That depends entirely on your personal financial position - not on what the market is doing. The Bank of Canada rate environment affects borrowing cost directly. The Ontario stress test (currently qualified at the greater of your contract rate + 2%, or 5.25%) determines how much you actually qualify for - not what a bank's website says. If your GDS ratio stays under 39% and your TDS under 44%, and you have a stable income picture, the "right time" is when those numbers work. Let's run your actual scenario before that question can be answered properly for you specifically.

Before a listing price is set, you'll receive a Comparative Market Analysis based on closed transactions - not active listings, which are asking prices, not selling prices. You'll know the absorption rate in your neighbourhood, your price-per-square-foot position relative to active competition, and the optimal list strategy (list-to-sell vs. list-to-invite offers). Marketing includes professional photography, MLS listing, digital syndication, and direct outreach to buyer agents. You always have the full picture before you decide to list.

The CMHC minimum thresholds in Ontario:

• Under $500,000: Minimum 5% down
• $500,000–$1,499,999: 5% on the first $500K + 10% on the remainder
• $1,500,000+: Minimum 20% down (CMHC insurance not available above $1,499,999)

Below 20% down triggers CMHC mortgage insurance — premiums range from 2.80% to 4.20% of the insured amount depending on your down payment percentage. First-time buyers may access the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP tax-free toward a qualifying purchase.

1. Financial reality check — income, credit score, existing debts, down payment source
2. Mortgage pre-approval — not pre-qualification; an actual underwritten assessment
3. Search strategy — defined by price, location, property type, and condition tolerance
4. Offer preparation — price + conditions (financing, inspection, status certificate for condos)
5. Condition period — home inspection, mortgage confirmation, document review
6. Closing preparation — lawyer retained, title insurance, closing costs budgeted (Ontario LTT, legal fees, adjustments)
7. Closing day — funds transferred, keys received

Total timeline: typically 30–90 days from offer accepted to closing, depending on conditions.