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.