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Why This Matters

The bank vs. broker difference

When you walk into a bank, you get one lender's products — take them or leave them. As a broker, I access a network of banks, mono-line lenders, credit unions, and private capital, which means I can match you with the lender whose criteria and products actually fit your situation.

These are the main names I work with day-to-day.

Plus access to many more across private lending, credit unions, and alternative financing. If you don't see a specific lender listed here, chances are I can still place with them — ask.

Tier 1

A-Lenders · Major Banks & Mono-Lines

The lowest rates and most prime-borrower-friendly terms. Ideal for clients with strong credit (680+), verifiable income, and conventional situations. Includes the big banks and major mono-line lenders (lenders that only do mortgages).

Scotiabank
TD Bank
BMO
First National
MCAP
Equitable Bank
RFA
B2B Bank
Merix Financial
RMG Mortgages
Radius Financial
Canadian Western Bank
Strive Capital
Maple Financial
Tier 2

B-Lenders · Alternative Financing

For clients who don't fit A-lender criteria — slightly damaged credit, non-standard income (self-employed, commission, new to Canada), or complex situations. Rates are higher than A-lenders but still reasonable. Often a 1-2 year stepping stone back to A-lending.

Haventree Bank
Home Trust
Community Trust
… and more
Member-Owned

Credit Unions

Often more flexible than banks on unique situations — self-employed, investment properties, or portfolios with multiple homes. Member-owned co-operatives with competitive rates and a focus on long-term relationships.

Meridian Credit Union
DUCA Credit Union
IC Savings
Desjardins
Tier 3

Private Lenders & MICs

When speed, flexibility, or credit issues rule out traditional lending — private lenders and Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs) fill the gap. Rates are higher and terms are shorter, but they close fast and approve situations others won't touch. Ideal for stopping power of sale, bridge financing, or credit rebuilding.

CMI
Hosper MIC
VWR Capital
Armada MIC
Home Equity Bank
Secure Capital
VAULT
New Haven MIC
Streamline Mortgages
Magenta
Hill Mount Capital
DV Capital
Everland MIC
… and more
How I Choose

Matching you to the right lender

With 25+ lenders in the active network — plus access to many more — the real question isn't "which lender?" It's "which lender is the right fit for this specific client?" Here's how I think about it:

Strong credit, conventional situation → A-Lender

If your credit is 680+, you have verifiable salaried income, and the property is conventional, we shop A-lenders for the sharpest rates.

Self-employed or commission income → A-Lender or B-Lender

If you've been self-employed for 2+ years with clean tax returns, A-lenders can still work. If your tax-reported income doesn't reflect your actual earnings, B-lenders offer "stated income" programs that look at the whole picture.

New to Canada → A-Lender with new-to-Canada programs

Several A-lenders have dedicated programs for newcomers, accepting foreign credit history and shorter Canadian employment records. The trick is knowing which ones and pairing you with the right one.

Damaged credit → B-Lender

Bankruptcy discharge, consumer proposal, missed payments — these narrow the pool to B-lenders. Rates are higher, but it's usually a 1-2 year bridge back to A-lending as credit heals.

Urgent or highly unusual → Private Lender

Stopping power of sale. Bridge financing between homes. A deal that needs to close in 10 days. Private lenders specialize in speed and flexibility that no bank can match.

One broker, every lender

You don't need to shop around across 25+ different applications. Give me your situation once, and I'll identify the 1-3 lenders most likely to approve you at the best terms. We apply to those only — no unnecessary credit inquiries, no wasted time.

Let's find the right lender for you

Tell me about your situation and I'll map the options.