Common Mistakes Investors Make When Pursuing CMHC Financing

Josh Perez • August 21, 2024

When it comes to navigating the complexities of CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) financing, one of the key strategies that can offer significant benefits is the partnership approach. By pooling resources and partnering with individuals whose strengths complement each other, investors can often access larger assets that yield better returns. However, this approach, while advantageous, can also lead to certain pitfalls if not executed properly.

"Combining resources and people that complement each other in a project can often help you get into some larger assets that provide better returns."

The Importance of a Complete Partnership

One of the most common mistakes we see involves the boots-on-the-ground or active partners not fully completing their partnership roles during the offer process. These active partners may excel at finding and sourcing deals but might not bring the necessary capital, liquidity, or net worth to the table. When these crucial financial components are missing or underdeveloped, it becomes challenging to present a comprehensive financing package to secure a letter of interest or a discussion paper from the lender.


This incomplete partnership can cause several issues:

  1. Deals Falling Apart: Without a strong, complete partnership, deals can crumble during the negotiation phase because the investors are uncertain about financing terms or closing dates.
  2. Reduced Leverage in Negotiations: When the financial picture isn’t fully secured, investors may have less leverage in negotiations, leading to less favorable terms.
  3. Delays in Application Processing: If all investors and necessary resources aren't in place early on, the application process can be delayed, causing setbacks in the overall project timeline.


Proactive Solutions for Investors

To avoid these common mistakes, I often recommend that investors involve potential partners early in the process. Bringing all potential investors into the conversation early on allows us to present a full picture to the lender when we reach the offer stage. Here’s how you can ensure a smooth CMHC financing process:

  • Early Involvement of Investors: Invite your potential investors to join a call where we can discuss sample deals and outline what a successful investment might look like. This early involvement ensures that everyone is on the same page and that we can begin intake as soon as possible.
  • Present a Unified Front to Lenders: By having all partners and their resources ready to go, we can present a cohesive and strong financing package to lenders, which increases the likelihood of securing favorable terms.
  • Streamline the Offer Process: With all parties involved from the start, we can expedite the application process and hit key milestones more efficiently, reducing the risk of delays.


By taking these proactive steps, investors can mitigate the risks associated with incomplete partnerships and improve their chances of success in securing CMHC financing. Remember, the key is to ensure that all aspects of the partnership are fully developed and aligned before entering the offer process.



If you have any questions or need further guidance on CMHC financing, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you navigate the complexities and maximize your investment opportunities.

Josh Perez
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Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Josh Perez • December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.

Why High Income Doesn’t Automatically Mean a Bigger Mortgage

By Josh Perez • December 18, 2025
Most people assume a bigger paycheck leads to a bigger mortgage approval. But here’s the truth that surprises almost everyone: “It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about how much of your income is already spoken for.” — Josh Perez I’ve sat across from clients earning six figures who qualified for less than someone making half as much. The problem wasn’t their income. It was their monthly obligations . Lenders Don’t Just Look at Income — They Look at What’s Left Over You can make $200,000 a year, but if $80,000 of it is tied up in payments, lenders see very little room for a mortgage. Here’s what typically eats up that space: Big car loans Multiple credit cards Buy-now-pay-later plans Personal loans Lines of credit Old debts that still report monthly payments These commitments matter because lenders are focused on one main calculation: Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) This tells lenders how much of your income is already locked into payments — and how much is available for a mortgage. A high DTI = lower mortgage approval A low DTI = stronger approval and better options It’s that simple. Want to Qualify for More? Do This First Most people think they need to increase their income. The truth? Reducing debt often has a bigger impact — and works faster. 1. Pay down or eliminate high monthly payments Even paying off a single loan can shift your approval dramatically. 2. Avoid taking on new credit before applying Every new payment reduces your borrowing room. 3. Keep your spending stable for 90 days Lenders review recent bank history. Stability helps. 4. Work with a mortgage broker, not just one bank This is one of the biggest ways people leave money on the table. Every lender calculates affordability differently. Some are far more flexible with DTI. If you only go to your bank, you’re only getting one version of your potential approval. Let’s Make Your Approval Work for You If you want to qualify for more, reduce debt strategically, or understand where you stand right now, I can help you build the right plan. Let’s give you access to more options — not just one.