Mortgage Loans from Private Lenders

We Specialize in Private Mortgages and offer several different options for clients who require private lenders in Cochrane & Airdrie, Alberta

Why may you need private lending?

You would use a private mortgage under any of the following circumstances:

• You want to purchase an unconventional property that a prime lender or bank won’t finance.
• You need fast financing and don’t want to wait for a long approval process.
• Your bad credit history means you are being turned down by conventional lenders.
• You only need a short term loan.
• You have nonconfirmable income that is preventing you from obtaining a traditional mortgage.

What Is Private Lending?

A private lender is an individual who provides money for real estate investments. The money can be used to purchase residential, commercial or rental real estate or to supplement funds to cover down payments or renovation costs.

What mortgage rates and fees should I expect on a private loan?

Mortgage interest rates can range from 10-18% depending on the property, borrower and current economic conditions. Since they are almost always higher than rates offered by conventional mortgage lenders, you would only turn to a private lender when turned down by banks and bad credit lenders such as HomeTrust.

Rates depend on the source of funding. If, for example, a private lender is funded by a MIC, then they will want to make a solid rate of return for their investors.

Private mortgage lenders specialize

Private lenders will often specialize become an expert in a certain lending category. Some examples include:

• Commercial vs. residential: Private lenders will generally specialize within a property type to focus investment.
• Re-finance for debt consolidation vs. renovation etc.: Lenders will sometimes specialize based on the reason for seeking a mortgage loan. Some lenders may only provide funds to those who are refinancing with the intention of purchasing another property.
• Prefer urban areas: Large urban centres are more appealing to private lenders as these areas carry more real estate value.
• Often prefer region they live in: Lenders are most comfortable investing in the area they live as they can personally evaluate the property. However, this is not always the case.

What criteria will they look at?
More so than prime or conventional lenders, private lenders have tighter guidelines on other factors to compensate for the added risk.

• Property type and value. This is arguably the most important factor in being approved by a private lender. The mortgaged property must be in good condition and will have to undergo a strict appraisal before you are approved. If you have a poor credit score, you are considered a riskier client and lenders need to ensure that their investment is secure, in case you default on your mortgage.

• Your income can fall into one of two categories: confirmable and non-confirmable income. Confirmable income is preferred by lenders, and is proven through Notice of Assessments (NOAs).Non-confirmable income, common among self-employed or commission based employees, forces lenders to use an estimate of your income based on the average income typical of your employment.

• Down payment (if purchasing). With a private mortgage lender, the minimum loan-to-value ratio on the property is 85%. That is, you need to put in a down payment of at least 15% to be approved. If you can afford to put in a higher down payment, then it is advisable to do so. A larger down payment means you have more funds invested in the property and that you have more at stake. Lenders also take this as a sign that you can keep track of your personal finances.

• Equity (if refinancing). If you are refinancing, private lenders may allow you to go up to a maximum of 85% in loan-to-value. For example, if your property is value at $400K, you can refinance up to $340K. Many private lenders prefer a maximum LTV of 75%, especially in British Columbia. With respect to a minimum equity stake in your property, there is none.