FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whether you're a borrower, Mortgage Broker, real estate investor, or prospective MIC investor, here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

  • Private mortgage lending is an alternative form of financing that can provide borrowers with greater flexibility than traditional lenders.

    Private lenders often consider factors such as property value, available equity, and the overall strength of the opportunity, rather than relying solely on traditional lending criteria.

    Private lending can be a useful solution for borrowers who require fast access to capital, have non-traditional income, are self-employed, or are navigating unique financing situations.

  • Traditional lenders often rely on strict qualification requirements related to income, debt service ratios, credit scores, and documentation.

    Private lenders typically have greater flexibility and can assess financing opportunities on a case-by-case basis.

    This allows private lending to provide solutions in situations where conventional financing may not be available or practical.

  • Every transaction is different, but private mortgages can often close significantly faster than traditional financing.

    Factors such as documentation requirements, property type, and borrower circumstances will impact timing, but private lending is often used when speed and responsiveness are important.

  • While Keystone works closely with Mortgage Brokers throughout Atlantic Canada, borrowers are welcome to contact us directly.

    If you are already working with a Mortgage Broker, we are happy to collaborate with them to explore financing solutions that fit your needs.

  • Private lending may be a fit for:

    • Self-employed individuals

    • Real estate investors

    • Property owners seeking to refinance

    • Borrowers accessing equity

    • Construction projects

    • Bridge financing situations

    • Individuals with non-traditional income sources

    • Borrowers requiring short-term financing

    Every situation is unique, which is why Keystone focuses on understanding the full picture before recommending a financing solution.

  • Bridge financing is a short-term financing solution designed to help borrowers bridge the gap between buying a new property and selling an existing one.

    It can also be used in other situations where temporary financing is required to complete a transaction or transition.

  • Equity take-out financing allows property owners to access a portion of the equity they have built within their property.

    These funds may be used for renovations, debt consolidation, investment opportunities, business purposes, or other financial goals.

  • Yes.

    Keystone provides construction financing solutions throughout Atlantic Canada.

    Our construction financing programs are designed to provide flexible draw structures, responsive funding, and practical financing solutions for builders, homeowners, and real estate investors.

  • Yes.

    Many self-employed individuals have strong financial profiles but may not fit traditional lending requirements.

    Keystone regularly works with self-employed borrowers and takes a practical approach to understanding income, assets, equity, and overall borrower circumstances.

  • Every lending opportunity is assessed individually.

    While credit history is one factor considered during underwriting, Keystone takes a broader view of each financing opportunity and evaluates multiple factors beyond a credit score alone.

  • Keystone finances a variety of property types, including:

    • Single-family homes

    • Multi-unit residential properties

    • Rental properties

    • Condominiums

    • Townhomes

    • Mixed-use properties

    • Construction projects

    • Investment properties

    Property eligibility may vary depending on the specific financing request.

  • Keystone currently provides lending solutions throughout:

    • Nova Scotia

    • New Brunswick

    • Prince Edward Island

    • Newfoundland

  • A Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) is a Canadian investment structure that pools capital from investors and uses those funds to finance mortgages secured by real estate.

    MICs allow investors to participate in a diversified portfolio of mortgage investments without directly owning or managing properties.

  • Yes.

    Mortgage Investment Corporations may be eligible investments for registered accounts including RRSPs, TFSAs, RRIFs, FHSAs, RESPs, and RDSPs.

    Investors should consult their financial advisor to determine whether a MIC is appropriate for their individual investment objectives.

  • The best place to start is by contacting our team.

    Whether you're a borrower exploring financing solutions, a Mortgage Broker looking to discuss a deal, or an investor seeking additional information, we're happy to help.

    CONTACT KEYSTONE