
Working with a cash back mortgage broker can be a great way to save money on your home loan. You can receive a percentage of the loan amount as a cash back bonus, which can be used to offset closing costs or put towards your down payment.
Cash back mortgage brokers offer a range of options to suit different needs. For example, some brokers offer a fixed cash back amount, while others offer a percentage of the loan amount.
To qualify for a cash back mortgage, you'll typically need to meet certain lender requirements, such as having a good credit score and a stable income. This is because lenders view cash back mortgages as a higher risk, and want to ensure that borrowers can afford the loan.
What a Broker Offers
A cashback mortgage broker can offer a range of benefits to borrowers. They typically credit all ongoing lender commissions, in cash, to the borrower, usually paid by the lender on a monthly or annual basis.
This can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the loan term and potentially shave years off your mortgage. The cashback savings can be directed towards further paying off your home loan faster.
A cashback mortgage broker is generally no different from a standard mortgage broker. However, some may require customers to retain their mortgage with the same lender for a minimum specified period, typically 18-24 months.
To give you a better idea, here's a comparison of cash promotion and cash back offers:
It's essential to note that cashback mortgage brokers may have restrictions and clawback policies in place, so be sure to check with your lender for offer details.
Benefits and Options
Flexible cash-back options are available through cash back mortgage brokers, who credit ongoing lender commissions to the borrower in cash. These funds are usually paid by the lender on a monthly or annual basis for the life of the loan.
Cashback mortgage brokers can credit borrowers their trail commissions each month, allowing them to regularly direct these rebates towards further paying off their home loan faster. This can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the loan term and potentially shave years off your mortgage.
Some cashback mortgage brokers require customers to retain their mortgage with the same lender for a minimum specified period, typically 18-24 months, to avoid clawback of the commissions paid.
Cashback mortgage offers can be tiered based on a mortgage-amount range, with the bigger the mortgage, the more cash incentive. Alternatively, cash amounts can be based on a higher rate and on the total mortgage amount.
Here's a comparison of cash promotion and cash back offers:
Overall, cash back mortgage brokers offer flexible cash-back options, which can be a great incentive for borrowers. However, it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions, including any potential clawback or restrictions.
Understanding the Process
A cash back mortgage is essentially a mortgage with a twist - you get money back at closing, but it often comes with a higher interest rate.
There are two main kinds of cash back mortgages: one gives you a fixed rate amount of cash, for example $2000, while the other offers a percentage based cash back on closing, such as 1% of the mortgage amount.
The extra money is usually tied to a higher mortgage interest rate, so if the lender charges 0.10% more interest, they can justify providing the extra money by claiming it's equivalent to about $2000 over 5 years.
However, lenders can charge even more, like 0.20% more rate, and still offer the same $2000 cash back, essentially making more profit off the borrower.
The lender's goal is to distract you with the cash upfront, while they're actually earning more profits on the mortgage.
Pros and Cons
A cash back mortgage can provide you with funds at closing to help move into your new home, or for any other purpose. This can be a simple and convenient way to access additional funds, all bundled into one payment.
However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks. A cash back mortgage can be a very expensive way to access additional funds, and the cost transparency is often lost when things are "bundled" together. In many cases, you may be better off from a financial perspective using less down payment or applying for a separate line of credit to access the additional funds.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- A cash back mortgage can have a higher interest rate compared to other lenders.
- You may be required to repay the cashback if you sell your home or repay the mortgage within the cashback repayment period.
- Cashback offers are often smaller for small mortgage sizes or low deposits.
- Cashback can be used to negotiate a higher cashback rate if you have a large deposit (40% or 50%).
Broker Commissions
Mortgage brokers charge two types of commissions: upfront and trail. The upfront commission is usually paid by the lender, ranging from 0.65% to 0.70% of the loan amount, plus GST.
This upfront commission is a one-time payment, and it's not paid by the borrower. The trail commission, on the other hand, is a deferred payment made by the lender to the broker every month over the life of the loan.
The trail commission is 0.15% of the loan balance each year. This means that if you have a $500,000 loan, the broker will receive $750 per year in trail commissions.
You should be aware that some cashback mortgage brokers may charge a nominal administration fee, usually around $10 per month, to administer the cashback. This fee can be deducted from your cashback, so there's no need to pay upfront.
It's essential to remember that mortgage brokers are legally obligated to reveal any potential commissions they might earn by suggesting different loan alternatives to you. They must also prioritize your best interests when providing financial guidance.
Cons:
A cashback mortgage can seem like a great deal, but it's essential to consider the potential downsides. Here are some cons to keep in mind:
The cash back mortgage can be an expensive way to access additional funds, bundled into your mortgage. This lack of cost transparency can benefit the bank more than the customer.
Some mortgage options may have a higher interest rate to compensate for the cash back offer. For example, if you secure a mortgage with a market-leading rate and cash back, your borrowing costs will be as low as possible, but you may end up paying a higher interest rate overall.

If your mortgage is small or you have a small deposit, your cash back offer will be correspondingly small. This may not be worth the potential hassle of repaying the cash back if your circumstances change.
You may need to repay the cash back if you sell your home or refinance and change lenders. This can be a costly and stressful experience, especially if you're not prepared.
Here are some potential cash back repayment scenarios:
- Full repayment of the cash back
- Repayment of a portion of the cash back
- Repayment of the cash back plus a penalty or premium
It's essential to carefully review your mortgage contract and understand the terms and conditions of your cash back offer.
Broker Trust
Building trust with a cash back mortgage broker is crucial for a successful home buying or refinancing experience. A reputable broker will provide transparent and honest communication throughout the process.
They will clearly explain the terms and conditions of the cash back mortgage, including the amount of cash you can expect to receive, any fees associated with the loan, and how the cash back will be disbursed.
A good broker will also be knowledgeable about the latest market trends and can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
They will take the time to understand your financial situation and goals, and will work with you to find a mortgage solution that meets your needs.
Cash back mortgage brokers often have access to a wide range of mortgage products and lenders, which can give you more options to choose from.
By working with a broker who is experienced and trustworthy, you can save time and money, and achieve your dream of homeownership.
Choosing the Right Option
You can choose between a variable or fixed rate mortgage.
A variable rate mortgage can be a good option if you want flexibility in your payments.
You can determine the best rate and product fit for your situation by telling us how much you want up front.
Our team of mortgage brokers will work with you to determine if a cash back mortgage strategy is right for you.
Fill out our secure, online application to get our mortgage team working on your cash back mortgage right away.
With a cash back mortgage, you can save thousands over your term with your best-possible rate.
It's completely transparent, no funny business, so you can trust us to find the right option for you.
First Time Home Buyers
As a first-time home buyer, it's exciting to start this new chapter, but it can also be overwhelming. Get the best start and save a pile of cash with our mortgage experts.
Our mortgage experts can guide you through the process and help you find the best mortgage options. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you get the best deal.
Working with a cash back mortgage broker can be a huge advantage for first-time home buyers. You can potentially save thousands of dollars on your mortgage.
By choosing the right mortgage, you can save money on interest payments over the life of the loan. This can be a significant amount, especially for a first-time home buyer.
A cash back mortgage broker can help you navigate the complex world of mortgages and find the best option for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a cash back mortgage work?
A cash back mortgage involves borrowing more than needed to purchase a house, receiving a lump sum at closing, and using it as desired. This excess amount can be a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the principal loan amount.
Featured Images: pexels.com