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Mortgage Brokers & Professional Advisors in Ontario

In this post, we’ll take you through the benefits of hiring a mortgage broker or agent in Ontario. Ontario’s real estate landscape is one of the most competitive and fast-paced in Canada, if not the world right now. Consequently, finding a mortgage advisor can help take some of the stress out of buying a home in today’s market, and you won’t have to pay a fee for their services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ontario mortgage brokers are licensed professionals who help consumers find the best mortgage solutions and rates available through their network and lender connections.
  • Mortgage brokers in Ontario are paid for by the lender, so you don’t have to pay them any fees to use their services.
  • In Ontario, mortgage brokers are licensed and governed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO).
  • We have over 40 mortgage brokers in Canada and within Ontario to help you find the best mortgage solution to suit your goals.

Finding a Mortgage Broker in Ontario

In Ontario, mortgage brokers use their connections with lenders to help you get the best deal possible on your mortgage rates. Often, brokers and mortgage agents have special relationships with lenders that allow them to offer rates not ordinarily advertised to the general public. In Ontario, as with the rest of Canada, brokers will not charge you a fee for their services since they’re paid by lenders after you sign your loan documents.

All mortgage brokers in Ontario are licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) after successfully finishing one of the FSRA’s approved courses for new mortgage brokers and meeting all other eligibility requirements.

At nesto, we have 40+ brokers on standby to help you find the best rate possible for your mortgage. If you’d like to connect with a mortgage broker in Ontario, simply send us an enquiry and one of our team will get in touch.

How Mortgage Brokers Help Canadians Find Mortgages

All mortgage brokers in Ontario must be properly licensed, and are governed by a strict set of practice ethics and regulatory guidelines. 

In Ontario, mortgage brokers are uniquely positioned to help you find mortgages in the following ways:

  • Mortgage brokers in Ontario must meet the minimum eligibility guidelines, as well as successfully complete the education requirements needed to get a license. The minimum eligibility requirements to be a broker in Ontario are:
    • Be 18 years of age or older.
    • Be a resident of Canada.
    • Have already been licensed as a mortgage agent for at least 24 months during the 36-month period prior to your mortgage broker application.
    • Have an Ontario mailing address that can receive registered mail (not a post office box).
    • Complete the approved mortgage broker education program within three years before you apply for the mortgage broker licence.
    • Complete an approved mortgage agent course if you have not already done so. For more information, review the mortgage agent licence requirements.

Ultimately, a mortgage broker’s job is to help use their network and understanding of multiple solutions and lenders to help guide Canadians towards the best possible mortgage for their situation – hence the strict approval criteria.

Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker

  • No fee for services: Mortgage brokers in Canada are paid by the lender once a borrower signs their mortgage contract. As a prospective home buyer, you don’t pay a mortgage broker a fee.
  • Save time: Mortgage brokers are already connected to several lenders and will know what options are likely available to you based on your finances. Brokers can help save you time on research and can provide expert advice to keep you from signing unfavourable mortgage contracts.
  • Get a better rate: Lenders work with some brokers exclusively to help them pre-select their clients. As a result, many brokers have access to solutions and mortgage rates not usually available to retail customers.
  • Peace of mind: A good mortgage broker will act in your best interests and try to get the best possible rate available for you. They’ll also understand the mortgage world better than most people and can help guide you in the right direction.
  • You could save money: Besides saving you money on your mortgage rate, mortgages also come with a range of up-front fees, from appraisals to application fees. In some instances, your mortgage broker may be able to work with a lender to waive some of these fees, potentially saving you thousands in up-front costs.

Home Loan Options in Ontario

Ontario has been one of the fastest-growing property markets in the world since the beginning of the pandemic, with Toronto real estate rivalling that of Vancouver for the most expensive place to live in Canada. Depending on where you are on the property ladder, there are several things to remember when looking for a home loan in Ontario. In addition, a few federal, provincial, and municipal home buyer plans are available to help offset the cost of homeownership in the province. 

Buying a Home

Buying a home in Ontario is a major investment, whether you’re in the GTA or not. Since the start of the pandemic, even smaller cities in the province have experienced record price growth. For instance, buying a home in Hamilton will cost you over a million dollars, on average, as of June 2022. Similarly, Brampton saw record price climbs throughout the last two years, with the average Brampton house price easily topping 1 million dollars this year. However, if you’re looking to buy a home in Ontario, there are still a number of more affordable markets left, like Ottawa, London, and Thunder Bay. At nesto, we can help you find the best rate available, and we also lend directly. If you’re looking for more information about the homebuying process, check out our guide to buying a home.

Renewing Your Mortgage

All mortgage contracts have what’s known as a term. Usually, a term is 5 years long. When your mortgage’s term matures, it’s time to renew your mortgage. The renewal process gives you an opportunity to reflect on your finances, your mortgage needs, and current interest rates. To learn more, explore our detailed guide on How to Renew Your Mortgage. 

Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing is different from mortgage renewal. Renewal is an ongoing process that occurs when a mortgage’s term expires. Many people typically renew their mortgage with the same lender after 5 years on similar terms and without too much hassle. Refinancing, on the other hand, involves paying off your current mortgage by breaking it early and using another mortgage loan to cover it. People can refinance to take advantage of a lower interest rate or access equity for things like debt consolidation and renovations. Depending on your current mortgage, refinancing your mortgage will probably incur a prepayment penalty for breaking your term early.

First-Time Home Buyer Plans

Home prices in Ontario have only just started to cool off after several consecutive months of record price increases. With that being said, Ontario does provide a decent number of first-time home buyer incentives and plans to help Canadians get their foot in the door. There are a number of federal, provincial, and municipal programs available for people looking to buy a first home in Ontario. These include a provincial land transfer tax refund, plus a land transfer tax rebate for the City of Toronto specifically. There are also municipal home buyer plans available, including:

Check your municipality or city website for additional home buyer plans and programs.

Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario

Mortgage brokers in Ontario are governed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO), but they can be members of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario (CMBA). Ultimately, the FSRAO ensures proper conduct in real estate and mortgage brokerage in Ontario and ensures mortgage brokers comply with appropriate legislation through their governance framework.

Licensing Mortgage Brokers in Ontario

Under the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006, all individuals and businesses in Ontario who carry out regulated mortgage brokering activities must be licensed with the FSRAO unless otherwise exempted by the Act. In Ontario, mortgage brokers are officially licensed by the FSRAO after they have successfully completed one of the FSRAO’s approved courses for new mortgage brokers and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on mortgage brokers and professional mortgage advisors in Toronto.

Is it worth going through a mortgage broker in Ontario?

Mortgage brokers are becoming increasingly popular in Ontario, especially given the already competitive nature of the marketplace. You won’t pay a fee for their services, and most mortgage professionals in Ontario are well-regulated to protect consumers. Mortgage brokers must be licensed correctly in Ontario and are expected to comply with the same set of practices and rules across the board. For a full list of brokers, agents, brokerages and administrators in Ontario, visit FSRAO’s Ontario Licensing Link.

Is it better to use a bank or mortgage broker?

While many people in Ontario go directly to lenders, the use of mortgage brokers is becoming more popular recently. Particularly among first-time buyers who are already trying to navigate a complex and overwhelming housing market, using a mortgage broker provides further peace of mind that they are getting the best rate possible. Mortgage brokers have access to multiple lenders, including large banks and alternative lenders, so they can provide a more broad view of the mortgage market.

How much do most mortgage brokers charge?

Mortgage broker commissions vary and are always paid by the lender. A reasonable range for a broker’s commission is between 0.5% to 1.25% of your full mortgage amount. The exact percentage will also depend on the term and type of your mortgage.

Do you have to pay mortgage brokers?

No. Mortgage brokers in Ontario are paid on the back end by the lender. Lenders are incentivised to find borrowers who will pay back their loans on time and in full, so it makes sense for them to work with a broker to find good candidates. As such, as a borrower, you won’t pay for a mortgage broker’s services in Ontario.

Why Choose nesto

At nesto, our commission-free mortgage experts, certified in multiple provinces, provide exceptional advice and service that exceeds industry standards. Our mortgage experts are salaried employees who provide impartial guidance on mortgage options tailored to your needs and are evaluated based on client satisfaction and the quality of their advice. nesto aims to transform the mortgage industry by providing honest advice and competitive rates through a 100% digital, transparent, and seamless process.

nesto is on a mission to offer a positive, empowering and transparent property financing experience – simplified from start to finish.

Contact our licensed and knowledgeable mortgage experts to find your best mortgage rate in Canada.

Speak with a mortgage expert

Regulatory Titles

In Ontario (FSRA), Mortgage Brokers and Agents both serve as the middle person between borrowers and lenders, helping clients find the most suitable mortgage options for their financing situation. A Mortgage Agent works under the supervision of a Mortgage Broker and assists in the mortgage application process. A Mortgage Broker may also be responsible for compliance requirements for their brokerage or a team.

The provinces of Quebec (AMF) and Newfoundland (Digital & Government Service NL) both exclusively utilize the designation of Mortgage Broker as a licensing designation.

British Columbia (BCFSA) has two distinct roles within the mortgage industry: the Submortgage Broker and the Mortgage Broker. These positions have specific responsibilities and functions that contribute to the overall process of securing mortgages for clients. The Submortgage Broker works under the supervision of a licensed Mortgage Broker and assists in various tasks, such as gathering client information, completing paperwork, and liaising with lenders. The Mortgage Broker oversees the entire mortgage application process, including assessing client needs, finding suitable mortgage options, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

In Alberta (RECA) and New Brunswick (FCNB), the distinction between a Mortgage Associate and a Mortgage Broker lies in their roles and responsibilities within the mortgage industry. A Mortgage Associate typically works under the supervision of a Mortgage Broker and assists in the mortgage application process gathering necessary documentation, and providing support to clients. A Mortgage Broker is licensed to independently negotiate and arrange mortgage loans on behalf of clients, offering a more comprehensive range of mortgage options and expertise in the field.

In Saskatchewan (FCAA) and Nova Scotia (Government of Nova Scotia, Business Licensing), there are distinct roles for both Associate Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Brokers. The critical difference lies in their level of experience and licensing requirements. Associate Mortgage Brokers work under the supervision of a licensed Mortgage Broker and are in the early stages of their career. They may assist with gathering client information and preparing mortgage applications. Mortgage Brokers have obtained the necessary qualifications and licences to operate independently and provide mortgage services directly to clients. They have the authority to negotiate mortgage terms, advise clients, and facilitate the mortgage process from start to finish.

In Manitoba (MSC), a Salesperson is primarily responsible for promoting and selling products or services, while an Authorised Official holds the authority to make legally binding decisions on behalf of the organization. These roles have different levels of authority and expertise, with the Salesperson focusing on sales and the Authorised Official having broader decision-making powers and acting as the liaison between the brokerage and the regulator. 

For a complete list of licensing terms in Canada, please see the Mortgage Broker Regulators’ Council of Canada (MBRCC) published list.

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