The “Big Five” Canadian banks include Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Canada Trust), Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Are there other viable options?
Latest News
Find the best mortgage rates in Canada + MORE Oct 22nd
Mortgage rate comparison tool
Shopping around for the best rate can save you thousands on your mortgage. To instantly compare rate types and terms, click on the filters icon beside the down payment percentage in the Ratehub mortgage rate finder below. Input your location, the price of the home yo.... More »
Canadians getting sick trying to cut food costs: study - CityNews Toronto + MORE Apr 27th
Canadians getting sick trying to cut food costs: study CityNews TorontoCanadian food banks are on the brink: ‘This is not a sustainable situation’ Global NewsCanadians are taking more risks with their food due to high prices National PostCHARLEBOIS: The hidden co.... More »
How GICs can help you save for your short-term goals Nov 23rd
Let’s talk about short-term savings. By short-term, we’re talking about putting away money for a few months, or even a few years, for a big goal, like a vacation, a wedding or a down payment on a home. Where should you put your savings so they’ll be secure and work for you?
When saving,.... More »
Hedging against inflation with dividend-paying stocks Apr 2nd
Dividend-paying stocks typically don’t get much attention, but that’s changing as investors look for ways to protect their wealth in the face of market turbulence and inflation. Investing in dividend-paying stocks is one proven way to both grow your portfolio and cushion it against loss. That’.... More »
RBC InvestEase Review: Can a Big Bank Robo-Advisor Stack Up to the Competition? Dec 17th
With the surge in popularity of robo-advisor platforms like Wealthsimple in recent years, it was only a matter of time before Canada’s big banks got in on the action. RBC made its foray into Canada’s robo-advisor scene in 2018 when they launched RBC InvestEase. In this RBC InvestEase review, Iâ€.... More »
How do mortgage brokers get paid?
– moneysense.ca
Q. Is it typical to pay a mortgage broker fee in advance, and before closing?
My broker is saying that I have to pay cash one week before closing, and that he will pay other persons who are involved. I am confused as to why brokers payment in advance and in cash.
–Adil
A. A mortgage broker can obtain financing for a borrower to buy real estate from different sources. They can try to arrange the best deal, beyond just the interest rate, with banks, credit unions, trust companies and other lenders. By comparison, a mortgage specialist at a bank or similar financial institution may only be able to arrange a mortgage loan from that single institution.Â
Different provinces have different rules related to education and licensing requirements for brokers; beware there are also private lenders who are not subject to the same regulation.Â
A mortgage specialist at a bank, credit union or trust company may be paid a salary, bonus, or commissions for arranging mortgages. Most or all of their compensation tends to come from the volume of mortgages they facilitate…
My broker is saying that I have to pay cash one week before closing, and that he will pay other persons who are involved. I am confused as to why brokers payment in advance and in cash.
–Adil
A. A mortgage broker can obtain financing for a borrower to buy real estate from different sources. They can try to arrange the best deal, beyond just the interest rate, with banks, credit unions, trust companies and other lenders. By comparison, a mortgage specialist at a bank or similar financial institution may only be able to arrange a mortgage loan from that single institution.Â
Different provinces have different rules related to education and licensing requirements for brokers; beware there are also private lenders who are not subject to the same regulation.Â
A mortgage specialist at a bank, credit union or trust company may be paid a salary, bonus, or commissions for arranging mortgages. Most or all of their compensation tends to come from the volume of mortgages they facilitate…


