JOE TOMKINS
Getting a mortgage can be stressful and confusing; it doesn't have to be, let me show you how.
Hi, I’m Joe, and I have been actively involved in the mortgage industry since August 2003 and have a great deal of experience preparing mortgages, dealing with lenders and negotiating all aspects of mortgage underwriting. What can I say, I love what I do!
I value relationships and believe that my job is to firstly take care of my clients, making sure they understand the mortgage process, and then arrange a mortgage with a lending institution who is offering the product that best suits their needs. I believe in standing up for what matters in life and have no problems fighting to make sure my clients get the best mortgage possible.
Although I am proud of my many accomplishments in business, my real passion lies in spending time with my family. I have four healthy and beautiful boys who fill my spare time with constant fun and games. Neither my life nor my business would be as successful without my most important partner, my wife Nicole.
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The Collective Mortgage Group provides mortgage services to loyal clients in a transparent environment, with an authentic voice, helping them feel protected, and save time and money.
Mortgage Financing
Whatever your mortgage needs; at The Collective Mortgage Group, we have the products you're looking for. Contact us anytime to find out more!
First Time Home Buyers
If you're looking to buy your first home, we've got the advice (and expertise) you're looking for. Let our team of professionals guide you through the home buying process.
Going Through a Divorce?
We get it, sometimes life happens. If you're going through a divorce, or separation, there are programs that might allow you to keep the matrimonial home. Make sure to contact us for more information!
Experienced Home Buyers
If you're looking to climb the property ladder, refinance, or renew your existing mortgage, let us help you arrange financing so you can get the best mortgage for you!
Mortgage into Retirement
Older Canadians are looking for options. Although a great product for some people, the reverse mortgage isn't your only option into retirement. Let's discuss ALL your options, instead of making assumptions.
The power of working with The Mortgage Collective is that you don’t just get a mortgage broker, you get the care and attention of our entire experienced mortgage team.
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YOU HAVE ACCESS TO ALL THE LENDERS
As a collective, we've developed excellent relationships with lenders across Canada. Let's figure out which one has the best product for you.
Buying my home was a daunting task and I didn’t know where to start. I spent a lot of time researching but found it overwhelming. Joe took me through the process step by step, explaining everything until I was confident to make my decision. He worked very hard and was committed to doing everything he could to get me the home I had my heart set on.
I am so happy with the experience I had with Joe and would highly recommend him!
I am so happy with the experience I had with Joe and would highly recommend him!
Sandra C.
MORTGAGE ARTICLES
Looking for a little more information before getting in touch? No problems! Have a look through my mortgage blog where I share valuable information about mortgage financing and the home buying process. Once you're ready, feel free to connect with me in whatever way you feel comfortable.
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.
Your Guide to Real Estate Investment in Canada Real estate has long been one of the most popular ways Canadians build wealth. Whether you’re purchasing your first rental property or expanding an existing portfolio, understanding how real estate investment works in Canada—and how it’s financed—is key to making smart decisions. This guide walks through the fundamentals you need to know before getting started. Why Canadians Invest in Real Estate Real estate offers several potential benefits as an investment: Long-term appreciation of property value Rental income that can support cash flow Leverage , allowing you to invest using borrowed funds Tangible asset with intrinsic value Portfolio diversification beyond stocks and bonds When structured properly, real estate can support both income and long-term net worth growth. Types of Real Estate Investments Investors typically focus on one or more of the following: Long-term residential rentals Short-term or vacation rentals (subject to local regulations) Multi-unit residential properties Pre-construction or assignment purchases Value-add properties that require renovations Each type comes with different financing rules, risks, and return profiles. Down Payment Requirements for Investment Properties In Canada, investment properties generally require higher down payments than owner-occupied homes. Typical minimums include: 20% down payment for most rental properties Higher down payments may be required depending on: Number of units Property type Borrower profile Lender guidelines Down payment source, income stability, and credit history all play a role in approval. How Rental Income Is Used to Qualify Lenders don’t always count 100% of rental income. Depending on the lender and mortgage product, they may: Use a rental income offset , or Include a percentage of rental income toward qualification Understanding how income is treated can significantly impact borrowing power. Financing Options for Investors Investment financing can include: Conventional mortgages Insured or insurable options (in limited scenarios) Alternative or broker-only lenders Refinancing equity from existing properties Purchase plus improvements for value-add projects Access to multiple lenders is often crucial for investors as portfolios grow. Key Costs Investors Should Plan For Beyond the purchase price, investors should budget for: Property taxes Insurance Maintenance and repairs Vacancy periods Property management fees (if applicable) Legal and closing costs A realistic cash-flow analysis is essential before buying. Risk Considerations Like any investment, real estate carries risk. Key factors to consider include: Interest rate changes Market fluctuations Tenant turnover Regulatory changes Liquidity (real estate is not easily sold quickly) A strong financing structure can help manage many of these risks. The Role of a Mortgage Professional Investment mortgages are rarely “one-size-fits-all.” Lender policies vary widely, especially as you acquire more properties. Working with an independent mortgage professional allows you to: Compare multiple lender strategies Structure financing for long-term growth Preserve flexibility as your portfolio evolves Avoid costly mistakes early on Final Thoughts Real estate investment in Canada can be a powerful wealth-building tool when approached with a clear strategy and proper financing. Whether you’re exploring your first rental property or planning your next acquisition, understanding the numbers—and the lending landscape—matters. If you’d like to discuss investment property financing, run the numbers, or explore your options, feel free to connect. A well-planned mortgage strategy can make all the difference in long-term success.
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.
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