Everything Canadians Should Know About MIC Risks

There are many ways to make a fortune in real estate, including real estate loans. The Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) gives money to Canadian businesses and citizens, often at higher interest rates and shorter terms than banks offer in traditional ways.

Mortgage investments are becoming a more mainstream investment option for both individual and institutional investors. Making money from debt never gets old and continues to evolve into many complex ships. Investing in MIC has the potential to offer a high-return opportunity. However, MIC also has risks.

MICs often lend to people against real estate they already own or have purchased. The mortgage investment corporation inspects the property, ensures order, and mortgages the property. Loan terms are typically short, ranging from a few months to 10 years, offset by high-interest rates.

MIC makes a profit by charging these higher interest rates and higher fees. If the borrower defaults on the loan, they take the collateral and sell it to cover the loss. Investors, on the other hand, passively invest money in MIC. This means a lot less effort in your day-to-day operations than buying individual mortgages.

MICs typically lend no more than 80% of the value of the collateral, making them financially valuable even if the borrower defaults. The higher the LTV, the higher the risk of the investment.

All assets carry risk and not all MICs are the same or perform the same functions. Below are some risks to consider when investing in MIC.

Fluctuations in real estate prices can affect the value of real estate used as collateral, which can adversely affect the MIC. Some of the MICs may not be able to collect the funds needed to secure a mortgage.

MIC performs thorough background checks on borrowers but imposes stricter rules than traditional bank mortgages. This standard is intended to ensure that rent is paid by the contract.

Investors pay MIC administrative fees to increase capital and reduce risk.

MICs can be vulnerable to liquidity mismatches if investors exit in a hurry. This situation will only occur if MIC does not have sufficient funds to pay its shareholders.

MIC manages a diversified option of mortgages from different investors and generates income from ongoing interest payments. In many cases, MIC is sought simply for the diversification factor, but it has many other benefits as well, such as:

A Secure Investment

Perhaps the biggest advantage of MIC is security. Mortgage default is just one of many investments, so investment impact is minimal. Mortgage foreclosures do not block the flow of money.

Investment Pool and More Income

MIC can generate 5% to 10% more annual returns and monthly cash flow to qualify for a Tax-Exempt Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Plan (RRSP).

Under Canadian income tax law, MIC shareholders are entitled to tax benefits that attract more funds to the Canadian mortgage market.

A Network of Professionals

MIC is managed by a team of professional underwriters who review and evaluate every mortgage transaction and determine the risks involved.

Diversified Portfolio

MIC achieves portfolio diversification by allocating funds to large mortgage pools.

• Successful MICs focus on risk management, strong management teams, and quality assets. Yields increase in the long run when all these qualities are enhanced and maintained.
• When searching for a MIC, consider minimizing tax relief benefits if you can join a registered savings plan such as RRIF, RRSP, RDSP, RESP, or TFSA.
• Investors should not be impulsive in seeking portfolio diversification. Always research the nature and conditions of the housing market that the Mortgage investment corporation focuses on. Despite recent policy changes, Toronto and Vancouver are still top choices.
• Instead of profiting from stock appreciation, you earn dividends paid monthly or according to company rules (some pay quarterly or annually). As you can imagine, as your shareholding increases, so does your dividend.

Investors should be well prepared before participating in the MIC, as the pursuit of yield carries some degree of risk. Consider all the risks and benefits of your mortgage investment. Against this background, they are an attractive investment vehicle. Instead of jumping into investing in MIC, manage your risk and reward profile and combine it with your set of investment demands. By minimizing financial risk, we stick to our goals regardless of current market conditions. Contact us for more professional advice.