Mortgage Brokers vs Banks: Which is better in Canada?

How mortgages work in Canada

Through the networking of lenders and investors, mortgage brokers work with banks and credit unions to find options for their borrowers. After evaluation and scrutiny of the possible options, a borrower signs a mortgage agreement where they are to pay monthly subject to existing interest rates. The interest rate is the profit gained by investors. Failure to pay the loan leads to the foreclosure of the property that was used as collateral and the investor takes possession of the property.

A bank may be a good place to start, especially for those who have a good relationship with their financial institutions. If you don’t want the hassle of contacting different banks, mortgage brokers are a better option.

Banks are direct lenders that originate, process, and fund the loans themselves. In this case, the company handling your loan process is the one lending the money.

On the other hand, a mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between someone who wants to buy real estate and those offering loans to do so. Mortgage brokers help would-be borrowers find a lender with the best terms and rates to meet their financial needs. They can act as middlemen that help match you with the best mortgage lender for your needs. Mortgage brokers can also act as single-point persons to help you compare multiple loan options.

In as much as financial institutions help home buyers to save time and money if your loan files are straightforward, Banks do not disclose the interest they make on your loan, so you are likely to pay more than you should if you don’t do aggressive shopping.

A mortgage application with challenges may include:

· Low down payment

· Poor credit score

A broker may help you in finding a loan product with better rates in Canada.

In order to land the best mortgage rates, you should obtain quotes from at least one broker and one bank to see which can offer you the best deal. From the obtained quotes, ask yourself the following two questions:

1. What are the restrictions attached to the mortgage?

Mortgage professionals in Canada advise that Banks can offer restrictive terms on the most attractive rates. This includes:

· Less or no privileges.

· Higher penalties.

· No option to refinance.

· Inability to break your mortgage unless you sell.

2. How much commission will your bank or broker make?

All brokers and bank mortgage specialists in Canada have wiggle room when it comes to the mortgage rates they offer you. Banks and financial institutions set a fixed floor rate. On the other hand, brokers and mortgage specialists in Canada can give away some or all of their commission in order to offer you a friendlier rate that helps you save money.

Here is a list of things you should know when you want to own a new home or refinance your current mortgage in Canada.

Working with a mortgage broker can potentially save you time, effort, and money.

Whether you are buying your first home or refinancing your current mortgage, you require the services of a good mortgage broker. This is because a mortgage broker can help you save avoidable costs on your home, give required solutions for fixing issues as they arise, and put a strategic plan on your process of borrowing.

Brokers have access to large and important networks of lenders.

This includes lenders that provide a variety of programs at your disposal to help you get the best deals possible in the housing market. They can use their relationships and networking with lenders to easily avail the best financing options for their clients.

Mortgage brokers offer client-friendly terms.

Mortgage brokers are best suited for individuals who avoid dealing with a bank directly, clients buying first homes, or refinancing an existing mortgage. Strict bank borrowing policies are also another reason people prefer mortgage brokers in Canada. These may include:

You may have a lower credit score than that required by banks for approval.
It might be hard to achieve a reasonable rate in the case that you are self-employed or feel burned by the housing market crash.
You may as well be looking for a lender with precisely flexible underwriting criteria or who has better rates compared to other banks.

Brokers offer assistance in the pre-approval process.

A mortgage broker can help you find the right home and in addition, assist in the pre-approval process which is a reliable way to know how much you can afford a house. Pre-approval indicates how much mortgage money lenders would be willing to lend you if needed. This opportunity can be used as crucial leverage in negotiating with sellers or other buyers during the purchase process.

In conclusion, as much as banks play an important role in the mortgage industry in Canada, it is a fact that mortgage brokers are also key players in acquiring and paying for homes through personalized client relationships.

You should also know:

Working directly with your preferred bank would be a good option if you prefer to keep your everyday banking at the same bank, maintain a good credit score, and want additional products that brokers do not provide.

Mortgage brokers are crucial in negotiating rates, finding the best mortgage to suit your needs, and guiding you through the entire application process.

You won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for a broker’s services, and you may even get additional discounts through mortgage buydowns.

Banks work on building long-lasting and mutual relationships with their clients by offering other comprehensive services or financial products including insurance.