A Real Life Success Story [Testimonial]
Michael Hallett • June 1, 2015

suc-cess:
the achievement of something desired, planned or attempted; accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
To be a Mortgage Expert producing volume in the Top 75 in Canada is a massive accomplishment. One that takes extreme dedication and hard work, something that I strive to achieve. While building a secure and stable mortgage practice foundation my ultimate goal is to help each and every client with their specific scenario; every mortgage file is completely different from the previous one. Lost in the shuffle of numbers and mortgage applications are real life stories.
The Story
A few months back I had the fortunate pleasure of receiving a referral from a from a local Realtor. He had called to discuss and forward me some basic background information, but had asked me to call the client ASAP. Right away I recognized this was an opportunity to help someone better their current life. Long story short (details to follow), the client had been working with one of Canada's top bank brands and due to some credit blemishes was not able to proceed with financing.
Without delay and armed with some basic 'intel' I called the client to discuss her unique situation. As she was providing extreme details about her credit I immediately knew which lender we would target to give her a second chance. Her credit had some bumps and bruises but she was determined to re-build it. Here's an overview of what had contributed to a lackluster credit report with an overall beacon score of 596:
- Two separate collections; one from BC Hydro that missed upon a move and the other was an unpaid collections from 2012 that was fraudulently added to her credit profile.
- Cared and assisted her grandmother through a health issue which meant taking time off of work, this subsequently meant some of her started compounding.
After the passing of her grandmother my clients main goal was to rebuild a safe, comfortable home for her daughter. The subject property ended up only being blocks away from her grandfather, which would allow them to be closer to him again which was another important step for them in the healing process.
During the underwriting and lender approval process I was optimistic, but at the very same time I was extremely honest about how her story could be perceived. The client had had some unfortunate circumstances that were out of her control but with my assistance I was confident that we would be able to overcome the 'black-marks' on her credit report and structure the application accordingly for us to obtain the financing she needed to buy her first home. By addressing all the possible questions upfront we were able to mitigate the lenders risk.
At the end of the process we achieved what we had set out to do, obtain financing to purchase a piece of real estate. With initial contact made mid December 2014, after 76 emails and numerous telephone conversations the client had received an accepted offer to purchase a townhome at the beginning of February (2015) and finally took possession in the middle of March 2015. I'm happy to say that this client was able to enter the market with a comfortable equity stake in her property.
Considering the credit report the rate we received, in my opinion, was exceptional at P+0.50% for 5 years which was amortized over 30 years and no additional lender fees added. I can honestly say that this was definitely one of the Top 3 most rewarding mortgage files I had the opportunity of work on. My client was able to press the 're-fresh' button which enabled her to start a new chapter of her life.
The Testimonial
Here is the actual testimonial from the client:
"It was definitely a pleasure working with Michael. From day one he was upfront and honest about my unique credit situation, however he was also the positive reinforcement I needed to keep going and give it a try. Even when the banks wouldn’t give me the time of day, he was certain we would find someone who would give me a chance. He was very patient with my questions (I am sure they seemed to be never-ending at times), and helped to guide me through the many different stages of purchasing a home.
Thanks to Michael and his dedication, he found a lender that would work with my situation and I now own my first home. He also has coached me on how to fix my credit rating, and I am pleased to say that my credit score is already considerably higher than when we began this process. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for a mortgage!"
For more information about the Do's and Don'ts of credit history and score.
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Mortgage Brokering meets mountain biking and craft beer. A couple months ago I set for a bike ride with the intention of answering few mortgage related questions, mission accomplished. Any good bike ride pairs nicely with a tasty beer which we enjoyed @parksidebrewery. Hope you see the passion I have for brokering, biking and beer. @torcabikes #mountainbikingmortgagebroker
TEASER alert...at thats what I think they call it in the business. Years ago a wrote a blog called BEERS BIKES AND MORTGAGES. I some how (in my head) blended all 3 topics into 1 blog. Simply put, I enjoy aspects of all 3 with each of them providing something different. I re-united with the talented Regan Payne on a project that I think will shed a bit more light on who I am and what I do. #craftbeer #mountainbike #mortgagebrokerbc #dlccanadainc
I saw this hat on Instagram, that very moment I knew I needed it. As a BC boy born and bred The Outdoorsman hat needed to be added to my collection. As someone who loves BC and most things outdoor, I’m now glad I have a cool hat to wear and fly the flag of BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA. It will be in my bag for all post-exploration celebratory cold pints. If you want to check them out or add one to your collection go to @nineoclockgun ...and yes my facial hair matches the hat as well.
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Owning a vacation home or an investment rental property is a dream for many Canadians. Whether it’s a cottage on the lake for family getaways or a rental unit to generate extra income, real estate can be both a lifestyle choice and a smart financial move. But before you dive in, it’s important to know what lenders look for when financing these types of properties. 1. Down Payment Requirements The biggest difference between buying a primary residence and a vacation or rental property is the down payment. Vacation property (owner-occupied, seasonal, or secondary home): Typically requires at least 5–10% down, depending on the lender and whether the property is winterized and accessible year-round. Rental property: Usually requires a minimum of 20% down. This is because rental income can fluctuate, and lenders want extra security before approving financing. 2. Property Type & Location Not all properties qualify for traditional mortgage financing. Lenders consider: Accessibility : Is the property accessible year-round (roads maintained, utilities available)? Condition : Seasonal or non-winterized cottages may not meet standard lending criteria. Zoning & Use : If it’s a rental, lenders want to ensure it complies with municipal bylaws and zoning regulations. Properties that fall outside these norms may require financing through alternative lenders, often with higher rates but more flexibility. 3. Rental Income Considerations If you’re buying a property with the intent to rent it out, lenders may factor the rental income into your mortgage application. Long-term rentals : Lenders typically accept 50–80% of the expected rental income when calculating your debt-service ratios. Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) : Many traditional lenders are cautious about using projected income from short-term rentals. Alternative lenders may be more flexible, depending on the property’s location and your financial profile. 4. Debt-Service Ratios Lenders use your Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to determine if you can handle the mortgage payments alongside your other obligations. With investment or vacation properties, lenders may apply stricter guidelines, especially if your primary residence already carries a large mortgage. 5. Credit & Financial Stability Your credit score, employment history, and overall financial health still matter. Since vacation and rental properties are considered higher risk, lenders want reassurance that you can handle the additional debt—even if rental income fluctuates or the property sits vacant. 6. Insurance Requirements Rental properties often require specialized landlord insurance, and vacation homes may need coverage tailored to seasonal or secondary use. Lenders will want proof of adequate insurance before releasing mortgage funds. The Bottom Line Buying a vacation property or rental can be exciting, but financing these purchases comes with extra rules and considerations. From higher down payments to stricter property requirements, lenders want to be confident that you can handle the responsibility. If you’re considering a second property, the best step is to work with a mortgage professional who can compare lender requirements, outline your options, and find the financing that works best for you. Thinking about making your dream of a vacation or rental property a reality? Connect with us today.








































































































