Azie Pouragha

Self Employed

Borrowing money is harder for many self-employed Canadians. While there is broad recognition that self-employed Canadians are reliable borrowers, it may be difficult to navigate the mortgage process and the different options available specifically for this group. We can help turn the tables. These individuals may run their own businesses, or work in a profession where the main source of their income is predominately capital gains, a form of income that is generally not considered by most “A Lenders”.

We work with self-employed homebuyers every day and understand the challenges that they may face when arranging a mortgage especially with no standard proof of income. Our brokers are experts when it comes to mortgage solutions and have access to multiple options, including mortgage products designed specifically for self-employed Canadians. They can pinpoint which lenders have more favourable terms and requirements and advise you on how you can improve your options to get the best possible rate and terms.

The more complex your mortgage situation, the more sense it makes to use an experienced mortgage professional who can help simplify the process and help you achieve both your short-term objectives and your long-term financial plan. Most of all, they allow you to stay focused on your business, alleviating the burden of many time-consuming and frustrating tasks and meetings associated with securing a mortgage and will also work around your busy work schedule. Many will even travel to your work site if required to make the transaction as convenient as possible for you.

Remember, that independent mortgage professionals work for YOU, not the lenders or banks, so you can rest assured that their advice is unbiased and in your best interest when it comes to finding the right lender and right product to meet your needs. Find out what your options are, give us a call.

Bad Credit

Your credit history is integral when it comes to the mortgage approval process because that history is a reliable indicator of how you will manage your mortgage and your finances in the future. Your credit score is calculated using information in your credit report including your payment history, how much debt you’re carrying and the length of your credit history. Lenders use the score to helps determine the risk and your creditworthiness when you apply for a loan. Credit scores above 660 are generally considered good, very good, or excellent. These individuals receive lower rates, and can get loans easier than those that do not fit into this range.

Those with less than average scores or with lower scores who fall into the “poor” credit range may face higher interest rates, difficulty getting better loan terms or qualifying when applying for a mortgage. Buyers with poor credit may have to put down a larger initial down payment or require a co-signer to be able to qualify for the mortgage they need to get into their dream home.

Your mortgage professional can review your situation and coach you on how best to improve your credit over time. That's why it's a good idea to talk to a mortgage broker as soon as you can. As your good credit history becomes established, your borrowing options will increase. If you wish to get a mortgage while you work on bettering your score, we can help!

At Mortgage Intelligence we are committed to helping Canadians realize their dream of home ownership. Our brokers have access to many lenders, from banks to private lenders, and a multitude of mortgage solutions. Even if you have poor credit, you have options and our brokers will work with you to find the right solution that best meets your needs. Call for a free consultation.

Commercial Mortgages

Commercial Mortgages fall into their own class of financial products. As a result of this you will need to work with a broker who specializes specifically in commercial mortgages. They are different because there is no standard methodology that all lenders use to underwrite them so they require a lot more expertise to successfully put together.

Lenders typically underwrite each commercial mortgage transaction according to the merits of the proposal and the financial strength of the borrower. Once the lender is satisfied with the risk in funding the commercial mortgage or project, they will then decide on price.

Our commercial mortgage professionals arrange complex funding for client projects utilizing strong relationships across the entire commercial lending community. Our team of commercial mortgage brokers are experts when it come to commercial lending types and posses the knowledge and understanding of the niche each lender serves, loan types they prefer as well as what security, interest rates, fees and debt service coverage meet the criteria of those lenders. They will help you determine the right lender and mortgage for your investment.

We will ensure that your financial needs are matched with the right lender so you can get the highest possible rate of success for your investment. Commercial lending is very different from residential mortgages and are subject to a strict set of criteria. The participants in this market are chartered banks, credit unions, life insurance companies, mortgage investment companies, and non-institutional companies. Each have a unique portfolio structure, pricing matrix, and appetite for specific loan types and industries. It's important to seek the advice of a mortgage broker to ensure that your requirements are satisfied, and you get the mortgage that helps you reach your short term and long terms investment objectives. Contact us to get started and take your first step into making your project a reality.

Alternative Lending

With the ever-changing market and a stricter stress test, many Canadians are finding it harder to qualify for a mortgage through traditional financial institutions “A-Lenders” and are turning to alternative lending solutions for their mortgage. At Mortgage Intelligence we work with many alternative lenders, who can offer excellent mortgage options with more flexible criteria and more lenient qualification requirements.

Alternative lenders are great for individuals who have non-traditional forms of income for example, capital gains, room rental income, child tax benefits and others or for self employed applicants who may not have the minimum required number of years being self employed.

These lending solutions are also a good option for those with lower credit scores. While the rate they offer is slightly higher than what you will see posted by an A-Lender, they are nothing out of the ordinary when compared to traditional rates posted in Canada. They also generally have shorter terms, meaning that you can get into the home of your dreams while being able to rebuild your credit at the same time.

Buyers who don’t qualify under the mortgage stress test can also take advantage of the expanded debt service ratios allowed by alternative lenders to qualify for a mortgage and get into the home of their dreams. If you have a very unique situation, we also have access to various private lenders who are even more flexible and lenient in requirements and may be able to offer you mortgage options that fit your situation. In today’s environment, we’re seeing more private lenders helping Canadians with their mortgages.

Call your Mortgage Intelligence professional to find out about the different options available to you. They are experts when it comes to mortgage products and different solutions and will provide you with unbiased advice. They work for you, not the lender.