A mortgage broker arranges your financing — comparing lenders on your behalf to find a rate and terms that fit, rather than tying you to a single bank’s products. A good broker handles pre-approval, assembles your application, and translates the fine print (penalties, portability, prepayment) into a decision you can actually make. Payotte lists one verified mortgage broker per sector across Canada, chosen on objective public criteria. Because mortgage brokers are not geographically anchored the way an agent is, sector placement is a starting point — the verification of the licence and track record is what matters most.
What a mortgage broker does
A mortgage broker works between you and the lenders:
- Reviews your finances and secures a realistic pre-approval
- Compares rates and terms across multiple lenders, not just one bank
- Assembles and submits the mortgage application and supporting documents
- Explains penalties, portability, and prepayment privileges before you commit
- Coordinates the financing condition with your broker and notary/lawyer
How to choose a mortgage broker
The cheapest posted rate is rarely the whole story. Before choosing a mortgage broker, confirm:
- An active licence with the provincial regulator (for example AMF in Quebec, FSRA in Ontario, BCFSA in British Columbia)
- Access to a broad panel of lenders, not a single funding source
- Full transparency on how the broker is compensated and any fees you pay
- A clear explanation of terms — not just the headline rate
- Responsiveness, since financing conditions run on tight deadlines
Provincial regulators
A genuine mortgage broker holds an active licence with the regulator in their province. Confirm any licence on the regulator’s public register before you commit.
| Province | Regulator |
|---|---|
| Quebec | AMF |
| Ontario | FSRA |
| Alberta | RECA |
| British Columbia | BCFSA |
| Manitoba | MFSA |
| Nova Scotia | local |
| Saskatchewan | FCAA |
| New Brunswick | — |
How Payotte scores every mortgage broker
Payotte ranks each mortgage broker out of 100 on five objective, verifiable criteria — never on advertising spend. Only the single highest-scoring verified professional is published per sector.
- 35 pts — Google reviews — rating and review volume
- 30 pts — Experience in years
- 15 pts — Active provincial licence
- 15 pts — Local presence in the sector
- 5 pts — Bonus — media, awards, video
Green (75+) is published normally, yellow (50–74) is published with an explanation, and below 50 the sector is left empty rather than recommend an unverified profile.
Mortgage Brokers verified on Payotte
Payotte currently lists 99 verified mortgage brokers across 99 sectors in 31 cities — 67 rated green and 32 yellow. Coverage expands as new sectors are verified.
Find your verified mortgage broker by city
Quebec
Ontario
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Saskatchewan
New Brunswick
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank?
A bank offers only its own products; a mortgage broker compares many lenders to find the rate and terms that fit your situation. Brokers are usually paid by the lender, but always confirm compensation and any fees up front.
How do I verify a mortgage broker is licensed?
Mortgage brokers are licensed provincially — for example the AMF in Quebec, FSRA in Ontario, or BCFSA in British Columbia. Each regulator publishes a public register where you can confirm an active licence.
How does Payotte rank mortgage brokers?
Payotte scores each broker out of 100 on Google reviews, experience, active licence, local presence and a bonus, and lists the single highest-scoring verified broker per sector. Placement cannot be bought.
Does the best rate mean the best mortgage?
Not always. Penalties, portability and prepayment privileges can matter more than a small rate difference over the life of the loan. A good broker explains the terms, not just the rate.
Is the service free to use on Payotte?
Yes. Payotte is free, ad-free and commission-free for the public, and brokers cannot pay to be listed or to rank higher.