Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the Dependable Mortgage Solutions FAQ page. Whether you’re a new investor or exploring private lending opportunities in Alberta, we’re here to help. If your question isn’t listed below, feel free to contact us — we’d be happy to assist you.

General Questions

What does DMS stand for?
DMS stands for Dependable Mortgage Solutions. We specialize in private lending and mortgage investment opportunities across Alberta, with a focus on secure, well-managed returns.

What makes DMS different?
Our tagline says it all: Discover the Dependable Difference. We pride ourselves on transparency, risk-managed lending, and long-term relationships with our clients. Every opportunity is backed by thorough due diligence and clear documentation.

Private Lending Questions

What is private mortgage lending?
Private lending involves individuals or companies lending money secured by real estate. At DMS, we connect private lenders with qualified borrowers who may not meet traditional bank criteria but still offer strong security.

Is private lending safe?
All lending carries risk, but at DMS we mitigate it through proper underwriting, secured mortgage positions, and experienced legal and financial oversight. Each loan is supported by a registered charge in the Lender’s name or trust company on title.

Who can become a private lender with DMS?
We work with a variety of investors, including:

• Individuals looking for higher returns than traditional savings or GICs

• Corporations

• Self-directed RRSP, TFSA, or LIRA accounts

Does DMS offer a Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC)
No, DMS only offers IPL mortgages with one mortgage and one lender, MIC carry a greater risk to lenders and DMS’s focus is on lender security and dependable returns.

Individual Private Lenders (IPLs)

What are IPLs
An IPL is an individual lender who uses personal funds, corporate funds or registered funds in any combination or ratio they desire to fund a mortgage.

What kind of returns can I expect?
Returns vary based on market conditions and the portfolio mix, but our goal is to offer consistent, reliable yields, typically higher than traditional fixed-income investments. The past 5 years of returns averaged just over 10% yield on Lenders working with Mark Berry. 

Is my investment liquid?
Private mortgages are not as liquid as savings accounts. Terms are typically 1–5 years. We encourage lenders to speak with us directly about redemption options and timelines.

Borrower Questions

Can I get a mortgage through DMS if a bank turned me down?
Yes! We specialize in helping borrowers who don’t qualify through traditional channels. If you have equity in your property and a viable repayment plan, we may be able to help.

What types of properties do you lend on?
We finance residential and land properties across Alberta. Each loan is reviewed on a case-by-case basis for viability and security.

How fast can I get approved?
Depending on the complexity, approvals can take as little as 7 days from application to funding. We aim for speed without compromising diligence.

Legal and Regulatory

Is DMS licensed?
Yes. DMS operates in compliance with Alberta’s private lending and mortgage regulations and is fully licensed under RECA. We work with licensed professionals, including mortgage brokers, lawyers, and compliance officers, to protect both investors and borrowers.

Will I receive disclosure documents?
Absolutely. Full disclosure is part of our dependable difference. Investors and borrowers receive detailed documentation outlining the terms, risks, and obligations of every transaction. Included in this package will be:

1. Certified Copy of Title
2. Insurance Binder with loss payable to the lender
3. Promissory note
4. Title Insurance
5. ID Verification
6. Mortgage Registration
7. Assignment of Rents & Leases
8. General Security Agreement

Getting Started

How do I become a private lender or investor?
Click on the link below and complete the lender questionaire or simply get in touch with us to schedule a discovery call. We’ll walk you through the options, suitability, and expected returns, and answer all your questions.

What’s the minimum investment?
Minimum investments vary depending on the opportunity. Due to the registration costs and the level of security DMS requires, mortgages less than $30,000 are cost prohibitive, our typical mortgages will range from $45k to $300k — we welcome both new and seasoned investors.