JD Lee Mortgage

08/13/2026

I like my new hat 🧢

08/13/2026

I like my new hat

09/12/2025

Top 20 out of 400+ agents on our team. This award isn’t just about financial success—it’s proof of the old saying: “You become what you believe.” I’m living proof of that.

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: I’m no different, no smarter, no more talented than you. If I can do it, so can you. The only difference is belief, consistency, and patience. Success never happens overnight—that’s the secret most people forget.

I still remember what my old branch manager at TD told me years ago: “JD, don’t focus on sales. Do the right thing, and the money will follow.” At the time, I thought it was nonsense. Looking back, she was 100% right.

So, stop asking “what could go wrong?” and start asking “what could go right?”

If anyone tells you can’t do it, show them what you got. Prove them wrong. Silence them with your success story.

07/11/2025

As many of you may already know, the overall condo market in Ontario is currently in a very poor state. Just this week alone, three cases have come up where appraisals came in significantly lower than the purchase prices, putting clients in very difficult situations.

Whitby
• Purchase Price: $560K
• Appraised Value: $475K

Hamilton
• Purchase Price: $520K
• Appraised Value: $405K

Vaughan
• Purchase Price: $530K
• Appraised Value: $465K

No matter how strong your income is or how good your other financials look, if the value of the property drops significantly, lenders—whether primary (A lenders) or secondary (B lenders)—will only provide a mortgage based on up to 80% of the appraised value. While private (C) lenders may sometimes lend more, even they are now showing reluctance when it comes to condos.

For several years now, I’ve explained the risks involved with pre-construction purchases and how to prepare for them. The problem isn’t with pre-construction itself, but rather with the lack of preparation for the variables involved. Once again, I want to emphasize the importance of having strategies in place when buying pre-construction properties.

As for how to deal with this situation:
One possible solution is to contact the lender who originally funded the builder’s project. In some cases, if they allow what’s called a blanket appraisal, you may still be able to qualify for up to 80% of the purchase price rather than the lower appraised value. However, if this option isn’t available, the only remaining solution is to cover the shortfall out of pocket. That said, there’s also growing concern around the risks of relying on blanket appraisals based on purchase prices rather than current market values.

Please note that all of this applies specifically to uninsured mortgages where the down payment is 20% or more. If your down payment is less than 20%, an appraisal may not be required at all.

JD Lee

Team JD – Team Lead

Mortgage Broker (AB)
Submortgage Broker (BC)
Mortgage Agent Level 2 (ON)

Mortgage Architects | JD Lee Mortgage

Brokerage License #12728
Mortgage Agent License

M: 1-587-968-1490
E: [email protected].

05/07/2025

Mortgage Architects Team Borle ❤️

05/04/2025

CHMC MLI Select Seminar in YYZ with

02/02/2025

캐나다 시골 촌놈의 소울 여행 끝. The end of soul trip.

12/14/2024

09/20/2024

This explains everything. Mortgage Architects Team Borle. Good times!

09/19/2024

Private to Prime - Approved.

This broker from BC got a mortgage approved with a private lender 2 years ago, clients were unemployed, no exit strategy, guy was not even licensed in AB/

Clients reached out to this broker to move his mortgage to the prime side. Next thing you know, this broker does not care.

Broker said No. Not willing to help, I have to say, terrible human.