Why Work With Me?
Experience - I've been a Mortgage Planner for over 11 years. This experience allows me to provide my clients with valuable information and guidance based on real world scenarios. I'm also Smith Manoeuvre™ certified so whether you want to keep your mortgage simple or get fancy with strategy implementation, I'm your guy!
Resources - Through my brokerage (Castle Mortgage) I have access to dozens of different lenders to be able to provide options for nearly any residential mortgage financing situation anywhere in Canada. Plus, because Castle mortgage is such a large team, we often get access to specialized products and rate specials that other mortgage professionals might not have.
Unbiased Advice - because I don't work for a mortgage lender, my priority is my client, not my employer. My process is education first. I help you understand what options are available to you. Once you decide what path you want to take, I'll shop around for the best deal on the right product.
Free Service - There's no cost for my mortgage services for typical residential mortgage transactions as I'm paid by the Lender, similar to the way Insurance Brokers and some Financial Planners are paid.
Time Saving - My experience and resources make me your one-stop shop for the best deal on the right mortgage for your needs. No need to set up appointments with multiple Banks and Credit Unions to compare options. I do that for you, for free!
Summary - A mortgage is a huge financial decision and you don't know what you don't know.
Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, a rental property, or a cottage...or maybe your mortgage is up for renewal and you want understand your options, refinance your home to access some equity or lower your payments...or maybe you want to get fancy with your mortgage and implement a strategy to reduce your income taxes and grow your wealth.
Whatever your plan is, my experience and resources make me a valuable partner to work with.
I'd love to connect with you and see how I can help.
Resources - Through my brokerage (Castle Mortgage) I have access to dozens of different lenders to be able to provide options for nearly any residential mortgage financing situation anywhere in Canada. Plus, because Castle mortgage is such a large team, we often get access to specialized products and rate specials that other mortgage professionals might not have.
Unbiased Advice - because I don't work for a mortgage lender, my priority is my client, not my employer. My process is education first. I help you understand what options are available to you. Once you decide what path you want to take, I'll shop around for the best deal on the right product.
Free Service - There's no cost for my mortgage services for typical residential mortgage transactions as I'm paid by the Lender, similar to the way Insurance Brokers and some Financial Planners are paid.
Time Saving - My experience and resources make me your one-stop shop for the best deal on the right mortgage for your needs. No need to set up appointments with multiple Banks and Credit Unions to compare options. I do that for you, for free!
Summary - A mortgage is a huge financial decision and you don't know what you don't know.
Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, a rental property, or a cottage...or maybe your mortgage is up for renewal and you want understand your options, refinance your home to access some equity or lower your payments...or maybe you want to get fancy with your mortgage and implement a strategy to reduce your income taxes and grow your wealth.
Whatever your plan is, my experience and resources make me a valuable partner to work with.
I'd love to connect with you and see how I can help.
Most Popular Services
Mortgage StrategyMortgage strategy is the art of structuring your home financing to work in your favor—not just to pay off debt, but to build long-term wealth.
For Canadian homeowners, this means using combinations of strategies like the Smith Manoeuvre™, and products like offset mortgages, to turn everyday payments into financial progress. The right strategy can help you grow your net worth without changing your lifestyle. If you're ready to make your mortgage work harder for you, we're here to guide you every step of the way. |
PurchasesPurchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most Canadians will ever make—and the right mortgage strategy can make all the difference.
As your Mortgage Planner, we don’t just shop for rates; we'll structure your financing to align with your long-term goals. From navigating lender options to optimizing your borrowing power, we act as your advocate, advisor, and strategist. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading for your growing family, we help you secure the right mortgage and lay the foundation for future wealth. |
RefinancingRefinancing your home isn’t just about chasing a lower rate—it’s an opportunity to restructure your finances, unlock equity, and accelerate your wealth-building goals.
As Mortgage Planners, we go beyond the basics to help you assess timing, strategy, and long-term impact. Whether you're consolidating debt, funding renovations, or implementing advanced strategies like the Smith Manoeuvre™, we tailor your refinance to fit your lifestyle and financial vision. |
The Team
Jason Kilborne - Mortgage Planner
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Brendan MacPherson - Mortgage Broker
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Laurie Toffan - Client Care Specialist
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What Is The Difference Between a Mortgage Planner, Professional, Broker, & Specialist
In the world of home financing, terms like Mortgage Planner, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Professional, and Mortgage Specialist are often used interchangeably. While you likely won’t offend anyone by mixing them up, there are important distinctions worth understanding—especially if you're seeking expert mortgage advice in Manitoba.
What Is a Mortgage Broker?
The term Mortgage Broker is commonly used to describe an individual that offers Mortgage Brokering services, but in Manitoba, it technically refers to the licensed brokerage company under which mortgage professionals operate. For example, while my business partner Brendan MacPherson is often called a Mortgage Broker, the correct designation is that Castle Mortgage, our brokerage, is the actual Mortgage Broker. Individuals like Brendan and myself are licensed under this Mortgage Broker to provide mortgage services.
What Is a Mortgage Professional?
A Mortgage Professional is a licensed individual who helps clients secure mortgage financing. They are trained to guide homeowners in selecting the right mortgage product based on their financial goals and circumstances. Unlike bank representatives, Mortgage Professionals have access to a wide network of lenders, allowing them to offer unbiased advice and competitive mortgage options tailored to each client’s needs.
What Is a Mortgage Planner?
A Mortgage Planner is a specialized type of Mortgage Professional who goes beyond basic mortgage advice. Mortgage Planners are equipped with the knowledge and resources to educate clients on advanced mortgage strategies—such as using a mortgage to build wealth and/or reduce income taxes. These strategies may involve coordination with a client’s Financial Planner and Accountant, as Mortgage Planners do not provide direct investment or tax advice.
Mortgage Planners focus on long-term financial outcomes, helping clients leverage their mortgage as a strategic financial tool—not just a loan.
What About A Mortgage Specialist?
The term Mortgage Specialist is often used by both independent Mortgage Professionals and bank employees. However, it’s important to note that bank Mortgage Specialists are not licensed and are limited to offering only their institution’s mortgage products. While they may have good intentions, their advice is often biased toward their employer’s offerings, which can limit the options available to the client.
Why the Title Matters Less Than the Service.
Ultimately, whether someone calls themselves a Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Planner, or Mortgage Specialist, what truly matters is the quality of service and the client-first approach. Licensed Mortgage Planners and Professionals work under a Mortgage Broker and are committed to acting in the best interest of their clients as per their licensing requirements.
Bank employees, on the other hand, may be constrained by their institution’s policies and product offerings, which can impact the breadth and objectivity of their advice.
What Is a Mortgage Broker?
The term Mortgage Broker is commonly used to describe an individual that offers Mortgage Brokering services, but in Manitoba, it technically refers to the licensed brokerage company under which mortgage professionals operate. For example, while my business partner Brendan MacPherson is often called a Mortgage Broker, the correct designation is that Castle Mortgage, our brokerage, is the actual Mortgage Broker. Individuals like Brendan and myself are licensed under this Mortgage Broker to provide mortgage services.
What Is a Mortgage Professional?
A Mortgage Professional is a licensed individual who helps clients secure mortgage financing. They are trained to guide homeowners in selecting the right mortgage product based on their financial goals and circumstances. Unlike bank representatives, Mortgage Professionals have access to a wide network of lenders, allowing them to offer unbiased advice and competitive mortgage options tailored to each client’s needs.
What Is a Mortgage Planner?
A Mortgage Planner is a specialized type of Mortgage Professional who goes beyond basic mortgage advice. Mortgage Planners are equipped with the knowledge and resources to educate clients on advanced mortgage strategies—such as using a mortgage to build wealth and/or reduce income taxes. These strategies may involve coordination with a client’s Financial Planner and Accountant, as Mortgage Planners do not provide direct investment or tax advice.
Mortgage Planners focus on long-term financial outcomes, helping clients leverage their mortgage as a strategic financial tool—not just a loan.
What About A Mortgage Specialist?
The term Mortgage Specialist is often used by both independent Mortgage Professionals and bank employees. However, it’s important to note that bank Mortgage Specialists are not licensed and are limited to offering only their institution’s mortgage products. While they may have good intentions, their advice is often biased toward their employer’s offerings, which can limit the options available to the client.
Why the Title Matters Less Than the Service.
Ultimately, whether someone calls themselves a Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Planner, or Mortgage Specialist, what truly matters is the quality of service and the client-first approach. Licensed Mortgage Planners and Professionals work under a Mortgage Broker and are committed to acting in the best interest of their clients as per their licensing requirements.
Bank employees, on the other hand, may be constrained by their institution’s policies and product offerings, which can impact the breadth and objectivity of their advice.
