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 ha...

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 objec...

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 Str...

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 ...

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 ind...

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...

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 al...

I was recently contacted by a Plaintiff and their legal team to prepare an expert report on their case involving a mortgagor and a mortgage broker. The original Statement of Claim was filed in 2019, and they were scheduled to head to mediation within a month. (It only took them five plus years to seek an expert opinion.) After reviewing the documentation supplied to me, I could find no neglige...

In Canada, approximately $352 billion in mortgages are projected to mature in 2025. Many of these will renew at significantly higher rates, which may cause a substantial increase in monthly payments for Canadian homeowners. If you’re among those renewing, now is the time to take action to minimize payment increases, balance your budget, and find a solution that fits your needs. Here’s how to g...

A private mortgage refers to a loan, secured by real property, provided by an individual or a private entity, rather than a traditional financial institution like a bank or credit union. Here are some key features: Lending Source The lender can be a private individual, a group of investors, or a private lending company like a MIC (Mortgage Investment Corporation). Terms and Condition...