A real budget
Pre-approval with a lender, plus the closing costs nobody mentions, so you shop with a number you trust.
Buying your first home in London
The budget, the rebates and the steps, explained in plain English, with someone in your corner who knows what a house is hiding.
- Free, no obligation
- A real reply the same day
Money you might not know about
Some of these have to be claimed before closing.
$4,000
Land transfer tax rebate
Ontario refunds up to $4,000 for eligible first-time buyers. London has no city land transfer tax on top.
$40,000
First Home Savings Account
Up to $8,000 a year, tax deductible going in and tax free coming out for a first home.
$60,000
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Borrow from your RRSP tax free for a first home and repay over 15 years.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm with your lender, accountant or lawyer.
Your first home, step by step
What you want, and don't
Must-haves, deal breakers, areas and budget. We build your search from that conversation.
Showings with a builder's eye
We point out defects, maintenance issues and costly fixes before you fall for a house.
A strong, safe offer
Price, conditions and deposit set to protect you while still competing.
Conditions to keys
Inspection, financing, the lawyer and closing day, handled with you.
A builder's eye
Know what a house is hiding before you offer.
With a strong background in construction and renovations, we point out the defects, maintenance issues and costly fixes that are easy to miss on a first visit. It's the difference between a good first home and an expensive lesson.
- Roof, windows and mechanicals What's near the end of its life.
- Water and foundation Signs worth a closer look.
- Renovation costs Rough numbers from people who build.
Starter friendly homes for sale
Every listing in London and area, from every brokerage.
Meet your agents
Two of us, one phone that gets answered.
Mackenzie and Dan Hinschberger, RE/MAX Centre City. More than 40 years of combined experience across London, Elgin and Middlesex, a strong background in construction, and a network of trusted trades for everything that comes up along the way.
40+ yrsCombined experience
$25M+Sales volume, 2026
25hrService, evenings and weekends
First-time buyer questions
At least 5% down on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion above, plus closing costs of roughly 1.5% of the price on top of land transfer tax. Our affordability calculator shows your range.
Up to $4,000 back on the Ontario land transfer tax, the First Home Savings Account (up to $40,000 lifetime, tax free for a first home), and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (up to $60,000). Rules change, so confirm with your lender or accountant.
In most resale purchases the seller pays the buyer agent's commission, so having us on your side usually costs you nothing directly. We go through the buyer agreement with you first.
We have a strong background in construction and renovations, so we point out defects, maintenance issues and costly fixes during showings, before you offer. A home inspection is still a good idea.
It depends on you, not a slogan. We'll walk through your numbers, the market in the areas you like and the specific home, and help you decide.
Your next move starts here
Tools and guides that help you plan it, from Mackenzie and Dan.
