This Weeks Rates:

Insured:

• 5-year fixed: Starting at 3.94%
• Variable: Starting at 3.54%

Insurable:

• 5-year fixed: Starting at 3.94%
• Variable: Starting at 3.69%

Conventional:

• 5-year fixed: Starting at 4.19%
• Variable: Starting at 3.95%

CMB:

• 5-Year: 3.01%
• 10-Year: 3.59%

In this episode of the Close More Deals Podcast, host Scott Dillingham dives into the gritty realities of real estate prospecting and how mortgage brokers can turn "no down payment" objections into "yes" opportunities. Drawing from years of frontline lending experience, Scott breaks down strategies for clients with strong credit scores (700+), emphasizing that hard work in outreach pays off when armed with innovative tools. He spotlights the CMHC FlexDown program, a game-changer for flexible financing that lets qualified buyers borrow their minimum 5% down payment from sources like lines of credit, personal loans, or even family—without derailing the deal. As of November 2025, this insured option remains robust under CMHC, Sagen, and Canada Guaranty, with lenders factoring in only the minimum monthly payments to keep debt ratios in check, enabling buyers to enter the market now amid stabilizing rates.

Scott layers in a pro tip from his early days at LendCity: pair FlexDown with cash-back mortgages offering 1% to 5% rebates. Borrow the 5% down, close the deal, then use the instant cash back to repay the loan—leaving clients with just their primary mortgage and zero extra debt. This tactic sidesteps common barriers for first-time buyers in Canada's competitive housing scene. With average home prices holding steady and new rules favoring insured low-down-payment loans, Scott stresses education over pressure sales, urging listeners to qualify credit first and prospect relentlessly for long-term wins.

Whether you're a realtor building your pipeline or a buyer eyeing that first property, this episode equips you with actionable intel to bypass down payment roadblocks. Hosted by LendCity, Canada's trusted mortgage partner for pre-approvals and custom solutions, it blends practical wisdom with updated 2025 market insights for sustainable wealth building in real estate.

Key Takeaways

• Prospecting Mindset: Real estate success demands consistent outreach—when clients cite no down payment, pivot to credit checks; scores of 700+ unlock flexible programs like CMHC FlexDown for immediate action.
• CMHC FlexDown Basics: Borrow the 5% minimum down from lines of credit, personal loans, or family; lenders include only minimum payments in debt ratios, keeping affordability intact for strong borrowers (confirmed active via CMHC/Sagen in 2025).
• Cash-Back Layering Hack: Select lenders offering 1-5% rebates (e.g., up to $5,000 from TD or YNCU promotions ending late 2025) to repay borrowed down payments post-closing, simplifying to a single mortgage payment.
• Credit Threshold Strategy: Always start with a credit score inquiry—700+ qualifies for insured flexibility, avoiding conventional 20% down requirements and enabling 95% loan-to-value purchases under $500,000.
• Debt Ratio Caution: Borrowed funds must be conservative; focus on minimum payments only, and educate clients on long-term impacts to build trust and prevent overextension in today's rate environment.
• LendCity Action Step: Contact LendCity for free pre-approvals to test FlexDown eligibility, turning prospecting leads into closed deals with transparent, client-first advice.

Links to Show References

• LendCity Mortgages (Pre-Approvals & FlexDown Guidance): lendcity.ca
• CMHC FlexDown Program Details: cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Sagen Borrowed Down Payment Info: sagen.ca/products-and-services/borrowed-down-payment

• (00:02) - Qualifying Buyers Without Down Payments
• (00:45) - Understanding Credit Scores
• (02:07) - Exploring RSP Loans
• (03:14) - Comparing Loan Options
• (03:48) - Key Takeaways for Buyers

Show Resources:

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