Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 6.99%
Get Started You can apply with no effect to your credit score

Finding a suitable and affordable mortgage is pretty tough if you don’t know where to look, especially around Canadian cities where housing costs are through the roof. If you’re struggling to find an affordable mortgage, your search may go easier if you hire a mortgage broker as working with one can come with some serious advantages.

What Is A Mortgage Broker?

A mortgage broker is a housing market professional who works for a mortgage brokerage. To become a certified broker, one of these specialists needs to go through a training program and obtain a license from their provincial or territorial government. 

Most mortgage brokers have an extensive network of home financing providers that they do business with, such as banks, credit unions and alternative or private companies. In exchange for a percentage of the proceeds, otherwise called a commission, the broker helps these lending companies fish for new clients. 

Watch Lendmore Financial’s Dave Johnson explain the benefits of using a mortgage broker.

What Does A Mortgage Broker Do?

Here are some of the other common tasks a mortgage broker performs day-to-day:

  • Directing potential clients toward various mortgage providers
  • Assisting clients with the pre-approval and mortgage application process
  • Contacting subprime lenders for people with less-than-perfect finances
  • Negotiating (brokering) deals between mortgage providers and borrowers
  • Locating interest rates and financing plans that work for specific clients
  • Offering lower interest rates to make mortgage deals more appealing

The Mortgage Broker’s Most Important Tasks 

Basically, a mortgage broker’s job is to connect you with a mortgage provider and financing program that suits your particular financial and personal preferences:

  • Specialty Lenders – If you have bad credit, many prime lenders will deny your application or charge you a higher interest rate because you’re considered as a riskier client. The same goes for people with low or inconsistent incomes. Luckily, a mortgage broker can connect you with providers who work specifically with high-risk clients.
  • Good Interest Rates – As mentioned, some mortgage brokers snag clients by negotiating with mortgage providers for better interest rates. So, unlike a traditional lender, who can only offer their rates, a mortgage broker can look all over the country and find you a home financing rate that’s actually affordable. 
  • Applications & Approvals – Applying for a mortgage is complicated, especially if it’s your first home or you’re new to Canada. So, your broker will guide you through the pre-approval process and help you submit your application. They’ll also explain any costs, terms and conditions prior to finalizing your mortgage.  

Mortgage Brokers vs. Banks

One of the best things about mortgage brokers is that they can connect you with multiple mortgage lenders and rates. This will allow you to compare multiple offers and choose one that best meets your needs. On the other hand, traditional mortgage lenders, like banks, can only offer you their specific products and rates.

BankMortgage Broker 
DescriptionLicensed banking company offering a range of financial products (loans, accounts, credit cards, mortgages, etc.)Licensed mortgage professional, partnered with numerous lenders. Paid a commission by the lender for brokering mortgage deals  
Credit LendingYes No
Application AssistanceYesYes
Popular ExamplesBMO, TD, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, Tangerine, EQ BankDominion Lending, Safebridge Financial, CanWise Financial, The Mortgage Centre 
ProsBecoming a client can help you access preferred deals and dependable financial securityThe ability to negotiate with multiple lenders for the best interest rates, mortgage plans and volume discounts 
ConsCan only offer their products and rates, which may be higher than other lenders. Plus, you have to broker the deal alone. Some mortgage brokers aren’t as trustworthy as banks. Additionally, many first-time homebuyers don’t even consider them as a potential option 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Mortgage Broker

Hiring a mortgage broker can be the best option to find the mortgage you’re looking for, nonetheless, there are several important drawbacks to consider when working with a mortgage broker. 

Advantages

  • Their Services Are Often Free – Generally speaking, most mortgage brokers get paid by the lenders they find clients for, rather than the clients themselves. 
  • They Do Most Of The Work For You – A good broker can make the mortgage application, pre-approval and finalization processes much less stressful overall. 
  • Access To Better Mortgage Deals – Since mortgage brokers partner with many lenders, you can view multiple rates and payment plans to find the deal for you. 
  • Access To More Lenders – If one lender denies you because of bad credit or lack of a full-time income, a mortgage broker can help you find another.
  • They Work Independently – Mortgage brokers don’t really care which lender you pick, as long as they can find you the best deal and confirm you as a client. 
  • They May Get Your Fees Waived – Some brokers will ask lenders to waive certain mortgage fees (origination, appraisal, etc.), which are otherwise pricey.    

Disadvantages

  • They May Not Be As Familiar – Applying for a mortgage with your bank is often easier and more comfortable than it is through an unfamiliar person or business.
  • They May Not Have Access To All Lenders – While some mortgage brokers have large networks of lenders, they still might not find the best one for you.
  • They Might Not Have Your Best Interests In Mind – Some mortgage brokers just want to get your business, so they may direct you to lenders who provide them with higher commissions rather than those who will be a good match. 
  • Extra Documents May Be Required – Although they’re supposed to make the process easier, some brokers ask for more paperwork than traditional lenders.
  • Some Brokers Aren’t Free – Many mortgage brokers charge their clients fees. If not, they may direct you to pricier loans in exchange for payments from lenders. Moreover, in some cases, the fee isn’t paid through you directly but to the lender in the form of a loan origination fee. 
  • Not All Estimates Are Guaranteed – Sadly, the initial mortgage quote your broker provides may not be the true final price that the lender gives you.

Mortgage Broker FAQs

How Are Mortgage Brokers Paid?

Most mortgage lenders are paid by their partner lenders after the client has signed the mortgage contract and received the loan. The lender can choose to pay the broker on their own time (typically 30 or so days after the loan has been transferred) or as soon as the client is confirmed. That’s why hiring a mortgage broker might not cost you anything.    

What Are Mortgage Buydowns?

A mortgage broker will normally receive an upfront commission of 0.8% – 1% on a basic 5-year fixed mortgage. However, if their current rate isn’t affordable for you, they may be able to offer you their lowest possible rate for the first few years of your mortgage by giving you part of their commission, which is also known as a mortgage buydown.

How Can I Check if a Mortgage Broker is Licensed?

To check if a mortgage broker is certified, visit the website belonging to the administrative entity of your province or territory. A licensed mortgage broker should have a listing on this page, along with the current status of their certification and any restrictions or disciplinary procedures that have been brought against them in the past.  Some provincial and territorial governments even require mortgage brokers to display their brokerage license number on their website, advertisements and promotions.    

Can a Mortgage Broker Help Me if I Have Bad Credit?

It depends on which mortgage broker you choose. That said, most brokers work with dozens of different mortgage lenders, including private and alternative companies whose main clientele consists of borrowers with less-than-perfect finances. Banks, on the other hand, generally reject mortgage applications from people with poor finances. So, if you have a bad credit score of 300 – 600 due to a history of missed payments or other financial issues, a mortgage broker may actually be your best choice because they can negotiate deals with several lenders and offer you more than one option. Just keep in mind that bad credit mortgages often come with higher rates and shorter terms.

Considering a Mortgage Broker For Your Next Home?

If so, think carefully and make sure to get some financial and legal advice before you sign or pay anything. While a good mortgage broker can connect you with the best lenders, rates and payment plans in your area, the unfortunate truth is that they may not have your best interests at heart. As a loyal client, you might even get treated more fairly by your bank. Then again, under the right circumstances, a mortgage broker could help you score a really great home financing plan, as long as you know where to look.     

Bryan Daly avatar on Loans Canada
Bryan Daly

Bryan is a graduate of Dawson College and Concordia University. He has been writing for Loans Canada for five years, covering all things related to personal finance, and aims to pursue the craft of professional writing for many years to come. In his spare time, he maintains a passion for editing, writing screenplays, staying fit, and travelling the world in search of the coolest sights our planet has to offer.

More From This Author

Special Offers

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Finder-Awards.png
Finder Awards Finalists: Personal Loans Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023

By Priyanka Correia
Published on September 25, 2023

Loans Canada is happy to announce it received the finalist award in the Best Personal Loan Search Platform category.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Getting-Pre-Approved-For-A-Mortgage.png
How To Get Preapproved For A Mortgage

By Chrissy Kapralos

How to get preapproved for a mortgage? Find out everything you need to know about mortgage preapprovals.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Tap-into-my-equity.png
When Can I Tap Into My Home Equity?

By Lisa Rennie

Do you have equity built in your home? Wondering when you should leverage your home equity for cash? Find out when to tap into your equity?

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CreditScores.png
What Your Credit Score Range Really Means

By Caitlin Wood

Wondering your credit score range really means? It means a lot to your wallet, your home, and your even your job. We have cracked the code.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/G-license-test.png
What Is A G License Test?

By Lisa Rennie

Are you trying to getting your license in Ontario? Then you should find out what's on the G license test.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Canada-Fed-Deposit.png
Canada Fed Deposit: Payment Dates And Eligibility 2023

By Corrina Murdoch

The Canada Fed Deposit or EFT Credit Canada appears on a bank statement. It happens when the federal government pays the CCB, CWB and

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CBSA-SALARY.png
The Best Paying Jobs With The Government: No Degree Required

By Lisa Rennie

Are you looking for a high paying job but don't have a degree? Check out the CBSA salary and other government jobs.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/new-credit-card.png
Neo Credit | Neo Financial Credit Card Review

By Corrina Murdoch

The Neo Financial Credit Card makes both spending and saving rewarding for Canadian consumers, regardless of their financial health.

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Loans Canada, the country's original loan comparison platform, is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's fastest growing companies by The Globe and Mail!

Read More

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers

Build Credit For Just $10/Month

With KOHO's prepaid card you can build a better credit score for just $10/month.

Koho Prepaid Credit Card