Which of these sounds like you?
Banks decline roughly 4 in 10 mortgage applications. Nearly all of those borrowers still have options — the key is matching your situation to the right type of lender. Pick your situation below, or start the two-minute questionnaire and we'll match you.
No credit check to start · Won't affect your score · Free & no obligation
Pick Your Situation
Six common situations, six real paths
Each card links to a plain-language guide — what the path costs, who it fits, and how to get back to bank rates. Or skip ahead and tell us your situation directly.
"I'm behind on my mortgage payments"
Falling behind — even facing a power of sale notice — is solvable, and Ontario's legal timelines give you real options. Specialists resolve these situations every week, and acting early keeps the most doors open.
"My bank declined my application"
A bank "no" is one lender's checklist, not a verdict on you. Regulated B lenders approve borrowers on their whole story, at rates roughly 1–2% above the banks plus a lender fee of about 1%.
"I'm self-employed and my income is hard to prove"
Legitimate write-offs can make a healthy business look small on paper. Lenders who read 6–12 months of business bank statements can see the story your tax returns can't tell.
"I've had credit challenges"
Bruised credit changes which lender fits you, not whether you qualify. There's a well-travelled 12–24 month path: an alternative lender term now, then a refinance back to bank rates once your file recovers.
"I need a second mortgage or to unlock equity"
A second mortgage lets you borrow against your home without touching the rate on your existing first mortgage. It's a common way to consolidate debt, fund a renovation, or cover a large expense.
"I'm bridging two properties or need short-term financing"
Bridge and short-term loans are fast, equity-based financing that carry you between a purchase and a sale. Costs are higher and quoted as ranges — you see every fee in writing before you sign anything.
The Lay of the Land
Ontario's three lending tiers in 60 seconds
Every path on this page runs through one of three tiers. Knowing which tier fits your file is most of the battle.
A Lenders
Banks & credit unions
The lowest rates in the market, paired with the strictest rules: strong credit, fully documented income, and debt ratios inside tight limits. If you qualify here, this is home base.
Compare bank ratesB Lenders
Regulated alternative lenders
Flexible approval on credit, income documents, and debt ratios — priced at roughly 1–2% above bank rates plus a lender fee of about 1%. Usually a 1–3 year term while you work back to an A lender.
How B lenders workPrivate & MIC
Equity-based lending
The fastest approvals, based mainly on your home equity. Also the highest cost — rates and lender and brokerage fees are quoted as ranges, in writing. Best used as a 12-month bridge with a clear exit plan back to a B or A lender.
How private lending worksHow It Works
Three steps, no pressure
Tell us your situation
About two minutes online, and there's no credit check to start — so exploring your options won't affect your score.
Get matched with a licensed mortgage agent
We connect you with a licensed mortgage agent who works on files like yours — Level 2 licensed for private lending files.
See every cost in writing
Rates, lender fees, and any brokerage fee are laid out in writing before you decide anything. No surprises at the lawyer's office.
RATECORE is a comparison platform — advice and lending come from licensed professionals, and our service is free.
Specialist Lending
Every situation on this page has a path
Tell us where you are today — about two minutes, no credit check — and a licensed mortgage agent shows you the realistic options, with every cost in writing.