Skip to main content
Courteo Prêts

Atypical / difficult file

We look case by case, no judgment.

Damaged credit, an old bankruptcy, a recent denial, complex or in-the-making income: your file doesn't fit the standard mould. You know that, and hearing yet another "no" from another bank doesn't help. An AMF-licensed broker who specializes here knows the B-lenders (alternative) and short-term private options — they look at it case by case, without judgment, and tell you straight what's possible today.

Who it's for

  • You had a bankruptcy or consumer proposal, discharged 2+ years ago.
  • Your credit score is between 540 and 660 (alternative zone).
  • You were recently refused by your bank and don't know what to do.
  • You have low declared income but a significant down payment.
  • You have a mixed file (employee + self-employed, multiple income sources).
  • You need funds within 10-21 days to seize an opportunity (bridge financing).

What the Courteo network brokers look at

Beyond your credit score, the referred AMF broker builds a story that reassures the lender.

  • The story behind the file — what happened, what's changed since.

  • Down payment available (the higher, the more lenders accessible).

  • Stable current income (last 12-24 months matter more than past accidents).

  • B-lender choices (Home Trust, Equitable, MCAP Eclipse) or short private.

  • Exit plan: how you'll get back to a bank in 24-36 months.

  • Realistic pricing: rate higher than a bank, fees ~1-2% of the loan.

FAQ — atypical file

  • How long after a bankruptcy can I reapply for a mortgage?

    2 years after discharge with a B-lender (alternative) if you have 25% down. Also 2 years with a traditional bank if you've rebuilt credit (score ≥ 660). With a private lender, possible sooner but on more expensive terms.

  • What minimum credit score do B-lenders accept?

    B-lenders (alternative) often go down to 540, sometimes 500 with a sizable down payment (25-30%). Private lenders barely look at the score — they look at equity in the property.

  • What are the costs of an alternative lender vs a bank?

    Rate 1-3% above bank rate, plus fees (often 1% of the loan). The AMF broker from the Courteo network prepares an exit plan to return to an A-lender in 24-36 months when your situation stabilizes.

  • Is my file "too messy" to go through?

    We look without judgment. Tacit rule: if you have a down payment (>20%) and stable current income, almost everything is financeable. If you have neither, it's a no. The broker tells you straight.

  • Why not just go back to my bank in 6 months?

    Banks remember refusals for 2-3 years. Reapplying often results in another refusal. An AMF broker redirects your file to the right programs the first time. And if it really is too soon, they tell you straight: "come back in 12 months".

We listen, no judgment.

2 minutes to describe your situation. A coordinator calls you back the same business day to clarify what's feasible — or not — without spin.

Reply within business hours