Avoid becoming A Pawn to RBC’s Realtor Promotion
Recently RBC announced that they will pay a Realtor $1000 to refer first time home buyers to them for a mortgage. RBC is Canada’s largest Bank and the largest provider of Mortgages in the country, but it seems they want a piece of the first time buyer business that Mortgage Brokers enjoy.
CMHC has shown that about 44% of first time buyers use Mortgage Brokers. No surprises here! First time buyers are generally computer and Internet savvy and they are comfortable getting their mortgage by using on-line applications. They often enjoy completing the transaction electronically just as a matter of not having to make an appointment.
Excerpt from Globe and Mail article:
The cash offer is part of Royal Bank’s referral awards program for real estate agents. The program allows agents to collect points for referrals that they can trade for things like plane tickets, merchandise, gift cards or charitable donations.
Royal Bank is not the only lender to have a referral program for agents; a number have created such programs. They are controversial, and provincial watchdogs have differing rules for them. The bank’s program is not active in Alberta and Quebec, and the bank requires all realtors who participate to sign an agreement that includes a paragraph saying they will disclose to the home buyers that they are receiving compensation “in the form required under applicable law.”
If you are a first time buyer how would you feel knowing that you are being guided to use a lender, not because it’s the best option for your mortgagee, but rather so your Realtor can receive a fee, or plane tickets, even gift cards?
Consider that as of the writing of this article on June 3rd 2014, RBC is offering 5 year fixed rate mortgages at 4.94% on their official website while we as mortgage agents are offering 2.97% for the same term. If you will consider a 4 year mortgage term we can also offer 2.77% as a rate special.
A Mortgage will probably be the largest debt that you ever have so be sure you get the right type of mortgage with the best rate and terms for your personal goals.
Contact us today if you’d like to talk about meeting your own needs. 866-452-1100 or Apply on line now! Avoid being a pawn at RBC!
