How to Become a Mortgage Broker in Canada
The profession of mortgage broker in Canada provides customers with a number of benefits as compared to standard banking options: fast and reliable service, payment only after approval and funding of mortgage, finding the best mortgage deal possible on the market, and other valuable services.
The mortgage brokers’ practice may include activities requiring different levels of proficiency. Only a little percentage of the brokers, called specialist brokers, deal with syndications and the administration of mortgages. The majority of brokers are either mortgage agents (working on behalf of and supervised by registered mortgage brokers) or standard brokers who are permitted to do all mortgage brokering activities except for mortgage administration and syndications.
Step 1 – Obtain a Degree
The profession of the mortgage broker requires proper educational level and training. It is not necessary to have a degree in finance or accounting to become a mortgage broker. However, taking into account the importance of understanding the fundamentals of the matter, it is better to enroll in accounting, finance or sales undergraduate courses. In British Columbia, degrees that qualify for mortgage broker registration are the Diploma in Urban Land Economics, or the four-year Bachelor of Commerce Degree, with a specialization in the field of Real Estate. In this province, the current provider of education for mortgage brokers is the Seneca College, in accordance with the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act of 2006. The program comprises of two semesters on a full-time basis and has to be completed no more than two years prior to applying for registration. The members of the Law Society of Upper Canada and those licensed under the Public Accountancy Act are exempt from these educational requirements for registration as mortgage brokers.
Step 2 – Apply for License
The next important step in the process is the application for license. The general requirements are to be at least 18 years of age, and have a Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status, permanent and public-open place of business, and evidence for financial responsibility. It should be noted that the requirements of the application process vary from one province to another. In British Columbia, for example, licenses are easy to obtain and do not pose a conflict of interest. Mortgage brokers are allowed to sell real estates and finance the same homes at the same time.
Step 3 – Mortgage Associate Program
If you are a resident of Alberta, the first step to becoming a Mortgage Associate is to successfully complete the Mortgage Associate Program available in-class in Calgary at Mt. Royal University. This program is also offered at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Once the course is completed, the next step is to sit the Provincial Qualifying Exam. It is an online test and a grade of 70 percent or higher is needed to have the license granted.The last step to obtaining a Mortgage Associate's license in Alberta is to find a brokerage company to work for. You need to also submit a criminal record check to the Real Estate Council of Alberta.
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