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

Joel Olson • December 20, 2021
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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

 

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Joel Olson
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Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates in Canada

By Joel Olson • March 3, 2026
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which One Fits Your Life? Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing your current mortgage, or approaching renewal, one big decision stands in your way: fixed or variable rate? It’s a question many homeowners wrestle with—and the right answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the key differences so you can move forward with confidence. Fixed Rate: Stability & Predictability A fixed-rate mortgage offers one major advantage: peace of mind . Your interest rate stays the same for the entire term—usually five years—regardless of what happens in the broader economy. Pros: Your monthly payment never changes during the term. Ideal if you value budgeting certainty. Shields you from rate increases. Cons: Fixed rates are usually higher than variable rates at the outset. Penalties for breaking your mortgage early can be steep , thanks to something called the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) —a complex and often costly formula used by lenders. In fact, IRD penalties have been known to reach up to 4.5% of your mortgage balance in some cases. That’s a lot to pay if you need to move, refinance, or restructure your mortgage before the end of your term. Variable Rate: Flexibility & Potential Savings With a variable-rate mortgage , your interest rate moves with the market—specifically, it adjusts based on changes to the lender’s prime rate. For example, if your mortgage is set at Prime minus 0.50% and prime is 6.00% , your rate would be 5.50% . If prime increases or decreases, your mortgage rate will change too. Pros: Typically starts out lower than a fixed rate. Penalties are simpler and smaller —usually just three months’ interest (often 2–2.5 mortgage payments). Historically, many Canadians have paid less overall interest with a variable mortgage. Cons: Your payment could increase if rates rise. Not ideal if rate fluctuations keep you up at night. The Penalty Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is the cost of breaking a mortgage early —something nearly 6 out of 10 Canadians do before their term ends. Fixed Rate = Unpredictable, potentially high penalty (IRD) Variable Rate = Predictable, usually lower penalty (3 months’ interest) Even if you don’t plan to break your mortgage, life happens—career changes, family needs, or new opportunities could shift your path. So, Which One is Best? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A fixed rate might be perfect for someone who wants stable budgeting and plans to stay put for years. A variable rate might work better for someone who’s financially flexible and open to market changes—or who may need to exit their mortgage early. Ultimately, the best mortgage is the one that fits your goals and your reality —not just what the bank recommends. Let's Find the Right Fit Choosing between fixed and variable isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding your needs, your future plans, and how much financial flexibility you want. Let’s sit down and walk through your options together. I’ll help you make an informed, confident choice—no guesswork required.

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!