Are there special mortgages for realtors, brokers and commissioned sales people?

Joel Olson • December 20, 2021
financial-reset-using-low-mortgage-rates

It's interesting, really when you think about it, both me and yourself, work towards helping people achieve homeownership,

whether that's a home they're going to live in, or an investment property that's going to benefit them financially for many years to come.


It's amazing that many of our clients have an easier time being approved for a mortgage than we do, even when we are sometimes in a much better financial position.


So what is available in terms of mortgages for commissioned salespeople?


In particular, what is available in terms of mortgages for people like me and you, realtors and mortgage brokers?


Did you know that there are actual mortgages that exist with the idea of allowing us to benefit from many tax advantages, like keeping money in our corporations, or writing off a significant amount of our expenses so that we are still able to buy a home while claiming much, much less on our taxes.


Sure, there can be some variety in interest rates, but even the very worst mortgage can be as low as two to 3% of our interest rate, and enables you to verify your income by only showing your commission statements and six months bank statements.


So let's review.


Here are a few ways that a realtor can qualify for a mortgage.


Now this applies if you're buying a primary residence or if you're buying rental properties.


Yes, we do go off your taxes by using a two year average of your income but many times this gets us nowhere near what's needed to qualify for a mortgage.


But we also have programs where we look at the retained earnings in your company or what net income you have after taxes and some of that income is added back allowing you to qualify for much more than your T1 General would allow.


After using those expenses, if we don't get you to a healthy amount of money, or perhaps you've had some of your better years this year or previous years and you have not yet claimed a tax return or done your corporate financials for those years to show, we can still qualify you by basing it on your current year and your obvious success you've had thus far.


We have many lenders out there that are using a simple six month bank statement showing the deposits of your commissions to qualify you for a mortgage.  Now as I mentioned previously, this does not mean and exorbitant interest rate. This does actually mean an interest rate that is often 2 to 3% enable you to take advantage of a very, very good market and to get into a house and get into some savvy deals yourself.


As always, it makes the most sense to work with someone really qualified to navigate different properties and different loan programs to allow you to take advantage of what you're seeing in front of your eyes... clients taking advantage of.


So if we can help you with a realtor or mortgage, please let us know as we love helping people just like us!


Schedule a time on my calendar here to explore options:

 

https://calendly.com/joel-20/discovery-zoom-call

 

A man with a beard and a suit is smiling for the camera.
Joel Olson
GET STARTED

Home Reno Dreams? Let’s Talk Mortgage Financing

By Joel Olson • February 17, 2026
How to Use Your Mortgage to Finance Home Renovations Home renovations can be exciting—but they can also be expensive. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, finishing the basement, or tackling a much-needed repair, the cost of materials and labour adds up quickly. If you don’t have all the cash on hand, don’t worry. There are smart ways to use mortgage financing to fund your renovation plans without derailing your financial stability. Here are three mortgage-related strategies that can help: 1. Refinancing Your Mortgage If you're already a homeowner, one of the most straightforward ways to access funds for renovations is through a mortgage refinance. This involves breaking your current mortgage and replacing it with a new one that includes the amount you need for your renovations. Key benefits: You can access up to 80% of your home’s appraised value , assuming you qualify. It may be possible to lower your interest rate or reduce your monthly payments. Timing tip: If your mortgage is up for renewal soon, refinancing at that time can help you avoid prepayment penalties. Even mid-term refinancing could make financial sense, depending on your existing rate and your renovation goals. 2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) If you have significant equity in your home, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can offer flexible funding for renovations. A HELOC is a revolving credit line secured against your home, typically at a lower interest rate than unsecured borrowing. Why consider a HELOC? You only pay interest on the amount you use. You can access funds as needed, which is ideal for staged or ongoing renovations. You maintain the terms of your existing mortgage if you don’t want to refinance. Unlike a traditional loan, a HELOC allows you to borrow, repay, and borrow again—similar to how a credit card works, but with much lower rates. 3. Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage If you're in the market for a new home and find a property that needs some work, a "Purchase Plus Improvements" mortgage could be a great option. This allows you to include renovation costs in your initial mortgage. How it works: The renovation funds are advanced based on a quote and are held in trust until the work is complete. The renovations must add value to the property and meet lender requirements. This type of mortgage lets you start with a home that might be more affordable upfront and customize it to your taste—all while building equity from day one. Final Thoughts Your home is likely your biggest investment, and upgrading it wisely can enhance both your comfort and its value. Mortgage financing can be a powerful tool to fund renovations without tapping into high-interest debt. The right solution depends on your unique financial situation, goals, and timing. Let’s chat about your options, run the numbers, and create a plan that works for you. 📞 Ready to renovate? Connect anytime to get started!

First-Time Buyer? Here’s How to Tell If You’re Ready

By Joel Olson • February 3, 2026
Ready to Buy Your First Home? Here’s How to Know for Sure Buying your first home is exciting—but it’s also a major financial decision. So how can you tell if you’re truly ready to take that leap into homeownership? Whether you’re confident or still unsure, these four signs are solid indicators that you’re on the right path: 1. You’ve Got Your Down Payment and Closing Costs in Place To purchase a home in Canada, you’ll need at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. In addition, plan for around 1.5% to 2% of the home’s value to cover closing costs like legal fees, insurance, and adjustments. If you’ve managed to save this on your own, that’s a great sign of financial discipline. If you're receiving help from a family member through a gifted down payment , that works too—as long as the paperwork is in order. Either way, having these funds ready shows you’re prepared for the upfront costs of homeownership. 2. Your Credit Profile Tells a Good Story Lenders want to know how you manage debt. Before they approve you for a mortgage, they’ll review your credit history. What they typically like to see: At least two active credit accounts (trade lines) , like a credit card or loan Each with a minimum limit of $2,000 Open and active for at least 2 years Even if your credit isn’t perfect, don’t panic. There may still be options, such as using a co-signer or working on a credit improvement plan with a mortgage expert. 3. Your Income Can Support Homeownership—Comfortably A steady income is essential, but not all income is treated equally. If you’re full-time and past probation , you’re in a strong position. If you’re self-employed, on contract, or rely on variable income like tips or commissions, you’ll generally need a two-year history to qualify. A general rule: housing costs (mortgage, taxes, utilities) should stay under 35% of your gross monthly income . That leaves plenty of room for other living expenses, savings, and—yes—some fun too. 4. You’ve Talked to a Mortgage Professional Let’s be real—there’s a lot of info out there about buying a home. Google searches and TikToks can only take you so far. If you're serious about buying, speaking with a mortgage professional is the most effective next step. Why? Because you'll: Get pre-approved (and know what price range you're working with) Understand your loan options and the qualification process Build a game plan that suits your timeline and financial goals The Bottom Line: Being “ready” to buy a home isn’t just about how much you want it—it’s about being financially prepared, credit-ready, and backed by expert advice. If you’re thinking about homeownership, let’s chat. I’d love to help you understand your options, crunch the numbers, and build a plan that gets you confidently across the finish line—keys in hand.