January 2011
This article is provided by Brian Marling of Neighbourhood DLC – Canada’s #1 Mortgage Team 905.372.7222
I would like to ask you a question… when it comes to all things financial, whether we are talking about Mortgages, Insurance or Investments, who really has your best interests at heart? For most people today life is extremely busy. Often in a household both spouses/partners are working, the kids are involved in numerous extra curricular activities and it seems like we are going 10 different directions at the same time! We can barely get our heads above water long enough to take a breath and a day off or a ‘down day’ is a foreign concept. It’s a real challenge to juggle schedules and maintain any kind of balance in our lives these days.
On top of all of that we need to manage our financial lives, which has become a critical issue in these times of uncertain economic conditions. So, when it comes to making financial decisions regarding mortgages, insurance, investments, managing debts, etc most do not have the time or expertise to sift through the myriad of choices and options? Take mortgages for example. There are literally hundreds of different products with various options and possibilities. So, how do you decide what is best for you and your family? Most people, unfortunately, simply settle for the path of least resistance which is probably dealing with whichever lender they are currently with. After all, who has the time and knowledge to visit 10 different lenders and be able to compare all the nuances of the different options and rates? So how do you really know if you are actually getting the best possible scenario for your family? The answer – you don’t!
That’s where an Independent Advisor comes in. Common sense alone will tell you that when you deal with an Independent Advisor, who is NOT an employee of any financial institution, you are going to get the best unbiased advice there is. And guess what – contrary to what some would have you believe, most Independent Advisors do NOT charge you a fee for their services. Whether you are talking mortgages, insurance or investments an Independent Advisor has access to many companies products and services and will place your business where it makes most financial sense for you, and not the institution. This is because an Independent Advisor works for you and NOT for any financial company or institution.
When it comes to mortgages for example, any one lender can only offer you something from their own mix of products. If they do not offer what you need or you do not fit in their box then too bad. Worse yet, what if a better solution exists from a different lender but you simply aren’t aware that it is even available? I don’t think the bank on one corner is going to send you across the street, do you?
Whether you realise it or not, financial institutions certainly have an agenda. The problem is that you & I are not very high on that list. We all know lots of lovely people who work across the counter at these institutions, but they must operate under the umbrella of large corporations. And who are these corporations accountable to? You and I as their customers? No – they answer primarily to their shareholders. And shareholders are primarily interested in profits. Now I do not have a problem with any company making a profit – how else would they stay in business. The problem for you and I when dealing with only one alternative is in the not knowing whether or not we have actually received the very best solution. Maybe we have, but maybe we haven’t.
Also, have you considered that they really don’t have a vested interest in our becoming debt free. Their very existence is dependent on our remaining in debt. And for how long? Answer – as long as possible.
My intention here is not to bash any particular lender. In fact, as far as it goes with my clients, if your current lender is the best possible solution then that is where we will place your mortgage – no question. Interesting to note however is that very few actually end up staying at the same place, which only underscores the fact that there are way more options for you than you probably know.
When you deal with an Independent Advisor like The Brian Marling Mortgage Team we work for you and nobody else. Also, as part of our mandate, we will work closely with any of our clients to help them become COMPLETELY DEBT FREE including their mortgage. In most cases this can be accomplished in under 10 years. We actually demonstrate this on paper at our Financial Fitness Seminars, the most recent of which was held on January 12th .
It’s a new year so why not give your finances a fresh start. If you would like an unbiased and independent assessment of your mortgage and debt situation then please give me a call. And I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Here at Neighbourhood not only do we provide Award Winning Service and the best selection of mortgage products in the country, but we also offer our Free Financial Fitness Seminars and have added Personal Financial Coaching for those who truly desire a change but would like some assistance along the way. If you don’t change something then don’t expect different results. As always you can call us anytime to discuss how we may be able to help you.
At Neighbourhood, & the home of the Brian Marling Mortgage Team, we are concerned for the total well-being of our clients. That’s why we are taking the years of experience from our award winning office and offering a series of FREE Seminars to our clients and their friends & families and to the public at large. The seminars, entitled ‘Financial Fitness’, will be offered free of charge and will cover all the secrets of successful personal financial freedom. If interested please call our office at 905.372.7222 to reserve your spot as seating will be limited.