If you're like most Canadians, your home is probably the most important investment you will ever make. But how do you know if you are financially ready for all the responsibilities that come with homeownership?If it is the Kingsway or Sunnylea house or anywhere else in Toronto you don't want any bad experience.

To help you avoid any unpleasant surprises, we offer the following tips on how to assess your current financial situation, calculate your monthly expenses and determine how much home you can afford:

• First, calculate your net worth. Your net worth is the total of all of your assets (including any investments, savings, properties, vehicles and other assets you own) minus your liabilities (such as any mortgages, car loans, personal or student loans, credit cards or other debts). Your net worth will give you an accurate snapshot of your current financial situation, as well as an idea of how large a down payment you can afford.
• Next, calculate your current monthly expenses to determine what kind of mortgage payment could comfortably fit into your budget. Your monthly expenses include your current housing expenses (such as rent, utilities, parking and other fees) as well as all other regular, non-housing related costs (such as cable TV/Internet, debt payments, insurance, car fuel and repairs, clothing, medical and dental costs, child care expenses, groceries, entertainment and other expenses).
• Once you have a clear picture of your financial situation, figure out how much you can afford in monthly housing costs. As a general rule, your total monthly housing costs (including mortgage principal and interest, taxes and heating) shouldn't exceed 32 per cent of your gross household monthly income. In addition, your entire monthly debt load (including mortgage payments, car or student loans, and credit cards) shouldn't be more than 40 per cent of your gross household monthly income.
• If you have made all the necessary calculations and feel you are ready, it can be a good idea to select a lender and ask them to pre-approve you for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved lets you know in advance what price range you should have in mind when you are shopping for your new home.
• For most people, the hardest part of buying a home - especially a first home - is saving for the down payment. With CMHC mortgage loan insurance, you can purchase a home for as little as 5 per cent down.