Non-bank mortgage solutions aren’t just for clients with poor credit. Through private lenders, alternative lenders, and Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs), like Calvert Home Mortgage, mortgage brokers can access short-term, flexible financing that helps them close more deals, serve a diverse range of clients, and build stronger long-term business relationships.
By understanding when to use these solutions, communicating benefits clearly, and building strong lender relationships, mortgage brokers can grow their business, attract loyal clients, and stand out in the market.
What Are Non-Bank Lending Solutions – And Why They Matter
While traditional lenders such as banks or A/B lenders often have strict requirements for credit scores, income verification, debt-to-income ratios, etc., MICs provide more flexibility. As a result, borrowers gain access to opportunities they might otherwise lose.
For example, here are a few things that Calvert Home Mortgage offers:
- Flip/BRRRs (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance), Interim Purchases, Bridges, and other short-term mortgage solutions in Alberta and Ontario
- Lending based on after-repair value or market value, rather than strictly on purchase price.
- Faster turnarounds for funding, in days rather than weeks.
- More flexible down payment options (starting as low as $10K down) and less stringent documentation needs.
Therefore, MIC lending isn’t just for clients with weak credit. It can also be an attractive or necessary option for “bankable” clients with good credit, solid income, and strong character who simply need flexibility or speed.
Key Scenarios Where Non-Bank Lending Wins Deals
Mortgage brokers can win more deals by identifying situations where non-bank lending is the better fit. Some examples:
Quick closing needed
If a client needs to close fast to secure property or avoid losing a deposit, A/B lenders can’t always move in time.
Calvert Home Mortgage can fund in as little as 1-2 business days in Alberta and 1-3 business days in Ontario, once required documents are received.
👉 Learn more about how quickly you can get a mortgage approval from Calvert Home Mortgage.
Purchase price vs. market value gap
When our in-house valuation comes in higher than the purchase price, we can lend against the higher value, giving clients more leverage.
- Traditional banks typically lend only on the purchase price.
- Calvert Home Mortgage lends on our assessed market value, helping clients access more capital upfront and reduce down payment requirements.
- We don’t require appraisals on properties valued up to $1.5M (except for multi-family properties greater than four units).
- Our in-house valuations are free, saving clients both time and money.
Timing mismatches
When a homeowner’s closing dates don’t align (they need to buy before their existing house sells), or there’s a gap between sale and purchase, a Bridge mortgage from Calvert Home Mortgage can fill the gap.
👉 Learn more about our Bridge mortgage solution.
Short-term strategies
Real estate investors often have needs that bank lenders won’t serve, such as flips and BRRRs. Mortgage brokers who can provide these solutions can capture more real estate investor business.
Calvert Home Mortgage funds properties in all conditions. Our streamlined pre-approval process prepares your clients to act quickly when the right opportunity arises. With pre-approvals valid for up to a year, flexible low down payment options, in-house valuations, and a team that understands real estate investor strategies, we help you deliver the best solutions for your clients at a speed that keeps deals moving and closings on track.
Clients need flexibility
Some clients are preparing to qualify for a longer-term mortgage with an A or B lender. Others may be self-employed, have non-traditional income documentation, or want a fully open mortgage with no prepayment penalties.
Calvert Home Mortgage supports all these scenarios (and more), providing flexible short-term financing until clients’ transition into their long-term solution.
How to Position Yourself for More Wins
It’s not enough to know that non-bank lending exists. Mortgage brokers must strategically adopt practices that allow them to present these options effectively and efficiently. Here are some tactics.
| Strategy | What to Implement |
| Know your lender partners well | Build relationships with multiple private lenders, alternative lenders, and Mortgage Investment Corporations. Know their products, turnaround time, rates, and documentation requirements. The better you know them, the faster and more smoothly you can match clients. |
| Learn when traditional lending doesn’t work | Develop an early-stage checklist. Is this client self-employed, or is there a timing issue? Is the client trying to close fast? Is there a gap between purchase price and market value? If yes, start considering alternative options early. |
| Communicate clearly with clients | Many clients see non-bank lending as a last resort or a negative option. Explain the advantages honestly – speed, flexibility, potential cost vs. benefit (e.g., maybe higher interest but lower penalties or faster closing). If they understand the trade-offs, they’ll be more open. |
| Use case studies | Show concrete examples: “Here’s when we used a Bridge loan to help avoid losing a buyer’s deposit,” or “We financed a flip with after-repair value lending and the client sold for a profit.” Evidence builds trust. |
| Focus on repeat clients, like real estate investors | Real estate investors are particularly good long-term clients. Once they know you can help with flips, BRRRs, etc., they’ll come back for new projects. |
| Network smartly | Partner with Wholesalers and Realtors® who specialize in investment properties, attend real estate investor meetups, and engage in forums and online communities. |
| Stay on top of regulations, products, and market changes | Policies around mortgage lending, zoning, building permits, property-tax rules, etc., can affect whether an alternative financing deal is viable. Mortgage brokers who are familiar with evolving rules can advise clients more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls. |
Why Non-Bank Lending Boosts Your Business
When you integrate non-bank / MIC lending into your toolkit, you open the door to:
More closings
Some deals would fall apart if you only offered traditional options. Creative solutions mean walking away less often.
Attracting a more diverse client base
Real estate investors, self-employed individuals, those with timing constraints, and those with non-traditional incomes, etc.
Stronger loyalty and referrals
Clients whom you help in tight or creative situations become champions. Repeat clients and referrals are key to growing your business.
Differentiation
Many mortgage brokers lack a deep understanding of non-bank lending. If you do understand it, you stand out.
Your Next Step with Non-Bank Lending
Non-bank lending isn’t just a backup – it’s a competitive advantage.
Mortgage brokers who become experts at recognizing when alternative solutions make more sense, who communicate clearly, and build strong relationships with alternative lenders can:
- Capture more deals,
- Build deeper client loyalty, and,
- Stabilize business even when traditional lending is constrained.
Ready to win more deals with non-bank lending?
Connect with Calvert Home Mortgage today to learn how our flexible mortgage solutions can support you in closing faster, serving more clients, and growing your business.
For Alberta inquiries, contact Kaelan Nelson.
Email: kaelan@chmic.ca
Cell: 587-585-4571
Office Phone: 403-278-0249
Book a meeting here.
For Ontario inquiries, contact Katarina Jarossy and Dan Werner.
Based in the GTA?
Email: katarina.jarossy@chmic.ca
Cell: 416-799-2553
Office Phone:1-888-752-4642
Book a meeting here.
Anywhere else in Ontario:
Email: dan.werner@chmic.ca
Cell: 416-316-5336
Office Phone: 1-888-752-4642
Book a meeting here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Bank Lending
Q: Is nonlending only for clients with poor credit?
A: No. Many bankable clients use private, alternative, and Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) lending for short-term needs, quick closings, or investment strategies.
Q: How fast can Calvert Home Mortgage fund a deal?
A: In as little as 1-2 business days in Alberta and 1-3 business days in Ontario, once all documents are provided.
Q: Do clients have to pay for in-house valuations from Calvert Home Mortgage?
A: No. Our in-house valuations are provided at no cost, saving clients both time and money compared to third-party appraisals.
Q: Is Calvert Home Mortgage an Alternative Lender?
A: No. Calvert Home Mortgage operates as a Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC), a type of Mortgage Investment Entity (MIE). While we share some similarities with alternative lenders in offering flexible solutions, we are regulated under the Income Tax Act as a MIC.
