What private financing actually is
Private and alternative lenders operate outside the strict, standardized rules banks have to follow. They look at a deal more holistically — the property, the equity, the overall situation — rather than requiring a borrower to fit a rigid box on income documentation or credit score. That flexibility is the whole point, and it's also why it tends to cost more than a conventional mortgage.
Who this is actually for
- Self-employed borrowers whose income looks different on paper than it does in their bank account — write-offs, variable income, or a business that's too new to show the history a bank wants
- Bruised or rebuilding credit — a past bankruptcy, consumer proposal, or rough patch that a bank's algorithm won't look past, even if your situation has since stabilized
- Tight timelines — deals that need to close faster than conventional underwriting allows
- Unique properties — homes or situations that don't fit standard bank criteria
Think of it as a bridge, not a destination. Private financing is usually the right tool for a specific window of time — until income can be documented conventionally, credit recovers, or a sale closes — rather than a long-term plan. Part of my job is making sure there's a clear path back to conventional financing when that makes sense.
What it costs
Rates and fees are generally higher than a bank mortgage, reflecting the added flexibility and the lender's added risk. The right question isn't "is it more expensive" — it almost always is — but whether it solves a real problem at a cost that still makes sense for your situation. That's exactly what I'll walk through with you honestly before you commit to anything.
What I actually do
I work with a network of private and alternative lenders across BC, and I'll tell you plainly if a conventional lender is actually a better fit before recommending anything else. If private financing is the right call, I'll help you understand exactly what you're signing up for and what the path forward looks like.