TL;DR

This 45-day checklist helps you avoid the common last-minute funding gap.

Why this playbook matters

Minimum down payment alone does not protect a file. Closing costs, legal adjustments, and buffer liquidity still decide whether closing week feels controlled or chaotic.

Buying confidence comes from complete numbers, not partial estimates.

45-day down-payment checklist

  1. Day 45: run minimum down payment and insurer premium scenarios.
  2. Day 35: map full cash-to-close target including legal and adjustment assumptions.
  3. Day 21: finalize source-of-funds documents, including any gift paperwork.
  4. Day 14: confirm purchase range still works under conservative stress assumptions.
  5. Day 7: reconcile final numbers and verify funds are available without transfer delays.
Forty-five day down payment checklist timeline for Canadian homebuyers with sunset skyline
A simple timeline usually beats rushed last-week decisions.

One behavior trap to avoid

Anchoring on minimum down payment can hide true upfront requirements. Anchor your decisions to full cash-to-close and timeline reliability instead.

Best next step

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