Stonefield Capital
Broker Information
Borrower, Broker, Investor and Private Mortgage Questions Below:
General Borrower FAQ
A private mortgage is a loan provided by a private lender, rather than a bank. It’s secured by real estate and often used when timing, flexibility, or specific borrower situations make traditional financing challenging. We specialize in lower-risk private mortgages—meaning our focus is on well-secured loans with a clear exit strategy.
There are many reasons. Some borrowers are self-employed, others are in time-sensitive situations like refinancing or purchasing quickly. You might also have temporary income issues or be waiting on longer-term financing. A private mortgage can offer the speed and flexibility banks often can’t—especially when your deal is strong, but doesn’t fit their mold.
We work primarily with borrowers who have a solid amount of equity in their property or a clear plan for repayment—whether it’s through a future sale, refinance, or income improvement. We aim to lend where there’s strong security and reasonable terms for everyone involved.
Not necessarily. While we prefer working with borrowers who show responsibility and a plan, your credit score isn’t the only factor. We focus more on the property value, your equity, and your ability to repay the loan.
Our major focus is residential properties but we lend on residential, multi-unit, and commercial properties, and sometimes on land—provided there’s solid value and a clear purpose for the loan. We’re happy to review your property and let you know where it fits.
We move quickly. In many cases, approvals happen within 24–48 hours, and funding follows shortly after. Timing depends on the complexity of the deal, but we’ll keep the process clear and efficient from day one.
Private mortgages generally come with higher rates than bank loans because they’re more flexible and faster. That said, because we focus on lower-risk lending, our rates and fees are competitive within the private lending space. Everything is disclosed clearly up front.
Most private mortgages are short-term, usually anywhere between 1 to 12 months. They’re designed to give you time to improve your financial situation or complete a project before transitioning to cheaper long-term financing if needed.
Yes, absolutely. Early repayment is welcome in most cases. Many of our loans will be fully open, allowing for repayment whenever you have the funds available. Some loans may include a minimum interest period, which we’ll disclose clearly before you commit—no surprises.
It starts with a conversation. We’ll look at your property, your needs, and your plan. If it makes sense, we’ll let you know quickly and transparently. If not, we’ll always explain why and, where possible, offer guidance.
General Broker FAQ
We primarily focus on residential, “cookie-cutter” properties—deals that are straightforward and well-secured. That said, we’re open to other property types (including multi-unit, land, and light commercial) when there’s strong equity and a clear exit strategy.
Rarely. We do our own internal property evaluations, which means no waiting on appraisers or passing that cost onto your client. All we need are recent photos and base property details if none are avaialble online —then we take care of the rest. This saves brokers time and helps deals move quickly.
To give you a quick, high-level answer, all we need is the property address, details of any existing mortgage registrations, and the amount your client is looking to borrow. With that, we can usually tell you right away whether the deal fits our lending parameters—no lengthy application required upfront.
Once we can confirm a deal is moving forward, we’ll need the following documents to complete our review and prepare for funding:
Completed application
Credit bureaus for all borrowers on title
Property tax statement
1st Mortgage statements (for second mortgages)
Most recent Notice of Assessment for all borrowers on title
For purchases, we also require:
Agreement of Purchase and Sale
Any fulfilled conditions or related documentation such as the statement of adjustments (for new builds)
For condos or condo townhouses, please include:
A current status certificate
Collecting these documents early helps us move quickly and ensures there are no surprises as the deal progresses.
Yes. We are equity-based lenders, which means we prioritize the strength of the property over traditional qualifiers like credit score or income. If the equity is there and the repayment plan makes sense, we’re interested.
We generally lend up to 70% in primary locations, but we're flexible based on the strength of the deal and the property. If it makes sense, we’ll find a way to make it work.
We are always open to tagging collateral properties which can make higher LTV deals work.
We typically provide same-day commitments. We’re responsive and act quickly because we know your client—and your reputation—are on the line.
Once conditions are met and legal is in motion, we can often fund in just a few business days. Our streamlined process and internal property evaluations help avoid unnecessary delays. We also have an in-house lender legal team which means consistent and a reliable answers.
Yes. We’re fair on pricing and always transparent about fees. You’ll never be surprised by hidden costs, and we price deals to help you win business—not lose it to the next option.
Absolutely. We value our broker relationships and ensure your fees are protected and paid out on closing as agreed. We recommend issuing your letter of direction to our lawyers to ensure its paid.
Yes. If there’s solid equity and a logical plan, we’ll look at it. We approach every file with flexibility and a willingness to create a custom solution that gets your client approved and your deal funded.
Yes—we lend anywhere in Ontario and have also developed relationships to help fund loans in BC, Alberta and the East Coast. Our loan-to-value (LTV) is flexible and based on the strength and marketability of the property. The more liquid and stable the asset, the higher we’re typically willing to go.
General Investor FAQ
We primarily invest in first and second mortgages secured against residential properties in Ontario. These are typically lower-risk loans with strong equity positions and clearly defined exit strategies. We also consider other asset classes (e.g., multi-unit, commercial, land) on a case-by-case basis.
Returns vary depending on the specific deal, position on title (first or second), and the structure of the loan. Generally, returns range from [insert your typical return range, e.g., 8%–12% annually], paid monthly or at maturity, depending on the investment structure.
Your investment is registered directly on title as a mortgage against the property, just like a bank. You hold a legally enforceable interest in the real estate, and your capital is secured by the equity in the property.
All underwriting is completed in-house. We rely on a conservative, equity-first approach, with internal evaluations supported by market research, property photos, and comparable sales. Appraisals are used when needed, but not always required.
We focus on the liquidity of the property, strength of the exit strategy, and the borrower’s equity position. We avoid overleveraged or speculative deals and prioritize stability over yield. Our goal is capital preservation first, returns second.
Yes—we believe in every deal we present to our investors and often invest our own capital alongside yours. This ensures full alignment of interests and reinforces our commitment to preserving capital and achieving strong, stable returns
Our minimum investment is usually $50,000, but there are cases where we can allow for less. In some cases, we may offer fractional positions in larger mortgages, depending on the structure and availability.
We provide you with a monthly investor statement that will highlight your loan position, loan to value, return and more.
In the rare event of a borrower default, we act quickly to protect your investment. Depending on the situation, we may initiate enforcement actions such as power of sale, in full compliance with Ontario mortgage law. Importantly, we primarily focus on low loan-to-value (LTV) deals for this very reason—to ensure there is more than enough equity in the property to recover the full investment if problems arise. You’ll be kept fully informed throughout the process.
Simply begin the onboarding process or contact us to start the conversation. We’ll walk you through our process, risk profile, and upcoming opportunities. There’s no pressure—just honest dialogue and clear expectations.
Private First Mortgage FAQ
A private first mortgage is a loan secured against real estate and registered in first position on title, meaning it has the highest priority claim on the property. It functions similarly to a bank mortgage but is funded by a private lender rather than a traditional financial institution. This option is especially useful when bank financing isn’t available or suitable due to timing, credit, or income-related issues.
There are many reasons. Borrowers may need quick access to capital, face challenges with income documentation, or be in the middle of a transition (such as a renovation or sale). Private first mortgages are also popular for time-sensitive closings, debt consolidation, or when banks decline financing due to credit issues or complex situations. It’s a short-term solution designed to bridge the gap until longer-term financing is secured.
Not at all. We take an equity-based approach, meaning our primary focus is on the value of your property—not your credit score. We regularly work with borrowers who have bruised credit, past bankruptcies, collections, or inconsistent income. If there’s enough equity in the property and a clear plan in place, we’ll do our best to find a workable solution.
Our core focus is residential real estate across Ontario, including detached homes, semi-detached homes, condos, and townhouses. These “cookie-cutter” properties are easier to evaluate and resell, which lowers risk. That said, we’re open to reviewing other property types—such as land, multi-family, or mixed-use—as long as there’s strong equity and a realistic exit strategy.
This depends on the loan-to-value (LTV), which compares the total mortgage amount to the current value of the property. We typically lend up to 70% LTV, though this may be lower in rural or less liquid markets. For example, if your home is worth $1,000,000, you may be eligible to borrow up to $700,000. Each deal is assessed individually.
We understand that speed is often critical. We can typically provide a commitment within 24 hours once we receive the necessary details, and funding can happen within a few business days, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and legal work is completed. We're built to move fast without cutting corners.
Rates for private first mortgages are higher than those offered by banks because of the increased flexibility and risk profile. However, we’re fair and transparent in our pricing. Rates will vary depending on the property, location, loan amount, and overall risk. All costs—including lender fees and legal fees—are disclosed upfront so there are no surprises at closing.
We aim to keep the process as efficient as possible. Typically, we ask for:
A completed application form
Credit bureau(s) for all borrowers on title
Most recent property tax statement
Existing mortgage statement (if applicable)
Recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) for all borrowers
Recent photos of the property
If it's a purchase, we’ll also need the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, plus any fulfilled conditions. For condos or condo townhouses, we require a Status Certificate as well.
In most cases, no formal appraisal is needed. We conduct internal evaluations using market data, recent property photos, and comparable sales. This saves both time and money. As long as we have sufficient detail about the property and its condition, we’re confident in making a lending decision without a full appraisal.
Most of our private first mortgages are structured for 6 to 12 months, with some flexibility depending on the situation. These loans are meant to be short-term in nature—giving borrowers time to stabilize their finances, complete a project, or prepare for bank financing. We can also discuss renewal options if more time is needed.
At the end of the term, the mortgage is typically paid off through one of three options: a sale of the property, a refinance with another lender (often a bank), or a renewal with us if circumstances warrant it. We communicate proactively as the maturity date approaches to help ensure a smooth exit.
Private Second Mortgage FAQ
A second mortgage is an additional loan secured against your property, behind your existing (first) mortgage. It allows you to access equity without refinancing or breaking your current mortgage.
Refinancing often means breaking your existing mortgage—which can come with high penalties or cause you to lose a great rate. A second mortgage lets you access funds without disturbing your first mortgage.
Second mortgage funds are commonly used for home renovations, debt consolidation, business investment, covering unexpected expenses, or helping family. There are no restrictions on use.
A HELOC is typically offered by banks to clients with strong credit and income. A private second mortgage is based primarily on the equity in your home and doesn’t require traditional income or credit qualifications.
No. We focus on the equity in your property—not your credit score. We regularly work with borrowers who have bruised credit, collections, or past bankruptcies.
We look at the total loan-to-value (LTV), which includes your existing mortgage and the new second mortgage. We typically lend up to 70% of your home’s value, depending on location, liquidity, property type and the borrower profile.
We can often provide a commitment within 24–48 hours and fund in just a few business days, depending on how quickly documents are provided and legal work is completed.
Rates for private second mortgages are higher than traditional mortgages because they carry more risk—but we keep pricing fair and competitive. All rates and fees are fully disclosed up front, with no hidden charges.
We’ll need a short application, a copy of your credit report, mortgage and property tax statements, your most recent Notice of Assessment, and recent photos of the property. For purchases or condos, we may request a few additional documents.
You can pay off the second mortgage at any time. Most of our second mortgages are open after a short period, meaning you can sell or refinance without major penalties. We’ll review all terms with you clearly before closing.
Private Construction Loan FAQ
A private construction mortgage is a short-term loan that provides funding in stages to build or significantly renovate a property. Unlike a traditional mortgage, it’s released in draws as construction progresses—helping you cover materials, labour, and other project costs as you move forward.
If its possible to avoid providing a private mortgage as a construction loan, we always would suggest that. Equity take outs are less expensive, have less paperwork and less restrictions.
If there is a property with significant equity, its almost always better to use that property instead of the construction property itself.
View our first mortgage / second mortgage pages, or contact us directly to discuss your specific situation.
Bank construction loans are often rigid, paperwork-heavy, and slow-moving. We offer a more streamlined, common-sense approach. You won’t need to jump through endless hoops or wait weeks for approvals. We assess your project based on equity, feasibility, and budget—not just income and credit.
We fund new builds, major renovations, additions, tear-down and rebuilds, and value-add construction on residential properties across Ontario. If you have a clear plan and equity in the property, we’re happy to review your deal—even if traditional lenders won’t.
No. Our lending is equity-based, meaning we focus on the value of the land or existing property and the potential of the completed project. We also encourage tagging principal residences or other properties if you own them, to maximize equity take outs (which is cheaper than construction financing). Credit and income are considered, but they won’t make or break the deal if the numbers make sense.
We align our draw schedule with your construction budget, not a rigid formula. We’re also flexible with how we verify progress:
Rather than requiring formal appraisals at every stage, we’re often comfortable with photos, videos, and basic updates to confirm work is being completed. This keeps your project moving smoothly without costly delays.
We don’t expect everyone to be a seasoned builder—but if you're working with a reputable contractor or project manager, that’s a major plus. We’ll look at the full team, budget, exit strategy, and your overall plan.
If you are new to this, we will generally structure the loan in a different way to ensure you get to the finish line with less surprises and headaches.
Once we have the project details—including property value, plans, budget, and permits—we can often issue a commitment within 24 hours. Funding can follow shortly after, depending on the project stage and paperwork readiness.
Additional advances can happen the same day as a request, assuming all of our conditions are met.
We typically ask for:
A completed application
Recent credit report
Project budget and timeline
Building permits (if applicable)
Site photos or plans
Details on your contractor or builder
Property tax statement and existing mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Proof of additional funds or savings to account for unforseen delays or costs
Every file is reviewed individually—so if you’re missing something, we’ll work with you.
Construction mortgages are generally short-term—6 to 12 months—depending on your timeline and exit strategy. If needed, we can discuss extensions or refinancing options as your project nears completion.
This usually involves refinancing into a traditional mortgage once construction is complete, or selling the finished property. We’ll discuss this with you upfront to make sure it’s realistic and achievable.
We’re known for being easy to work with, responsive, and solutions-oriented. You’ll deal with real people who understand construction—and we’ll support your project by being flexible, fair, and fast. Less red tape. More progress.
Private Bridge Loans FAQ
A private bridge loan is a short-term mortgage that helps you “bridge the gap” between buying a new property and selling your existing one. It allows you to access equity from your current home to close your purchase—even if your sale hasn’t firmed up yet.
Most banks and institutional lenders only offer bridge financing if both your purchase and sale have firm, unconditional closing dates. If your sale isn’t finalized, they typically won’t move forward—no matter how much equity you have.
We understand that sometimes you need to move forward before your home is sold. As long as there's sufficient equity in the existing property, we can provide funding to help you close your purchase—even if your sale is still in progress.
This provides peace of mind, breathing room, and the ability to move confidently.
Very fast. We can often underwrite and issue a commitment the same day, with no appraisal needed.
If the documents are in order, we can fund within as little as 2 business days, ensuring you meet tight closing deadlines with less stress.
We’ll need:
Property addresses (purchase and current home)
Mortgage details on the current home
The amount needed for the bridge
Estimated or expected sale value of your current home
Recent property photos (MLS listings work perfect for this).
With this, we can quickly determine if the deal works—and in most cases, if there’s equity, it does!
We offer a simple all-in cost structure. It includes:
The lender fee
Legal fees for the lender's lawyer (for origination)
The discharge fee (when your sale closes)
No interest charges if repaid by a set date
This makes budgeting easy and keeps total costs predictable.
No formal appraisal is required. We do our own internal evaluation based on recent photos and market data. Income and credit are secondary—we focus on equity and a clear exit strategy.
Once your sale closes, the bridge loan is repaid in full, including all included costs. We’ll coordinate with your lawyer to ensure the discharge process is smooth and automatic.
If there is not enough proceeds to pay out the bridge loan in full, we can discharge on the sale property and determine a new term for the remaining mortgage on your purchase property.
Bridge loans are usually designed for 90 days or less, but we’re flexible. If your sale is taking longer than expected, we can discuss extensions or alternative plans. Communication is key, and we’re here to work with you.
It may make sense to structure the loan in a different way (such as a fully open 6 month term)
We’re faster, more flexible, and actually say yes when others won’t.
Our process is built for real-life situations—not just perfect files. We don’t rely on rigid formulas. Instead, we focus on equity, timing, and providing a stress-free path to close your new home successfully.