Why Mobile Mortgage Specialists Should Consider Joining the Broker Channel

Josh Perez • February 12, 2024

Are you a mobile mortgage specialist or a mortgage development manager at a big bank? If so, it's time to rethink your approach to serving clients and partners. Over the past decade, mortgage qualifying criteria have tightened significantly. Are you truly offering your clients the best solutions when you're limited to just one mortgage approval option and rate?


As a mortgage broker, you have the advantage of providing access to various banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. This allows you to offer different rate types and underwriting policies, providing clients with more options for their purchase price, neighborhood, or type of investment property. Clients benefit from increased flexibility on down payments, monthly payments, mortgage amounts, and full transparency on all available rate options.

"Mobile mortgage specialists should consider joining the broker channel to better serve clients and partners by providing access to various lenders, offering more options for purchase price, neighborhood, and investment properties."

But who exactly benefits from this approach? First-time homebuyers, individuals looking to sell and buy their next home, borrowers with bruised credit, business owners, and real estate investors all stand to gain. In today's challenging real estate and mortgage rate climate, borrowers need options. They don't want to be squeezed into a one-size-fits-all solution; they want tailored options that meet their unique needs.


By embracing the broker channel, you can expand the types of clients you can help and enhance your ability to meet their mortgage planning needs. No longer confined to the limitations of a single bank or lender, you can provide personalized solutions that truly address your clients' financial goals.


If you're ready to learn more about how the mortgage broker channel can help you grow your business and better serve your clients and partners, I'm here to chat. Schedule a call with me today to explore the possibilities. Your clients deserve the best, and together, we can make sure they get it.


Book a call with Josh

Josh Perez
GET STARTED

Deposit vs. Down Payment: Key Differences for Homebuyers

By Josh Perez • February 18, 2026
When you’re buying a home, two terms often cause confusion: deposit and down payment . While they’re related, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process. Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Deposit? A deposit is the money you provide when you make an offer on a property. Think of it as a show of good faith that proves you’re serious about purchasing. How it works : Typically, you provide a certified cheque or bank draft that your real estate brokerage holds in trust. If your offer is accepted, the deposit remains in trust until the deal moves forward. If negotiations fall through, the deposit is refunded. Connection to your down payment : Once the sale is finalized, your deposit becomes part of your total down payment. Why it matters : The amount is negotiable, but a larger deposit can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market. Keep in mind, however, that if you back out after conditions are removed, you risk losing your deposit. What Is a Down Payment? Your down payment is the amount you contribute toward the purchase price of your home when securing a mortgage. Minimum requirement : In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home’s purchase price. Anything less than 20% requires mortgage default insurance. Sources : Down payments can come from your savings, the sale of another property, RRSP withdrawals (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), a gift from family, or even borrowed funds. Example: How They Work Together Imagine you’re buying a $400,000 home with a 10% down payment ($40,000). When you make your offer, you provide a $10,000 deposit . Once conditions are met, that deposit is transferred to your lawyer’s trust account. At closing, you add the remaining $30,000 to complete your full down payment. The lender provides the rest—$360,000—through your mortgage. The Bottom Line Your deposit shows commitment and secures your offer, while your down payment is what makes the mortgage possible. Together, they work hand in hand to get you into your new home. 📞 If you’d like clarity on deposits, down payments, or any other part of the mortgage process, let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through it step by step.
Cozy armchair next to a small wooden table with a mug and an open book. Sunlight streams through a window.

Is a 5% Down Payment a Mistake? Here’s the Unpopular Truth.

By Josh Perez • February 15, 2026
Discover why a 5% down payment isn’t always irresponsible. Learn when a low down payment is a smart financial move for Ontario homebuyers and when it’s a risk.