Buying your first home in the Toronto/GTA can feel overwhelming. Prices, mortgage rates, closing costs, competition, and neighbourhood choices can all make the process feel heavier than it needs to
Buyer Consultation Checklist
Dated: March 3 2026
Views: 101
Buyer Consultation Checklist
Use this checklist to get ready
This takes about 10 minutes. The goal is to clarify your plan, avoid surprises, and help you move quickly when the right home shows up.
1) Your timeline & situation
Target move date: 0 months / 3 / 62 / 12+
Buying as: First-time / Move-up / Downsize / Investor
Current home: Rent / Own
If you own: do you need to sell first? Yes / No
2) Budget & financing
Price range: $_____ to $_____
Mortgage status: Pre-approved / In progress / Not started
Down payment: Ready / In progress
Monthly comfort level (optional): $_____
3) Location & commute reality
Work location(s): _____
In-office days/week: 0 / 1 / 3+
Must-be-close-to (choose any):
Subway
GO
Highway access
Schools/daycare
Family support
Preferred areas (if any): _____
4) Home type & must-haves
Home type (choose any): Condo / Condo TH / Freehold TH / Semi / Detached
Minimum beds/baths: __ / __
Parking: None / 1 / 2+
Outdoor space: Balcony / Yard / Either
5) Your non-negotiables (pick 3)
Turnkey condition
Quiet street
School zone priority
Walkability
Basement (height/finish)
Separate entrance potential
Renovation tolerance: None / Light / Major
6) Deal-breakers
Condo fees over: $_____
Busy roads / rail / flight path
No parking
Older wiring/plumbing
Other: _____
Toronto vs GTA: quick routing (so we focus fast)
If you want walkability + transit + shorter commute Toronto
If you want more space + driveway/garage value Durham / Peel / York
If you want lifestyle + bigger lots + hybrid-friendly Simcoe / Niagara
Typical buying costs (high-level)
Upfront
Deposit (often ~5% of purchase price; varies by offer)
Home inspection: $400$800
Appraisal (if required): $300$500
Legal & mortgage
Lawyer fees: $1,000$1,500
Title insurance: $200$400
Mortgage insurance: applies if down payment is under 20%
Land Transfer Tax (LTT) examples
Purchase price | Toronto (ON + municipal) | Outside Toronto (ON only) |
$500,000 | ~$12,950 | ~$6,475 |
$800,000 | ~$20,950 | ~$10,475 |
$1,200,000 | ~$32,950 | ~$16,475 |
Estimates only. Exact amounts vary; confirm with your lawyer.First-time buyers may qualify for rebates up to $8,950 total.
Other closing costs to plan for
Adjustments for property taxes and/or condo fees
Moving expenses + utility setup
Home insurance (required before closing)
Rule of thumb: budget approximately 1.5%% of the purchase price for total closing costs.
Next step
Book a 15-min Buyer Game Plan Call with me at 416-805-9001 or email me at info@davidmarkle.ca
David Markle
With over two decades of hands-on experience navigating the intricate landscape of the Toronto GTA real estate market, David has forged a reputation for consistently delivering exceptional results for....
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