What to Look for in a Mortgage Brokerage as a New Agent in Ontario

If you are thinking about starting your career as a new mortgage agent in Ontario. You are at the right place to get all the information that helps you to choose an ideal opportunity for you. There’s a lot to learn, from getting licensed to understanding how the industry really works.

One of the most important first steps is choosing the right mortgage brokerage for beginners. Why? Because the brokerage you join will shape your training, income potential, and long-term success and offer best mortgage rates to customers. 

In Ontario, mortgage agents must be licensed and follow strict rules set by the Appraisal Institute of Canada, which makes picking the right support system even more important. A good brokerage will guide you through all licensing, mentorship, tools, mortgage calculator, and more. So before you jump in, take the time to explore what to look for in a mortgage broker that’s built to help new agents grow.

Starting Out as a Mortgage Agent in Ontario – Why Your First Brokerage Matters:

  • Starting a mortgage career is exciting, but it can feel like a lot at first.
  • There’s a lot to learn, like licensing and what the job really involves.
  • Feeling unsure in the beginning is totally normal.
  • That’s why choosing the right brokerage is so important.

A great brokerage will:

  • Help you get licensed so you’re not figuring it out alone.
  • Give you real training and hands-on support (not just videos).
  • Provide helpful tool like mortgage calculator and systems to stay organized and save time.
  • Be a supportive team you can rely on for advice and encouragement.

The brokerage you choose now can shape your future, so take your time and pick one that truly supports your growth. Just getting started? Mortgage Squad is here to help you get licensed and fully supported from day one.

FSRA Licensing & Brokerage Requirements – What You Need to Know?

Step What It Means How a Good Brokerage Helps
Complete a Course You must finish a FSRA-approved mortgage agent education program. Helps you choose the right course and register for it.
Apply Through a Brokerage You can’t get licensed on your own. You need a licensed brokerage to sponsor you. Guides you through the application and sponsors your license.
Meet FSRA Rules FSRA has rules you must follow to stay licensed (compliance, ethics, etc.). Keeps you updated on regulations and ensures you follow them correctly.
Stay Compliant Even after you’re licensed, FSRA checks that you follow all industry standards. Supports you with ongoing compliance and back-office help.

Mortgage Squad walks you through the FSRA licensing process, step by step. Book your free info session today!

What to Expect from a Mortgage Broker as a New Agent in Ontario

Getting started can feel overwhelming, choosing the right brokerage is one of your first big steps.Not all brokerages offer the same support, look for one that helps you grow and makes your job easier.

Mentorship and Support:

  • You’ll have lots of questions in the beginning, and that’s totally normal.
  • A good brokerage offers real mentorship and hands-on coaching.
  • The right guidance helps you build confidence with every deal.

Help with Paperwork and Compliance:

  • Paperwork and compliance can be confusing and time-consuming.
  • A strong brokerage has a team to help with forms, deal submissions, and rule-following.
  • This support lets you focus on learning and helping clients, not just admin work.

Not sure what to expect from a brokerage? Talk to a Mortgage Squad mentor and see what real support looks like.

Best Training and Mentorship Programs Offered by Ontario Brokerages:

Starting a new career can be exciting, but also kind of scary when you’re left to figure everything out on your own. That’s why the kind of training your brokerage offers is so important.

DIY Learning vs. Real Support:

Some brokerages give you a few online resources and expect you to learn on your own. It’s called “self-paced,” but it can really mean “you’re on your own.” If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Why Mentorship Matters:

The best brokerages do things differently. They match you with experienced agents who’ve been in your shoes. These mentors show you the ropes, help you avoid common mistakes, and give you real feedback as you grow. It’s like having a personal coach in your corner.

Structured Training = Faster Success:

Instead of guessing your way through, structured training gives you a clear roadmap, from your first client call to closing deals with confidence. With the right support, you’ll hit your goals faster and feel way more confident doing it.

We don’t throw you into the deep end. Mortgage Squad’s mentorship program pairs you with top-producing agents from day one.

Access to Lots of Lenders:

  • The more lenders your brokerage works with, the more options you can offer your clients.
  • Having access to A, B, and private lenders means you can help people in all kinds of financial situations.
  • More lender options = more deals, happy clients, and repeat business. You can get access to over 50 lenders with Mortgage Squad, including top names across Canada 

Helpful Tech and CRM Tools:

  • Great tools like Velocity, Filogix, and Scarlett make submitting deals quick and easy.
  • A good CRM helps you keep track of your leads, follow-ups, and client info all in one spot.
  • The right tech keeps you organized, saves time, and helps you work more efficiently.

Mortgage Squad gives you access to a full tech stack so you can work smarter, not harder.

Support with Marketing and Leads:

  • Some brokerages leave lead generation up to you. Others actually help!
  • Look for support with branding, websites, and social media to help you look professional from the start.
  • It’s even better if the brokerage provides warm leads or team-generated opportunities.

At Mortgage Squad, we offer co-branded marketing tools and help you get in front of clients faster.

Remote or Office – You Choose:

  • Some people like working from an office, others love the flexibility of remote work.
  • What matters is having support, no matter where you are.
  • The best brokerages offer both options and give you help when you need it.

Mortgage Squad supports in-office and remote agents, plus you get 24/7 access to broker support.

Check Their Reputation:

  • Don’t just go with what a brokerage says about itself.
  • Read reviews, talk to current or past agents, and do a quick Google search.
  • You can also check FSRA’s website to make sure the brokerage is licensed and in good standing.

Mortgage Squad is highly rated by new agents, find out why so many choose to start here.

Comparing Commission Splits, Desk Fees, and Costs for New Agents in Ontario:

When you’re just starting out as a mortgage agent, it’s super important to understand how you’ll get paid or what the current mortgage rates are,  and what costs might come out of your pocket. Every brokerage has a different setup, so it’s smart to compare the details before signing on.

You’ll typically run into terms like commission splits, desk fees, E&O insurance, mortgage interest rates,  and commission caps. These can seriously affect how much money you actually take home. Here’s a simple breakdown:

 

Cost/Model What It Means What to Watch For
Commission Split The percentage you keep vs. what the brokerage keeps (e.g., 80/20, 90/10) New agents may start with lower splits,asking how they grow over time.
Desk Fees Monthly or yearly fees you pay to be “on the team” (some charge, some don’t) Some brokerages have no desk fees, others charge $200–$500+ monthly.
E&O Insurance “Errors & Omissions” insurance — protects you legally Usually required; expect to pay ~$300–$500/year.
Commission Cap A limit on how much the brokerage keeps; once you hit it, you keep 100% Great for high producers — ask if the brokerage offers a cap.

 
Understanding these terms helps you avoid surprises about current mortgage rates and choose a brokerage that supports your growth without draining your wallet.

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