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Orbis Mortgage: A Cross-Border Lending Solution

by | May 9, 2025

As a professional mortgage agent dedicated to guiding clients through complex real estate financing, I am proud to introduce you to a lender you may not have encountered before: Orbis Mortgage. When you’re navigating the unfamiliar terrain of financing U.S. real estate purchases as a Canadian citizen, working with the right lender makes all the difference. Orbis is designed to meet this specific need, with a unique understanding of both Canadian investors and U.S. mortgage systems.

Who is Orbis Mortgage?

Why Choose Orbis Mortgage?

Ideal Clients for Orbis Mortgage

Why Orbis Mortgage Stands Apart

Who is Orbis Mortgage?

Orbis Mortgage is a specialized mortgage brokerage that began in Quebec, Canada, and expanded into the U.S. market to fill a vital gap for Canadian investors. Founded by experienced Canadian leadership, Orbis focuses on providing accessible, efficient financing options for Canadians purchasing residential and commercial real estate south of the border. What makes Orbis distinctive is their deep cross-border knowledge — they combine Canadian service standards with U.S. lending flexibility.

This unique positioning means that Orbis is not a traditional U.S. retail bank nor a hard-to-access private lender. Instead, they operate in the niche space of alternative lending, offering private and specialized loan programs tailored for foreign nationals. This implies that Orbis has more flexibility than traditional banks, and can offer creative solutions where other lenders often cannot.

Why Choose Orbis Mortgage?

Here are three powerful reasons why clients seeking U.S. real estate financing should consider Orbis Mortgage:

  • Simplified Qualification for Canadians
  • Exceptional Service and Communication
  • Exceptional Service and Communication

Simplified Qualification for Canadians

Orbis specializes in DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans and private funding. These loan types do not require traditional U.S. credit history or proof of U.S. income. Instead, qualification is based on the cash flow of the investment property itself — an enormous advantage for Canadians who would otherwise face barriers due to the lack of U.S. financial footprints.

Exceptional Service and Communication

From the first point of contact to the closing table, Orbis provides a white-glove service experience. Their licensed U.S. loan officers are trained to keep both the client and referring agents informed every step of the way. Regular updates, transparent communication, and true accountability ensure that you and your clients are never left wondering about the status of a file.

Broad Product Range and Competitive Rates

Orbis offers financing options for a wide range of property types, from second homes to income properties and even commercial real estate such as strip malls or apartment buildings. They fund loan amounts as small as $50,000 and up to $5 million and beyond. Most importantly, their rates are competitive — often in the 7%–8% range for residential investment properties — even for foreign nationals.

Ideal Clients for Orbis Mortgage

The ideal client for Orbis Mortgage is a Canadian citizen who wants to invest in U.S. real estate — whether purchasing a vacation property, an income-generating rental, or even a commercial asset such as a retail plaza. These clients typically:

  • Do not have U.S. credit history.
  • Need simplified documentation solutions.
  • Are purchasing properties valued anywhere from $500,000 to $5 million+.
  • May intend to use short-term rental income (Airbnb) to service the mortgage.
  • Prefer faster, more flexible underwriting over strict banking standards.

Orbis is particularly well-suited to investors who value efficiency, require cross-border expertise, and appreciate tailored, concierge-level service.

Why Orbis Mortgage Stands Apart

What sets Orbis apart is more than just their specialized products — it’s their commitment to Canadian investors. They have built an entire business model around solving the real challenges Canadians face when financing properties in the U.S. Their team is licensed in all 50 states, they have relationships with realtors, lawyers, and accountants across key U.S. markets, and they stay relentlessly focused on making the client experience smooth and successful.

Moreover, Orbis is designed to future-proof their clients’ investments: should U.S. interest rates fall, clients can refinance without punitive penalties, unlike traditional Canadian mortgage structures. This long-term view ensures that Canadian investors have flexible, profitable options for years to come.

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Allen Ehlert

Allen Ehlert

Allen Ehlert is a licensed mortgage agent. He has four university degrees, including two Masters degrees, and specializes in real estate finance, development, and investing. Allen Ehlert has decades of independent consulting experience for companies and governments, including the Ontario Real Estate Association, Deloitte, City of Toronto, Enbridge, and the Ministry of Finance.

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