In Canada, a 5-year mortgage contract term is very common. But is it still the best choice? While it used to be the easiest term to qualify for, especially for first time buyers, that all changed on Oct 17, 2016 when the Government changed the rules again. When applying for a mortgage, it is important to think about contact term and how to reduce the size of mortgage payout penalties if you have to break your term early.

Updated by Chris Richards on Jan 21, 2021 

As a licensed mortgage broker, the question often gets asked what do we do, and how are we different from a bank.

In this blog, I am going to briefly talk about being a mortgage broker in Alberta, however most lenders in Canada have a national focus, so arranging a mortgage in Edmonton or Calgary is the same process and the same rules as working with a borrower in Toronto, Vancouver or Halifax as examples. Happy to help, wherever you are!

1. What is a Mortgage Broker?

In a nutshell, they are independent, trained specialists licensed to represent and provide you with the best advice for your home or property financing needs. 

They are retained by the client to shop the mortgage market (including banks, trust companies and other financial institutions) and to provide independent advice in choosing a mortgage commitment to fit the client’s particular needs.

It is a similar service as that of an insurance broker or travel agent in that the professional is highly trained within a very complex industry.

• Often they can obtain home loan commitments with better terms, options and interest rates than the client can obtain on their own;
• Saves you considerable time and effort; and
• Potentially save thousands of dollars over the term of a mortgage.

The mortgage broker is typically paid a fee by the lender upon successful funding (no charge to client). If the broker intends to charge you a fee, as would be the case in commercial, agricultural, business and non-bank (private) lending, this must be disclosed up front to the client.