Office 289-505-0631  ·  Direct 647-291-7116 Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Mortgage Architects · FSRA Licence #12728

2026 Ontario Edition · Free guide

Planning to buy a home in the next 6 to 12 months?

The First-Time Buyer Mortgage Planning Guide · Coffee with Rajiv

Start reading  📖 Read it as a book   Book a free Coffee Chat →

Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker, with his Mortgage Coffee Talk mug

If you plan to buy in 6 to 12 months, the mortgage work starts now. This free guide, written by a licensed Ontario mortgage broker, walks you through credit, documents, down payment, insured vs conventional, your real budget, rates, closing costs, new builds and what protects your approval, with real 2026 Ontario numbers.

What’s inside the guide?

Tap a chapter to start, or read the whole guide as a book with calculators and a readiness quiz.

  1. Chapter 0Your 6–12 month mortgage countdown
  2. Chapter 1Rajiv, am I ready?
  3. Chapter 2Rajiv, how do I build my credit?
  4. Chapter 3What documents do I need?
  5. Chapter 4How much do I really need for a down payment?
  6. Chapter 5Insured or conventional: which mortgage actually costs you less?
  7. Chapter 6How much can I actually afford?
  8. Chapter 7Rajiv, what rate will I get?
  9. Chapter 8How much cash do I need at closing?
  10. Chapter 9I love the house, but it needs work.
  11. Chapter 10I’m buying from a builder.
  12. Chapter 11I’ve found the house. Now what?
  13. Chapter 12Special situations
  14. Chapter 13Your readiness score
  15. Chapter 14Mortgage glossary

Why is this guide different?

  • Real Ontario numbers: worked examples on real prices, not generic tips.
  • The costs nobody mentions: “Nobody told me this” callouts on the surprises that catch buyers off guard.
  • Written from the financing side: where approvals are won or lost.
  • Checklists in every chapter: and you can run your own numbers in my free mortgage app.

Frequently asked questions

Is the guide really free?
Yes. Read every chapter here at no cost.

Who is it for?
First-time buyers in Ontario planning to buy in the next 6 to 12 months, whether you have 5% down or 20%.

Can I talk to someone about my situation?
Yes. Book a free 30-minute First-Time Buyer Coffee Chat.

Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Mortgage Architects, FSRA Brokerage Licence #12728 · 15 Gateway Blvd, Unit 201, Brampton, Ontario · Office 289.505.0631 · Direct 647.291.7116
General education, not personal financial, legal or tax advice. Program rules can change.