Work With A “Mucker”

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

Andy MacDonald, The Mucker of Noon Hockey

Back in my late twenties I had the privilege of playing hockey with a Canadian icon, Mr. Paul Henderson. We played Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at noon hour at the old barn in Oakville on Kerr Street. To my clients, I was at a “lunch meeting", but for me it was a time to get some exercise while learning from a bunch of guys that were ten to twenty years my senior. It was a diverse bunch including veterinarians, fire fighters, cops, lawyers, ex NHL’ers, realtors etc. The dressing room was a gr...

An Expert Witness Can Offer Clarity

Posted on May 5, 2025May 5, 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...

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...

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 ...

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. ...

What is a private mortgage?

Posted on November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 by Andy MacDonald

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 Conditions Private mortgages often have more flexible terms compared to traditional mortgages. They can v...

Why is an exit strategy important?

Posted on November 2, 2024November 4, 2024 by Andy MacDonald

An exit strategy is crucial when considering a private mortgage in Ontario for several reasons: Financial Security An exit strategy helps you understand how you will repay the mortgage, whether through refinancing, selling the property, or another means. This foresight can prevent financial distress. Market Conditions Real estate markets can fluctuate. Having a clear plan allows you to adapt to changes, such as rising interest rates or declining property values. Avoiding D...

Testimonial: Dave Doyle

Posted on January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 by admin

I have worked with Andy on personal projects in the past. I recently referred him to help a person who is close to me obtain secondary financing. Andy helped make the process easy to understand, and a little less stressful, with his knowledge and awareness of facts. An invaluable characteristic to posses! Dave Doyle Mississauga, Ontario