What exactly is a mortgage agent?  And who should use one?

A mortgage agent is someone who has been licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) after having successfully completed one of the FSCO approved mortgage agent education programs.   Mortgage agents are licensed professionals who provide objective advice on the mortgage requirements of their respective clients.

Anybody in need of a mortgage can benefit from working with a mortgage agent.  I’ve heard some people say that you only use a mortgage agent if you can’t qualify for a mortgage with your bank – this is a mistake.

Many people who qualify for a mortgage with a bank choose to work with me because of the high level of customer service I provide combined with the breadth of knowledge that I can offer throughout the course of the transaction.  Additionally they appreciate the value add that comes with having access to multiple products and lenders in one convenient place.

How much do your services cost?

In most cases my services as a mortgage agent come at no cost to you.  That’s right – most of the time my services are FREE.

In those rare instances where this is not the case (for example, if a mortgage has to be arranged with a private lender), the costs will be discussed with you up front in an open and straightforward manner before we proceed.

Who are your clients?

As a mortgage agent I tend to attract clients who are interested in getting informed and making educated decisions about their mortgage.  Often times, I work with busy professionals who value the level of service that I provide, and who appreciate my ability to cut to the chase.

I am able to simplify the mortgage process for you by putting the answers and information that you need right at your fingertips while offering a variety of mortgage options (meaning that you can shop around for your mortgage in one convenient place).

I primarily work with clients in the GTA, York Region and Barrie but can provide my services throughout the province of Ontario.

What geographic areas do you service?

While I can (and sometimes do) provide my services throughout the province of Ontario, I primarily provide services to those located in Toronto/GTA, York Region and Barrie.

 I am your:

• Toronto mortgage agent
• GTA mortgage agent
• York Region mortgage agent
• Richmond Hill mortgage agent
• Newmarket mortgage agent
• Aurora mortgage agent
• King City mortgage agent
• Witchurch-Stouffville mortgage agent
• Markham mortgage agent
• Georgina mortgage agent
• East Gwillimbury mortgage agent
• Barrie mortgage agent

Why should I get my mortgage through you instead of going with my bank?

 Here are a few of the reasons that working with me is better than working with your bank:

• Bank representatives work for the bank.  As a mortgage agent – I work for you.
• Banks don’t always offer you the best rates and products available (often because they don’t have them available to offer). With access to a multitude of lenders, I can shop around and ensure that you are accessing great rates and products at all times.
• Banks and their employees have only one product to offer you – they are more interested in making sure that you get their product than in making sure you get the product that is right for you.
• There are a lot of different people who work at a bank – a lot of times clients end up getting their mortgage with whoever was on duty when they contacted the bank (for better or for worse).  On the other hand, when you work with me you know who you are working with – a knowledgeable, experienced and objective professional who puts your interests first and will get the job done.
• The majority of my business growth is referral based (not the case with the banks), which means that I have a vested interest in making sure that you walk away satisfied with your mortgage and the service you received.

Can you tell me more about your work process?

I am a full service mortgage agent – which means that I don’t have a volume-based business and I don’t rush through my transactions.  I like to work with my clients from the pre-approval stage right through to the completion of their deal.  I am always available and prepared to answer questions and to help with trouble shooting any issues that may arise during the mortgage process. I am at your side as much as you need me to be – from beginning to end.

When and how can I contact you?

I work when you need me to…

I don’t have set hours, and am available when you need me to be.  So, if you work a later shift, and can’t schedule a call until 10pm, then that is when we schedule the call.  My job as a mortgage agent is to make the process of getting a mortgage easier for you and part of that is being available when you are.

I can be contacted directly by phone at 416-409-4261, or by email at [email protected]

What lenders do you work with?

As a mortgage agent I work with a wide range of lenders and can source mortgages through banks, credit unions, specialized mortgage lenders, and/or private lenders when necessary.

What is it that sets you apart from the competition?

My number one goal as a mortgage agent is to make sure that you walk away satisfied with your mortgage experience – meaning that I put your needs first.  I take the time to listen and learn about your particular situation and to provide you with the information that you need to make smart decisions about your mortgage.

I am both service and detail oriented.  When I am a client, I have high expectations of my service providers – so as a service provider I work hard to meet that level of expectation when I work for you.

Finally, with a background as a real estate lawyer, I bring a level of knowledge and experience to your transactions that few can match.

How does your background as a real estate lawyer help me?

As a real estate lawyer I learned a lot about mortgages – and saw where a lot of people were going wrong with their mortgages.  I’ve seen too many people end up in bad situations with their mortgages because they have not been provided with the advice or information that they needed. As a mortgage agent I strive to arm my clients with relevant information because I believe that informed consumers make smarter mortgage choices.

In addition, my experience as a lawyer drives my understanding of the transaction as a whole – I see the entire deal, not just one piece of it.  

Oh…and I speak lawyer – so if for any reason I need to communicate and/or facilitate things with your lawyer, I know how to speak their language.

Do you work with first time home buyers?

I love to work with first time home buyers.  There is so much to know when purchasing a house, and as a first time home buyer it is really important that you work with a mortgage agent who is willing to take the time to provide you with the information that you need to successfully complete your purchase.

I take the time to get to know you and to explain information that will be relevant to your purchase (such as closing costs, and CMHC fees, and Land Transfer tax among other things).

Whether you are a first time home buyer or not, I will be at your side through the entire home buying process – from pre-approval to closing.

My bank told me that I couldn’t qualify for a mortgage – should I still contact you?

Yes – you should.  Just because you don’t qualify for a mortgage with your bank does not mean that you don’t qualify for a mortgage. As a mortgage agent I have access to a variety of lenders with differing qualification requirements, and I can often find a mortgage for borrowers who have been declined by their banks.