Know Your Rights When Investing In A Mortgage

by: News Canada

(NC)-Investing money in a private mortgage for attractive returns has its merits and its risks. This type of investment is one in which a person lends money to a borrower who pledges real estate as security for the loan. These types of mortgage investments may be arranged through a Mortgage Broker.

All Mortgage Brokers in the province of Ontario are required to be registered with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), an agency of the Ministry of Finance.

Do business only with a licensed Mortgage Broker. Confirm that the broker you are dealing with is qualified and registered by visiting FSCO's website: www.fsco.gov.on.ca, or by calling (416) 226-7776.

Mortgage Brokers must give you full information

Mortgage Brokers are required to provide each prospective investor with information in the form of an Investor/Lender Disclosure Statement, as well as supporting documents such as an appraisal and an Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

This information package must include:

a description of the property or project to be mortgaged;
the terms and conditions of the mortgage loan;
how the mortgage will be administered;
in case of mortgage syndications, terms of the syndications;
all prior claims on the property, such as other mortgages, liens or taxes owing;
information on the borrower, including ability to repay the loan;
any relationship or connection the broker has with the borrower and appraiser;
any interest the broker has in the property; and
the broker's fees for the transaction.
By law, the broker cannot accept money from you until 48 hours after you have received this specified information and have signed a commitment to fund the mortgage.

Do your homework

It took a long time to save the hard-earned money you want to invest, so it's wise to carefully review all documents before making any decisions. You are entitled to take at least 48 hours (not including Sundays and holidays) to review the investment documents. Read them carefully.

Consider the value of the real estate. The Mortgage Broker must provide documentary evidence of the property's value, other than an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This could include an appraisal.

Unlawful activity

Mortgage Brokers are prohibited from selling or arranging the sale of mortgages that are, or have been, in default within the past 12 months.

Mortgage Brokers cannot accept funds from you to hold for a future investment.

Risks to consider about mortgage investments

They are not insured by the Government of Ontario.
They cannot be guaranteed by the Mortgage Broker.
They may be difficult to resell quickly.
Mortgages can be high-risk investments. Consult your financial advisor to see if mortgage investments would be suitable for you.

Visit FSCO's website: www.fsco.gov.on.ca, or call (416) 590-7298, or toll free, 1 (800) 668-0128 for a copy of its comprehensive guide to investing in mortgages.

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