Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and while it’s exciting, the Mortgage Approval Process in Canada can often feel overwhelming. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding how things work step by step can save you stress, time, and even money.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire journey, from your first conversation with a lender to the moment you walk through your new front door. With reliable mortgage agency services by your side, you're already positioned for a smoother, more efficient home loan experience.
Pre-approval is when a lender gives you a conditional commitment for a loan amount based on your income, credit score, employment, and financial history.
Getting pre-approved gives you a clear idea of your budget and signals to sellers that you're financially prepared and committed.
Documents you'll likely need:
Typically, a credit score of 620 or higher is considered favorable for securing a standard mortgage, though some lenders may still work with applicants who have lower scores by offering alternative solutions.
Once pre-approved, you can begin shopping for a home within your price range. This is also a great time to think about:
Consider costs beyond the mortgage - like closing fees, taxes, and moving expenses. Many buyers realize during this phase that their “dream home” may need some compromise. That’s totally normal, prioritize what matters most for your lifestyle.
After finding a property, the next step is submitting a formal mortgage application. Even if you’ve been pre-approved, you’ll now need to provide updated documents and finalize your loan terms. Your lender or mortgage agent will guide you through this paperwork-heavy step.
Yes, if your financial situation changes (new debts, job loss) or the property doesn’t meet lender criteria, your approval could be at risk.
Lenders want to know the property is worth what you’re paying for it. They’ll typically order a home appraisal to assess its value. If the appraisal comes back lower than expected, you might have to negotiate the price or cover the difference out of pocket.
The lender also finalizes their internal underwriting, double-checking your credit, income, and other risk factors before giving you a “clear to close.”
It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your preparedness and how quickly documents are submitted.
Once approved, your lender will give you a mortgage commitment letter. Review it carefully, it outlines:
Pro Tip: Have a lawyer or mortgage expert review the fine print. Mortgage agency services can be especially helpful here to make sure you're getting a fair deal.
This day, you’ll meet with your lawyer, sign a bunch of legal documents, pay any remaining down payment and closing costs, and the lender will transfer the funds to the seller.
Typical closing costs include:
After all the paperwork is finalized, the keys to your new home are officially yours. It’s time to step inside and begin this exciting new phase of your life.
Mortgage agency services often have access to multiple lenders and better rates compared to banks. They can also offer personalized advice and support throughout the process. While banks offer mortgages too, working with a mortgage broker can give you a serious edge.
Banks can only offer you their mortgage products. But a mortgage broker works with multiple lenders - including big banks, credit unions, and private lenders. That means more choices, more flexibility, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that fits you perfectly.
Brokers often negotiate lower interest rates because they handle a high volume of business. Even a small reduction in your interest rate can lead to significant savings over the full term of your mortgage.
Brokers take the time to understand your unique situation - whether you're self-employed, have a lower credit score, or are buying your first home. They’ll tailor the mortgage to your needs, not the other way around.
Applying for a mortgage can be overwhelming. Brokers handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the back-and-forth with lenders, so you don’t have to. It's like having a mortgage coach in your corner.
Unlike banks, Mortgage brokers work independently and have the flexibility to connect you with a variety of lenders. Their goal is to find the best solution for you - not to sell a specific product. Which means you get honest, transparent advice.
Because brokers understand what each lender is looking for, they can speed up the approval process by packaging your application smartly and sending it to the right place the first time.
Now that you understand the real advantages of working with a mortgage broker, why not partner with someone you can trust?
If you're looking for personalized guidance, competitive rates, and a stress-free mortgage experience, Mega Mortgages & Financial Inc is here to help. Their expert mortgage brokers provide tailored mortgage agency services designed to match your goals.
Read More: How To Get Approved For A Commercial Mortgage With Bad Credit
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