Know your real budget before you shop
First-Time Home Buyer Mortgages
Down payment rules, pre-approval and closing costs explained in plain language before you make an offer.
First-Time Home Buyer Mortgages in OntarioOntario Mortgage Agent · Ontario & Nova Scotia
Ontario - License #11000073 · Nova Scotia - Licence #2023-3000786 · Mortgage Outlet Inc #12628
Ontario Mortgages
Made Simple
Purchases, renewals and refinances across Ontario. One application, multiple lender offers, and a clear comparison of rate, term and penalty before you commit.
Prefer to read first? See how mortgage renewals work in Ontario.
Phil Cragg
Rate Connect — Mortgage Agent Ottawa
Ontario - License #11000073
Nova Scotia - Licence #2023-3000786
Mortgage Outlet Inc #12628
A-lender access
Banks, monolines and credit unions compared side by side.
Mortgage Agent Level 2
Licensed Mortgage Agent Level 2 serving Ontario borrowers.
Same-day callbacks
You speak with an agent, not a call queue.
CMP Top 75 Agent 2025
Recognized among Canada’s top mortgage professionals in 2025.
15+ years experience
Helping Ontario borrowers find the right mortgage for over 15 years.
What We Do
Mortgage help for every
stage of ownership
Rate held while you shop
Mortgage Pre-Approval
A rate-held pre-approval with A-lender documentation so your offer holds up with sellers and agents.
Mortgage Pre-Approval in OntarioApproved on your real income
Self-Employed Mortgages
Business-for-self files structured properly, using the income lenders will actually recognise.
Self-Employed Mortgages in OntarioBuy sooner without Canadian credit history
New To Canada Mortgages
Newcomer programs for permanent residents and work-permit holders with limited Canadian credit.
New To Canada Mortgages in OntarioFinancing built around rental income
Investment Property Mortgages
Rental income qualification, down payment requirements and portfolio planning for Ontario investors.
Investment Property Mortgages in OntarioOne payment, far less interest
Debt Consolidation Mortgages
Roll high-interest cards and loans into your mortgage and replace several payments with one.
Debt Consolidation Mortgages in OntarioCompare before you re-sign
Mortgage Renewals
We shop your renewal across A lenders instead of signing the letter your bank mailed you.
Mortgage Renewals in OntarioPut your equity to work
Mortgage Refinancing
Access equity, reset your term, or restructure the mortgage you already have around today's numbers.
Mortgage Refinancing in OntarioFund the work at mortgage rates
Renovation Financing
Purchase-plus-improvements and equity takeouts that fund the work without credit-card rates.
Renovation Financing in OntarioA plan to qualify at prime
Credit Improvement
A written plan to move your score and your file into A-lender territory, with a target date.
Credit Improvement in OntarioFinancing for the cottage you want
Vacation & Second Home Mortgages
Cottage, cabin and second-home financing, including seasonal access and water-source conditions.
Vacation & Second Home Mortgages in OntarioWhy Rate Connect
The rate matters.
The terms decide
what it costs you.
Two mortgages at the same rate can differ by thousands once you read the penalty clause and prepayment limits. We put those details in front of you before you sign, and we say so plainly when your current lender's offer is the one to take.
About Phil Cragg and Rate ConnectWe shop the lenders you can't call
One application goes to multiple A lenders. You see the rates, the terms and the penalty language side by side before you commit to anything.
One agent, start to funding
Phil Cragg handles your file personally, from the first rate conversation to the lawyer's office. No handoffs, no repeating your story.
Straight numbers, in writing
Payment, term, penalty structure and total cost of borrowing in plain language, so you can compare your bank's offer honestly.
Built for prime borrowers
We specialise in A-lender, prime mortgages: strong credit, verifiable income and properties lenders want to finance.
How It Works
Four steps from question
to funded mortgage
- 01
Tell us the goal
A short call or form: buying, renewing, refinancing or getting pre-approved. Ten minutes, no credit pull required to start.
- 02
We shop A lenders
We compare current Ontario rates and terms across our lender panel and bring you the two or three that actually fit.
- 03
Lock and document
We hold your rate, gather documents through secure upload and handle lender conditions on your behalf.
- 04
Fund and confirm
We coordinate with your lawyer, confirm the payment and stay on file for your next renewal.
Areas We Serve
Licensed in Ontario & Nova Scotia,
working with clients across both provinces
Toronto
Condo, freehold and multi-unit financing across the city, including buildings lenders treat as exceptions.
Mortgage agent in TorontoOttawa
Purchases and renewals for public-service households, including pension and contract income files.
Mortgage agent in OttawaMississauga
Move-up buyers and refinances across Port Credit, Erin Mills and Meadowvale.
Mortgage agent in MississaugaHamilton
Older housing stock, duplex conversions and first-time buyer files on the Mountain and in the lower city.
Mortgage agent in HamiltonLondon
First-time buyers and student-rental financing in a lower-price market.
Mortgage agent in LondonClient Feedback
What Ontario homeowners
say about working with us
5.0 average from 7 Google reviews
Phil made the process of getting our dream home a breeze. He walked us through step by step ensuring we were getting the best rate possible. With him there was no such thing as a stupid question — he took the time to answer and explain the reasoning for that answer. Highly recommend Phil, he will take care of you and make you feel like you're family.
Amanda Labonté
Google · 10 months ago
Phil, Cody and Priscilla were amazing. They helped me get a mortgage for my new home. They give amazing advice and find the best rates and were extremely diligent with everything they did. They were quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had. I would highly recommend Rate Connect.
Jayan Koneswaran
Google · 2 years ago
Phil, Cody and Priscilla are very helpful, professional, efficient, knowledgeable and responsive. They helped us with our mortgage renewal remotely and got us a rate that they promised. Excellent all the way through! Thank you for the positive experience.
H L
Google · 2 years ago
- Does a mortgage agent cost me anything in Ontario?
- On prime, A-lender mortgages the lender pays the brokerage, so there is no fee to you. If a file ever requires a fee-based lender, we tell you the amount in writing before you sign anything.
- Is a mortgage agent better than going to my bank?
- A bank quotes one rate from one lender. We compare current Ontario rates across several A lenders using one application, then tell you honestly if your bank's renewal offer is already the best one on the table.
- How fast can I get a mortgage pre-approval?
- Most pre-approvals are submitted the same business day once we have your income documents, and lenders typically hold the rate while you shop.
- Should I renew with my current lender or switch?
- It depends on the rate, the penalty and the remaining term. We compare your renewal letter against what other lenders will offer and show you the net difference in dollars, not percentages.
- Do you work across all of Ontario?
- Yes. Our office is in Toronto, and we work with clients province-wide by phone, email and secure document upload.
Find out what you actually
qualify for today
Send us the basics and we'll come back with real lender options, or call and get an answer on the first conversation.