The Road Less Travelled

Posted on October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Yesterday, I went for a walk in the woods on a road that was abandoned long ago. It reminded me of the journey we take in life. Sometimes the road is clear and other times we must look a little harder for that road. The outline of it is there but we might have to climb over a few obstacles or cross a brook to find our way. My professional journey started back in 1989. I would have taken my first mortgage application while working as a Loans Clerk at Canada Trust. That would have been t...

The Domino Effect

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

I was recently hired to write an expert witness report for a case that perfectly illustrates the domino effects of the real estate correction that started in 2022. As you may recall, the Bank of Canada began to raise interest rates in the spring of 2022, signalling the beginning of the end to the real estate party that had been going on since the start of the Pandemic. From March to October 2022 the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by 3.50%. The days of cheap money and real estate hyster...

An Expert Witness Can Offer Clarity

Posted on May 5, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Sometimes, the most valuable thing an expert witness can provide is a reality check.I had a call the other day with a litigator and their client. The day before, the lawyer had sent me a brief summary of their case as they were considering retaining me as an expert witness.The conversation lasted only 15-20 minutes, but in that time, I was able to offer some key insights. Their theory hinged on the idea that a private mortgage lender was somehow tied to an embezzlement scheme. After reviewing t...

Two Daughters & The Secret Ballot

Posted on April 27, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Tomorrow, Canadians across the country will head to the polls to cast their votes in the federal election. It's a moment that always fills me with a mix of pride, hope, and reflection. This year is extra special; I get to watch my daughters navigate their relationship with voting and democracy. I have two daughters who are now of voting age. I have tried my best to instill in them the importance of exercising their vote. To research the candidates and their party platforms. To critically jud...

Testimonial: Payam Ezzatian

Posted on April 25, 2025May 27, 2025 by admin

I had the pleasure of working with Andy on a recent matter. He’s prompt and professional, and provides valuable insight based on decades of experience. I would not hesitate to ask for his assistance again. Payam Ezzatian Partner Brauti Thorning LLP Toronto, Ontario

Suitability: A Legal Perspective

Posted on March 25, 2025May 27, 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...

Phuck The Fear & Stand Out!

Posted on March 17, 2025May 27, 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, 2025May 27, 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, 2025May 27, 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, 2025May 27, 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...