Mortgages – What You Need To Know!

Applying for a mortgage may be a family's most important financial commitment, ever!
Most people are aware of the five major banks, several trust companies and credit unions as the traditional sources for mortgage funds. While these financial giants hold a large portion of our country's residential & commercial mortgages, their lending policies tend to lean towards the ultra-conservative, and are based on pre-determined formulas that often offer little in the way of flexibility and consideration for the applicant's situation. In other words, you have to fit their guidelines, they don't fit the loan for you. It's not difficult to understand why many people cringe at the thought of applying for a mortgage-the process can be a very humbling experience.

An alternative to this process is to utilize the services of a mortgage specialist; one who will explore the lending markets and act as your personal mortgage specialist; one who will explore the lending markets and act as your personal mortgage broker. When you consider that there are over one hundred lenders ranging from banks and trust companies to insurance companies and pension funds in Canada today, the ability to source all of your financing options can be a daunting & time consuming task. When you add to this the host of private lenders and investors in the lending market today, a mortgage broker is your best access point to these sources of alternative financing The result is a personally tailored mortgage package with options that precisely suits your needs.

Ten years ago, mortgage brokers represented less than 5% of the total mortgages written in Canada. Today, we represent over 40% of the total. It is interesting to note that in the United States, mortgage brokers are now responsible for over 80% of the total mortgages written. Obviously, the benefits of having an independent professional working on your behalf and not for the lending institution is catching on. The mortgage marketplace is a brokers area of expertise and their ability to source and arrange financing can prove invaluable when exploring your mortgage options.

Gary Greer, co-owner – Mortgage Plus

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