Mortgage help, close to home
Find the mortgage that fits you, not just the lender down the street.
Whether you are buying, renewing or refinancing, this site explains your options in plain language: the types of lenders, how the process works, and what to expect from start to finish.
What is a mortgage broker?
A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who helps you find and arrange a mortgage. Instead of representing one lender, a broker has access to many: banks, credit unions, monolines and alternative lenders.
I look at your income, credit, down payment and goals, explain the options and the trade-offs, and handle the paperwork with the lender you choose. For most borrowers, the broker's service is paid by the lender, not by you.
What a broker does
- Compares rates and terms across many lenders
- Matches your situation to the right lender type
- Submits your application and manages conditions
- Helps you plan for renewals and life changes
Bank or broker: which fits you?
Both are good, valid ways to get a mortgage. The best choice depends on what you value.
| Going direct to a bank or credit union | Working with a broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you work with | A mortgage specialist employed by that lender. Many work from home or by phone and video, so you do not need to visit a branch. | An independent professional who can place you with any of many lenders. |
| Choice of products | That lender's mortgage products, which suits you well if you have a lender you trust or want to work with. | Products from many lenders, including monolines and alternative lenders that are only available through brokers. |
| Relationship | One relationship for your mortgage, accounts and other banking in one place. | One advisor who stays with you across renewals, even if you change lenders. |
| Good fit if | You have a lender you prefer, or you want everything with one institution. | You want to compare lenders, you want a second set of eyes, or your file is a little different (self-employed, rebuilding credit, rental, equity). |
There is no wrong answer. A bank mortgage specialist can be exactly the right choice if you want to work with one lender, and I am always happy to share what I know either way.
Start here
Lenders
A, B, private (MIC) and reverse mortgage lenders, explained: who each is for and who they are.
Explore lenders →The mortgage process
How it starts and what happens next.
See the process →Buying timeline
Application to keys: what happens and when.
See the buying timeline →Refinance timeline
From first call to funds in your account.
See the refinance timeline →Documents
What to gather for buying or refinancing, including other properties you own.
See the document lists →Costs to expect
Closing costs, and the taxes and fees that depend on your province.
See the costs →