Banks Admit What Brokers Have Been Saying All Along

Katherine Martin • March 30, 2015

In an article published on the Globe and Mail this morning titled Amid fierce mortgage battle, some banks shifting focus from rates to features , it appears that a couple of banks are admitting what mortgage brokers like me have been saying for years…

Choosing a mortgage product is a lot more than simply finding the lowest rate.

The main point of the article is that banks are changing their marketing strategy because what they have been doing in the past is not as effective in today’s ultra-low rate environment.

“With interest rates at record lows and banks increasingly battling with credit unions and other non-bank lenders for market share, lenders are having a difficult time standing out from the pack… In the era of low rates and fierce competition among mortgage providers, banks are now finding diminishing returns from spending marketing budgets on campaigns aimed at offering the lowest rate.”

So only now that advertising rates is proving less effective do banks want to shift the conversation away from rates and onto mortgage features? How convenient.  

“We all know there is so much more involved in the home-buying decision and taking on such a large debt. To keep the conversation focused on just the rate does a disservice to consumers.” ~ Sean Amato-Gauci, RBC’s senior vice-president of home equity financing.

Let me get to the point of it. Banks will always change the messaging to sell you on what they want to sell you on. When you deal with a single institution, you are working with someone who has their own best interest in mind. There is a reason RBC’s profit hit $2.46 Billion in the first quarter of 2015. They are really good at making money.

Unlike dealing with a bank, when you deal with me, I represent you to several lending institutions so that you can choose what you want your mortgage to look like. Maybe (despite what the banks will tell you is important) all you care about is rate… great, I will get you an incredible rate on any term you like (not just the 5 yr fixed).

Or maybe you are looking for flexibility, I will make sure you don’t get stuck in a collateral charge mortgage.

Or maybe you are self-employed and your income isn’t all that straightforward, no problems, I have lenders who understand your needs.

Regardless of your situation and whatever you are looking for in a mortgage, don’t limit yourself to a single institution’s products when you have access to the entire market for free… with professional unbiased advice.  

There is a reason smart people say “Buy bank stocks, not bank mortgages”.

Have questions? Contact me anytime!

Katherine Martin


Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842


RECENT POSTS

Mortgages Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

By Katherine Martin • December 17, 2025
Why the Cheapest Mortgage Isn’t Always the Smartest Move Some things are fine to buy on the cheap. Generic cereal? Sure. Basic airline seat? No problem. A car with roll-down windows? If it gets you where you're going, great. But when it comes to choosing a mortgage? That’s not the time to cut corners. A “no-frills” mortgage might sound appealing with its rock-bottom interest rate, but what’s stripped away to get you that rate can end up costing you far more in the long run. These mortgages often come with severe limitations—restrictions that could hit your wallet hard if life throws you a curveball. Let’s break it down. A typical no-frills mortgage might offer a slightly lower interest rate—maybe 0.10% to 0.20% less. That could save you a few hundred dollars over a few years. But that small upfront saving comes at the cost of flexibility: Breaking your mortgage early? Expect a massive penalty. Want to make extra payments? Often not allowed—or severely restricted. Need to move and take your mortgage with you? Not likely. Thinking about refinancing? Good luck doing that without a financial hit. Most people don’t plan on breaking their mortgage early—but roughly two-thirds of Canadians do, often due to job changes, separations, relocations, or expanding families. That’s why flexibility matters. So why do lenders even offer no-frills mortgages? Because they know the stats. And they know many borrowers chase the lowest rate without asking what’s behind it. Some banks count on that. Their job is to maximize profits. Ours? To help you make an informed, strategic choice. As independent mortgage professionals, we work for you—not a single lender. That means we can compare multiple products from various financial institutions to find the one that actually suits your goals and protects your long-term financial health. Bottom line: Don’t let a shiny low rate distract you from what really matters. A mortgage should fit your life—not the other way around. Have questions? Want to look at your options? I’d be happy to help. Let’s chat.

Bank of Canada Rate Announcement Dec 10th, 2025

By Katherine Martin • December 10, 2025
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