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Private Mortgage Investing in Ontario — Secured Returns Backed by Real Estate

Fund 1st and 2nd private mortgages with Chartered Finance. Earn contract-based income while we manage the process from underwriting to legal closing, servicing, and enforcement coordination if required

Typical target returns: 8–10% (1st mortgages) | 10–12% (2nd mortgages)

Deal-by-deal review. No obligation

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Direct ownership (registered on title in your name)
RRSP/TFSA options via Olympia Trust
We manage underwriting, closing, servicing & enforcement

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Watch: How Private Mortgage Investing Works (Ontario)

60 seconds. Direct ownership. Deal-by-deal approval.

A simple way to earn contract-based income backed by real estate

Private mortgage investing allows you to earn interest by funding 1st or 2nd mortgages secured by Ontario properties. We manage the process end-to-end, while you keep control and direct ownership of the mortgage.

• Target returns: 8–10% (1st mortgages) and 10–12% (2nd mortgages)
‍• Mortgages registered on title in your name (not a fund)
• RRSP/TFSA/RRIF options available via Olympia Trust
‍• We handle underwriting, legal closing, servicing, and enforcement coordination if required

How Private Mortgage Investing Works (Ontario)

Private mortgage investing means you lend money secured by Ontario real estate. Your mortgage is registered on title, earns contract-based interest, and has a defined term and exit strategy

Most investors choose private mortgages because they offer:

• Target returns of 8–12% depending on mortgage position and risk profile
• Security registered on title (1st or 2nd mortgage)
• Defined terms (often 6–24 months)
• Monthly interest income (structure varies by deal)
• A clear enforcement process if payments stop

Who holds the mortgage — me or your company?

You do. The mortgage is written and registered in the investor’s name (or the registered plan’s name when using Olympia Trust). We don’t pool funds or act like a mortgage fund — we act as the intermediary to source, structure, close, and service the mortgage.

Can I hold private mortgages in my RRSP or TFSA?

In many cases, yes. We can facilitate eligible mortgage investments using Olympia Trust, allowing you to hold the mortgage inside a registered account (RRSP/TFSA/RRIF), depending on the structure and suitability

Is Private Mortgage Investing Right for You?

Private mortgages can be an excellent income investment, but they’re not for everyone. Here’s how to tell if it fits your goals.

This is a good fit if you:

• Want contract-based income backed by Ontario real estate
• Prefer predictable returns over stock market volatility
• Can invest $25,000+ per mortgage (or larger)
• Are comfortable with 6–24 month terms
‍• Want deal-by-deal control instead of a pooled fund
• Like the idea of holding mortgages in a registered account (RRSP/TFSA/RRIF) when eligible

This is not a good fit if you:

• Need your money fully liquid (accessible anytime)
• Want guaranteed returns (no investment is risk-free)
• Aren’t comfortable with the possibility of late payments or enforcement
‍• Prefer a hands-off fund with daily pricing and instant redemption
• Can’t commit to a defined term while the mortgage runs
• Are looking for high-risk/high-upside speculation instead of secured income

Why this matters

You earn income from a secured legal contract
• Your mortgage is registered on title and backed by real estateYou own the mortgage directly
• Registered in your name (or your registered plan’s name via Olympia Trust) — not pooled into a fund
‍We manage the process end-to-end
• Underwriting, lawyer coordination, servicing, renewals, and enforcement coordination if required

Bottom line: Private mortgages are designed for investors who want income + security + control — and who understand that real estate-backed investing still carries risk.

Direct Private Mortgages (What We Offer)

• Mortgage is registered in your name (or your registered plan’s name)
• You approve each deal individually
‍• Clear terms: rate, term, property, position, exit strategy
• Often higher net return potential (no pooled dilution)
• Full process handled by our team (underwriting → closing → servicing)• Enforcement coordination if required (legal process)

Direct Private Mortgages (What We Offer)

• Mortgage is registered in your name (or your registered plan’s name)
• You approve each deal individually• Clear terms: rate, term, property, position, exit strategy
• Often higher net return potential (no pooled dilution)
• Full process handled by our team (underwriting → closing → servicing)
• Enforcement coordination if required (legal process)

Mortgage Funds (Typical Structure)

• Your money is pooled with other investors
• You don’t choose individual mortgages
• Returns are net of management fees and fund costs
• Performance depends on the overall fund portfolio
• Less transparency on specific deal-level risk
• Redemption terms vary (may be limited or delayed)

Why direct ownership can mean a better return

With a direct mortgage, the investor earns interest from the borrower without extra layers of fund fees and pooling. You get deal-level clarity and can target returns based on the mortgage position and risk profile

Get the Guide: Investing in Private Mortgages (Ontario)

A clear breakdown of how it works, risks, and what to expect.

Our Process — Start to Finish

We manage the entire private mortgage lifecycle so you can invest with clarity and confidence — from underwriting to legal closing, servicing, and enforcement coordination if required

Step 1: Deal Sourcing + Underwriting

• We source private mortgage opportunities across Ontario
• We review the property, borrower profile, loan-to-value, and exit strategy
• We structure deals as 1st or 2nd mortgages based on risk/return fit

• You receive the key terms and supporting details
• You choose whether to fund the mortgage — you’re in control
‍• We answer questions and confirm suitability before moving forward

Step 2: You Review the Opportunity (Deal-by-Deal Approval)

Step 3: Legal Closing + Mortgage Registration

• A lawyer prepares the mortgage documentation
• The mortgage is registered on title in your name (not pooled into a fund)
• Funds are advanced only once closing conditions are satisfied

• We coordinate payments, renewals, and borrower communication-payments go directly to you
• You receive clear updates throughout the term
• Interest payment structure depends on the specific mortgage terms

Step 4: Servicing + Administration

Step 5: Exit or Enforcement (If Required)

• Most mortgages exit through refinance or property sale• If a borrower stops paying, we coordinate the enforcement process with legal counsel• Our priority is protecting investor capital through the proper legal process

Meet Your Mortgage Investment Partner

Rick Bettencourt

Centum Chartered Finance
Broker, Level 2
FSRA License# 11002425
Brokerage License# 12791

Hi, I’m Rick Bettencourt, a mortgage professional focused on private mortgage investing across Ontario. I help investors fund 1st and 2nd mortgages with clear underwriting, transparent terms, and a fully managed process from closing to servicing.

• Ontario-focused private mortgage placements
• Deal-by-deal investor approval with clear documentation
• Registered investing options facilitated through Olympia Trust

Target Returns & What Drives Them

Private mortgages are priced based on risk. Higher returns typically come from higher loan-to-value, second-position mortgages, or more complex borrower scenarios

Typical target return ranges

• 1st Mortgages: 8–10% target returns
• 2nd Mortgages: 10–12% target returnsReturns vary by deal and are not guaranteed.

What determines the interest rate on a private mortgage?

• Mortgage position (1st vs 2nd)
• Loan-to-value (LTV) and total debt on title
• Property type and location (marketability matters)
• Borrower profile and reason for borrowing
• Term length (often 6–24 months)
• Exit strategy (sale, refinance, construction completion, etc.)

How investors get paid

• Interest payments are typically monthly, depending on the mortgage structure
• Some mortgages may be structured with interest paid at maturity or upfront (deal-dependent)
• Principal is repaid at the end of the term through refinance or sale

Risks to understand (important)

• Borrower may miss payments or default
• Mortgages are not liquid like stocks — capital is committed for the term
• Enforcement can take time and legal costs can apply
• Property values can change, affecting recovery timelines
• Returns are not guaranteed and principal is at risk

Hold Private Mortgages Inside Your RRSP / TFSA / RRIF

In many cases, private mortgages can be held inside registered accounts, allowing you to earn mortgage interest in a tax-sheltered or tax-deferred structure (depending on the account type and eligibility).

How it works (simple explanation)

• You open or use an existing registered account with Olympia Trust (transfer registered account from other institution)
‍• Your funds are deployed into a specific mortgage opportunity
• The mortgage is registered in the name of your plan (where applicable)
• Interest and principal payments flow back into the registered account

• Potential to earn mortgage interest tax-sheltered or tax-deferred
‍• Keeps your capital working inside a structure you already use
• Still secured by Ontario real estate (mortgage registered on title)
• You maintain deal-by-deal control (not pooled into a fund)

Why investors like registered mortgage investing

What we handle for you

• Coordination with Olympia Trust for the correct structure and paperwork
• Mortgage underwriting and deal presentation
• Lawyer coordination and closing
• Servicing, reporting, renewals, and payouts
• Enforcement coordination if required

Registered investing eligibility depends on the specific mortgage structure and suitability. Returns are not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a borrower stops paying?

If a borrower misses payments, we follow a structured process that may include communication, formal notice, and enforcement coordination through legal counsel when required. The mortgage is secured by Ontario real estate and registered on title, but enforcement can take time and legal costs may apply.

Do you pool investor funds into a mortgage fund?

No. We don’t pool funds. Each mortgage is funded deal-by-deal, and the mortgage is registered in the investor’s name (or the registered plan’s name when using Olympia Trust).

How do I get paid?

Most mortgages are structured with interest paid monthly, although some may be structured differently depending on the deal. Principal is repaid at the end of the term through refinance or property sale.

What terms do private mortgages typically have?

Most private mortgages are 6–24 months, depending on the borrower’s exit strategy and the overall structure of the deal.

What is the minimum investment amount?

Minimums vary by opportunity, but many investors start around:
• $25,000+ per mortgage
• $50,000+ for broader deal availability

Can I invest using RRSP/TFSA/RRIF funds?

In many cases, yes. We can facilitate eligible mortgage investments through Olympia Trust, allowing the mortgage to be held within a registered plan (structure and suitability dependent).

What types of properties do you lend on?

This depends on the opportunity, but common security types include:
• Residential properties
• Owner-occupied or rental properties
• Select multi-unit or alternative property types (deal dependent)

Are returns guaranteed?

No. Private mortgage investing involves risk, including the risk of loss of principal. Returns depend on the borrower’s performance and the specific mortgage terms.


Disclaimer:
This website and guide are provided for general information and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice, and are not a solicitation to buy or sell securities. Private mortgage investing involves risk, including the risk of loss of principal. Any reference to interest rates, yields, or return ranges (including 8–10% for 1st mortgages and 10–12% for 2nd mortgages) are examples of typical ranges that may be available in certain market conditions and are not guaranteed. Actual rates, terms, and outcomes vary based on the specific mortgage, borrower profile, property type, loan-to-value, mortgage position, and other risk factors. All mortgage opportunities are subject to underwriting, due diligence, legal review, availability, and investor suitability. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Private mortgages are not liquid investments and investors should be prepared to hold their investment until maturity, extension, refinance, sale of the underlying property, or enforcement resolution. Where enforcement is required, timelines, costs, and outcomes can vary significantly. Chartered Finance acts as an intermediary to facilitate mortgage placement, administration, and coordination with legal counsel and other professionals; however, results cannot be guaranteed. Mortgages may be registered in the investor’s name (or the name of the registered plan, where applicable) and investors are responsible for making their own independent investment decisions and obtaining professional advice as needed. Registered account investing (including RRSP, TFSA, and RRIF) may be available through third-party custodians such as Olympia Trust, subject to eligibility, structure, and custodian requirements. Investors should confirm registered plan eligibility and tax treatment with their own advisors and the custodian prior to investing.