Top 10 Reasons to Work with a Mortgage Specialist Instead of a Mortgage Broker.
Navigating the property market in British Columbia can often feel like steering a ship through turbulent waters, however, having a Mortgage Specialist on your side can make the lending process substantially easier. Let's have a look into the top ten reasons why choosing to work with a Mortgage Specialist instead of a Mortgage Broker could be the right move for your journey to owning a home.
1. Direct Association with a Lender
Mortgage Specialists are directly employed by lending institutions such as CIBC, BMO, Scotiabank, RBC, and TD. Because of this, mortgage specialists often have a much deeper understanding of their bank's mortgage products, policies, and processes. The result being a more fluid, streamlined, and efficient lending process for you.
2. A Deeper Understanding of their Product
Mortgage Specialists deeply understand the products of the companies they work for, putting them in a great position to steer you toward the options that best fit your unique situation. This knowledge of the detailed elements of each financial product could be more advantageous than a mortgage broker, who might have only a basic understanding of the products and options offered by their lenders.
3. Streamlined Processes
Mortgage Specialists are directly linked to the institution providing your mortgage. This can mean fewer people involved, less hoops & logistics to jump through which can often lead to faster approvals, underwriting, and overall, a more efficient lending process. This is especially useful in competitive markets where time is of the essence.
4. Aligned Interests
Mortgage Specialists typically have a salary-based compensation structure, supplemented by commissions. This means they're motivated to ensure you find a mortgage product that truly suits your needs, rather than focusing on earning higher commissions from particular products.
5. Enhanced Accountability
In Canada, Mortgage Specialists and their associated institutions are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). This regulation provides an added layer of accountability and consumer protection that can offer peace of mind during the complex mortgage process.
6. Negotiation Power
Contrary to common belief, Mortgage Specialists can negotiate rates effectively due to their intimate knowledge of the institution's policies and products. They often have more room for negotiation than brokers who are not as familiar with each lender's flexibility.
7. Potential for Exclusive Deals
As a Mortgage Specialist works for a specific lender, they may be able to offer exclusive deals or loyalty benefits that you wouldn't find through a broker. Especially if you're already a customer with the institution, these exclusive offerings could lead to significant savings.
8. Customer-Centric
A Mortgage Specialist's primary goal is to make your lending experience as smooth as possible which will benefit yourself as well as the specialist. They are there to break down complex mortgage jargon into simple terms you can understand, and they are always ready to answer your questions in a quick and straightforward manner. With their strong focus on customer service, they can help reduce the stress often associated with navigating the mortgage process.
9. Pre-approval Assistance
Mortgage Specialists are there to help you navigate the steps of the pre-approval process in providing a clear picture of how much you will be able to borrow, which can be a significant advantage in today’s housing market. Equipped with this information, the search for your perfect home becomes much more straightforward and efficient.
10. Long-term Relationships
Partnering with a Mortgage Specialist is about building a long-term relationship. Mortgage specialists will be there to provide ongoing support and advice long after the deal is closed. Mortgages don’t last forever, it’s in a specialist's best interest to ensure their clients remain happy throughout the duration of the mortgage so that when renewal time comes, there is only one name on your mind.
Conclusion
Both Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Specialists have key parts to play in the mortgage process. However, the distinct advantages that Mortgage Specialists bring to the table might make them a preferable choice for your journey toward buying or refinancing a home. As with any loan you must take into account your own personal situation, financials, and unique requirements when choosing the right professional to join you on this journey. A Mortgage Specialist is prepared to accompany you on the thrilling journey to owning a home when you're ready.
My name is Bonnie, and I am a mortgage specialist. I take pride in providing outstanding service to my clients by working one-on-one with them throughout the complete mortgage and lending process. Got questions? Have concerns? Interested in reviewing options & discuss possibilities? contact me to get started.
