Serving Simcoe County, Muskoka & York Region

Mortgage help when your situation is complicated

There isn't one mortgage that fits everyone. That's why we don't lean on online calculators or automated approvals. We take the time to look at your whole situation and figure out what actually works for you.

25+
Years helping Ontario homeowners
100+
Lenders, from the big banks to private investors
40+
Five Star Google Reviews
25+ Years

25+ Years

Mortgage Broker

25+ Years

Mortgage Broker

Most people don't come to me for a rate. They come because something about their situation is complicated.

My job is to understand what's going on, explain your options in plain language,

and help you land on a plan that makes sense now and down the road.

Tell us what's going on

Start with your situation, not a rate.

A lot of people who call us have been told no, or think they're out of options. Pick what's going on for you and see how we'd approach it.

Declined by your bank

A no from the bank isn't the whole story. Usually it just means your situation didn't fit that one lender's checklist. We work with a lot of lenders, and often one of them can say yes where a bank couldn't. Worth a look before you give up.

Self-employed and business owners

Being your own boss shouldn't hold you back. Banks don't always know what to do with business income. We work with lenders who understand retained earnings, dividends and write-offs, so what you actually earn is what counts.

Separation and divorce

Sorting out the house during a separation. Whether it's a spousal buyout, refinancing the family home, or taking a name off the title, we can help. When things are amicable we can often help both people find their next mortgage, working alongside your lawyer to keep it moving.

CRA and tax debt

Owing the CRA doesn't have to derail you. If you owe income tax, HST or payroll remittances and you have equity in your home, there may be a way to use it to clear the debt and get back on track. We'll talk it through with you and your accountant.

Reverse mortgages (55+)

Access your home's equity without a monthly payment. If you're 55 or older, a reverse mortgage can free up cash without adding a payment. It isn't right for everyone, so we'll walk you through how it works and what it means for your estate before you decide anything.

Equity options under 55

You don't have to be 55 to use your equity. A lot of people think a reverse mortgage is the only way to get at their home equity. It isn't. If you're under 55, there are other ways to do it, and we can show you which ones fit.

Debt consolidation

More than just a lower monthly payment. Rolling debt into your mortgage can help, but only if it leaves you better off in the long run. We'll look at whether a refinance, a second mortgage or something else makes the most sense, not just what's cheapest this month.

Construction financing

Financing that's sorted before you break ground. Building or doing a big renovation comes with draw schedules, appraisals and builder paperwork. We'll help you line it all up ahead of time so the money is there at every stage.

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Why homeowners choose Anita

Why people work with us.

Experience

25 years of doing this

We've arranged mortgages for over 25 years, everything from first homes to the kind of situations a lot of brokers would rather not touch.

Access

Options you won't find on your own

We work with banks, credit unions, alternative lenders, MICs and private investors, so we can find options many people don't know are there.

Service

We stay with you the whole way

From the first call to the day it funds, we deal with the lenders, lawyers and agents, so you always know what's happening next.

When clients describe working with us, the same words tend to come up:

honest, patient, quick to respond, and good at finding a way when it looked like there wasn't one.

40+ Verified Five Star Google Reviews

Real situations we've helped with.

Anita Groves, mortgage broker

Mortgage Broker
#M08006998

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Meet Anita

Financing is what I love doing

Hello, I’m Anita. Thanks for visiting me online. My team and I absolutely love arranging mortgage financing for people like you; it’s our passion. If you're looking to purchase or refinance your existing home or investment property, I specialize in providing customized solutions for my clients. You've come to the right place!


My goal is to help facilitate your financial goals and find the perfect funding solution to lower the overall cost of borrowing. I keep up to date on global economics to sight the trends that might affect the industry, so you don't have to. It’s always exciting to discuss strategies in our evolving economic climate. Times are tough, and with mortgage guidelines continually changing, it can be a challenge to obtain financing, even for someone with excellent credit and net worth!


I have been happily married for over 40 years, and we're proud parents of two children and eight beautiful grandchildren! I enjoy spending time with family, I'm an avid foodie, and enjoy travelling.

Areas served

Home base is Orillia, and I mortgages throughout Simcoe County, Muskoka, and rural Ontario. Most of the work happens by phone, email, and video, so where you are is rarely a barrier.

Orillia Barrie Gravenhurst Bracebridge Midland Coldwater Washago Severn Ramara Oro-Medonte Simcoe County Muskoka Kawartha Lakes Rural Ontario
All of Canada & US

Everything, in one place

What we can help with.

Each of these has its own page that walks through the details in plain language.

RESIDENTIAL

Buying, renewing and refinancing

    PROPERTY TYPES

    Rural, farm and recreational

      COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

      Trickier situations

        Not sure if we can help? Just ask.

        Tell us what's going on. We'll look at your situation and tell you honestly what your options are. No pressure, no obligation.

        Call or text 705·325·7283 · 773 Atherley Road, Orillia, ON


        Download the Canadian Mortgage App and:


        • Calculate your total cost of owning a home
        • Estimate the minimum down payment you need
        • Calculate Land transfer taxes and the available rebates
        • Calculate the maximum loan you can borrow
        • Stress test your mortgage
        • Estimate your Closing costs
        • Compare your options side by side
        • Search for the best mortgage rates
        • Email Summary reports (PDF)
        • Use my app in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese

        Articles To keep you informed

        Resources

        By Anita Groves • November 4, 2026
        Why the Property Matters When You’re Qualifying for a Mortgage When qualifying for a mortgage, lenders typically look at four core areas: Income Credit Down payment or equity The property itself Most buyers focus heavily on income, credit, and savings—and for good reason. But even if those boxes are checked, the property can still determine whether a mortgage is approved. Why Lenders Care About the Property From a lender’s perspective, the property is the collateral for the mortgage. In the unlikely event of default, they need to know the home can be sold quickly and at fair market value to recover their funds. Because of this, lenders are careful about the condition, value, and marketability of any property they finance. Homes that are in poor repair, unconventional, or overpriced can raise red flags—even when the borrower is well qualified. Appraisals Are Always Part of the Process Every mortgage requires an appraisal to confirm value. Insured mortgages (through CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) often use an automated valuation model completed online. Conventional mortgages typically require a full, on-site appraisal by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not optional and happens after an offer is accepted—not at the pre-approval stage. Why Pre-Approvals Aren’t a Guarantee A pre-approval is a great first step, but it only assesses you, not the property. Once you’ve made an offer, the lender must approve the specific home you’re buying. Understanding this upfront helps avoid surprises and confusion later in the process. The Risk of Buying Without a Financing Condition In competitive markets, buyers sometimes remove financing conditions to strengthen their offer. However, this comes with risk. If the appraisal comes back low—or the lender is concerned about the property’s condition—you could be denied financing after the offer is firm. In that scenario, your deposit may be at risk. Buying a Home That Needs Work If you’re considering a property that isn’t in perfect condition, there are solutions. A purchase plus improvements program allows you to buy a home and include renovation costs in your mortgage. The process is structured and requires planning, but it can be an excellent way to turn a fixer-upper into a great long-term investment. Final Thoughts Mortgage approval isn’t based solely on your finances—the property matters just as much. Knowing this ahead of time helps you make smarter offers, reduce risk, and plan more effectively. If you’re buying a property that needs work or want clarity on how a lender may view a specific home, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.
        By Anita Groves • October 28, 2026
        On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 2.5%. If you have a mortgage, are shopping for a home, or have a renewal coming up, this decision matters. Here is a plain-language look at what changed, why it happened, and what it could mean for you.
        By Anita Groves • October 21, 2026
        If the title of this article caught your attention, chances are your family is growing. Congratulations. If you’re thinking now is the right time to move into a home that better fits your growing family—but you’re unsure how parental leave affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage—you’re in the right place. Here’s the good news. Qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave is possible when it’s done correctly. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, lenders can often qualify you based on your return-to-work income , as long as you can provide documentation confirming you have guaranteed employment waiting for you. A word of caution If you walk into a bank branch and disclose that you’re currently on parental leave, there’s a chance the bank will only allow you to qualify using your parental leave income. That can significantly reduce your borrowing power. Parental leave income is typically limited to 55% of your previous earnings, up to a weekly maximum. Qualifying on that amount alone can restrict your options and impact the type of home you can purchase. Why lender choice matters One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is choice . You’re not limited to one lender’s rules or products. Some lenders will allow you to qualify using 100% of your confirmed return-to-work income , which can make a meaningful difference in your approval amount and overall options. What you’ll need to qualify Most lenders will require an employment letter that includes: Employer name (preferably on company letterhead) Your job title Original start date (to confirm probation has been completed) Confirmed return-to-work date Guaranteed salary upon return Lenders want reassurance that your income will resume once parental leave ends. You may also be asked to provide income history from the past couple of years, which is standard for most mortgage applications. One important note Whether or not you actually return to work after parental leave is entirely your decision. From a mortgage perspective, qualification is based on having a confirmed position available to you at the time of approval. If you have questions about qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave—or anything mortgage-related—please connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.
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        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Do I need perfect credit to get a mortgage?

          No. Good credit helps, but it isn't the whole picture. I work with plenty of people who have a bruise or two on their credit, whether it's from a rough patch, a divorce, or a bill that slipped through the cracks. There are lenders who look at the full story, not just the score, and part of my job is knowing which ones.

        • Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

          Yes, though it usually takes a bit more work. If you write off a lot of your income, the number a bank sees on paper may not reflect what you really earn. I know the lenders who understand self-employed income and how to present your file so it gets a fair look. Business owners and contractors are a big part of who I help.

        • What does a mortgage broker do, and does it cost me anything?

          A broker shops your mortgage across many lenders instead of just one, so you're not stuck with whatever a single bank offers. For most standard residential mortgages, my services don't cost you anything, since the lender pays me when your mortgage closes. If a file is more involved, I'll always tell you upfront exactly how it works before we go any further.

        • How long does mortgage approval take in Canada?

          A pre-approval can typically be completed within 24–72 hours. Full mortgage approval after an accepted offer usually takes 5–10 business days depending on the lender and the complexity of your file. I manage the entire process and keep you updated at every stage — you'll never be left wondering where things stand or chasing me for an update.

        • The bank said no. Can you still help?

          Often, yes. A bank turning you down usually means you didn't fit their one specific box, not that no one will lend to you. I have access to a wide range of lenders with different rules, and finding a home for the files other people pass on is a lot of what I do. It's worth a conversation before you assume it can't happen.

        • Should I go with my bank or use a broker?

          Your bank can only offer you its own products. I compare options from many lenders at once, which means a better shot at the right fit and a lower overall cost of borrowing. There's no harm in letting me run the numbers alongside whatever your bank quoted, so you can see the difference for yourself.

        • How much of a down payment do I actually need?

          For a home you'll live in, it can start as low as five percent of the purchase price, though the exact amount depends on the price and your situation. Investment properties usually need more. Rather than guess, I can walk you through what your specific purchase would look like so there are no surprises.

        • Can I refinance to pull equity out of my home?

          Yes, and it's one of the more common reasons people come to me. Refinancing can free up equity to consolidate debt, renovate, help family, or invest, often at a far better rate than credit cards or a line of credit. Whether it makes sense depends on your numbers, and I'm happy to run them with you.

        • Do you only work with people in Orillia?

          Orillia is home base, but I help clients across Simcoe County and throughout Ontario. Most of what we do can happen by phone, email, and video, so where you're located is rarely a barrier. If you're nearby and would rather meet in person, that's easy to arrange too.

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        Contact Us

        GET IN TOUCH


        We're committed to helping you in any way we can.

        Leave us a note and we'll get in touch with you shortly.

        Phone or Text: 705-325-7283

        TF Phone or Fax: 877-256-7283

        CONTACT US


        Contact Us

        GET IN TOUCH


        We're committed to helping you in any way we can. Leave us a note and we'll get in touch with you shortly.

        Phone or Text: 705-325-7283

        TF Phone or Fax: 877-256-7283