Who Are The Top Broker Lenders?

Marci • March 28, 2017

There’s no doubt that you know the names of the major chartered banks in Canada, it’s hard to avoid them. There’s no need to even list them here, with the millions upon millions they spend in advertising dollars, you know who the are. But how many of the top ten broker channel lenders could you name? Probably not that many, and that’s okay.

You see, where the big banks spend a crazy amount of money building awareness for their brands (thus increasing the cost of their products), broker channel lenders rely on independent mortgage professionals to distribute their mortgage products. Products that are more flexible for the consumer, priced more favourably, and have no hidden clauses or malicious fine print. Instead of relying on brand loyalty to earn and keep your business, broker channel lenders rely on the merits of their products. This is a really good thing for you! 

One question that is often asked is, “Are broker channel lenders safe? I mean, I’ve never heard of this lender before”. Here is the simple answer. Yes. Mortgage lending in Canada is highly regulated, and any lender that is represented through the broker channel has been properly vetted, and is legally allowed to lend you money. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to security, besides, you have their money, they don’t have yours! 

So, in an effort to bring awareness to some of the broker channel’s top lenders, let’s have a look at Canadian Mortgage Trends, a publication of Mortgage Professionals Canada  and their release “Broker Lender Market Share Q4 2016” originally published on March 14th 2017, which goes through the top ten broker channel lenders, and how much business they write as a percentage of the overall industry.

Have a look through the list, how many of these lenders do you recognize? These are the real players providing Canadians with choice on the path to homeownership! 

If you would like to discuss your mortgage options, please contact me anytime! 

Broker Lender Market Share Q4 2016

Mortgage volumes in the broker channel continued to grow in the fourth quarter. D+H data reportedly confirms that brokers did 12% more business in Q4, versus the same period last year. 

Some of that business was an attempt by borrowers to beat the government’s mortgage rule changes. Those policies came into effect on October 17, 2016 (new high-ratio insurance restrictions), November 30, 2016 (new low-ratio insurance restrictions) and January 1, 2017 (new insurer capital requirements).

But these weren’t the only headlines last quarter.

The top 10 broker channel lenders now account for a whopping 87.1% of broker volume, as of Dec. 31, 2016. That’s the highest ratio we’ve ever seen since CMT began tracking this data in 2010.

And that trend may be here to stay. Large lenders have an edge that’s more vital than ever: more funding options. Smaller non-balance sheet lenders are now under the gun, given the Finance Department’s policy rampage against mortgage competition.

What everyone wants to know now is, how will Q1 play out? Anecdotally, most non-bank lenders and brokers we query have seen business drop roughly 15-20% year-over-year. There are exceptions, of course, banks being one of them. Most expect Scotiabank and TD to light it up in calendar Q1 as they’re among the most cost effective options now for uninsurable mortgages.

 

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Everything You Need to Know About Second Mortgages

By Marci Deane • May 6, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Marci Deane • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Your Guide to Successfully Navigating the Housing Market

By Marci Deane • April 22, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.