Having a mortgage professional looking out for your best interest while navigating the abundance of mortgage choices available today puts you at a huge advantage over shopping directly with one bank. Depending on your province, these mortgage professionals may be called brokers, advisors, agents, salespersons, submortgage brokers, associates, mortgage associates, or specialists. 

Mortgage professionals ensure you always have the most suitable mortgage for your unique needs and financial situation  – whether you’re a first-time home buyer (FTHB), a move-up buyer upgrading to a new home, renewing/refinancing an existing mortgage or an investor buying your first investment property or vacation home. Today, we will guide you on everything these professionals do so you can walk away knowing who you are doing business with when you get a mortgage.

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Key Takeaways

• A mortgage professional is a licensed expert who can negotiate the best mortgage rate and locate the most suitable mortgage solution for you by comparing multiple options from various lenders, including banks, credit unions, trusts, insurance companies, virtual lenders, mortgage finance companies (monoline lenders), and subprime/alternative/private lenders.
• Mortgage brokers have a fiduciary duty to ensure you understand how your mortgage operates and its suitability for your situation. Provincial regulators enforce mortgage broker licensing and requirements.

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What Is the Difference Between Mortgage Brokers, Advisors, Specialists and Agents

Regardless of their title, mortgage professionals are regulated by their provincial regulator.  They provide the same type of service while meeting similar educational requirements. Mortgage professionals can compare mortgage products and interest rates across multiple lenders and negotiate on your behalf. In Ontario, the difference between the two is that brokers have extra experience and accreditations that allow them to supervise agents and perform compliance on completed mortgage files for their brokerage. 

Mortgage advisors and specialists provide similar mortgage solutions, but they are not accredited mortgage professionals or provincially regulated. Mortgage advisors or specialists are internal or external bank employees exempt from educational requirements as they work for an FRFI (Federally Regulated Financial Institution). 

These unlicensed mortgage advisors and specialists are limited to selling the mortgage products and solutions offered only by the financial institution they work for. While they can assist in comparing mortgage products and interest rates, they will be limited and partial to the products offered by their employer. Although they have a fiduciary duty to provide their client with the most suitable mortgage solution, they cannot fully meet this requirement if the client requires an alternative or subprime solution.

What is a Mortgage Broker?

A mortgage broker, known with various titles in different provincial jurisdictions, is a licensed professional who can negotiate the best mortgage for you by comparing all the offerings from multiple lenders. Specifically, a mortgage broker or any other licensed mortgage professional is a salesperson who acts as an intermediary between the borrower and the lender. The lender pays them a commission as a finder’s fee for the introduction. 

Important: The term ‘mortgage broker’ doesn’t mean the same across Canada. While many licensed mortgage professionals can colloquially call themselves brokers in most provinces, the term is very specific to accredited mortgage professionals in all provinces except for BC, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. 

To become a mortgage broker in Ontario, you must first become a mortgage agent. Becoming a broker requires multiple years of experience as a mortgage agent and additional education on compliance, licensing, and supervision to run a brokerage.

What is a Mortgage Agent?

The titles mortgage ‘broker’ and mortgage ‘agent’ are often used interchangeably, although they mean different things. A mortgage agent acts as a salesperson and intermediary between the borrower and lender. The distinction is specific to  Ontario, as the title is used for new entrants before they become accredited as mortgage brokers.

Tip: Banks and other financial institutions often try to convince mortgage borrowers that their branch employees or mobile mortgage specialists can provide the same products and services as licensed mortgage brokers. But, in reality, banks only offer their own products, while brokers have access to multiple product lines from a variety of lenders.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?

A mortgage broker, or any licensed mortgage professional known by various names in different provinces, acts as an intermediary between the borrower and lender, finding the most suitable solution to meet the borrower’s needs.

Choosing a Mortgage Broker vs. Bank

The number one differentiator between banks and mortgage brokers is that mortgage brokers offer more choices. Mortgage brokers have access to multiple product lines from a wide variety of lenders – including banks, credit unions, trust companies, alternative lenders, private lenders or investors, etc. 

In contrast, bank branches and specialists can only offer you a mortgage from their one product line. More choice from brokers means you’ll be matched with the best solution catered to your unique financial situation. And if you happen to be self-employed or have credit blemishes, brokers can still help you. 

Mortgage brokers also get lenders competing for your business again at renewal or anytime you need to renegotiate your mortgage, which can save you a lot of money over the years you hold it. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker can help you find the best mortgage available based on your financial situation. Brokers usually have connections to several lenders and many more mortgage solutions. Weighing the pros and cons of working with a mortgage broker over your bank may help you find a better deal on your mortgage. 

Advantages of using a Mortgage Broker:

• No fees – Mortgage brokers are paid on commission from prime lenders once you, as the borrower, sign the mortgage contract. Typically, there are no fees for hiring a mortgage broker. 
• Save time – Since mortgage brokers are connected to many lenders, they can help you save time by recommending the most suitable options. 
• Obtain a lower rate – Brokers typically have access to lower mortgage rates, which may not be available to you directly through the lender.
• Acts in your best interest – A broker will get you the best possible terms and conditions since they are the mortgage experts.
• Less paperwork – You only need to fill out an application once with a broker to shop with multiple lenders at the same time.
• No paperwork – Many brokers offer online virtual mortgage applications, saving you time filling and collecting documentation.
• Not limited to locals – Brokers can help you regardless if you live in the same city as where they are located.
• One-stop shopping – Whether you need a prime, subprime, or a la carte solution, brokers can come up with unique solutions that fit your needs.
• No cross-selling – Brokers are not affiliated with one specific lender, so they are not required to cross-sell chequing accounts, investments or credit cards with your mortgage.

Disadvantages of using a Mortgage Broker:

• No relationship building – Unlike a bank, brokers won’t be able to use your long-standing banking relationships to secure better rates.
• More paperwork – Depending on your application, you may need to provide more documents to your broker than going with a bank.
• Too many options – If you have trouble making decisions, a broker may offer too many similar options, which could make decision-making harder.  
• Additional costs – If you require subprime or private lending, you may need to pay extra costs.
• One-stop shop – Brokers can only sell secured lending solutions requiring you to solicit business from other providers.
• No cross-selling – If you’d like to set up a new bank account for your new mortgage payments or a separate credit card for household expenses, you’ll have to seek a different provider.

 How Do You Choose A Mortgage Broker? 

When deciding how to choose a mortgage broker, it helps to reach out to your network first and see if any of your family, friends, neighbours, or co-workers know a good broker. Word-of-mouth is often the best way to find a broker that will work in your best interests. 

If word-of-mouth referrals don’t work, the next best way to choose is by reading reviews from past clients. This will provide you insight into whether they were satisfied with the service they received and give you a feel for whether the broker is one that you would want to work with. 

How Do Mortgage Brokers Work?

Mortgage brokers work to find you the best deal on your mortgage. They usually have connections to many lenders and can use their network to find the best mortgage rates and options not normally available to the public. A mortgage broker will take the time to understand your financial situation and help you find the best lender with a mortgage solution that best suits your needs. 

Mortgage Broker Regulations by Province

Provincial regulatory bodies govern the real estate market in Canada. The Mortgage Brokers’ Regulatory Council of Canada (MBRCC) comprises regulators from across Canada who are responsible for administering mortgage broker legislation and regulating the industry in their respective jurisdictions. The MBRCC provides Canada’s mortgage broker regulators with a forum to work cooperatively, share information better, and coordinate the engagement of stakeholders to identify trends and develop solutions to common regulatory issues.

British Columbia Mortgage Brokers

The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) oversees and regulates licensed mortgage brokers in British Columbia. The Mortgage Brokers Act also requires companies, partnerships, and sole proprietors to be registered as mortgage brokers to engage in mortgage broker activity.

Alberta Mortgage Brokers

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is the independent governing body that regulates real estate licensing in Alberta. Anyone who solicits individuals to borrow or lend money secured by a mortgage or negotiates a mortgage on behalf of another person must hold a licence with RECA.

Saskatchewan Mortgage Brokers

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) regulates mortgage brokers and associates in Saskatchewan. To become licensed, applicants must meet both educational and experience requirements.

Manitoba Mortgage Brokers

The Manitoba Financial Services Agency (MFSA) is a Special Operating Agency of the Province of Manitoba that administers and enforces legislation for the province’s securities and insurance sectors, real estate and mortgage brokers, credit unions, co-operatives, and trust and loan companies. The Agency is comprised of the Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) and the Financial Institutions Regulation Branch (FIRB).

Ontario Mortgage Brokers

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is an independent regulatory agency that regulates mortgage brokers and agents in Ontario. An FSRA licence is mandatory for mortgage brokers operating in Ontario. 

Quebec Mortgage Brokers

The Autorité des marchés financiers regulates mortgage brokers in Quebec. Québec mortgage brokers stand out in the industry because they offer the most regulated consumer protections, highest education requirements, and highest supervision.

New Brunswick Mortgage Brokers

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick regulates and licenses mortgage brokers and associates in New Brunswick. 

Nova Scotia Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers need to be licenced through the Government of Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland and Labrador Mortgage Brokers

Digital Government and Service NL are responsible for licensing mortgage brokers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Prince Edward Island Mortgage Brokers

There are no mortgage broker associations in Prince Edward Island.  However, the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA) covers the four Atlantic provinces under the CMBA-Atlantic branch of the organization. 

Mortgage Broker FAQ

Final Thoughts

Mortgages are a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re considering buying a home, it’s important to understand what a mortgage broker is and how they can help you get the best deal on your loan. 

Mortgage brokers can help you navigate the complex world of mortgages, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs. Talk to one of our experienced mortgage experts today to learn more about your options. At nesto, if you’re renewing your mortgage or buying a home in a different province, our mortgage experts are licensed mortgage professionals in multiple provinces. They can help you find your best mortgage solution from the comfort of your home.

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