When considering purchasing a new home, the best first step you can take towards 

streamlining the purchasing process, is to figure out what you can afford.  

This Mortgage calculator will calculate your monthly payment, and show you the corresponding amortization schedule.  If you are purchasing a home, the payment calculator allows you to test both down payment and amortization scenarios, while comparing variable and fixed mortgage rates, as well as help you calculate  the CMHC insurance and land transfer tax.