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“You Changed My Life”: Replacing an Expensive Private Second Mortgage in Belleville

October 3, 2026 | Posted by: Craig Nickerson

At noon, we received a call from a Belleville homeowner who wanted to replace an expensive private second mortgage. After hearing how she arrived in that situation, my first question was simple: why not refinance the first mortgage and consolidate everything together?

She explained that her existing lender would not renegotiate the mortgage mid-term, and that she had been told there was no way to break it.

'Closed' doesn't always mean the conversation is over

Although the mortgage was intended to remain closed for the term, I knew that an exception review might still be possible. I explained whom she should contact, how to clearly present her circumstances and what she could reasonably request.

Less than an hour later, she called back almost in tears.

'You changed my life,' were the first words out of her mouth.

After following the advice, she received an exception that allowed her to consolidate the private second mortgage into a new first mortgage, potentially saving thousands of dollars in payments and interest each year.

Why we helped anyway

We did not arrange her original mortgage, and there was no guarantee that we would receive any business from helping her. That wasn't the point.

Sometimes good advice, a positive outlook and a little extra effort can make an extraordinary difference.

Carrying an expensive private second mortgage?

Private second mortgages can be the right tool for a short time, but they are meant to be a bridge, not a place to stay. If yours is costing more than it should, it's worth asking whether it can be consolidated into your first mortgage, refinanced elsewhere, or paid out on a clear plan. The first 'no' you hear isn't always the final answer, and every situation is different. Lender approval is never guaranteed, but you deserve to know your real options.

Learn more about private mortgages and our in-house private funds or debt consolidation, or simply give me a call. Whether or not we end up working together, I'll tell you honestly what I'd do in your position.

Call or text Craig at 613-394-5810 or email craig@simpligomortgages.com.

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