The House Team Of Mortgage Intellingence asked:


Mortgage brokers are blossoming in the current environment and are gaining an increasing share of the mortgage market. This is great news because you should consult with a mortgage professional when you’re making one of the most important financial decisions of your life. But, keep in mind, that not all mortgage brokers have the same level of training and experience.

That’s why it’s such great news for Canadians that the mortgage industry now has national accreditation: the Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP). When you meet with a mortgage broker with an AMP, you’ll be assured that your business is in the hands of a professional.

Canadians are accustomed to purchasing financial products like investments and insurance from an accredited professional. Now they can look for a similar professional designation from their mortgage expert.

Like similar accreditation programs for mutual fund sales people, or stock brokers, the AMP is designed to ensure an appropriate level of training and experience. Mortgage professionals from every field are eligible to acquire the accreditation: from mortgage brokers on the front lines to those who specialize in lending or mortgage insurance, for example.

While the vast majority of Ontario mortgage brokers take seriously the important responsibility that they have to their clients, the designation provides mortgage customers with a tool to help select their mortgage expert. This kind of designation is especially valuable in an industry where provincial regulations vary – and so a variety of practice standards are in place. A single national proficiency standard brings mortgage brokers in line with other financial professionals.

The AMP designation can now offer you confidence that your mortgage broker has industry experience, has taken ethics and industry training, and is committed to a program of ongoing education to retain their designation. In order to qualify for the designation, mortgage professionals must have at least five years experience or successfully complete a recognized mortgage professional proficiency course, and take an ethics training course. They must also commit to a minimum 10 hours of continuing education each year, and agree to be governed by the professional code of the national CIMBL organization.

With a growing number of Canadians now seeking the services of independent mortgage brokers to help them assess their mortgage options – in a $600 billion industry – the timing is perfect. It’s your money, after all, and you should have the tools to make the best possible decision. An independent mortgage broker can offer you the broadest range of mortgage rates and options. Now they can also offer you the added assurance of their newly minted designation: the AMP.

Penny-Ann Lupton asked:


Are you undecided about using the services of a mortgage broker or sceptical as to what a mortgage broker can do for you? The purpose of this article is to clarify the many advantages and benefits you will receive when using the services provided by mortgage brokers in Canada.  I am optimistic that after reading this article Canadians will have a much better understanding about the services provided by a mortgage broker, and will consider using a mortgage broker for their mortgage financing needs.

 

What exactly is a mortgage broker?

 

Basically, a mortgage broker is a representative for all of the Canadian lending institutions in Canada. Their function is very similar to that of an insurance broker. A bank representative that works in one particular lending institution is employed by that bank and is aware of every mortgage product that their bank offers. Therefore, when you go into your bank for a mortgage the representative analyzes your situation and chooses the best product their bank offers for your needs. Mortgage brokers act as agents for all Canadian banks, Credit Unions, Trust Companies, finance companies and individual private lenders. Subsequently, when you visit a mortgage broker for mortgage financing they analyze your specific situation and choose the best product from one of the 50 Canadian lending institutions at their disposal.

In Ontario, mortgage brokers are educated professionals who are licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO).  FSCO is merely one of the government agencies that monitors the business practices of mortgage brokers, each province has an agency that provides the same service to Canadians.  As a result, these agencies certify that Canadians are being given reliable protection, a thorough comprehension of mortgage products, and a standard of service to meet their individual needs.

So, how exactly will you benefit by using a mortgage broker?

Save time: Many people try to shop around their own mortgage by traveling to the 5-6 major Canadian retail banks, which can be very time-consuming.  A mortgage broker will meet you where it’s convenient for you and they will shop your mortgage for you saving you a lot of valuable time.

 

Credit Score: One of the most important considerations for Canadians when shopping around at different banks is their credit score. Each time you go to a bank and apply for a mortgage, they will make a credit inquiry, too many inquiries will negatively affect your credit score. A mortgage broker only requests one credit inquiry and then forwards that to the banks they are shopping.

Save Money: Many people are under the false assumption that it is expensive to use a mortgage broker. In fact, most brokers do not charge any fees because they are paid by the banking institutions for bringing them in business. That’s the best part, you receive unbiased advice about your mortgage and it doesn’t cost you any money.

Best Rates: Using a mortgage broker guarantees you that you will get the best rates available, independent mortgage agents rely on repeat business so they do not play games, they always find their clients the best rates possible. Additionally, as a reward for bringing them millions of dollars per year in business, many banks will offer special rates only available to mortgage brokers for their clients.

Fast Approvals:  Usually, a mortgage broker will have your mortgage approved within 24 hours, at the very best interest rates. Even if the retail banks do approve a person’s mortgage fast, it can sometimes take weeks to negotiate them down to their best rate.

Feel At Ease:  A mortgage agent will take the time to explain the entire process to the mortgagee, this is especially comforting for first time homebuyers. They will take the time to explain all of the terms and conditions of a mortgage commitment so there are no surprises later. They will usually present more than one option for clients, and be able to explain the differences between each bank, this will help consumers make educated choices about which banks they would rather use.

Where will your next mortgage financing experience be?

Today, it is no longer necessary for Canadians to place their trust blindly in their bank for their mortgages.  There is now a vast amount of information available to consumers, with all of the available information it is advantageous for consumers to use the services of a Canadian mortgage broker to help them analyze which products will best suit their needs. Canadians should realize that by using a mortgage broker they are not choosing between a broker and their bank. A mortgage broker can place your mortgage with your bank if that’s what you ultimately decide. What you should ask yourself though is if you are a client at TD Bank do think the bank representative will tell you if Scotia bank has a better interest rate? Your mortgage broker will.