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Mortgage brokers’ share of the first-time homebuyers’ market has increased to 44 per cent, up from 35 per cent in 2007, according to CMHC’s 2009 Mortgage Consumer Survey.
The survey – which polled 2,507 recent mortgage consumers – showed brokers tend to fare better among purchasers in the 25 to 34 age range (42 per cent share) and female purchasers (43 per cent share). More than half of the survey respondents said getting the best rate or deal were the most important factors driving their satisfaction when obtaining a mortgage, and consumers were equally satisfied whether they used a broker or went directly to a lender.
Other findings from the survey saw that 86 per cent of recent purchasers believe their total housing costs and other monthly payments should not exceed 40 per cent of household income, a generally accepted approach, and 20 per cent reported making a lump sum payment to their mortgage.
“Our results confirm what we have seen in previous surveys – when it comes to their mortgages, Canadians are informed and manage their debt prudently,” said Francois Blouin, CMHC’s director of insurance products and strategic direction. He added Canadians continue to be “optimistic” about homeownership despite the economic downturn.