The bank said no. That's not the end of the story.
Most people with credit challenges have more options than they know. We work with B-lenders and private lenders who are designed for exactly this situation. We'll tell you honestly what's possible — and what a realistic path forward looks like.
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What you need to know
B-lenders are legitimate
B-lenders like Equitable Bank and Home Trust are regulated, legitimate lenders who specialise in non-prime files. Rates are higher, but they're real mortgages from real institutions.
A credit score isn't the only factor
Lenders look at your score, your history, the reason for past problems, and your down payment. A larger down payment can compensate for a lower score.
The goal is the path to A-lending
A B-lender mortgage should be a bridge, not a permanent solution. We help clients understand what it takes to qualify with an A-lender at renewal.
Consumer proposals and bankruptcies
Most lenders require 2 years of re-established credit after discharge before they'll consider your application. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what to do in the meantime.
Where credit-challenged clients get the wrong advice
A bank's "no" is not the mortgage market's "no." Most people with credit challenges have more options than they've been told — but they need someone who knows where to look.
Accepting a bank's "no" as final
A bank's refusal means they can't help you within their product set. B-lenders and private lenders operate on completely different criteria — serving exactly the files that banks won't touch. One "no" is not an answer from the market.
Thinking they need years to wait
Depending on the specific issue — a missed payment, a collection, a consumer proposal — the path to approval can be shorter than most people assume. We tell you honestly how long it takes and exactly what steps will get you there fastest.
Not understanding what actually went wrong
There's a meaningful difference between a 590 score from one missed payment and a 590 score from a recent consumer proposal. Lenders see these situations differently. We read your credit report with you, explain exactly what it means, and tell you which lenders look past what, and why.
How we work with credit-challenged clients
We review your credit report together and give you an honest assessment of your current options — including what's realistic and what's not.
We identify which lenders are most likely to approve your file — and at what terms. No wasted applications.
We outline what it will take to qualify for better rates at renewal — and how long it realistically takes to get there.
We don't disappear after closing. We check in before your renewal and help you move to an A-lender when you qualify.
3 things people with credit challenges get wrong
These misconceptions stop people from exploring options that are genuinely available to them. Here's the reality of non-prime mortgage lending in Canada.
"You need a 700+ credit score to get a mortgage."
A-lenders typically look for 680+. But B-lenders regularly approve files with scores in the 550–640 range — especially with a stronger down payment or solid income. Credit score is one factor, not the whole story. The reason for the score matters as much as the number.
"A consumer proposal means waiting 7 years."
Seven years is how long a proposal stays on your credit report — not how long you have to wait for a mortgage. Most B-lenders require 2 years of re-established credit after the proposal is discharged. For many people, that means qualifying much sooner than they expected.
"B-lender mortgages are predatory."
Lenders like Equitable Bank and Home Trust are federally regulated financial institutions. Their rates are higher than A-lenders, but they operate under proper oversight — not like payday lenders or unregulated private money. We explain the rate difference and the exit strategy at the start, not the end.
What would your payment look like?
Even with credit challenges, you may qualify. Enter your numbers to see what a mortgage payment could look like — then talk to us about which lenders work with your situation.
Common questions about credit-challenge mortgages
What credit score do I need to qualify?
A-lenders typically look for 680 or higher. B-lenders can work with scores in the 550–650+ range depending on other factors: the size of your down payment, income stability, and the specific reason for the credit issues. There's no single threshold — every file is reviewed on its full picture.
How long after a consumer proposal can I get a mortgage?
Most B-lenders require the proposal to be fully discharged and 2 years of re-established credit (at least 2 active trade lines in good standing). Private lenders have more flexibility and can sometimes lend sooner. We'll tell you exactly where you stand based on your discharge date and current credit activity.
Will getting a B-lender mortgage hurt my long-term credit?
No. A B-lender mortgage is reported to the credit bureaus the same way any mortgage is — as a secured installment loan. Making your payments consistently is one of the fastest ways to rebuild your credit, which is exactly how clients position themselves to move to an A-lender at renewal.
What's the difference between a B-lender and a private lender?
B-lenders are regulated banks and mortgage finance companies (like Equitable Bank, Home Trust, and others) — real institutions with proper oversight. Private lenders are individual investors or small funds, less regulated, with higher rates and typically shorter terms (1–2 years). We use private lenders as a bridge when B-lenders aren't yet an option — with a clear plan to move to better terms at renewal.
Agents who specialise in credit challenges
There's a path forward. Let's find it.
Book a Discovery Call. We don't judge — we look at what's possible and tell you the truth.
Book a Discovery Call