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Getting approved for a mortgage in Ontario

Everything between "I think I can afford this" and a lender saying yes: pre-qualification versus pre-approval, how the stress test works, which documents you need, how long an approval holds, and what can quietly break one before closing. Zown does not issue mortgages. We help serious buyers get pre-approved through our partner Pine, then give up to $25,000 back at closing.

10 guides, reviewed by our RECO-registered team

All guides

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Getting approvedJul 30, 2026

Do You Need 20% Down to Buy in Ontario? (No, Here's the Math)

Read more →4 min read

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Getting approvedJul 29, 2026

First-Time Buyer Land Transfer Tax Rebate in Ontario

Read more →4 min read

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Getting approvedJul 28, 2026

Amortization Explained: 25 vs 30 Year Mortgage

Read more →4 min read

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Getting approvedJul 23, 2026

Should I Max Out My Pre-Approval? A Buyer's Guide

Read more →7 min read

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Getting approvedJul 22, 2026

Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: What You Need

Read more →5 min read

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Getting approvedJul 21, 2026

Minimum Down Payment in Ontario (2026 Guide)

Read more →5 min read

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Getting approvedJul 20, 2026

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Ontario

Read more →7 min read

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Getting approvedJul 15, 2026

Fixed vs Variable Mortgage in Canada: The Real Trade-Offs

Read more →6 min read

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Getting approvedJul 14, 2026

RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP): 2026 Ontario Guide

Read more →6 min read

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  • Getting approved10
  • Buying in Ontario26

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Disclaimers and footnotes

ZOWN Realty is a fully registered brokerage under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 of Ontario.

Zown's Down Payment Boost is administered through Zown Technologies Inc. All mortgage-related rates, terms, and qualifications are provided through Vine Mortgage Group. Zown does not guarantee mortgage approval and is not a direct lender.

The trademarks MLS*, "Multiple Listing Service" and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA, used under license. REALTOR®. Member of the Canadian Real Estate Association and more. The trademark DDF® is owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identifies REALTOR.ca's Data Distribution Facility (DDF*). Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by OREB, TRREB, RAHB, WECAR and SREB, as the case may be. The information provided herein must only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate and may not be used for any commercial purpose or any other purpose.