10 Reasons you need a Mortgage Broker
Wondering about the differences between a Mortgage Broker and the Bank? Let’s get into it!
Are you in the market to purchase a home, looking at consolidating your debt, or purchasing a rental property? Here are 10 reasons why you should have a Mortgage Broker in your corner!
1. Get independent advice on your financial options. As independent mortgage brokers, we’re not tied to any one lender or range of products. Our goal is to help you successfully finance your home or property. We’ll start by getting to know you and your homeownership goals. We’ll make a recommendation, drawing from available mortgage products that match your needs, and we will decide together on what’s right for you.
2. Save time with one-stop shopping. It could take weeks for you to organize appointments with competing mortgage lenders – and we know you’d probably rather spend your time house-hunting! We work directly with dozens of lenders, and can quickly narrow down a list of those that suit you best. It makes comparison-shopping fast, easy, and convenient.
3. We negotiate on your behalf. Many people are uncertain or uncomfortable negotiating mortgages directly with their bank. Brokers negotiate mortgages every day on behalf of Canadian homebuyers. You can count on our market knowledge to secure competitive rates and terms that benefit you and your homeownership goals.
4. More choice means more competitive rates. We have access to a network of major lenders in Canada, so your options are extensive. In addition to traditional lenders, we also know what’s being offered by credit unions, trust companies, and other sources. And we can help you take care of other requirements before your closing date, such as sourcing mortgage default insurance if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price
5. Ensure that you’re getting the best rates and terms. Even if you’ve already been pre-approved for a mortgage by your bank or another financial institution, you’re not obliged to stop shopping! Let us investigate to see if there is an alternative to better suit your needs.
6. Get access to special incentives and add-ons. Many financial institutions would love to have you as a client, which is why they often offer incentives to attract creditworthy customers. These can include retail points programs, discounts on appliances, shopping clubs, and more. We do the math on which offers might be worth your attention when it comes to financing or mortgage insurance – so you get the perks you deserve.
7. Things move quickly! Our job isn’t done until your closing date goes smoothly. We’ll help ensure your mortgage transaction takes place on time and to your satisfaction.
8. Get expert advice. When it comes to mortgages, rates, and the housing market, we’ll speak to you in plain language. We can explain the various mortgage terms and conditions so you can choose confidently.
9. No cost to you. There’s absolutely no charge for our services on typical residential mortgage transactions. How can we afford to do that? Like many other professional services such as insurance, mortgage brokers are generally paid a finder’s fee when we introduce trustworthy, dependable customers to a financial institution. These fees are quite standard nearly industry-wide so that the focus remains on you, the customer.
10. Ongoing support and consultation Even once your mortgage is signed and paperwork is complete, we are here if you need any advice on closing details or even future referral needs. We are happy to be of assistance when you need it.
Need I say more?! Let’s chat and discuss your homeownership goals and dreams.
Introducing Me!
It all begins with an idea.
Professional Background
Hi there, I’m Carley, lets be honest mortgages, refinancing, and purchasing investment properties can all be scary, daunting decisions. My goal is to connect with you on a personal level, figure out exactly what your goals are and set an actionable plan to achieve them. Before we can get into all that you might want to know a little bit about me, who is that person behind all the numbers?
I have quite the diverse professional and educational background. Most of my experience stems from the Customer Service industry. I began serving, bartending and managing at 19 years old. I loved the fast paced and fun environment, getting to know people and developing a strong team. While I was serving I was completing my Bachelor of Psychology from SFU and my Small Business Management Certificate from BCIT. After completing my degree I was not quite ready to lock into a career yet and decided to go live abroad in Australia. I ended up working for lululemon while I was there. I loved the company and experience so continued with them once I was back at home for a total of 5 years. After back to back maternity leaves I realized it was time for a career change.
My interest in real estate sparked after my husband and I bought our first home in 2019. We both found the whole process exhilarating and kept looking at real estate long after we purchased. This is when I met my mentor Jessie Lavoie, who at the time was our mortgage broker. Jessie and I bonded instantly because we were both pregnant and due only a few days apart. What’s extra funny is my real estate agent Carly Monrad was also pregnant and due that same week. Those baby girls ended up being born August 6, 7 and 8.
Shortly after having my second daughter my husband and I knew it was time to upsize. We were bursting at the seams in our townhouse, babies may be small but the amount of things they need sure isn’t. This was towards the end of 2021 and to say the market was about to get crazier than we could have imagined would have been an understatement. We spent nearly a year house hunting, we offered on so many houses I lost count but when we finally saw our current home we fell in love, we also now knew how to play the game and we gave it our all and won.
In this process I realized exactly how investing in real estate could change your life. In a few short years we had gone from buying a townhouse with a down payment borrowed almost entirely from family to having hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity, paying back our debts, and living in a home my younger self dreamt of.
Shortly after purchasing our home I knew I was ready to make the jump and change careers. Jessie had told me a few times that she thought I would be a good fit for mortgage brokering. Once we hit a complication in our mortgage during the process of buying our second house I had to agree. I spent hours building spreadsheets, formulating possible solutions, comparing costs.. lets say my true nerd came out. I asked her if she was serious about taking me on to my excitement she was, so off to UBC I went.
On the Personal Side
10 Fun Facts About Me
How would you describe yourself: Tenacious, loyal, caring,
Favorite Hobbies: I love being active and outdoors particularly skiing/snowboarding, playing soccer, hiking. I also love oxygen yoga and reading
Favorite meal of the day: Breakfast, I am on a mission to try every Eggs Benny out there
Something I couldn’t live without: My nespresso machine… and my family
Drink of choice: I am a craft beer lover, I think my current favorite has to be the Lavender Sour by Moody Ales
Favorite Place I’ve been: Tie between Greece and Italy
Advice I would give to my younger self: Don’t be afraid to step outside of what is expected of you and just do what feels right for yourself
Favorite Local Restaurant: I am a true foodie so I’m going to give you breakfast and dinner. Breakfast: Pur & Simple, Dinner: Sushi On
Daily Habits: I walk River every day rain or shine, Yoga or stretching, read every night
5 year goals: Win a Gold Award- top 10% of Mortgage Brokers Nationwide, Buy an investment property, Hike the West Coast Trail