Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about mortgage brokers, agents, and Brkrr.
For consumers
Do mortgage brokers charge fees?
It depends on the type of lender. For A lender mortgages (major banks, credit unions), the agent is paid a commission by the lender — you typically pay nothing. For B lender mortgages, agents may charge an additional broker fee, which is disclosed to you upfront. For private mortgages, a broker fee is standard since most private lenders don't pay agent commissions. All fees must be disclosed to you in writing before you proceed.
How do I know if my mortgage broker is licensed?
Use Brkrr's free verification tool. Enter your broker's name or licence number and we'll check against the provincial regulatory registry. Brkrr checks agent licence status periodically. For the most up-to-date status, you can also verify directly with your provincial regulator.
Can a mortgage broker get me a better rate than my bank?
Yes. Mortgage brokers access rates from multiple lenders — including major banks like TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and National Bank, plus credit unions and alternative lenders. A bank can only offer their own products. With a broker, you only need one credit check instead of applying to multiple banks individually.
What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage agent?
A mortgage agent works under the supervision of a mortgage broker and can arrange mortgages on your behalf. A mortgage broker can supervise agents and typically has additional licensing requirements. Both are regulated by their provincial authority. In day-to-day practice, both help you find and secure a mortgage. The key difference between a mortgage agent/broker and a mortgage specialist at a bank is that the bank specialist can only offer that bank's products.
I'm renewing my mortgage. Should I use a broker?
Yes — renewal is one of the most important times to use a broker. Your current lender's renewal offer is often not their best rate. A broker can shop multiple lenders to find a better rate, potentially saving you thousands over your next term.
Is Brkrr free for consumers?
Yes. Brkrr is free to use for consumers. You can search agents, get matched, and leave reviews at no cost. Note that mortgage agents may charge a broker fee depending on the type of lender — all fees are disclosed to you in writing before you proceed.
How does the matching work?
When you submit a matching request, we connect you with up to 3 verified mortgage agents based on your location, language preferences, and mortgage needs so you can compare and choose. Agents typically respond within 48 hours.
Is my information safe?
Your contact information is only shared with the agents you're matched with (maximum 3). See our Privacy Policy for full details on how we handle your information.
For mortgage agents
Is Brkrr really free for agents?
Yes — Brkrr is completely free for agents. Your listing, leads, and reviews are all included at no cost. No credit card, no contracts.
How does Brkrr verify my licence?
We cross-reference your licence number against your provincial regulatory registry and verify your brokerage email to confirm you are the licence holder.
Which provinces are supported?
We've pre-built listings for agents across multiple provinces using data from provincial regulatory registries. Agents from any province can register directly — enter your licence number and province, and our team will verify against your provincial regulator.
How long does it take to go live?
Brokerage email verification takes 2–3 minutes. Admin review of your claim typically completes within 24–48 hours on business days. You'll receive an email the moment your listing is approved.
What happens if my licence expires?
You'll receive reminders at 60 and 30 days before expiry. If your licence expires without renewal, your listing is automatically hidden from search. Once you renew and confirm, it goes straight back live.
How is Brkrr different from other lead services?
Most lead services charge you $30–95 per lead and share that lead with 3–5 other agents. On Brkrr, leads from your profile page go exclusively to you. Our matching tool connects consumers with up to 3 agents so they can compare and make an informed choice. And it's free — we don't charge agents for leads.
General
What is FSRA?
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is the government body that regulates mortgage brokers and agents in Ontario. They maintain a public registry of licensed professionals, issue and renew licences, and take enforcement action when rules are broken.
What is BCFSA?
The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) is the regulator for mortgage brokers in British Columbia. They oversee licensing, conduct investigations, and maintain a public registry of registered mortgage brokers.
How does Brkrr make money?
Brkrr is free during our launch period. In the future, we plan to offer optional paid plans with premium features like priority placement in search results.