For many Canadians, purchasing a home or investment property remains an aspiring goal. However, not everyone fits the mold of a conventional borrower that banks and major lenders seek. That’s where private mortgage lenders, also called alternative lenders or non-bank lenders, come in as an avenue for non-prime mortgages and alternative financing solutions to make your real estate dreams a reality.
What are Private Mortgage Lenders?
Private mortgage lenders, also known as alternative lenders or non-banks, operate outside the traditional lending landscape dominated by major banks and institutional lenders. These non-bank lenders offer more flexible mortgage solutions tailored to clients who may not qualify for conventional financing due to circumstances like bruised credit, self-employment income, lacking documentation, or seeking investment property or residential financing.
Rather than adhering to rigid qualification criteria banks use, private lenders assess mortgage applications more holistically. They may consider factors like equity/asset reserves, cash flow, and alternative income streams when evaluating a borrower’s creditworthiness.
Benefits of Using a Private Mortgage Lender
Working with a private mortgage lender in Canada offers several potential advantages:
- More Flexible Approval Requirements – Since they operate independently from federal mortgage rules, non-bank lenders have greater flexibility in assessing borrowers for non-prime mortgages. Those with past credit blemishes, inconsistent income, or unique property scenarios stand a better chance of approval.
- Faster Processing and Closing Times – Private lending typically involves less red tape compared to banks, appealing for time-sensitive investment property financing or residential purchases. This can translate into quicker turnaround from application to closing.
- Specialized Solutions – Private lenders often provide customized non-prime mortgage programs tailored for real estate investors, self-employed borrowers, new immigrants, and other niche groups underserved by big lenders.
- Mortgage Broker Support – Many Canadian private mortgage lenders work closely with experienced mortgage brokers. Brokers can assess your unique financial profile and match you with non-bank lending solutions, from alternative lenders and mortgage investment corporations (MICs).
When to Consider a Private Mortgage Lender
While private lending costs more due to higher interest rates, lender fees, and down payment requirements, they may appeal if you find yourself in situations like:
- Facing imminent property buying opportunities but denied by banks
- Self-employed with proving inconsistent or “un-provable” income
- Recent arrival in Canada lacking an extensive credit footprint
- Property investors seeking rehab, construction or investment property financing
- Need a short-term mortgage solution before transitioning to lower-cost bank financing
How to Qualify for a Private Mortgage in Canada
Qualifying for a private mortgage generally requires a more comprehensive financial profile review versus a simple credit check, income verification, and debt service ratio assessment. Key factors non-bank lenders evaluate include:
- Credit History: While recent blemishes are evaluated more leniently, a healthy credit report is advantageous for non-prime mortgages.
- Income Sources: Both traditional and non-traditional income streams like self-employment, investments, gig work etc. may be considered for alternative financing.
- Down Payment: Higher down payments are typical for investment properties or residential financing, often 20% or more to offset the lender’s elevated risk exposure.
- Equity/Assets: Demonstrating substantial equity in the subject property or personal assets could strengthen your application with private lenders.
- Exit Strategy: Lenders prefer borrowers have a plan to refinance or repay their private/non-bank mortgage over the long-term.
Partnering with an experienced Canadian mortgage broker can streamline navigating the private/non-bank lending landscape and matching your financial profile to suitable lender options from mortgage investment corporations (MICs) or other alternative lenders for your residential financing or investment property needs.
FAQ About Private Mortgage Lending in Canada
Q: How much higher are interest rates from private lenders?
A: Interest rates from private mortgage lenders and non-bank sources for non-prime mortgages can range from 7-15% or higher depending on the lender and the borrower’s qualifications. This premium compensates the increased risk assumed by the alternative lender.
Q: Are there any regulatory oversights for non-bank lenders?
A: Yes, private mortgage lending activities in Canada are governed provincially, with each region having specific licensing and operating requirements alternative lenders and MICs must abide by to protect borrower interests.
Q: How long do private mortgages typically last?
A: Most non-prime mortgage terms from private lenders range from 6 months to 2 years, with 1-year being common. Borrowers often use them as short-term alternative financing solutions before refinancing into institutional lending when possible.
Q: Can I use private lending for investment properties?
A: Absolutely, private mortgage products are a go-to resource for real estate investors seeking non-bank financing for non-owner occupied rental homes, multi-unit properties, and real estate development projects.
Key Takeaways
- Private mortgage lenders in Canada, also called non-bank or alternative lenders, offer non-prime mortgage and financing solutions for borrowers who don’t meet conventional lending criteria.
- They assess applications more holistically versus just credit scores, accepting non-traditional income sources, past credit issues, and more for investment properties or residential needs.
- Private lending provides faster processing, specialized products like investor mortgages, but at a higher cost compared to bank mortgages.
- Consider non-bank lenders for unique financing needs like real estate investing, self-employment, bridge loans, and niche property types.
- Work with an experienced Canadian mortgage broker to navigate private lending options from MICs and alternative lenders to boost your approval chances for residential mortgages or investment properties.
By understanding the role and benefits of private mortgage lenders, you can unlock rewarding real estate opportunities and achieve your homeownership or investment goals through these alternative lending and non-prime mortgage channels in Canada.
