I Felt Every Second of That Drill

Posted on April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

I was in the dentist’s chair last week for what should have been a quick fix: replace a cracked filling, in and out. But as the drill started, I realized something wasn’t right. I could feel everything. Even the air flow from the suction was causing pain. After a few painful seconds, I raised my hand and asked, “Is it true that redheads need more freezing?” My dentist paused, gave me a look, and said, “Actually… yeah, they often do.” I nodded. “Thought so. I’m bald now, but I was ...

How Self-Employed Buyers Can Qualify for a Mortgage

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

If you’re self-employed and planning to buy a home in 2025, you may already know this journey can come with more hoops to jump through compared to salaried employees. But here’s the good news: qualifying for a mortgage is absolutely possible! You just need to be prepared, understand how lenders think, and work with the right mortgage professional. Why It’s Tougher for Self-Employed Borrowers Mortgage lenders love predictability. With salaried employees, it’s easy: lenders look at pay stub...

Order Taker or Problem Solver?

Posted on April 10, 2025April 10, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Have you ever worked with someone who clearly knows the rules but can’t actually solve the problem in front of them? They can recite the process, follow the checklist, and quote the policy but when your situation doesn’t fit the mold, they’re stuck. These are what we call order takers. In the world of mortgages, the difference between an order taker and a problem solver can make or break your experience and potentially cost you time, money, or even a dea...

The Promise of a Promissory Note

Posted on March 26, 2025March 26, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with a new investor to explore whether private mortgage investing would be a good fit for them. As we discussed different investment options, they casually mentioned being approached by an acquaintance to invest in promissory notes with a so-called real estate guru. I wish I had a video of my reaction! My eyes probably bugged out of my head, and if I had been sipping coffee, I’m sure it would have gone flying. Instead, I immediately blurted out my opi...

Suitability: A Legal Perspective

Posted on March 25, 2025March 26, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Mortgage brokers play a crucial role in Ontario’s private lending market, acting as intermediaries between borrowers and private mortgage investors. While their primary function is to facilitate lending transactions, they also bear a significant responsibility to ensure that any mortgage investment they recommend is suitable for the investor’s risk tolerance, experience level, and financial objectives. Failure to do so can lead to legal liability, financial losses, and professional misconduct a...

Top 5 Private Mortgage Investor Tips

Posted on March 21, 2025March 26, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

1. Understand The Story Every borrower has a story to tell if they are looking for a private mortgage. If they didn’t have a story they would be dealing with a bank. You need to listen to their story and determine if it makes sense. Does it pass the smell test? What problem are they trying to solve and will your mortgage solve their problem or just prolong their misery? 2. Know The Exit Strategy How is this mortgage going to be repaid? Are they relying on hopium or is there a clear pla...

Phuck The Fear & Stand Out!

Posted on March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Seven years ago, I was sitting on a patio in New Orleans singing my first original song with the help of Murray Foster. It was St. Patrick's Day so of course I had to write an appropriate tune called, Raise A Glass Boys. Up to this point in my life, I had never been musical. I had never learned to play an instrument, and I was terrified of the thought of singing in public. I was turning 50 that year and, on a whim, I signed up for a "Songwriter Getaway" with the Toronto Songwriting School...

Expert Insights: Peter Morris

Posted on March 10, 2025March 10, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Peter Morris, President of Robertson Morris, to expand my network of Expert Witnesses. My goal was to gain insights from his extensive experience and refine my skills in writing Expert Witness Reports for litigation involving mortgage brokers and agents in Ontario. With over forty-five years in the property and casualty insurance industry, Peter has a wealth of knowledge in his field. Over the past decade, he has transitioned into ...

Lessons From My Father: Timeless Wisdom for Private Mortgage Investors

Posted on March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

The other day, I was chatting with a colleague about the state of the private mortgage market in Ontario. The conversation took me back to something my father told me just weeks before he passed away. My father was a banker through and through. His career wasn’t just a job—it was part of his identity. He took immense pride in his work, and in his final days, he tried to pass on some wisdom. At the time, I was twenty and had decided to take a break from university. I had just landed a job as ...

Need a Mentor?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Are you a newer Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Agent in Ontario? Do you need help with a complex file? It’s a tough market out there and borrowers need a lot more than a pulse to get approved these days. If you’re struggling to find a solution to help your client, please give me a call. With over 35 years of experience dealing in mortgages there isn't much I haven’t seen. Sometimes all you need is a different perspective to get a deal done. Let’s work together to find a solution for...