Mortgage Squad vs. 8Twelve Mortgage (2026): An Honest Comparison for Ontario Agents

8Twelve Mortgage is an Ontario-based brokerage with a tech-enabled, marketplace-style consumer experience — and a name that comes up when agents are researching where to license their career. This comparison is written by Mortgage Squad, so use it as a framework and verify the specifics directly with each brokerage before you decide. With that said, the four criteria below are the right ones to ask about regardless of which way you go.

The short answer

8Twelve Mortgage is an established Ontario-based brokerage that has built a recognizable consumer-facing brand around its marketplace model. Mortgage Squad is a boutique FSRA-licensed brokerage (#13737) built on published commission tiers, a low and refundable platform fee, and daily live training led by our Broker Manager. The right choice depends on whether you want a consumer-centric marketplace environment or a structured, agent-first home brokerage with transparent, published terms. Explore careers at Mortgage Squad.

Who 8Twelve Mortgage is

8Twelve Mortgage operates as an Ontario-based brokerage with a consumer-facing marketplace model — connecting borrowers with multiple lender options through a digital experience. That consumer-facing positioning can be a genuine draw for agents who want name recognition with a tech-forward brand. The specific terms that matter most to your income — commission split, fees, training format — are the questions you'll want to ask 8Twelve directly, since we won't speculate on terms we can't verify.

The four things to compare at any brokerage

Whether you're evaluating 8Twelve, Mortgage Squad, or any other option, these are the variables that define your first few years (full question list here):

• Commission split — Is the schedule published, or do you only find out after a conversation?
• Monthly and desk fees — What are all the fees, and is any portion refundable at a production target?
• Training — Is it live and ongoing, or a static recorded library?
• Mentorship — Will a senior broker actually work your first deals with you, or is support a general promise?

These four criteria most separate agents who build sustainable businesses from those who leave within eighteen months. See the training and mentorship guide for what to look for.

What Mortgage Squad offers

Mortgage Squad is a boutique, FSRA-licensed brokerage (#13737) in Ontario. Everything below is published, not pitch-dependent:

• Published commission tiers — 60% while in training (our Broker Manager is on every deal) rising to 100% at high funded volume. No privately negotiated splits. (Commission tier table.)
• A single $100/month platform fee, fully refunded at $5M+ funded — effectively free for active producers. No desk fee, no franchise royalty, no surprise tech charges.
• Live training every weekday and weekend, led by our Broker Manager — not a course library or a junior staffer. (Training details.)
• Structured one-on-one mentorship with a senior broker on your early deals, so you learn deal structure and lender relationships from the start. (Mentorship program.)

How the commission structures compare

Mortgage Squad's split schedule is published at /careers/commission — readable before any commitment. 8Twelve's split is not something we can state accurately; ask them directly, and confirm whether it's consistent across all deal types or varies by volume tier. Here's a plain-language guide to how splits work so you can evaluate whatever you're told.

Is 8Twelve good to work for?

Any honest answer to this depends on what you're looking for. Agents who thrive in tech-forward environments may find 8Twelve's marketplace model a good fit, especially if the brand's consumer recognition helps with client acquisition. Agents who want daily live coaching, a transparent fee structure, and a principal broker personally involved in every early deal will find those features more reliably present in a boutique brokerage model. Read agent reviews on Google and LinkedIn, and speak with agents who have actually worked there — including former ones. That combination is more reliable than any comparison article, including this one. For a wider view, see the best brokerages to work for in Ontario.

Alternatives to 8Twelve

If you're weighing 8Twelve against the broader market, the relevant alternatives for an Ontario-based agent range from national franchise networks (Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Alliance, VERICO) to independent boutiques like Mortgage Squad. The right category depends on your priorities: brand recognition and scale versus personalized support and published terms. See comparisons to Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Alliance, and VERICO for more side-by-sides using the same framework.

Frequently asked questions

Is 8Twelve Mortgage good to work for?

It depends on the kind of environment you want. 8Twelve has a consumer-facing marketplace brand that some agents find valuable for client recognition. The best way to assess the day-to-day culture, support, and income terms is to speak directly with agents who have worked there — including those who have since moved on.

What is the 8Twelve Mortgage commission split?

We won't state a specific number here because we can't verify it. Ask 8Twelve directly for their published split schedule and confirm whether it applies uniformly or varies by team, deal type, or volume tier. If it's not in writing, ask why.

Are 8Twelve Mortgage reviews positive?

Reviews are mixed, as they are for most brokerages. Check Google, Indeed, and LinkedIn for agent-specific feedback, and weight reviews from people who have worked there in a similar role to the one you're considering.

What are the best alternatives to 8Twelve Mortgage for Ontario agents?

The main alternatives are national franchise networks, independent boutique brokerages, and agent-first platforms. Mortgage Squad is one option; compare on published splits, fee transparency, live training, and mentorship access before committing. See best brokerages for new agents for a broader list.

Is this comparison unbiased?

No — this article is written by Mortgage Squad. The framework is fair and the facts about 8Twelve are kept deliberately generic to avoid misrepresenting them, but you should verify everything directly with both brokerages before making a decision.

Ready to see what Mortgage Squad looks like up close? Apply confidentially or browse all careers at Mortgage Squad — no obligation, no pressure.