TORONTO, ONTARIO — As the U.S. housing affordability crisis squeezes first-time buyers out of traditional mortgage channels, real estate agents increasingly use non-bank financing strategies to keep deals alive.
GTFSolutions, a global leader in alternative financial instruments, is helping agents across North America secure fast, flexible funding for their clients, especially first—time homebuyers.
By providing tools such as bridge loans, private credit facilities, and conditional approval letters, GTFS enables agents to present stronger offers, overcome lending hurdles, and guide buyers into homes that would otherwise be out of reach.
“The average first-time buyer no longer fits the mould traditional banks require,” said Alexander Jean-Baptiste, CEO of GTFSolutions. “But they deserve the same opportunity to buy a home. That’s where we come in—by giving agents the tools to make it happen.”
Why First-Time Buyers Are Struggling in 2025
With U.S. home prices at historic highs and mortgage rates above 6.75%, many first-time buyers are locked out of the market. A recent report by the National Association of Realtors found that only 26% of recent home purchases were made by first-time buyers, well below the historical average of 38%.
Tightened credit standards are further complicating access. Even financially responsible individuals with steady incomes, such as self-employed professionals, gig workers, and recent graduates, are often denied financing due to non-traditional documentation or low down payments.
“We’re seeing real estate agents across the U.S. lose deals at the last minute because a bank pulled funding,” said Willard Dunne, Head of Operations at GTFS. “We help make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Alternative Solutions Designed for Agents and Buyers
GTFSolutions offers a robust suite of financial products specifically designed to support agents working with first-time buyers, including:
- Bridge Loans: Quick, short-term financing allows buyers to secure a property while arranging longer-term funding.
- Private Credit Facilities: Tailored for buyers with substantial income but limited W-2 documentation.
- Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCS): Backing offers with a financial guarantee that gives sellers confidence.
- Conditional Approval Letters: Pre-underwritten letters demonstrating the buyer’s financial capability before formal loan approval.
- Down Payment Assistance Support: Creative structures to assist with or finance initial down payments.
These solutions are crafted to help agents strengthen buyer offers and negotiate more confidently.
Case Study: First-Time Buyer Success in Orlando
In March 2025, a 29-year-old freelance graphic designer, Brianna Chang, was under contract for her first home in Orlando, Florida. Despite a 15% down payment saved over four years, her mortgage was denied days before closing due to inconsistent income documentation.
Working through her agent and GTFSolutions, Brianna secured a private credit facility based on her verified earnings and a conditional approval letter to reassure the seller. The deal closed within 10 business days.
“GTFS was the only reason I didn’t lose that home,” Brianna said. “My agent knew who to call, and that changed everything.”
A Strategic Partner for Real Estate Agents
GTFSolutions has built a reputation as a broker- and agent-friendly lender. The firm provides white-labeled materials, fast client pre-screening, and direct agent support to ensure that real estate professionals can promptly present financing options.
GTFS is currently offering agents:
- Free access to the GTFS Agent Resource Portal
- Pre-approval tools for clients who don’t meet bank requirements
- Customized SBLC packages to help first-time buyers win bidding wars
- On-demand consultations with senior financial specialists
“Agents are the first to see where traditional financing fails,” said Sophia Brar, CFO of GTFSolutions. “We help them pivot fast—and keep clients from walking away disappointed.”
Compliance and Credibility Built In
All GTFS financial instruments comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. The company works with agents, clients, and legal professionals to ensure each transaction is above board and backed by legitimate documentation.
“It’s not enough to be creative—you also have to be compliant,” said Linda Martinez, Legal Advisor. “We deliver solutions that agents can trust and sellers will accept.”
First-Time Buyer Demand Surging Nationwide
Since January 2025, GTFSolutions has reported:
- A 44% increase in first-time buyer financing applications
- New agency partnerships in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and California
- Over USD 22 million in approvals for home purchases under $500,000
- The average closing time is 17 business days from initial inquiry to funding
Next Steps: GTFS Expanding U.S. Agent Support
To meet growing demand, GTFSolutions is investing in a new U.S. Agent Success Team. The team will focus on onboarding and training agents in high-growth housing markets. The team will host webinars, provide custom financing blueprints, and support agents on high-priority deals.
“We’re making it easy for agents to say, ‘Yes, I have a financing solution for that,’” said Dunne. “And in today’s market, that’s the difference between a lost lead and a closed deal.”
About GTFSolutions
GTFSolutions is a Toronto-based provider of global financial instruments, specializing in alternative financing for real estate, infrastructure, private credit, and capital markets. With over 115 years of combined expertise, the firm supports clients across North America in securing the funding they need, when they need it most.
Media Inquiries:
Email: info@gtfsolutions.ca
Phone: 1-888-305-9992
Website: www.gtfsolutions.ca