Testimonial: Payam Ezzatian

Posted on April 25, 2025April 25, 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

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...

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...

Hire An Expert Witness Early!

Posted on January 29, 2025January 31, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

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 negligence nor damages. In reviewing my report with the legal team, I asked them to convince me otherwise. ...

Mortgage Renewal Options in 2025

Posted on November 12, 2024February 28, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

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 get started: Start Planning Early Contact your lender 6–12 months before your mortgage term end...