The Top Home Loan Lenders in Canada for Those with Not-So-Great Credit

Finding a home loan lender in Canada with bad credit can seem like an impossible task. However, there are still plenty of options available to you if you know where to look. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top home loan lenders in Canada for people with not-so-great credit. We'll provide an overview of each lender and their specific requirements so that you can make an informed decision about which option is best for your unique situation.

It's important to recognize that having bad credit can significantly impact one's ability to obtain a mortgage. Most lenders use credit scores as a way of evaluating the risk involved in lending money to potential homeowners. If your score is low, then they may be more reluctant to approve your application or offer you less favorable terms.

That said, finding a lender who is willing to work with you despite your credit history isn't impossible. Here are some of the top home loan options for people with not-so-great credit:

1. SmartHomeLoan.ca

At SmartHomeLoan.ca, we specialize in helping clients with bad credit secure affordable mortgages and loans that meet their needs. We work with multiple lenders across Canada and can help connect you with the right one based on your financial situation.

Our experienced mortgage agents understand that each client’s situation is unique and requires individual attention. That’s why we’ll help walk you through every step of the process and ensure that you’re fully informed before making any decisions.

We also offer personalized services such as debt consolidation advice, refinancing options, and more – all aimed at helping our clients achieve their financial goals without burdening them more than they should be.

2. Canada Mortgage Solutions

Canada Mortgage Solutions offers solutions and sensible advice for those wishing to secure a mortgage but who may have less-than-perfect credit scores or lack sufficient employment history.

To qualify for their Bad Credit Home Loan program, applicants need a minimum 20% down payment, and the loan is available for customers with credit scores between 500 - 650. The interest rate on this program is typically higher than other mortgages but can be refinanced after two years if enough equity has been built up in the property.

3. Affinity Credit Union

Affinity Credit Union understands that poor credit doesn't have to stand in the way of homeownership. Their Good Start Mortgage program offers competitive rates for those who might not qualify for standard bank loans due to credit scores or lack of a steady income.

Borrowers should expect a higher down payment percentage, ideally about 10% minimum of the home’s value, but if you don’t have enough saved up, we may be able to help. Additionally, cosigners are welcome with this program, which can increase the chances of approval.

4. RBC Royal Bank

RBC Royal Bank offers their Homeline Plan as an option for those looking to secure a mortgage with less-than-stellar credit scores or employment histories. Choose from either fixed-rate financing or use your HELOC and borrow what is needed when it's required.

Eligibility requirements include having at least 20% equity in your home and being able to tolerate fluctuating payments based on interest rate fluctuations.

5. BMO Bank of Montreal

The Homeowner ReadiLine™ from BMO Bank of Montreal provides homeowners with a line of credit against their primary residence that's flexible and accessible when they require it most — particularly helpful during uncertain times like COVID-19 when achieving financial stability can be difficult.

While this line of credit does not require you to reapply every time you want to access funds (up to an approved amount), new applications must go through the underwriting process and ensure eligibility criteria are met initially.

6. TD Canada Trust

If you’re worried about how private debt collectors will impact your ability to get a mortgage because of outstanding costs not yet paid off, TD’s Mortgage Payment Change Request is your solution. As a means of lowering payments, you can request to extend your mortgage amortization and lower your monthly contributions.

The Home Equity FlexLine used as collateral for this program has specific eligibility requirements differing from other programs so may not be right for everyone.

7. CIBC

CIBC's Equity Building Program helps home buyers who may have bad credit become homeowners while working to improve their financial situations. It is targeted at borrowers with between 3-35% equity in their current property or those willing to put down the cash price of between 5-20% on their new homes.

CIBC's program addresses many concerns that come with traditional mortgages like getting approved on purchase agreements before home inspections have been carried out.

While it only offers Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs), you do get an automatic rate drop of up to 0.85% through CIBC’s Auto Save program, which includes setting up direct debit payments from savings accounts.

One advantage of working with experienced and qualified brokers like SmartHomeLoan.ca is that they know which lenders are more likely to work with people who have bad credit histories or low scores.

A broker like SmartHomeLoan.ca can help match you with a lender whose terms and criteria suit your needs best without affecting your credit scores negatively in any way throughout the process.

Conclusion

Finding the right lender when you have bad credit can seem daunting but there are options available even if they may come with some tradeoffs such as higher interest rates or lower loan balances.

By consulting SmartHomeLoan.ca today or learning more about our personalized services, people hoping to own homes for themselves or refinance against current ones should receive quality advice and support essential for achieving these goals swiftly and easily, irrespective of their credit score history or rating!