Consumers want to invest their money wisely to maximize their returns. Many seniors especially look for ways to extend their retirement savings.

One type of investment often considered is a private mortgage in which a person lends money to a borrower who pledges real estate as security for the loan. These types of mortgage investments may be arranged through mortgage brokers.

If you're thinking of investing some of your money in a mortgage, it's wise to carefully review your investments plans.

1. All investments carry a risk. Mortgages can be high-risk investments. Can you afford to lose the money you're investing?
2. Inexperienced investors may not be able to fully evaluate the risks involved in private mortgage investments and should avoid them. Seniors who depend on their investment income may also want to avoid mortgage investments.
3. Mortgage investments are not insured by the Government of Ontario.
4. Mortgage investments cannot be guaranteed by the mortgage broker.
5. If the borrower stops paying, the mortgage broker cannot continue mortgage payments to you.
6. Mortgage investments may be difficult to re-sell quickly if you need the money in a hurry.

Get independent advice from a lawyer and an accountant about the merits and pitfalls of the investment.

Spreading your investments around is an important safety measure. Placing all your money in one type of investment can be very risky. Putting no more than 10 per cent of your savings in any one type of investment is considered a lower risk approach.

Under the law, mortgage brokers are required to provide each prospective investor with information about the investment, in the form of an Investor Disclosure Summary and supporting documents such as an appraisal and an agreement of purchase and sale, at least 48 hours, not including Sundays or holidays, before any commitment can be made. By law, the broker cannot accept money from you until 48 hours after you have received this information.

The information which the broker provides to you must include:

1. a description of the property or project to be mortgaged
2. terms and conditions of the mortgage loan
3. how the mortgage will be administered
4. in case of mortgage syndications, terms of the syndications
5. all prior claims on the property, such as other mortgages, liens or taxes owing
6. information on the borrower, including ability to repay the loan
7. any relationship or connection the broker has with the borrower and the appraiser
8. any interest the broker has in the property
9. the broker's fees for the transaction

Make sure the value of the real estate is supported by an up-to-date appraisal performed by an independent appraiser. You may want to hire an appraiser to get another opinion of the property's value.

Inspect the property yourself.

Satisfy yourself that the borrower is able to pay back the loan. Verify the borrower information on the Investor Disclosure Summary.

Promises of an interest rate higher than that a financial institution would charge may indicate a very high-risk borrower.

What fee is the borrower paying the broker to arrange the mortgage? Fees higher than those charged by banks, trust companies or credit unions may indicate a high-risk borrower.

If you are purchasing an existing mortgage, make sure it's not in default (payments are not up-to-date). The mortgage broker is required to disclose to you the status of the mortgage before you make any investment.

Mortgage brokers are prohibited from selling or arranging the sale of mortgages that are or have been in default within the past 12 months. The only exception is if the investor acknowledges in writing that the mortgage is or has been in default.

Mortgage brokers cannot accept funds from you to hold for a future investment. They can only take funds when a specific mortgage investment is available and after providing full information about the investment 48 hours in advance.

Will the broker collect payments, handle problems or take care of other administrative duties? If so, the broker is required to provide you with a written agreement describing the arrangement and your rights in the mortgage. You are entitled to receive this at least 48 hours before you can make a commitment.

And when the mortgage is fully or partially paid out, you're entitled to receive your money. The broker administering the mortgage is required to immediately issue a cheque to you for the full amount of the payment. The money cannot be automatically turned over into a new investment.

If you're considering investing in a mortgage to fund a development or construction project, the repayment of your investment may depend on the successful completion and leasing or sale of the completed project.

These types of mortgages are considered particularly high-risk investments.

If you're one of several investors in a mortgage syndication and the borrower defaults, you may not be able to take action against the borrower without the agreement of the other investors.

Take time to carefully consider the broker's sales pitch. Remember, it took you a long time to save your money.

Discuss the information with your lawyer and accountant, as well as your family.

Savings investments guaranteed by deposit insurance are offered by banks, trust companies or credit unions. Compare these with the investment you're considering.

Mortgages brokers are regulated by a provincial Mortgage Brokers Act. Make sure the person you're dealing with is registered with the provincial government as required by law.