What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?

Using the right mortgage broker can be the difference between a great mortgage experience and a less-than-ideal one, whether you a first-time home buyer, refinancing your current home or up for mortgage renewal. So, what is a mortgage broker, and what do they do? From finding the best mortgage, analyzing your mortgage needs and budget to ensuring your mortgage closes on time, mortgage brokers simplify home financing to fit your budget and needs. 

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between the borrower and multiple lenders. They are licensed professionals who work on your behalf assisting you to obtain a mortgage that best fits your specific situation from the more than 300 different mortgage products available in Canada. Mortgage brokers are not limited to or biased by working for one lender, they work with all lenders.

Whether you’re looking to finance a new home purchase, renewing your current mortgage or want to refinance to unlock some of the equity in your home, a mortgage broker plays a pivotal role in making your financial aspirations a reality. 

Here are some of what they do: 

Mortgage brokers have a deep understanding of the mortgage market. They stay informed about multiple lenders, their rates and offers, as well as industry regulations. This expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and options tailored to their client’s needs. 

They must demonstrate proficiency, competence and obtain licensing from a provincial regulatory body like the  BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) or the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). Also, mortgage brokers are required to continue to stay up to date on current policies and regulations through ongoing education license renewals every two years in most jurisdictions. Through this, the public is protected, and the integrity of the industry is enhanced by reducing mortgage fraud and other misconduct.  

Mortgage brokers objectively assess your financial situation. They will analyze your credit history, income levels, and savings to determine how much mortgage you can afford. This assessment will help brokers recommend suitable mortgage products and provide expectations for borrowers, especially first-time homebuyers.

Mortgage shopping can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Mortgage brokers can do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most.  

They can save you time by handling market research between various lenders, simplifying mortgage terms, and offering exclusive deals or discounts from certain lenders. Mortgage brokers ensure you get the most suitable mortgage solution for your needs.

A good broker will not only present you with the best mortgage rates and loan options but will also simplify the application process by going through the paperwork with you. Mortgage brokers may help you gather documents (such as Notice of Assessments (NOA) and bank statements) and submit complete applications to the appropriate lender.  

By acting as an intermediary between the borrower and the lender, mortgage brokers help streamline the process, ensuring all information is complete and accurate, reducing the chances of delays, and improving the chances of approval.

One of the most valuable aspects of the mortgage broker’s role is negotiating with different lenders on behalf of their clients. This negotiation can lead to lower interest rates, reduced fees, or more flexible repayment terms. Throughout the lending process, mortgage brokers provide insights and advice to borrowers, explaining the different mortgage options to help them make informed decisions. 

There are thousands of licensed mortgage brokers in Canada, so choosing the right mortgage broker is essential for a smooth process. Here are some key factors to consider: 

• Research and referral— check out the mortgage brokers website and read reviews on their service and what types of mortgages they have experience dealing with. Friends, family members or real estate professionals can also be a good source of recommendations. 

• Credentials and Licensing— ensure the broker is properly licensed and registered with relevant authorities. For mortgage brokers in British Columbia, you can verify their licenses by contacting BCFSA. 
• Experience and Awards— look for brokers with a proven track record and extensive experience in the mortgage industry. Check to see if the mortgage broker has any designations such as AMP (Accredited Mortgage Professional) or SMCP (Smith Manoeuvre Certified Professional) that indicate continuing education and expertise in brokering.  

Once you’ve selected your mortgage broker, schedule a meeting with them and assess whether they will be a good fit for your situation. You should feel comfortable working with them and confident in their ability to represent you. 

Whether you are looking at mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions or monoline mortgage lenders, it requires due diligence to make sure it fits your financial situation and goals. It is important to note that mortgage brokers also have access to and place clients’ mortgages with the banks if it is the best solution for their situation. Here’s a list of potential benefits for choosing either of them: 

• Borrowers may already have an existing relationship with their bank or credit union but will be limited to only their mortgage options.   
• Established banks and credit unions have reputations for stability, which can provide peace of mind to some borrowers. This is why mortgage brokers also deal with banks and credit unions. 
• Banks and credit unions can have stringent approval criteria, including high credit score requirements, making it challenging for borrowers to qualify for a loan. 

• Brokers work with many lenders including banks, credit unions and monoline mortgage lenders, giving clients wider access to different options of mortgage products, rates and terms. 
• By working with mortgage brokers, borrowers with low credit scores may find mortgage solutions that match their unique financial situations. 
• Brokers handle the paperwork and negotiations with the lending institutions so mortgage borrowers will save time on that regard. In addition, great mortgage brokers have strong negotiation skills which can be beneficial for seeking better terms. 

Monoline mortgage lenders are simply financial institutions that only do mortgage financing and no other banking activities. They are only accessible through mortgage brokers and typically have the most diverse mortgage options and best rates. 

The answer depends on your financial needs and situation. If you value personalized recommendations, a simple and efficient application process, and access to more mortgage rates, you should consider a mortgage broker.
 

Ultimately, consider your financial goals, situation, and the comfort level with the mortgage process to decide whether a mortgage broker is the right choice.

Working with mortgage brokers has its advantages and disadvantages, which can vary depending on the individual’s situation. Here are some of them:

• Access to multiple lenders— mortgage brokers have access to a network of various lenders, financial institutions, and private lenders. This provides the borrowers with a wide range of mortgage products and options to find the best deal. 
• Rate and Term Comparison— brokers shop around for the best mortgage rates on behalf of the clients, saving them time to research and compare rates. Mortgage brokers often get access to rates not available through the retail banking services. 

• Expertise and Guidance— a broker is a mortgage professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance throughout the application process. 
• Negotiation Skills— mortgage brokers can help negotiate better terms and rates from lenders, which can be beneficial for clients that seek the best mortgage solution. 
• No Cost Service— mortgage broker services for prime lending are free to the borrower; the lender pays the broker directly for placing a mortgage with them. 
• Challenged Credit— if a borrower has challenged credit, mortgage brokers have access to lenders that specialize in dealing with poor credit (these services typically have fees associated with them). 

• Fees— if a client has a challenged or poor credit the mortgage broker will typically have to charge a fee for mortgage placement as the lenders do not pay the mortgage brokers directly. The lenders typically also charge a fee for providing this service as well. 
• Indirect Communication— when working with a broker, borrowers may not have direct contact with the lender. A good indicator is how quickly the mortgage responds to your call, email or inquiry. If it takes days, not hours, then it may not be the right mortgage broker. 
• Varying Quality— the quality and expertise of mortgage brokers can vary. Researching the right broker can be overwhelming, especially for first-time mortgage borrowers. A good indicator is how quickly the mortgage responds to your call, email or inquiry. If it takes days, not hours, then it may not be the right mortgage broker. 

A mortgage broker offers a valuable service by connecting borrowers with a diverse network of lenders, providing expert and tailored guidance, and streamlining the process by handling complex paperwork. They can save the mortgage borrower’s time, money, and stress while ensuring they make informed decisions that fit their financial needs and goals. 

Whether you finance through your local bank or credit union, or prefer to work with a mortgage broker, securing a better mortgage involves a combination of financial preparedness, research, and strategic decision-making.  

 If you are new to building your credit history and score, or already have good credit, or maybe there are a few items you need to clean up on your credit profile, everyone can improve their credit score by paying bills on time, reducing outstanding debts, and limiting new credit inquiries. Also, you may save for a substantial down payment, which can result in more favorable terms.  

 Consider working with a mortgage broker who can provide access to multiple lenders and find you the most competitive rates and terms. In addition, working with a mortgage broker can safeguard your credit score by getting only one credit report to use for various lenders.  

 A mortgage broker can be your trusted ally in the complex world of home financing. They can be the bridge that connects your homeownership dreams with tailored mortgage solutions. From providing access to a diverse network of lenders to offering expert guidance and saving you valuable time, their role is crucial in ensuring you get the best deal. 

Mortgage Maestro offers homeowners, borrowers and new homebuyers an easy mortgage process that can be completed in the comfort of your own home with the help of our team of experts. Contact us today and we’ll have an experienced mortgage professional reach out immediately.