Mortgage brokers work on behalf of borrowers to scout for the best available mortgage rates and deals in the market. As they have access to many lenders, they can negotiate the best deal for their clients. These brokers are paid a commission of 0.5% to 1% of the mortgage amount. The lenders pay this commission, and the borrowers are not required to pay anything. Markham is one of the largest cities in the York Region. Home prices in Markham sit well above the provincial average. With such large loan amounts, even a small difference in rate can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over a mortgage term, so working with an experienced local broker can make a meaningful difference. Listed below are some of the top brokerages that serve Markham.
Butler Mortgage, headquartered in Toronto, is a leading mortgage brokerage in Canada that has been operational for over 25 years and serves borrowers throughout the GTA, including Markham. According to the brokerage, it tracks rates from every prime lender in the market and provides its clients with the best rates from over 350 lenders. Its Ontario presence spans the Toronto area, Hamilton, Ancaster, Pickering, and Ottawa, and mortgages can be completed conveniently over the phone from anywhere in the province.
Butler Mortgage offers several guarantees to back up its low rates. Its Up-Front Rate Guarantee means that if you find a lower rate, Butler Mortgage will beat that rate or give you $500 at closing. Types of financing offered include:
Joe Purewal Mortgages is an award-winning mortgage brokerage with more than two decades of experience, serving clients throughout the GTA, including Markham, Mississauga, and Toronto. Operating under Invis Mortgage Intelligence, the brokerage has been a top performer for many consecutive years and has helped over 10,000 clients secure financing, backed by hundreds of five-star reviews and multiple Readers' Choice awards.
The team is known for solving difficult mortgage challenges, specializing in bank declines, self-employed income, credit challenges, second mortgages, private financing, tax arrears, and debt consolidation. The team also assists with standard purchases, renewals, refinancing, investment properties, and pre-approvals. Borrowers can reach the team by phone, email, or through an online inquiry.
True North Mortgage is a Calgary-based brokerage that has been around since 2006 and operates as a hybrid bank-and-brokerage, with retail store locations across Canada and full online and phone service that reaches Markham borrowers. Its GTA stores include downtown Toronto (Richmond Adelaide Centre and King Street), and Square One in Mississauga. The brokerage's agents are salaried rather than commissioned, which the company says helps ensure unbiased advice.
True North provides a lowest-rate guarantee, promising to match or beat any lower rate offered by another brokerage, or to compensate clients with $500 at closing if it cannot. Through its in-house lender THINK Financial, it also offers a product called 'Rate Relief' that provides a low fixed rate for six months, after which borrowers can renew with THINK Financial or pay a 1% fee. Apart from new home mortgages, True North also offers:
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Markham, Northwood Mortgage is one of the largest brokerages in the Greater Toronto Area, with a team of over 150 licensed agents and brokers. The brokerage deals directly with more than 60 lenders and all of the major Canadian banks. It offers both prime and subprime mortgage solutions and has particular expertise in commercial, industrial, and investment mortgages, as well as debt consolidation and credit recovery financing. Borrowers can visit the Markham office, call, or submit an online inquiry to get started.
Founded in 2018 and now headquartered in Markham, 8Twelve Mortgage is a technology-driven brokerage that has expanded across Canada and won several industry awards, including recognition for digital innovation. Its proprietary platform searches more than 65 lenders and thousands of mortgage products to match borrowers with suitable options. The brokerage specializes in first-time buyers, renewals, renovation financing, debt consolidation, mortgages for newcomers and self-employed borrowers, and investment property financing. Borrowers can apply online or call to arrange a free consultation.
NXT Financial is a Markham-based brokerage with more than 20 years of mortgage industry experience and access to over 30 lenders. The firm positions itself around client education and personalized service, helping homeowners understand their options across purchases, pre-approvals, renewals, transfers, and refinancing. Borrowers can apply online, book an appointment with an advisor, or call the Markham office to get started.
Turkin Mortgage is an Ontario brokerage with a Markham office, alongside locations in Toronto and Midland, backed by more than 150 five-star Google reviews. The brokerage offers a broad range of products, including purchases, refinancing and transfers, second mortgages, reverse mortgages, self-employed and newcomer mortgages, investment property financing, commercial mortgages, and B-lender and private lending solutions. Borrowers can book a consultation, apply online, or call the Markham office directly.
Advance Mortgages is a Markham-based, BBB-accredited brokerage with over 300 lending partners. The firm emphasizes fast decisions, with pre-approvals available within 24 hours, and senior review on every file. It offers first mortgages, refinancing, HELOCs and home equity loans, self-employed mortgages, private mortgages, and commercial financing. Borrowers can book a short pre-approval call or apply online at any time.
Taurus Mortgage Capital is a Markham-based brokerage that uses an education-focused approach for helping clients use real estate to build long-term wealth. The brokerage offers competitive rates and tailored solutions across purchases, renewals, refinancing, and investment properties, and emphasizes a simple and transparent process. Borrowers can reach the team by phone, email, or by visiting the Main Street North office in historic Markham Village.
Several mortgage broker networks in Canada are made up of independently operating brokerages that share access to the rates, resources, and tools the network provides. By joining a network, brokerages can access rates from many lenders without partnering with each one individually, and can receive support with technology, marketing, and training. Several brokerages serving Markham operate under these national networks. Below are two of the largest, each represented by a member firm that serves the Markham area.
Dominion Lending Centres ranks among Canada's biggest brokerage networks, with more than 2,900 mortgage professionals working out of over 350 offices nationwide. It partners with upwards of 90 lenders, and its brokers can draw on a wide range of tools and resources supplied by the network. To keep them current with industry standards, DLC also runs regular training sessions, and it offers its own mobile app, 'My Mortgage Toolbox.'
As one of Canada's largest brokerage networks, VERICO counts more than 4,000 mortgage advisors among its ranks. Over 230 mortgage firms across the country belong to the network. The brokerages in the network can handle a full range of mortgage needs, covering new construction, multi-unit properties, rental properties, and home improvement. Applications can be made both online and in person.
Mortgage brokering is a licensed profession in Canada, and any individual who wants to practise as a broker or agent must obtain a licence from the regulator in their province. In Ontario, mortgage brokers and agents are licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
To become a licensed mortgage agent in Ontario, individuals must first complete an approved Mortgage Agent education program and then apply through a licensed brokerage that will sponsor their licence. Key requirements include:
Agents begin at the Mortgage Agent Level 1 licence, which allows them to work with most lenders under supervision. After gaining experience, agents can complete additional education to reach Level 2 and, eventually, qualify for a Mortgage Broker licence, which carries added responsibility for supervising agents and the brokerage. Brokerage licences are continuous but require an annual regulatory fee, and every brokerage must carry errors and omissions insurance and follow FSRA's standards of practice.
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