Solutions · Alternative Lending
Non-traditional solutions for real-life situations.
Life doesn't always fit a bank's formula. Self-employment, a credit event, or income that's hard to document on paper doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. It means you need a broker who understands how to match your situation to the right lender — with a clear plan back to conventional terms.
- Exit strategy on every file
- Transparent fee structure
- 12–24 month typical exit
Non-traditional solutions for real-life situations.
Life does not always fit a bank's formula. We help you find financing that works for where you are right now.
Alternative lending exists because people's financial lives are complex. Self-employment, a credit event, or simply having income that is hard to document on paper does not mean you cannot get a mortgage. It means you need a broker who understands how to match your situation to the right lender.
Since 1992, we have built relationships with alternative lenders, private lenders, and credit unions who take a broader view of qualification. But finding the money is only half the job. Every alternative arrangement we build includes a clear exit strategy to move you toward conventional terms.
How it works
How we approach an alternative file.
Understand your situation
We start by listening. No judgment, just a clear-eyed look at where you are financially and what you need.
Match you to the right lender
We identify the lender whose criteria best fit your profile, then negotiate the best available rate and terms.
Build your exit strategy
We create a plan with clear milestones to transition you to conventional financing — typically within 12 to 24 months.
What you get
What we bring to an alternative file.
Experienced guidance
Alternative lending expertise built since 1992 means we know which lenders fit which situations.
Exit strategy included
Every alternative arrangement comes with a documented plan to get you back to conventional rates.
Deep lender relationships
Our long-standing relationships with alternative lenders often mean better terms for our clients than going direct would.
Transparent costs
We explain every fee and cost upfront so there are no surprises. You will always know the true cost of borrowing.
Fast turnaround
Alternative lenders can often approve and fund faster than major banks, especially for time-sensitive situations.
Judgment-free process
We approach every file with empathy and professionalism. Your past does not define your future.
Who benefits from alternative lending?
Four common situations where alternative lending opens a door the major banks have closed.
Self-employed professionals
Your income is real, but it does not always look straightforward on paper. Stated income and business-for-self programs recognize your earning power without requiring traditional documentation.
Learn moreCredit events
A divorce, medical situation, or past financial difficulty should not permanently lock you out of homeownership. Alternative lenders look at your whole picture, including the steps you have taken to move forward.
Learn moreEquity-rich homeowners
If you have significant equity but your income or credit does not meet traditional lending criteria, your home itself can be the key to accessing the financing you need.
Learn moreUnique properties
Rural properties, mixed-use buildings, or non-standard construction sometimes fall outside mainstream lending criteria. Alternative lenders are often more flexible about property type.
Learn moreSolutions we arrange.
A range of programs across different lender tiers — we'll explain which one fits your situation and why.
Institutional alternative mortgages
Alternative institutional lenders with more flexible qualification than the major banks, typically at rates 1–2% above prime. A strong middle-ground option.
Private first mortgages
Private lending secured by your property equity. Useful when speed or flexibility is essential, with a clear plan to transition to institutional lending.
Private second mortgages
Access additional equity without breaking your existing first mortgage. Can be used for debt consolidation, renovations, or bridge financing.
Stated income programs
For self-employed borrowers whose income is difficult to verify through traditional documentation. Lenders assess business viability and cash flow instead.
Bruised credit solutions
Lenders who look beyond your credit score to consider your equity position, employment stability, and the context behind credit events.
Our approach: traditional first, alternative when needed.
Alternative is a strategic step, not a fallback. Here is how we think about when each makes sense.
We never default to alternative lending when a conventional solution is available. Our first step is always to see if you qualify with a major bank, credit union, or monoline. Many clients who assume they need alternative financing actually qualify for conventional terms.
When alternative lending is the right fit, we treat it as a strategic step, not a fallback. We explain exactly why an alternative lender is the better choice for your situation, what it will cost, and how long you will likely need it.
Our 12 to 24 month exit strategy framework means you are never stuck. We set clear milestones, check in regularly, and proactively move you to better terms as soon as you qualify.
Every solution comes with an exit plan.
This is what separates our approach from simply finding you a lender.
This is what separates our approach from simply finding you a lender. Alternative lending is a tool, not a destination. Higher rates are acceptable in the short term when they are part of a larger strategy.
We work with you to set clear, achievable milestones: rebuilding credit, documenting income, paying down balances, or simply waiting for a credit event to age off your report. Most clients transition back to conventional lending within 12 to 24 months.
Your exit strategy is documented from day one and reviewed at every renewal. You will always know where you stand and what comes next.
Common questions
Frequently asked.
Alternative lenders use more flexible qualification criteria than traditional banks. They may place greater weight on property equity and overall financial picture rather than relying solely on credit scores and standard income verification. Rates are typically slightly higher, but these solutions can bridge the gap while you work toward conventional financing.
Yes. While traditional banks have strict credit score requirements, alternative and private lenders take a broader view of your financial situation. We work with lenders who specialize in helping borrowers rebuild their credit profile while securing the financing they need.
An exit strategy is a documented plan to transition you from alternative financing to conventional lending, typically within 12 to 24 months. It includes specific milestones like credit rebuilding targets, income documentation requirements, and timelines. We review your progress at each renewal to ensure you are on track.
Other ways we help.
Alternative Lending
Self-Employed
Stated income, bank statement, and business-for-self programs for borrowers whose income is real but hard to document.
Learn moreAlternative Lending
Credit Events
Mortgage solutions after a bankruptcy, consumer proposal, divorce, or credit difficulty — with a documented path back.
Learn moreAlternative Lending
Equity-Rich Homeowners
Equity-based programs that let your property value carry the conversation when income documentation is thin.
Learn moreReady to explore your options?
Let's talk about your situation.
No obligation, no judgment, no credit check required to start. We are here to help you understand your options.