Team Johnston - Johnston/Merriman

05/16/2026

05/12/2026

New Listing on HEAD LAKE - Kawartha Lakes

96 SUTER DRIVE

04/29/2026

March 2026 Update

04/29/2026

A great opportunity for first-time Buyers or downsizers...this unit is in immaculate condition!
1 Bedroom & Den with rare 2 parking spaces and storage locker
Close to 401/418 & Transit.
This is a family member...reach out to me for more information
Direct: 647-333-9234

303 - 1 SIDNEY LANE, Clarington (Bowmanville), Ontario L1C0N5

03/25/2026

Thinking a small down payment might hold you back from homeownership? 🏡

The truth is, access to a first home in Toronto and the GTA is often made possible because of programs behind the scenes, like CMHC default insurance. This piece allows many buyers to get in with a smaller down payment than would otherwise be possible. Rather than shutting people out, CMHC’s role is to make homeownership realistic, even if you haven’t saved for years.

For most homes in the area, if your down payment is less than a full conventional amount, CMHC insurance steps in so lenders can offer you a mortgage. This insurance protects the lender, not you, but it also opens doors for buyers who have stable finances and are ready for ownership. Eligibility is based on the property and some buyer factors, so not every home or situation qualifies.

Navigating what’s possible and what fits your goals often means looking past rumours and focusing on actual options. The right strategy and support can help you take the next step with more confidence.

Curious if these paths could work for you or someone you know? Drop your questions below or share this with a friend exploring their first purchase! 😊

Visit our dynamic website today to begin your search and explore your options with our Assistant Madison as your guide! TeamJohnstonRealEstate.com

03/25/2026

Curious how tiered down payment rules shape your path to a mid-range home in the GTA? 🏡

Understanding how these specific tiers function makes every step of your home-buying journey more predictable. In the Greater Toronto Area, the minimum down payment requirements shift as home prices increase. While the first $500,000 of a purchase price requires 5%, the portion between $500,000 and $999,999 requires 10%. This tiered structure is designed to keep homeownership accessible for more people while building in financial safeguards as you move up the price ladder.

Most buyers aiming for a mid-range property can access insured mortgages that allow for these smaller initial payments. While this path requires the added cost of mortgage default insurance, it significantly lowers the barrier to entry. On the other hand, choosing a conventional mortgage by providing a full 20% down payment allows you to avoid insurance premiums entirely. This strategy often makes sense for those moving up from a starter home or looking to maximize their long-term equity. 🗝️

If you are a first-time buyer in Ontario, you can also tap into unique incentives and tax credits that work alongside these standard rules to make your transition even smoother. Whether you are aiming for a modern condo or a family-sized resale home, knowing exactly how much cash you need upfront gives you more confidence and control over your budget.

Are you trying to determine which down payment path fits your financial goals best? Susan and I are here to help you cut through the noise and make sense of the current market. Let us know your questions in the comments below! 👇

Visit our dynamic website today to begin your search and explore your options with our assistant, Madison, as your guide at TeamJohnstonRealEstate.com. 📍

Visit our dynamic website today to begin your search and explore your options with Madison as your guide! TeamJohnstonRealEstate.com

03/09/2026

Think you need 20% down to buy a home across Toronto and the GTA? Not so fast!

Let's clear up a big misconception: while 20% down is often recommended to avoid extra fees, it's not required for all home buyers. In fact, for many, the actual barrier to buying a home is much lower. First-time buyers, young families, or anyone making the leap to homeownership can benefit from lower down payment options, sometimes as little as 5%!

Getting started is simpler than you think. Here are a few insights to guide you on this journey.

Start Small: If you're eyeing a $1M home, you might be surprised to learn that you could start with a $50K (5%) down payment. It's all about knowing what's feasible and starting with what you have.

Explore Your Options: Did you know first-time buyers might even score with down payments as low as 5%? Programs are designed to help you, not stand in your way. This means you can keep more savings for that rainy day (or moving costs!).

Focus on Location: Communities like Whitby and Oshawa offer unique lifestyle perks with slightly different market vibes. Finding the right spot could save you time and stress in the long run.

Talk to an Expert: Whether it's navigating the paperwork or understanding your financial options, having a solid game plan is vital. Reach out and let us make the process feel as manageable and exciting as possible.

Taking the first step towards homeownership is closer than you think. Got questions about where to start or how to make your home-buying experience stress-free and successful? Drop a comment or message, and let’s demystify the down payment myths together. 🏡✨

Visit our dynamic website today to begin your search and explore your options with Madison as your guide! TeamJohnstonRealEstate.com

03/07/2026

Ontario right now:
❄️ Ice storm.
🌬️ Grey skies.
🥶 Questioning every life choice that brought us here.

But WAIT.

Daylight Saving Time hits March 8.

Yes, we lose an hour of sleep.
But we gain sunsets at 7:15 p.m.

We haven’t seen the sun past 6 p.m. since November. NOVEMBER.

Coming soon:
☀️ 8 p.m. sunsets in April
☀️ 9 p.m. sunsets in June
☀️ Saying “it’s still light out!” at 9:12 p.m.

Spring is basically loading…

Are you team “worth the lost hour” or team “leave the clocks alone forever”?

03/06/2026

Looking for a family home where safety and adventure are both just around the corner? Durham Region might be your perfect match!

Picture this: a community where your kids can walk to school, ride their bikes to the park, and you have space to stretch out in a larger home. That's what Durham is offering right now. Whether it's school days in Oshawa or family weekends in Whitby, there are countless benefits to living here as a growing family.

Durham Region is becoming a buyer's paradise in 2026. You’ll find more spacious homes with 3+ bedrooms than ever before. With home prices dipping and inventory rising, you have the perfect chance to pick a house that truly fits your family's needs. Imagine waking up in a home in Oshawa with an average price of about $709,605, offering both affordability and room to grow.

Prioritize what matters most for your family. Look out for homes near good schools and parks, especially in Oshawa and Whitby. These spots offer the perfect mix of community vibes and city convenience. And remember, with more listings on the market, you can take your time to make the right decision without feeling rushed. The average home stays on the market for 39-41 days, giving you a breather to assess your options.

Feel like you can't navigate this on your own? That's what we're here for. We’ll help you sift through your choices, offer guidance on negotiating below the listing price, and make sure you seize opportunities like the ones found in Durham Region.

If you're thinking it's time to find that "just right" family home, why not see what Durham has to offer? Comment or message us today, and let's get started on this exciting journey together!

Visit our dynamic website today to begin your search and explore your options with Madison as your guide! TeamJohnstonRealEstate.com