Why Alberta mortgage brokers need an alternative lending partner

Sponsored Content: This article is brought to you by Bridgewater Bank.

​In today’s rapidly evolving market, having a diverse lending toolkit is essential for mortgage brokers. As the demand for alternative lending solutions continues to grow, brokers who partner with an alternative lender can offer critical flexibility to clients who may not fit the traditional mold. Here's why having an alternative lending partner is more important than ever.

The growing importance of alternative lending

The mortgage landscape is shifting. Alternative lending is no longer a niche; it's a key part of the solution for many Canadians. From self-employed individuals with fluctuating incomes to families navigating tighter traditional lending criteria, more clients are finding the answers they need on the B side.

By partnering with an alternative lender, you can:

• Help clients who might not otherwise qualify to refinance or purchase a home.
• Offer solutions tailored to self-employed clients, New Canadians, or those with credit challenges.
• Expand your reach and provide personalized service to meet diverse financial needs.

 
Bridgewater Bank's Director, National Sales, Steve Leishman, puts it best:
 "Alternative lending is about creating opportunities for home ownership and wealth creation, where traditional solutions may not suffice. Brokers who embrace this approach are not just meeting a need—they’re building stronger relationships with clients and growing their business."

Alberta’s housing market: opportunities and challenges

Alberta’s housing market is buzzing with activity. While average home prices have increased significantly year-over-year, rates remain higher than in the past, creating challenges for many homeowners.

Here’s a snapshot of the Alberta housing market:

• The average price of a home across all property types, according to Wowa, is $544,752.
• Despite some rate relief, renewals in 2025 are expected to add an average of $500 to monthly mortgage payments according to Canadian Mortgage Trends.
• The province has seen strong sales and price growth, with high levels of construction activity in Q3.

 
For brokers, this presents both opportunities and challenges. Many clients may find themselves unable to qualify for traditional financing—but that’s where alternative lending comes in.

Why Bridgewater Bank would make a great partner

Bridgewater Bank is proud to be a trusted alternative lending partner for brokers across Alberta and beyond. Here's how they can support you:

• Flexible mortgage solutions: From self-employed clients to burgeoning landlords, to those with credit challenges, their extensive product suite helps you find the right solution for every client.
• Personalized service: Their expert Business Development Managers (BDMs) provide hands-on support to help you navigate deals and close successfully.
• Extensive lending areas: From East to West, they lend in over 700 areas across Canada.
• Alberta expertise: They understand Alberta’s housing market and can tailor solutions to fit its specific challenges and opportunities.
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As alternative lending continues to grow in relevance, it’s time to ensure you’re equipped to serve the clients who need it most. Partnering with an experienced alternative lender like Bridgewater Bank can make all the difference.

Reach out to Bridgewater Bank today to learn more about how they can help you provide your clients with flexible, tailored solutions. Together, we’ll build a stronger future for Alberta’s homeowners.

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Bridgewater Bank

Alternative lending is our specialty. With 25+ years of experience in alternative deals, we provide brokers with the expertise and support they need to succeed. Bridgewater Bank combines the reliability of a Schedule I bank with the adaptability of an alternative lender—all while keeping relationships at the forefront. In a numbers-driven industry, we focus on what matters most: people. Talk to your BDM about the flexible mortgage solutions that will fit your client’s needs.