In today’s ever-evolving real estate market, buyers are facing more challenges than ever before. From dropping home prices to stricter lending criteria, navigating the path to homeownership requires more than just determination—it takes the right guidance. We sat down with seasoned mortgage broker and Ourboro Referral Partner, Brayden Hooper, to talk about his journey in the industry, his passion for helping first-time buyers, and the insights they’ve gained along the way. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your mortgage background.

I originally hail from Lethbridge, Alberta. My educational journey took me from Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario to the Gold Coast of Australia, where I completed my studies in Business Administration and Marketing. That foundation gave me the structure and discipline I bring into my work today. I launched my mortgage business while still working a corporate job, knowing that my true goal was to become my own boss and create the life I envisioned. Since 2019, I’ve been an active mortgage broker. I continue to manage my own book of business while mentoring several mentees within our team at DLC FC Funding.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

No two days are the same, and that keeps things exciting—especially when dealing with alternative lending solutions. Bank loans tend to follow a formula, but with alternative lending, each file presents a unique challenge. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to say “yes” to a client who’s been turned down by a bank. We help make people’s dreams come true every day.

Can you tell us a bit about the journey to becoming an Ourboro Referral Partner?

One of our lender partners who works with Ourboro gave a private presentation to our team. It immediately caught my attention—I could see there was a strong product-market fit. This partnership lets us help buyers who may not qualify through traditional channels, and that’s incredibly rewarding. It does require a specific level of expertise, but when the plan comes together, it’s all worth it.

What’s the biggest challenge you see facing buyers today?

Affordability continues to be a huge issue. Wages haven’t kept pace with the cost of homeownership, and banks are increasingly strict with their mortgage requirements. One often overlooked factor is car loans—a $500+ monthly car payment can significantly lower someone’s maximum mortgage pre-approval amount.

What trends are you seeing for first-time homebuyers? Any common pitfalls?

A common mistake is moving down payment funds between multiple accounts right before a purchase. This makes it harder to trace the source of the funds, which lenders need to verify due to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Ideally, clients should keep their down payment in one or two savings accounts for at least 90 days leading up to a purchase. I’ve seen some clients with up to 18 accounts—it creates unnecessary stress.

What’s the most common misconception people have about buying a home?

People often underestimate the full cost of homeownership. Transitioning from renting to owning comes with a host of new expenses, and having a realistic budget is essential.

Do you have any predictions for the future of the real estate market?

With ongoing trade tensions, particularly between Canada and the U.S., I anticipate some turbulence in the global markets. This could lead to lower mortgage rates, but also pressure on job availability—especially here in Ontario. That dynamic makes mortgage qualification even tougher. If I had to predict, I’d say we’ll see softening home prices in smaller urban centers, while demand for single-family homes will stay strong due to limited supply.

What has been your most memorable sale and why?

Any time I help clients improve their financial position through a mortgage transaction, it’s memorable. I always prioritize my clients’ best interests. Debt consolidations combined with a financial plan—especially when created in collaboration with a licensed referral partner—are some of the most rewarding deals I’ve been part of.

If you only had three words to describe your approach with clients, what would they be?

Empathetic. Strategic. Transparent.

When you’re not working, where can we find you?

In the warmer months, I’m either at the gym, on the golf course, or checking out car shows. In the winter, I hibernate or try to escape the cold by vacationing down south. I’m definitely not a fan of cold weather!

What’s your favourite GTA neighbourhood?

Liberty Village. I’ve lived there since 2016 and have seen it change a lot. While the traffic can be frustrating, the community has a great vibe.

Is there a piece of advice you often find yourself giving to your clients?

Take care of your financial health. Proper planning prevents poor performance. Working with professionals—mortgage brokers, financial planners, etc.—is key. And always be mindful of who you’re taking advice from. You wouldn’t take legal advice from a plumber, right? So trust the experts in their respective fields and do your own research.

Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.