Questions about representation, services and compensation
- Questions for the lender about approval and property requirements
- Questions for the lawyer about the agreement and closing costs
What about first-time buyer programs?
Ask your advisers to check the current availability, eligibility and interaction of savings plans, withdrawal programs and applicable tax relief. Do not include a rebate or benefit in your budget until eligibility and timing have been confirmed for your circumstances.
How can Dylon help?
I can help you organise your priorities, compare properties, understand the purchase process and identify questions for the right specialists. We can start with a conversation, even if you are still working out your timeline.
Further reading
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Understanding mortgage interest
Educational planning guide. This page does not determine eligibility for a loan, tax benefit or government program, and does not replace advice on your transaction.
Let’s make the first step clearer.
Tell me where you are in the process. We’ll start there.
dylon.re@gmail.com · 647-295-0050
Dylon Mendanha, Sales Representative
Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage