Thinking about buying a home but unsure if you’ll qualify for a mortgage? You’re not alone. Can I get approved for a home loan is one of the most common—and important—questions we hear from first-time buyers and experienced homeowners alike.

Today’s lending environment is competitive, but with careful preparation, many borrowers can still achieve their homeownership goals. In fact, while conventional mortgage lending rates in 2025 remain relatively stable compared to previous years, they highlight just how critical it is to secure a good approval early in your home buying process (source).

At Tribecca, we work with clients across Toronto and Ontario who are navigating the mortgage landscape for the first—or fifth—time. Whether you’re ready to start your house hunt or still figuring out how much mortgage you can afford, here’s what you need to know about getting approved.

How Do You Know If You Can Be Approved for a Mortgage?

There’s no mystery formula, but lenders typically look at a few key indicators: your credit score, your verifiable income, your existing debt, and your available down payment. These elements combine to tell a story about your financial health—and whether you’re ready to manage mortgage payments over the long term.

The stronger your credit history and income stability, the better your chances. But even if your profile isn’t perfect, there are still ways to strengthen your application. A larger down payment  can tip the scales in your favour.

One practical step? Getting a mortgage pre-approval. This early green light gives you a realistic sense of your budget, your potential mortgage terms, and what lenders are willing to offer before you make an offer on a property. 

What is the Easiest Home Loan to Get Approved For?

Every borrower’s situation is different, but generally speaking, a standard mortgage loan with a strong application is easier to secure than specialized products. For buyers who might not qualify through traditional routes—such as self-employed applicants or those with less conventional income—alternative lending solutions (like home equity loans) can provide another path to ownership.

Working with a mortgage specialist can help uncover the best fit based on your profile. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a new Canadian, or someone managing other expenses like tuition or business costs, there are financing solutions tailored to your needs.

What Lenders Really Look At

Beyond your basic income and credit metrics, lenders assess the full picture:

  • Your minimum down payment: In Canada, the minimum down payment requirements start at 5% of the purchase price for homes under $500,000, and increase for more expensive properties.

  • Default insurance: If your down payment is less than 20%, you’ll need mortgage default insurance to protect the lender.

  • Your monthly payment profile: This includes not just the loan principal and interest rate, but also property taxes, heating costs, and other expenses.

  • Legal fees and closing costs: Saving for these extras ensures you’re truly ready for the transition to ownership.

Running the numbers through a mortgage calculator can be an eye-opener, helping you balance costs against your income and monthly commitments.

Approval Is Within Reach

Approval isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about the full story—your income, your plans, your readiness to take on this next chapter. Yes, lenders will check your ratios and run your credit, but what really matters is the bigger picture: do you have a strategy? Do the pieces add up?

At Tribecca, we’ve helped buyers across Ontario get approved—not just the easy ones, not just the textbook borrowers. People with self-employment income, or a bump or two in their credit history. People with potential. People like you.

So, if you’re asking, can I get approved for a home loan—we’re ready to give you a real answer, not a canned response.

Start your approval journey with a lender that reads between the lines. Contact us We’ll look at the full picture, explain your options without the jargon, and help you move forward with a plan that actually works.