Ontario Mortgage Brokers and Agents
To secure the best mortgage rates in Ontario, contact a mortgage broker or agent in your area. Using a local broker gives you the ability to meet in-person to discuss your needs and concerns and gives you access to the best mortgage rates offered by banks and lenders across Canada.
Why get a Mortgage Broker?
Mortgage brokers can help in a number of ways, some advantages of using a broker are:
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- greater access to lenders, mortgage products and rates
- the ability to compare mortgage rates without having your credit report being pulled multiple times (if you conducted your own comparison shopping, your credit report would be pulled once by each of the lenders you go to)
- all negotiations are handled by the mortgage broker
- greater flexibility when finding a time to meet with your broker in-person as mortgage brokers usually have extended hours
- access to your mortgage broker’s in-depth industry knowledge
- it is a free service; mortgage brokers are paid by the lender that provides your mortgage
Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario
The Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario (CMBAO) delivers licensing and continuing education courses to their members in addition to representing them when dealing with local issues at the provincial level, and when dealing with agencies, licensing bodies and regulators. By being a member of CMBAO, mortgage brokers are agreeing to abide by the outlined professional and ethical standards outlined by the association and meet the qualification requirements.
Mortgage Broker Licensing in Ontario
To be a fully licensed mortgage broker in Ontario you must meet the requirements outlined by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), which includes enrolling in an accredited mortgage broker course. All education requirements must be approved by the Superintendent and the FSCO
Other Professionals
During the purchase of your new property, you will come into contact with professionals including realtors, home inspectors and real estate lawyers.
Realtors are overseen by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). RECO regulates real estate professionals in Ontario on behalf of the provincial government. A realtor can help you find the right property and negotiate with the seller.
Home inspectors in Ontario are currently not regulated, but Ontario is looking to introduce new legislation to regulate the home inspection industry. The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors is the only recognized body of home inspectors in Ontario, thus consult their website for a qualified inspector.
Real estate lawyers help to ensure all transactions proceed by having all legal documents completed. Additionally, real estate lawyers’ goal is to ensure that your rights are protected during the home purchase process.