MORTGAGE BROKER SERVING
SASKATCHEWAN + ALBERTA
MORTGAGE BROKER VS. BANK
Why Use a Mortgage Broker?
One bank can show you their options. A mortgage broker can look beyond one bank.
I'm Chris Paradis, a mortgage broker helping homebuyers and homeowners across Saskatchewan and Alberta. I work with over 40+ lenders, which means my job is to understand what's going on in your life, explore the options available, and explain them without burying you in mortgage-speak.
So, what's the difference between a bank and a mortgage broker?
When you go directly to a bank, you're working with someone who represents that financial institution and its available mortgage products.
As a mortgage broker, I can work with multiple lenders and explore different mortgage options based on your situation.
That can be especially helpful when things aren't completely straightforward — maybe you're self-employed, refinancing, buying your first home, dealing with credit challenges, or you've already heard “no” from your bank..
More than one place to look.
Different lenders have different products, qualification requirements and approaches. I'm not limited to one institution.
Someone in your corner.
My job is to understand your situation, present it clearly to lenders and help you navigate the process.
The rate matters. So does everything attached to it.
The lowest-looking rate isn't automatically the best mortgage. Penalties, prepayment privileges, portability, restrictions and flexibility can matter too.
Plain English. No mortgage decoder ring required.
I'll explain what you're looking at, why it matters and what happens next.
When does talking to a mortgage broker make sense?
-
You want someone to explain the process rather than assume you already know it.
-
Your income doesn't fit neatly into the boxes traditional lenders expect.
-
You want to understand your equity and available options.
-
You'd like to compare before automatically signing your lender's renewal.
-
You want to know what options may still exist.
-
One lender's answer doesn't necessarily represent every lender's answer.
Wait — how does a mortgage broker get paid?
Good question.
In many mortgage transactions, the lender pays the mortgage broker when the mortgage funds, so there isn't a separate broker fee charged to the client.
Some situations — particularly alternative or more complex financing — may involve a broker fee paid by the client. If that's the case, Chris will explain the fee clearly upfront so you understand the cost before deciding how to proceed.
Buying a home is a big deal. Chris helps make it feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more doable.
NOTE: all of these programs are available on approved credit ("OAC")
-
Chris works with lenders who offer flexible down payment options, which can help make homeownership possible sooner than you might think. In some cases, this means your down payment can be borrowed instead of coming directly from your savings.
You may hear this called a “zero down” or “no down payment” mortgage, but really, the down payment still exists — it’s just structured differently. Chris can walk you through how it works in plain English and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
-
Is your mortgage coming up for renewal? Talk to Chris before signing anything with your bank. A quick conversation could save you money — and help you find a mortgage that better fits your life now, not five years ago.
Chris can also help you transfer your mortgage to a new lender, often with little to no cost to you, while helping you secure a better rate, more flexibility, or a mortgage product that makes more sense for your goals.
-
Need a little extra room in the budget for legal fees, appliances, furniture, renovations, yard upgrades, or even paying off existing debt? Chris can walk you through mortgage options that may help make those extra expenses feel a little more manageable during your move.
-
Already planning upgrades or improvements? Get us a quote and Chris may be able to include those costs right into your mortgage — so you can move in and start making the space feel like home sooner.
-
Thinking about buying an investment or rental property? Chris can help you explore mortgage options that make growing your real estate portfolio feel a lot more approachable — whether it’s your first revenue property or your next one.
-
Need to refinance, access equity, consolidate debt, catch up on income taxes, or simply get a better mortgage rate and terms? Chris can help you explore options that make your mortgage work better for your current situation — not against it.
-
Self-employed or not showing a traditional income on paper? Chris works with lenders who offer stated income mortgage programs, which may help you qualify with as little as 10% down.
Every situation is different, but the goal is simple — finding a mortgage solution that fits real life, not just a perfect spreadsheet.
-
New to Canada or still building your Canadian credit history? Chris works with lenders who offer mortgage options for newcomers and buyers in all kinds of situations.
With established Canadian credit, you may qualify with as little as 5% down. If your Canadian credit history is still limited, there may still be options available with as little as 10% down.
-
Working on rebuilding your credit but still hoping to buy a home? Chris can help you explore mortgage options available now — while also creating a plan to help you move back to an A lender and better rates over time.
For many people, that process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.