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Commercial Mortgages

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10 Principles of APR

The 10 Principles of APR

10 Principles of APR: But APR — the Annual Percentage Rate — is where the real truth lives, not in the advertised rate—which is NOT what you pay. APR exists to answer a more important question: what does this mortgage actually cost once everything required is accounted for?

Is Mortgage Lying

Is Your Mortgage Rate Lying to You?

Is Your Mortgage Lying? The interest rate is only part of the story. The real story—the one that tells you what the mortgage actually costs you—is hidden in a number most people barely glance at: APR.

Banks Bad Service

Why Many Banks Provide Bad Service

Average Handling Time, Bad Bank Service, When was the last time you called your bank’s customer service line? If you’re like most Canadians, it wasn’t exactly a warm, fuzzy experience. You were probably shuffled around, put on hold, and when you finally spoke to a representative, they couldn’t wait to get you off the phone. Sound familiar? It’s not that the people answering don’t care—it’s that the system they work under is built to prioritize the bank’s bottom line, not your financial well-being.

Consumer Directed Finance

Consumer-Directed Finance Is Almost Here

Consumer Directed Finance: Let’s be real—getting a mortgage in Canada can sometimes feel like dragging a sack of bricks uphill. Between pay stubs, NOAs, bank statements, and all the back-and-forth emails, it’s no wonder many clients feel stressed before the real house hunt even begins. But what if I told you there’s a new way coming that could cut through the red tape, give you more control, and make the whole process smoother?

AI MortgageAgents

5 Reasons AI Can’t Replace the Mortgage Agent

We live in a world where you can ask ChatGPT to write an essay, plan your meals, or even draft your wedding vows. So it’s no surprise some people wonder: “Why can’t I just use AI to get mortgage advice?”

Here’s the truth: AI can crunch numbers, give you general information, and even explain mortgage terms in plain English. But when it comes to actually securing the right mortgage—navigating lender rules, strategizing for your future, and advocating on your behalf—AI just doesn’t cut it. That’s where a professional mortgage agent like me comes in.

CMortgage

How Do Commercial Mortgages Work?

Now, commercial mortgages sound big, scary, and complicated to a lot of people, especially if you’ve only dealt with residential financing before. But truthfully? Once you understand how they work, you’ll realize it’s just another tool — one with a few extra moving parts and a little more paperwork.

Commercial 101

Commercial Mortgage 101

When you hear people talking about mortgages, they’re usually chatting about homes — houses, condos, maybe even a cute little duplex. But there’s a whole other world of financing out there: commercial mortgages. And let me tell you, it’s a different beast altogether. Whether you’re looking to buy your own storefront, scoop up an apartment building, or finally invest in that industrial unit your buddy keeps bugging you about, understanding how commercial mortgages work is absolutely crucial.

Commercial Mortgages

Finding A Commercial Mortgage in Canada

When it comes to commercial mortgages, most people think the only place to go is the bank. You walk in, shake a hand, sign some papers, and walk out with financing for that office building, warehouse, or rental property you’ve had your eye on. Sounds simple, right? Well… not quite.

Commercial Rate

Why Your Commercial Mortgage Rate Isn’t Set in Stone

When it comes to mortgages, most people are laser-focused on one thing: the rate. And fair enough — no one wants to pay more interest than they have to. But if you’re shopping for a commercial mortgage, you’ll quickly realize the question isn’t just “What’s the rate?” — it’s “How is this rate being calculated in the first place?”

Property Evaluation

Understanding Property Evaluation

Whether you’re a realtor helping clients close deals faster, or you’re a homeowner trying to wrap your head around why some appraisals cost nothing and others come with a $700 bill attached, understanding how lenders assess property value is crucial. It’s not just about the number they land on—it’s about how they get there, and how that process affects everything from closing timelines to cash out of pocket.

Is Your Mortgage Rate Lying to You?

Is Your Mortgage Rate Lying to You?

Is Your Mortgage Lying? The interest rate is only part of the story. The real story—the one that tells you what the mortgage actually costs you—is hidden in a number most people barely glance at: APR.

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Understanding Commercial Postponement Agreements

Understanding Commercial Postponement Agreements

Postponement Agreement. If you’ve ever been involved in a commercial deal where there’s more than one lender, you’ve probably heard someone mention a postponement agreement. And while it sounds like a bureaucratic delay tactic, it’s actually one of the most important documents in multi-lender financing.

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Why Agree to a Standstill Agreement?

Why Agree to a Standstill Agreement?

Standstill Agreement: In the world of commercial real estate lending, not every disagreement needs to turn into a showdown. Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t to fight for control—it’s to take a breath, stand still, and let cooler heads (and structured agreements) prevail.

That’s exactly what a standstill agreement is about. It’s not about giving up rights; it’s about protecting everyone’s position when the financial waters get choppy.

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Top Commercial Mortgage Mistakes

Top Commercial Mortgage Mistakes

When it comes to applying for a commercial mortgage, there’s no shortage of ways to trip yourself up — and trust me, I’ve seen plenty of smart people do it. Unlike a residential mortgage, where the process is pretty straightforward and predictable, commercial lending is its own animal.

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Commercial Mortgage for Mixed-Use Properties in Canada

Commercial Mortgage for Mixed-Use Properties in Canada

Mixed-use properties are everywhere — think of those buildings with retail on the ground floor and apartments up top. They’re smart investments because they give you multiple streams of income under one roof. But when it comes to financing these properties, things can get a little murky.

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Preparing for a Commercial Mortgage Application

Preparing for a Commercial Mortgage Application

If you’re gearing up to apply for a commercial mortgage, here’s something you need to know right out of the gate: this is not your average, everyday residential mortgage application. Commercial lending is a different animal altogether.

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Down Payments & Commercial Mortgages

Down Payments & Commercial Mortgages

… How Much Cash Do You Really Need to Play the Game? If you’ve been looking at commercial real estate and wondering how much you’ll need to bring to the table, you’re asking the right question. Unlike residential mortgages where you can sometimes squeak by with 5%...

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Understanding Commercial Appraisals

Understanding Commercial Appraisals

If you’ve ever been involved in a commercial real estate deal—whether as a buyer, investor, realtor, or business owner—you’ve probably heard someone groan about how long the appraisal process takes or how expensive it is. And if you’ve only dealt with residential properties before, commercial appraisals can feel like stepping into a whole new world: more complex, more detailed, more paperwork… and yes, more money.

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How DSCR Impacts Your Commercial Mortgage Approval

How DSCR Impacts Your Commercial Mortgage Approval

If you’ve spent any time poking around the world of commercial mortgages, you’ve probably heard lenders throw around this mysterious acronym: DSCR — Debt Service Coverage Ratio. It sounds like something a bank made up to make deals harder, but in reality, it’s one of the most important numbers in commercial underwriting.

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NOI Decoded: Commercial Mortgage Underwriting

NOI Decoded: Commercial Mortgage Underwriting

If you’ve been hanging around the commercial real estate world for even five minutes, you’ve probably heard someone say, “It’s all about the NOI.” And they’re not wrong. When it comes to getting a commercial mortgage approved, your Net Operating Income (NOI) is the golden number lenders are laser-focused on.

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How Much NOI Do Commercial Lenders Need to See?

How Much NOI Do Commercial Lenders Need to See?

One of the most common questions I hear from clients diving into commercial real estate is, “How much NOI do I need to qualify?” And honestly, it’s a great question — but the answer isn’t as simple as hitting a magic number. In the world of commercial lending, Net Operating Income (NOI) doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

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Buying Your Business’s Home

Buying Your Business’s Home

… How to Finance Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate If you’re running a business and you’re tired of paying someone else’s mortgage through your lease payments, you’ve probably wondered, “Could I just own the building myself?” The short answer? Absolutely. The...

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When Do You Need a Commercial Mortgage?

When Do You Need a Commercial Mortgage?

When people think about mortgages, they usually picture themselves unlocking the front door to their new home — fresh paint, new appliances, maybe even that unmistakable new house smell. But not every mortgage is about a white picket fence. Some are about warehouses, rental apartments, and office buildings. That’s when things take a sharp turn from residential into commercial mortgage territory — and if you don’t know the difference, you might find yourself in over your head faster than you can say “amortization.”

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Commercial vs Residential Rates

Commercial vs Residential Rates

Commercial vs Residential Rates: So you’ve got a few rentals under your belt, things are going smoothly, and now you’re eyeing your next big play—maybe a sixplex or a mixed-use building. You reach out to your lender, expecting the same ol’ mortgage experience, and then it hits you:

“Sorry, this is a commercial deal. The rate will be higher.”

Higher? How much higher? And why?

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Residential vs. Commercial Mortgage Lending

Residential vs. Commercial Mortgage Lending

When people first think about getting a mortgage, they usually picture buying their dream home — the white picket fence, the cozy kitchen, maybe even the dog waiting at the door. But not everyone’s mortgage journey is that straightforward. Some folks are looking to purchase a storefront, a rental building, or an industrial warehouse. That’s where things start to get a little more complex, and understanding the difference between residential and commercial mortgage lending becomes critically important.

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From Residential to Commercial

From Residential to Commercial

So you’ve been picking up rental properties over the years—maybe it started with a duplex, then a triplex, and next thing you know, you’re sitting on a healthy portfolio under your holding company. You’ve figured out the tenant game, you’re cash-flowing, and the equity’s stacking up nicely.

But then one day, you’re applying for financing on property number six, and your lender says:
“Sorry, this now falls under commercial lending.”

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Understanding Commercial Mortgage Fees

Understanding Commercial Mortgage Fees

Commercial Mortgage Fees: You’ve been building your portfolio, collecting rent, and watching your equity grow. Then, you spot it—a six-unit apartment building with long-term tenants and stable cash flow. You’re excited. You call your mortgage agent (hopefully me), and you start running the numbers.

Then you hear it:
“Because it’s six units, this will be a commercial deal.”

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Using a Holding Company

Using a Holding Company

You’ve been steadily growing your real estate portfolio, collecting keys and cash flow along the way. You’ve got the landlord rhythm down, maybe even set up a joint venture or two. But then someone at a networking event leans in and asks:

“So… are you holding those properties in a company yet?”

It’s a loaded question—and one that might leave you scratching your head. What is a holding company? And should you be using one?

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Understanding LTV in Commercial Mortgages

Understanding LTV in Commercial Mortgages

When you’re looking to buy a commercial property — whether it’s a retail plaza, industrial unit, office building, or a mixed-use space — one of the first things lenders want to know is how much skin you’ve got in the game. That’s where Loan-to-Value (LTV) comes in.

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CMHC Insurance: Multi-Family Mortgages

CMHC Insurance: Multi-Family Mortgages

If you’re eyeing a multi-family building — whether it’s your first 10-plex or your next 100-unit acquisition — you’ve likely heard whispers about CMHC insurance and how it can help you lock in better financing.

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Book: “The Program”

  • Part 1 – Building Your Down Payment
  • Part 2 – Mortgage Payoff Strategies
  • Part 3 – Building Wealth Through Real Estate

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