Explore every episode of the podcast Mortgage Tech Talks
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E83: From Chaos to Clarity: How Entrepreneurs Can Finally Scale with Systems | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:41:34 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I sit down with Tyler Cameron, Founder & CEO of wrksourcing, to talk about the real path from chaos to clarity in entrepreneurship. We break down:
Whether you're a solo mortgage broker or leading a growing team, this episode will help you understand when it’s time to stop doing everything yourself — and how to bring on the right kind of help to grow without burnout. 👇 Skip to the parts that matter most: Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Visionaries Need Integrators 01:00 – Meet Tyler Cameron of wrksourcing 02:00 – Tyler’s Entrepreneurial Journey 04:00 – From Ad Agencies to Startups 06:00 – Growing Up in a Family Business 09:00 – What wrksourcing Really Does 12:00 – Why “Virtual Assistant” Isn’t the Right Term 15:00 – The Real Problem Founders Need Solved 17:00 – What Makes a Great Entrepreneurial Client 20:00 – Visionaries vs. Executors: EOS Explained 23:00 – Why Process Comes First, Then People 26:00 – Choosing the Right Tech Stack 29:00 – Shiny Object Syndrome in Business 30:00 – Clarity Beats More Tools 33:00 – What AI Changed & Didn’t Change 36:00 – Staying Curious Without Overwhelm 38:00 – Networking, Masterminds & Real Connections 40:00 – How to Connect with Tyler and wrksourcing 📌 Like this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or mortgage professional. Word of mouth is everything. 📞 Connect with Tyler: Website: https://www.wrksourcing.com | |||
| E82: Why Most AI Tools Are a Distraction (And What to Do Instead) | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:21:32 | |
How Mortgage Brokers Should Use Summer to Get Ahead (And Avoid AI Overwhelm) In this solo episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom Hall gets tactical on how mortgage brokers can use the slower summer months to reset, refocus, and retool. From confidently taking time off to building systems, cleaning up your business backend, and diving deep into AI (instead of chasing every new tool), this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. If you’re feeling the pressure to “keep up” with AI or wondering how to finally take a guilt-free vacation, listen up. 👇 FULL EPISODE TIMESTAMPS BELOW: ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why "going deep, not wide" with AI matters 00:36 – Tom kicks off the solo summer episode 01:13 – How to use summer intentionally as a mortgage broker 02:03 – The first thing: Take time off (and actually take it off) 04:00 – The power of a confident handoff when you're away 05:06 – Why process comes before tech 06:20 – Build your workflow BEFORE choosing tools or hiring 07:13 – Real tech automation examples to save time 08:39 – Task: Clean up your business (3 easy wins) 10:04 – Why brokers must own their own domains and emails 11:19 – Organizing client lists and files for long-term efficiency 12:15 – Build one habit that sticks (and it’s NOT using AI) 13:09 – The importance of self-contained habits 14:19 – Let’s talk AI: go deep, not wide 15:00 – Why most new AI tools might not be worth your time 16:50 – The difference between using Google and using ChatGPT 18:16 – Two deep resources to better understand how AI really works 20:06 – Final thoughts: reduce anxiety by understanding the unknown 21:19 – Recap: 3 things to do this summer as a mortgage broker
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| E81: 3 ChatGPT Prompts to Use As a Mortgage Broker in 2025 | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:22:43 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I’m not just talking about AI... I’m showing you exactly how to use it. I walk you through three powerful ChatGPT prompts (plus a bonus fourth) that you can copy and paste today to actually grow your mortgage business. Most people are still using AI the way they used Google — and that’s a huge mistake. I’ll show you how to get way better results by treating ChatGPT like a business partner, not just a search engine. You’ll learn:
If you’re in the mortgage industry and want to save time, close more deals, and finally get value out of these tools — this episode is for you. 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why this is the most tactical episode yet 00:20 – Prompt 1: How to get new business fast using ChatGPT 02:00 – What makes a great AI prompt (tone, constraints, specificity) 06:00 – ChatGPT’s 6 strategies for mortgage brokers in a tough market 08:40 – Prompt 2: How to plan for long-term success using the GPT-4 "thinking model" 10:15 – What model you should actually be using in ChatGPT (and why it matters) 12:00 – Prompt 3: AI prompts to save hours in your mortgage workflow 14:00 – Deal structure brainstorm: ChatGPT as your second brain 16:00 – Why the same prompt can get you completely different (but valuable) results 17:00 – Final takeaways from the long-term planning prompt 18:00 – Niches to explore: Renewals, debt consolidation, equity release 19:00 – Recommended tools + skills to level up as a broker 21:00 – BONUS Prompt: Let ChatGPT help you structure a deal in real time 21:45 – Final recap + why the time to start using AI is right now If this gave you some ideas, let me know in the comments — or just try one of the prompts I shared and see what happens. Let’s stop talking about AI in theory… and actually start using it to grow our businesses. – Tom #MortgageBroker #MortgageTech #ChatGPT #AIforBusiness #GPT4 #MortgageMarketing #RealEstateTech | |||
| E80: The Mortgage CRM Godfather is All-In on AI with MCC's Rich Spence | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:39:05 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, host Tom Hall sits down with Rich Spence, President of Mortgage Centre Canada (part of the DLCG network), for a powerful deep dive into the past, present, and future of mortgage tech. Rich shares:
Whether you're a broker, lender, tech founder, or industry leader—this episode will challenge how you think about change, innovation, and what it really takes to stay relevant. 📍 Timestamps 00:00 – The future belongs to brokers who text 00:20 – The power of DLCG’s network and tech adoption 01:00 – Meet today’s guest: Rich Spence 02:00 – The untold origin story of Nexxa CRM 05:00 – How they scaled to 7,000 mortgage brokers 08:30 – Building software by hand—then hitting the phones 10:00 – What brokers can learn from DLCG's growth 14:00 – The evolution of Velocity and its rapid release cycle 18:00 – Why persistence and iteration drive tech success 21:00 – AI, cold calls, and the irreplaceable human touch 25:00 – How brokers need to adapt to Gen Z and tech trends 29:00 – What your clients expect (and how DLCG is building it) 34:00 – Why the right partnerships matter in 2025 and beyond 🔗 Connect with Rich Spence Instagram: @richspence3 LinkedIn: @richspence3 ✅ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more insights from top minds in mortgage and financial tech. 💬 Leave a comment sharing your favourite insight or takeaway. #MortgageTech #DLCG #RichSpence #VelocityCRM #MortgageBroker #AIInMortgages #BrokerInnovation #CRM #MortgageIndustry #TechForBrokers | |||
| E79: How Accountability is the Key to Mortgage Success with Karen Wilson | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:40:35 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom sits down with Karen Wilson — founder of Broker Complete and VP of Training & Operations at DLC Elite Team — to unpack what truly drives success in today’s mortgage industry: trust, accountability, community, and process efficiency. Karen shares her journey from running a successful fitness business to becoming a leader in the mortgage world, drawing powerful lessons about relationship-building, creating accountability structures, and optimizing your business for long-term growth. If you’re a broker looking to strengthen your client relationships, scale your business, and implement more effective systems — this conversation is packed with practical insights. 👉 Follow Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokercomplete/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why trust is the most valuable currency in today’s mortgage industry 01:11 – Welcome and intro: Who is Karen Wilson? 02:45 – Karen’s background in the fitness industry and transferable skills 05:19 – Rebranding from fitness to finance: The learning curve 08:06 – How accountability groups helped Karen scale her mortgage business 09:13 – Building an accountability call that delivers real industry value 11:30 – The "give, give, give, ask" principle for long-term relationship-building 14:36 – Why trust-building matters more than rates or speed 15:29 – Leveraging tech to scale personal connections 16:40 – Types of social media content that actually build trust 19:14 – Human, imperfect content vs polished posts 20:14 – Coaching agents to recognise when to seek help and training 22:00 – Mapping your client process from lead gen to post-close 25:28 – Customising your mortgage process to match your strengths 27:44 – Process first — then pick the right tech or team 29:18 – The wrong way to implement new tools — and how to avoid it 32:14 – Why free services often have low follow-through — and how accountability changes that 34:12 – Building a brokerage culture of high standards and high expectations 35:18 – The value of surrounding yourself with high achievers 37:05 – Recognising opportunities and relationships that move your business forward 39:22 – How to connect with Karen and learn more about Broker Complete and DLC Elite Team | |||
| E78: How I Would Start a Mortgage Tech Business TODAY | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:19:45 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I’m pulling back the curtain on everything I’ve learned building BluMortgage—and what I’d do differently if I were starting from scratch today. I’m walking you through how I’d think about: → Building a simple, addictive product → Structuring a freemium model → Leveraging referrals over paid ads → Using AI (the right way) → And why simplicity always wins Whether you’re in mortgage tech or any kind of SaaS, this episode will give you a fresh framework to think about how to build and scale your next product. 👇 Full timestamps below — enjoy the episode and leave a comment if you’d take a different approach! Timestamps: 00:00 — Why AI should not be forced into your product 01:00 — If I launched a new mortgage tech company today 02:10 — The 3 key lessons from building BluMortgage 04:00 — What should your product actually offer? 06:00 — How to make your product simple and addictive 09:00 — Why onboarding should feel as seamless as Facebook or TikTok 11:00 — How to improve your product without feature bloat 12:30 — Why simplicity is harder than complexity 14:00 — How I’d market the product (freemium + referrals) 15:45 — How to drive viral referrals inside your app 16:50 — Why trade shows and in-person events still matter 17:45 — The right way to use AI inside your company 19:20 — Final thoughts + a challenge for you 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, hit Subscribe for more weekly insights from the world of mortgage tech and SaaS. #MortgageTech #SaaSBusiness #FinTech #BluMortgage #AIInBusiness | |||
| E77: Desjardins, New CMA Features, and M3 VIP Trip | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:18:36 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom breaks down the biggest shifts happening in Canada's mortgage technology landscape — from major lender-platform disconnections to what AI could mean for the future of mortgage app development. We cover:
If you're a mortgage professional, lender, tech builder, or just love staying ahead of the curve in this space—this one’s for you. 👇 Timestamps 00:00 – Can ChatGPT turn mortgage pros into coders? 00:44 – Welcome to the episode + key themes 04:25 – Platform economics: Why lenders are switching highways 05:34 – Exclusive partnerships: Not new, but more aggressive 06:12 – Could this fracture the marketplace model? 07:27 – Will brokers be forced into multiple portals? 08:04 – Industry-wide implications: are platforms losing value? 08:37 – M3 VIP trip strategy breakdown 09:26 – Platform incentives: the “free dry cleaning” analogy 10:47 – Boss, Uber, and network effects 12:01 – More users = more leverage with lenders 13:04 – Ben Salami’s new CMA feature release 13:58 – Scenario planning tools for mortgage brokers 14:40 – Comparing fixed vs. variable + lender options 15:34 – Why Ben's speed in building is his superpower 16:46 – Iteration cycles: 1 week vs 10 minutes 17:25 – How AI might democratize fast iterations 18:26 – Final thoughts + call to share 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly insights on mortgage tech, tools, and trends. #mortgagetechnology #mortgagebroker #canadianmortgage #mortgageplatforms | |||
| E76: Market Update- Brokerage Receivership, Interesting Analytics and Big Winners | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:17:39 | |
If your brokerage went under tomorrow—would your business survive? In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom breaks down a powerful video from Ron Butler that’s making waves across the mortgage industry. From ownership of your domain and CRM to warning signs your brokerage might be in financial trouble, this episode is a wake-up call for brokers in Canada. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why every broker must own their domain, inbox, and CRM 01:21 – Welcome to Mortgage Tech Talks 01:42 – Ron Butler’s video breakdown: What happens if your brokerage collapses? 03:08 – The danger of relying on your brokerage for commission payments 05:23 – Signs your brokerage might be in financial trouble 06:07 – How to protect your business before it’s too late 06:43 – The tech barriers that keep brokers stuck 07:01 – 3 things your brokerage might control that you need to own 08:00 – Step-by-step: how to get your tech stack independent 10:02 – Mortgage payment surge projections 11:53 – Why inflation rising again could be a disaster 13:21 – Who are mortgage tech platforms really built for? 14:03 – The 4 audiences mortgage tech must serve 15:23 – The trade-offs platforms make to keep lenders happy 15:42 – Shoutout to Scarlett Jo Factory: Canadian Mortgage Award wins 16:19 – BluMortgage wins at the Mortgage Awards of Excellence 17:02 – What this award means for the BluMortgage team 17:39 – Final thoughts and viewer call-to-action 28:34 – BONUS: Recap of the tech ownership framework for brokers Whether you’re a new broker or a seasoned pro, this episode gives you practical advice to bulletproof your business—and insights on how the industry is evolving in real time. #mortgagebroker #mortgagetech #canadianmortgages #realestatecanada #mortgageadvice Let me know if you'd like a shorter version for Spotify or LinkedIn as well. | |||
| E75: The Most Practical AI Tool in 2025: AI Note Takers | 30 May 2025 | 00:19:38 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom dives deep into one of the most practical AI tools available to mortgage brokers today: AI-powered note-taking bots. You’ll learn how tools like Fathom, Fireflies, and Otter are transforming how brokers run client meetings, track follow-ups, and stay compliant — all while saving time and improving client service. Tom breaks down the exact features that make these tools game-changers, how to integrate them with your CRM for max efficiency, and which platform fits your workflow best. If you're a mortgage broker, financial advisor, or service-based professional running multiple meetings per week — this tech is a no-brainer. 🔧 Want to automate your notes, track commitments, and improve compliance? Start here. 📍 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why handwritten notes still matter — and how AI note-takers complement them 01:11 – What are AI meeting bots and how do they work? 02:00 – How AI agents join your Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams calls 03:20 – Full transcript + meeting summary explained 04:45 – Custom summaries using frameworks like BANT 06:45 – Creating post-call checklists from AI takeaways 08:10 – How AI bots assist with training and coaching new team members 09:30 – Turning meeting snippets into internal learning playlists 11:00 – Using AI transcripts inside your CRM for deeper client tracking 12:10 – Unlocking call analytics and sales insights 13:10 – Automating tasks from AI takeaways directly into your workflow 14:00 – Compliance benefits of full transcripts 15:14 – Tool breakdown: Fathom vs. Fireflies vs. Otter 17:00 – When to use each tool (Zoom meetings, mobile recordings, integrations) 19:11 – Final thoughts + why these tools may become essential in your tech stack ✅ Keywords: mortgage broker technology, AI note taker, Fathom vs Otter vs Fireflies, best note-taking app for mortgage brokers, CRM integration, meeting productivity tools, compliance tools for brokers, AI meeting summaries, automate meeting notes 🔔 Like what you heard? Subscribe to Mortgage Tech Talks and share this episode with one colleague who needs to hear it. Your referrals help us grow—one listener at a time. #mortgagebroker #aitechnology #productivitytools #fintech #mortgagetech | |||
| E74: The Secret That Drives All of Canadian Mortgage Tech | 23 May 2025 | 00:23:17 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we pull back the curtain on a multi-million dollar secret most mortgage brokers never think about: your deal submission platform isn’t really free—and the reason why explains almost everything happening in the mortgage tech world today. You’ll learn how lenders fund the systems you use, how that affects your brokerage’s software decisions, and what the future might look like in an AI-driven world. Whether you're a broker, lender, or tech enthusiast—this is the episode that connects all the dots. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Smaller brokerages building their own tech “pipes” 0:48 – Welcome + Why this hidden dynamic explains everything 1:36 – The “free” software myth: Who’s really paying? 2:58 – Let’s talk numbers: $95M–$155M annually 4:07 – Breaking down the $315B broker channel 5:20 – How much Velocity earns from lender fees 6:09 – The per-broker revenue reality 7:52 – What platforms are making off your volume 8:36 – How Filogix built the original network and fee model 10:11 – “The house with pipes” analogy explained 12:09 – How Velocity and Finmo gained traction 13:10 – Did Filogix enable their competition? 14:03 – The honey pot is leaking—market share is shifting 15:02 – Why big networks are launching their own platforms 16:24 – New revenue streams and tighter software control 17:40 – Why platforms are stacking on free tools (CRM, payroll, AML) 19:24 – What happens if lenders stop paying the fees? 20:20 – The rise of AI agents and platform-free futures 21:36 – Why brokers need to own their process 22:26 – The risk of misaligned incentives 23:09 – Wrap-up: why this matters more than ever
#mortgagetech #mortgagebroker #fintech #mortgageindustry #mortgageautomation | |||
| E73: Pineapple+, Centum and RMA, New Government | 16 May 2025 | 00:19:30 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom dives into the future of Canadian housing—and shares a bold theory: government-built homes might just become a new asset class. He also breaks down the latest in mortgage tech innovation, including a deep review of Pineapple Plus, the all-in-one platform making waves in the broker space. Plus, he covers big leadership moves in the mortgage industry and what they could mean for tech adoption across brokerages. Whether you're a mortgage broker, industry insider, or just want to stay ahead of what's next in real estate, this episode is packed with insight. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Will government-built homes become a new asset class? 01:09 – Intro & today’s episode overview 02:08 – Pineapple Plus platform: first impressions 04:05 – Key features: CRM, client applications, centralized underwriting 05:19 – Google Drive integration + seamless doc management 05:56 – The paradox of “all-in-one” mortgage systems 07:48 – Simplicity vs. complexity in mortgage software 08:07 – Industry update: Chris Turcotte moves from Centum to TMA 09:18 – Why better tech is influencing brokerage leadership 10:20 – The rise of Velocity and brokerage-led tech tools 11:04 – “Championship teams” vs. “family” in company culture 12:12 – New leadership at Centum: Adrian Schulz steps up 13:14 – Mortgage Monitor: tech tools that analyze your book 14:34 – Will Adrian's promotion help or slow tech innovation at Centum? 14:53 – Political lens: Liberal housing plan & market impact 16:13 – Why 500,000 government-built homes might shift the asset landscape 17:52 – How a new asset class could protect home equity + create opportunity 18:25 – Final thoughts: what it all means for mortgage professionals 19:16 – Closing remarks + comments welcome 💡 Like this episode? Subscribe and comment your thoughts on government-built housing or all-in-one tech platforms for brokers. Your feedback helps shape future discussions! #mortgagebroker #realestatecanada #mortgagetech #canadianhousing #mortgagepodcast #realestateinvesting #brokerlife | |||
| E72: How to Build Game-Changing Mortgage Tech with Finmo's Carter Zimmerman | 09 May 2025 | 00:39:47 | |
A bloated feature list doesn’t mean better tech. In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom sits down with Carter Zimmerman, of Finmo, to unpack what actually makes mortgage software successful. Carter shares how Finmo went from idea to industry leader by focusing on user experience, simplicity, and doing fewer things better. They cover: – The myth of the all-in-one system – Why open platforms win long term – What AI tools brokers are already using – How competition fuels innovation in Canadian mortgage tech – And how Carter’s past in marketing shaped Finmo’s product vision If you’ve ever asked “why can’t my tech just work?”, this episode is for you. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – “Just because you have the features… doesn’t mean you have the features.” 01:16 – Carter’s origin story: from Facebook ads to Finmo 04:21 – The shocking state of mortgage tech in 2017 06:56 – How early feedback loops built Finmo fast 09:57 – Why trying to solve everything at once kills momentum 11:52 – The role of rest, flow state, and personal performance 14:14 – Using competitiveness as a mindset advantage 17:00 – “We’re not finding our foothold—we’re building a mountain.” 19:36 – The myth of the all-in-one platform 23:36 – Why UX feature checklists in 2025 mortgage tech 27:37 – What brokers really want and why execution wins Connet with Carter Zimmerman https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-zimmerman-7753495b/ 🎧 Tune in to our podcast for on-the-go learning stay ahead in the game! https://wavve.link/mortgagetechtalks 📱Connect with Tom on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mortgage_tech_tom/ 📱Connect with Tom on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhall8/ 📱Connect with Massimo on Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimoianniruberto/ Make sure to 🔔 SUBSCRIBE, 👍 LIKE, and 💬 COMMENT below to let us know what you think! | |||
| E71: How Scarlett's Joe Fakhri is living the "Entrepreneur's Dream" | 02 May 2025 | 00:47:42 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom Hall (BluMortgage) sits down with Joe Fakhri, founder of Axiom Innovations—the tech company behind Scarlett Mortgage, Scarlett Pay, and more. Joe shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he risked it all to build one of Canada’s most innovative mortgage tech platforms, and why machine learning—not just ChatGPT—is the real future of AI in our industry. From product innovation and automation to the evolving role of leadership in scaling tech companies, this is a must-watch for anyone serious about the future of mortgage and financial services. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on mortgage tech and industry innovation. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – AI won’t replace you—but people who use AI will 00:38 – Intro to Mortgage Tech Talks & guest Joe Fakhri 01:00 – How Joe started Axiom & the origin of Scarlett 05:00 – Leaving a secure job to build Scarlett: the leap 10:00 – Living off savings for 4 years to build something great 12:00 – Building a "machine" of people and tech 14:00 – Why innovation needs to reduce friction—not add it 18:00 – The difference between machine learning & generative AI 21:00 – How Scarlett Genius uses data to recommend lenders 25:00 – Transitioning out of the CEO role: Joe’s leadership evolution 32:00 – Why trust and humility are crucial in fast-growing companies 34:00 – Joe’s take on the Internet revolution—and how AI compares 37:00 – The difference between machine learning vs ChatGPT-style AI 41:00 – What the next 24 months of real AI adoption will look like 46:00 – Final thoughts: picking trusted partners in a noisy AI market 💡 Want to connect with Joe? https://www.instagram.com/scarlettnetwork/ | |||
| E70: Market Update- Canadian Tech, US Loan Officers Hurting, Pinch-DLC Partnership | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:17:33 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we break down some huge developments happening across the mortgage industry — both in Canada and the U.S. From the shocking downsizing of U.S. mortgage brokers, to how Canadian mortgage tech companies are adjusting their strategies, to a deep dive into the latest partnership news between Pinch Financial and DLC — this episode is packed with insights that every mortgage professional, lender, and tech entrepreneur needs to hear. Whether you're a mortgage broker, lender, or just someone following the evolving mortgage tech space, you're going to walk away with valuable takeaways about where the market is heading. Timestamps: 00:00 - U.S. Mortgage Broker Numbers Crash: 395,000 → 93,000 00:18 - Comparing U.S. vs. Canadian Mortgage Broker Markets 00:52 - Why U.S. Brokers Are Being Wiped Out (No Renewal Cycles) 01:26 - Welcome to Mortgage Tech Talks (Living Room Edition) 01:44 - Quick Overview of Today's Topics 02:06 - How Canadian Tech Companies Are Positioning Themselves 02:23 - The Pinch Financial Curiosity Story 02:27 - Story #1: Jeff Willis' Proudly Canadian Post 03:06 - Debating Canadian vs. U.S. Mortgage Tech Platforms 04:09 - Economic Libertarian View on Tariffs in Mortgage Tech 05:07 - Why "Made in Canada" Matters More in 2025 06:08 - How U.S. Funding Impacts Canadian Mortgage Startups 07:29 - Silver Linings and the Need for Canadian Funding Growth 08:05 - Story #2: Even Deeper Dive into U.S. Loan Officer Numbers 09:31 - The True Reason Behind the U.S. Mortgage Collapse 10:59 - No Refinancing, No Moving, No Business 11:39 - How Brokers Are Surviving Today (New Builds, 2nd Mortgages) 12:11 - The New Evolution: From "Rate Shopper" to "Trusted Advisor" 13:12 - Story #3: Pinch Financial Partners with DLC 13:54 - The Importance of Realtor.ca Integration for Pinch 14:30 - Is Pinch Really a "Game-Changer"? A Closer Look 15:07 - Unpacking the M3 Tech and Pinch Relationship 16:13 - Why M3 Might Be Refocusing on Core Competencies 17:15 - Are Brokers and Tech Companies Both Scaling Back? 17:30 - Final Thoughts + How the Mortgage Tech Landscape is Changing Subscribe to Mortgage Tech Talks for more weekly deep dives into mortgage industry trends, market updates, and how technology is shaping the future of Canadian lending. 👉 Comment below: What trend do you think will have the biggest impact in the next 12 months? #MortgageBrokers #MortgageTech #CanadianRealEstate #LendingTrends #MortgageIndustry | |||
| E69: How a $100M+ Broker Jumped into Commercial and Built His Own Tech with David Mayrand | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:40:17 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I sit down with David Mayrand, a former residential broker who transitioned into the multifamily commercial space—and then took it a step further by building a tech solution designed to streamline complex multifamily deals. We talk about:
This episode is a must-watch if you’re: ✅ A residential broker curious about the commercial space ✅ Frustrated by the inefficiencies of spreadsheets and emails ✅ Interested in the future of AI + automation in mortgage workflows ✅ Looking to scale your investor business with better tools ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why multifamily listings aren’t investor-friendly 00:20 – Building tools that simplify commercial analysis 00:47 – Giving access to tools most brokers don’t have 01:12 – Intro: Meet David Maé Rand, ex-residential broker turned tech founder 02:07 – The origin story: from 2-minute convo to this podcast 02:43 – Why David left residential for multifamily 04:24 – Phasing out residential and leaning into investor clients 06:21 – Why switching to commercial is scary for brokers 07:17 – What makes some brokers fail when switching 08:59 – Why commercial lending has so much paperwork 09:34 – How David's team built processes from scratch 10:09 – There was literally no tech in commercial 11:18 – How they organize massive amounts of documents 12:13 – Why residential tech has boomed—but not commercial 13:20 – Why most developers can’t build good mortgage tech 14:32 – Building tech internally that actually works 16:25 – When David realized he needed a dedicated tech stack 17:50 – The hidden value of structured data 19:17 – Why existing CRMs don’t support corporations as borrowers 20:20 – The complexity of org charts and ownership 21:24 – Why solving hard problems = massive opportunity 22:07 – Where AI fits into all this 23:31 – Using AI to build org charts, automate file handling 25:20 – The future: AI doing all the grunt work for brokers 26:55 – Why David isn’t competing with generic AI tools 27:19 – Launching a dedicated multifamily tech company (June 1!) 28:16 – How this tech can change the entire Canadian multifamily market 30:12 – Will this ever expand beyond multifamily? 31:24 – Why tech gives David’s brokerage a massive edge 32:23 – His vision: a portal for agents and investors to model cash flow 33:43 – Making commercial less intimidating 35:08 – Tech as a bridge for new brokers entering the space 36:23 – Why servicing sophisticated borrowers requires next-level systems 37:07 – How brokers can actually provide value to investors 39:19 – Want to try the portal? How to get early access 🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of mortgage, tech, and real estate investing. #mortgagetech #multifamilyrealestate #commercialmortgage #canadianmortgage #mortgagebroker #fintech #realestatetech #aiinmortgage #mortgageautomation #mortgagetalkshow | |||
| EP 68: From Lending to Tech & Back Again: Lawrence Schwartz on Playing the Long Game | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:40:37 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom sits down with Lawrence Schwartz—Co-Founder of Mortgage Automator and now back in the lending game with Golden Bell Capital. They dive into:
Whether you’re a broker, lender, or aspiring fintech founder, this episode is packed with wisdom, real talk, and some hard-earned lessons from one of the industry’s best.
Connect with Lawrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-schwartz-13611529/
🎙 Hosted by Tom Hall | Powered by BluMortgage #mortgagebrokers #mortgagetechnology #realestateinvesting #fintech #entrepreneurship #MortgageAutomator ⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Why Trade Shows Are Basically Free 01:11 – Meet Lawrence Schwartz: Co-Founder of Mortgage Automator 02:37 – What Mortgage Automator Was Built For 04:11 – Funny Sales Funnel Story (Oops!) 06:58 – No Perfect Software Exists (Here’s Why That’s Okay) 07:17 – The “Secret Sauce” Behind Mortgage Automator’s Success 08:46 – Real-Time Product Feedback from Lenders 10:08 – Learning from Client Rejections 11:18 – Growing Trade Show Presence Over Time 13:16 – Why You Always Go to Trade Shows 15:28 – Early Signs That Mortgage Automator Was Taking Off 16:35 – Building a Sales Team That Could Sell Without You 18:47 – Balancing Lending and Tech in the Early Days 20:48 – COVID and the Pivot to Full-Time Software 22:07 – The Power of the Right Business Partners 25:06 – Returning to Lending After the Exit 27:08 – Realizations After “Retirement” 29:02 – Why Lawrence Didn’t Spend a Dime After Selling 31:14 – The Lending Philosophy at Golden Bell Capital 33:23 – What Types of Deals Golden Bell Does 36:40 – Why Simplicity & Speed Still Win 38:36 – The Reason They Only Lend in the GTA 39:53 – Final Thoughts: Send Us One Good Deal 40:28 – Where to Find Lawrence | |||
| E67: Canadian Mortgage Summit, Velocity 3.0, New Tech-Lender Partnership | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:15:58 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom recaps his recent panel at the Canadian Mortgage Summit in Vancouver and dives into three of the biggest themes shaping the mortgage tech space right now:
From real talk about overwhelmed brokers to the long-term promise of seamless AI adoption, this episode explores how the most adaptable brokers are winning — and how you can too. 👇 Timestamps: 00:00 – The unfair tech advantage mortgage brokers have over banks 00:17 – Why you should start with the client journey, not the tool 00:33 – Don’t get overwhelmed: solve one pain point at a time 00:55 – Energetic intro & why today’s update matters 01:14 – Takeaways from the Canadian Mortgage Summit 02:13 – Who was on the tech panel & what they discussed 02:50 – Why AI needs to be reverse-engineered from your client journey 03:37 – Pain points first, tech second: the key to adoption 04:11 – Create memorable client moments (and stories) 05:13 – Why brokers can adopt tools faster than banks 05:47 – 70/30 split: who’s getting ahead, and who’s overwhelmed 06:57 – The real job of tech companies right now 07:13 – Why early adopters win in the short term 07:54 – Just like Gmail: AI adoption will get easier 08:44 – What’s coming with Velocity 3.0 (and why it matters) 09:47 – Improved UI, security, speed & data handling 10:28 – Could this enable smarter AI tools in the future? 11:16 – New lender tech announcement: why it’s bigger than it seems 12:18 – Why B deals are everywhere right now 13:02 – Brokers pivoting to B and commercial deals 14:04 – The rise of reverse mortgages & agile broker strategies 14:46 – Why being nimble is brokers' superpower 15:24 – Final thoughts: opportunity in the chaos 🎧 Whether you're a tech-forward broker or just trying to keep up, this episode will give you fresh insights on where the industry is heading and how to stay ahead of the curve. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly insights from Mortgage Tech Talks. #mortgagebroker #mortgagetechnology #AI #velocity #mortgagetips #canadianrealestate #mortgageadvice #fintech #MortgageTechTalks | |||
| E66: Is Zapier Worth It? | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:17:18 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we break down one of the most common questions mortgage brokers have: Should you be using workflow automation tools like Zapier, Make (Integromat), or N8n in your business? Here’s the thing—automation tools can save time and boost efficiency, but most brokers either avoid them entirely or hire someone to build complex systems they can’t maintain. That’s a problem. Tom dives into:
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Why most brokers struggle with automation 01:09 – What are workflow automation tools? 02:32 – Real-world example: Calendly + Zapier + Twilio 05:44 – Automation for CRM integration (Mortgage use case) 06:42 – Should you do it yourself or hire someone? 07:13 – Zapier: Pros, cons, and pricing 10:06 – Challenger tools: N8n and Make 13:00 – Visual walkthrough of Make (Integromat) 14:13 – Summary of the three tools compared 14:35 – Do YOU actually need automation? 16:19 – The checklist: Is it worth it for YOUR business? 🔧 Whether you’re a tech-savvy broker or just getting started, this episode helps you decide if it’s time to roll up your sleeves—or save your money. Got questions? Drop them in the comments! #mortgagetech #workflowautomation #mortgagebroker #zapier #crmtips #mortgagemarketing #automationtools #mortgagebusiness | |||
| Industry Update: Rocket, Bond Yields, Canadian Mortgage Awards | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:16:34 | |
🚨 Rocket Mortgage Canada is out! What does this mean for brokers, lenders, and mortgage tech? 🚨 In episode 65 of Mortgage Tech Talks, we dive into the latest industry updates, including: ✅ The exit of Rocket Mortgage Canada and its impact on the mortgage landscape. ✅ The downward trend of bond yields and how it affects mortgage rates. ✅ The Canadian Mortgage Awards—who made the list and what it says about industry trends. 🔍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Bond yields are dropping—what it means for the market 00:19 – How uncertainty affects mortgage brokers and their clients 00:39 – Why this turbulence could be good news for brokers 00:59 – Rocket Mortgage Canada exits—breaking it down 02:17 – How the news broke and what led to the decision 03:04 – Is this a response to tariffs? 03:41 – The impact on mortgage tech and Finmo 04:18 – Rocket Mortgage’s connection to Lendesk and what’s next 05:20 – What does this mean for competition in Canada? 07:05 – Canada’s lack of mortgage market competition—good or bad? 08:15 – The effect of U.S. policies on Canadian mortgage rates 09:36 – What falling bond yields mean for mortgage rates 10:37 – How brokers can use this uncertainty to help clients 12:57 – The Canadian Mortgage Awards—who made the list? 13:37 – Service Provider of the Year category—who’s missing? 14:02 – Digital innovation in brokerages—what’s changing? 14:43 – New category: Innovator Champion of the Year 15:53 – Who’s really leading innovation in the industry? 16:08 – Is tech taking a backseat to broker and lender-led innovation? 16:25 – Final thoughts—where is the mortgage industry headed? 📢 Like & Subscribe for more insights on mortgage technology and industry trends! #MortgageNews #RocketMortgage #MortgageTech #CanadaRealEstate #MortgageRates | |||
| E64: How a 20-Year Veteran Uses Tech to Have AMAZING Conversions w Russ Morrison | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:44:01 | |
In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we're joined by 20-year mortgage industry veteran Russ Morrison, who shares game-changing insights on how brokers can shift from transactional selling to strategic advising. 🔍 Russ breaks down why brokers must move beyond rate-focused discussions, how to optimize lead conversion ratios, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people in business. Plus, we dive into how his TMS (Tactical Mortgage Solutions) platform is transforming mortgage strategy conversations. 🔗 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - The five reasons consumers come to brokers 00:00:14 - Selling solutions vs. solving problems 00:00:30 - The importance of having the right people around you 00:01:09 - Introducing Russ Morrison & his mortgage journey 00:01:56 - How Russ has optimized his strategy sessions 00:03:17 - The power of a strong network in the mortgage industry 00:05:47 - Virtual vs. in-person collaboration: What works better? 00:07:57 - How to survive market cycles & inflation challenges 00:10:05 - Facing industry struggles head-on & improving conversion rates 00:12:25 - Why a CRM is crucial for broker success 00:14:00 - Understanding lead-to-funding ratios & where business actually comes from 00:17:11 - Surprising data on conversion rates from different lead sources 00:21:26 - The two biggest factors for improving conversions 00:22:23 - The importance of structured upfront conversations 00:25:09 - The power of process: How to win over the right clients 00:28:56 - Knowing when to say NO to bad-fit clients 00:30:45 - Why brokers must shift from transactional to trust-based advising 00:33:15 - TMS: The tool designed to streamline mortgage strategy conversations 00:38:55 - The future of mortgage advising: Show, don’t tell 00:42:41 - The tech side of mortgage brokering & growing a scalable business 📢 Enjoying the show? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below with your thoughts! What’s your biggest challenge as a mortgage broker? #MortgageTech #RealEstateFinance #MortgageBroker #FinancialStrategy #BusinessGrowth | |||
| E63: How to Beat AI at Marketing | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:19:26 | |
🚀 As AI takes over more marketing tasks, where does that leave mortgage brokers? In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom Hall breaks down the hidden gaps AI leaves in the market and how mortgage brokers can stand out in an increasingly noisy digital world. 🔍 AI is revolutionizing marketing—big banks and Fortune 500 companies are doubling down on automated content. But there are three key areas where AI falls short, creating a massive opportunity for brokers who know how to leverage their personality, industry expertise, and communication skills effectively. 💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
⏳ 00:00 - Intro: The AI revolution in marketing ⏳ 01:14 - AI’s growing influence in mortgage marketing ⏳ 03:32 - How Fortune 500 companies are using AI for content ⏳ 05:57 - The rise of AI-generated blogs—what it means for brokers ⏳ 07:51 - What AI is good at (and why you should still use it) ⏳ 08:32 - The 3 major weaknesses of AI in marketing ⏳ 09:02 - #1: AI lacks personality—why human connection matters more than ever ⏳ 10:50 - #2: AI struggles with context—how to make your messaging more relevant ⏳ 11:10 - #3: AI-generated content is too long—why concise messaging wins ⏳ 12:06 - How to leverage social media to showcase personality ⏳ 13:04 - Why email marketing with personalization beats AI-generated content ⏳ 14:20 - How text messaging can be your secret weapon ⏳ 16:14 - The importance of short, natural communication ⏳ 17:53 - Final thoughts: How brokers can stay ahead in an AI-dominated world 🔥 If you're a mortgage broker looking to cut through the noise and dominate your market in 2025, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in now and start winning in an AI-driven world! | |||
| E62: How to actually make tech work for your business with WBS' Sara Hynes | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:38:04 | |
Why do so many mortgage brokers struggle with tech adoption, while others thrive? In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I sit down with Sara Hynes from Western Brokers Services to break down the tech dilemma in the mortgage industry.We discuss: ✅ The biggest barriers brokers face when adopting CRM and automation (00:00:59) ✅ How delegation (or "support") can transform a broker’s business (00:03:20) ✅ Why many brokers resist switching platforms—even when they know they should (00:23:32) ✅ The power of referrals in building a thriving mortgage business (00:06:38) ✅ The unexpected return on investment from sending physical mail (00:16:35) ✅ How brokers can simplify tech adoption without getting overwhelmed (00:27:31) Sara Hynes shares insights from 16+ years in the industry, working closely with brokers across Canada. If you've ever felt stuck when it comes to implementing tech in your business, this episode is a must-watch!📌 Follow Sara Hynes & Western Brokers Services: 🌐 Website: westernbrokerservices.ca 📱 Instagram: @westernbrokerservices 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of Mortgage Tech Talks! | |||
| 61: How to Build Your Social Media Empire | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:20:48 | |
In this episode, I share how mortgage brokers can transform their social media presence with a powerful three-pillar strategy, breaking down the intimidating world of social media marketing into manageable, actionable steps.
In this episode I cover: → Production: Over-coming camera shyness, how to come up with content, and outsourcing content creation. → Distribution: How to consistently and effectively post to different platforms and leveraging tools. → Conversion: How to find your audience, leveraging niche content, and utilizing stories and DMs. ***
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| 60: Market Update - Renewal Cliff, Stargate, Tariffs | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:15:26 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → The upcoming "renewal cliff" in the Canadian mortgage market, where over 50% of mortgages will be up for renewal in the next two years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for mortgage professionals. → The $500 billion investment initiative called Stargate, led by companies like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Oracle, aimed at developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and what you can do to be ready for this tech. → The potential impact of a 25% tariff from the US and Canada's retaliation, which could force the Bank of Canada to raise the overnight rate by 300 basis points, or 3%. ***
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| 59: How to Disrupt 20-Year Legacy Software with FundMore.AI's Chris Grimes | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:30:16 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Chris Grimes. Chris is the Co-Founder & CEO of FundMore.ai, and has worked in the financial industry for 20 years. Gaining experience in wealth management, credit lending, and mortgage origination, he is passionate about advancing the mortgage industry through technology and forward-thinking initiatives. FundMore.ai is an automated underwriting system that uses machine learning to streamline the pre-funding process for loans. The mission? To make home-ownership more accessible.
In this episode we cover: → Chris's journey in the industry and the transition from Broker to building lender software, the evolution of Fundmore.ai, and future features they hope to roll out. → The challenges of the lender tech space, what keeps lender tech so stagnant and how to disrupt it, and societies "analysis paralysis" problem. → The future of mortgage lending, how open banking, the blockchain, & AI could revolutionize the mortgage industry, and the need to address consumer trust and adoption concerns around emerging technologies.
Fundmore.ai Website: www.fundmore.ai Fundmore.ai Instagram: @fundmore.ai Fundmore.ai LinkedIn: @Fundmore.ai Chris Grimes' LinkedIn: @ChrisGrimes ***
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| 58: What eSign Should I Use? | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:21:21 | |
In this episode, I do a deep dive on the different electronic signature platforms, and what my recommendation is if someone is looking to use this tool.
In this episode I cover: → Comparing and contrasting the top e-signing platforms. → How deal submission platforms are integrated and who they're integrated with. → What you need to consider when deciding on a platform to use. ***
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| 57: Top Mortgage Tech Tools I'm Paying Attention To | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:14:11 | |
In this episode, I share 3 specific tech tools I have my eye on for 2025, and why you should also be considering them for your business.
In this episode I cover: → Smart scheduling with AI-powered calendar, Reclaim.ai. → Document scanning tools, if they should be done by third party companies or deal submission platforms, and who should be paying for it, lenders or agents. → The battle of the various home-valuation tools attempting to break into the Canadian market and the challenge of adoption from agents. ***
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| 56: 2025 Mortgage Tech Predictions | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:15:30 | |
In this episode, I try to forecast 3 big trends that we will see in Canadian mortgage tech in 2025, and what that says about the state of the industry and where it's headed.
In this episode I cover: → How the pendulum has swung with how people think of software in the mortgage industry and is moving towards consolidation. → Brokers & Agents shifting to different types of lending and how software could follow them. → AI: Where it's been since 2023, trends that are forming, and where there are opportunities with it moving forward. ***
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| 55: 100x Your Mortgage Business with Rocket's Bekim Merdita | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:40:37 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Bekim Merdita. Bekim is the EVP and a Founding Team Member of Rocket Mortgage Canada from Windsor, Ontario, which originally launched as Edison Financial in 2020. Edison Financial rebranded to Rocket Mortgage Canada on August 8, 2022, doing business under the brand Rocket Mortgage™️ throughout the country. In 2023, Rocket Mortgage Canada also became a mortgage lender and created Rocket Pro Canada, a team dedicated to helping broker partners submit deals to the Rocket Mortgage Canada lending channel.
In this episode we cover: → Bekim's journey within Rocket Mortgage in both the US and Canada, his goal of going from a 4 to 400 person team, and the mindset needed to 100x your business. → What he's learned launching a mortgage lender and Rocket Pro, the importance of speed in mortgage approvals, and attempting to eliminate the emotional rollercoaster of home buying with client certainty. → Why Canada is behind the US in mortgage tech, why lenders aren't as flexible as brokers in their tech stack, and what's being done to address the gaps of the inefficient manual mortgage process.
Rocket Mortgage Canada Website: www.rocketmortgage.ca Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts Lending Thoughts YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod ***
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| 54: My TOP Email Templates with 70%+ Open Rates | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:11:15 | |
In this episode, I deep dive into my top 3 email templates that have the highest open rates, between 70-90%, what they look like, and how you can use them.
In this episode I cover: → Templates for a referral source. → Templates for meetings/in-person events. → Templates for new leads. ***
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| 53: Dong Lee's Secrets to Success in Mortgage and Tech | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:34:53 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Dong Lee. Dong is the CEO of Axiom Innovations Inc. from Mississauga, Ontario, who has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage lending and brokering industry. His career extends from bank management with TD, being a BDM with Scotiabank & CMHC, VP of Mortgage Architechs, COO of DLC, and even the 26th Chair of the Board of MPC, leading to a wealth of experience and expertise in sales & operations.
Axiom Innovations supplies business automation and software solutions for various industries, including the Scarlett Network for mortgage lenders and professionals. With Scarlett, you can eliminate the need for costly monthly subscriptions to multiple systems and consolidate all your mortgage tools into one and that lets you manage your business from start to finish.
In this episode we cover: → How Dong created his industry reputation, if there's anything he would've done differently in his career, and transitioning from DLC to Axiom Innovations. → The importance of partnership in entrepreneurship, playing to your strengths and hiring skillsets for complementary partnerships, the value of in-office collaboration, and finding win-win solutions with competitors. → The secret sauce of building business momentum, why everyone should be making informed decisions, and where AI should be used in your business.
Axiom Innovations Website: www.axiominnovations.com Axiom Innovations LinkedIn: @AxiomInnovationsInc Dong Lee's Email: dong.lee@axiominnovations.com Dong Lee's LinkedIn: @DongLee Dong Lee's Facebook: @DongLee Scarlett Network Website: www.scarlettnetwork.com Scarlett Network LinkedIn: @ScarlettNetwork Scarlett Network Instagram: @scarlettnetwork ***
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| 52: AML Fallout, Deepfakes + Fraud, Major Platform Feature Drop | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:16:19 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → How AML is shaking up the tech used by brokerages and agents alike. → Tech themes from recent mortgage conferences including AI, deepfakes & fraud, and password management. → Scarlett doubling down on client experience. ***
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| 51: How to Build a Technology as a Broker with NETTRAKK's Wendy Meier | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:33:49 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Wendy Meier. Wendy is a Mortgage Agent at The Mortgage Centre Sky Financial and a National Sales Executive at NETTRAKK from Edmonton, Alberta. Taking inspiration from products in the US, Wendy combined her background as a Strategic Sales Executive selling tech and 15 years of experience in mortgages to create NETTRAKK, an automated lead generation marketing platform for Mortgage Agents, Realtors, and their clients. NETTRAKK is the only post-closing client portal, maximizing the potential of your client database.
In this episode we cover: → Wendy's journey in mortgages and founding NETTRAKK, how NETTRAKK stands out among competitors, and how NETTRAKK also benefits Realtors. → The challenges for Brokers in implementing new tech, juggling priorities and knowing what is "mission critical", and how to know when you've found the right partner or team. → The asset of first hand industry knowledge, keeping on track with a 30,000ft view of your project, and tech trends Brokers should be watching for.
NETTRAKK Website: www.nettrakk.ca NETTRAKK Facebook: @nettrakk Wendy Meier's Website: www.wendymeier.ca Wendy Meier's LinkedIn: @WendyMeier ***
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| 50: Top DLC Team in Canada to Broker Owner with ABW Mortgages' Dean Lawton | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:31:45 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Dean Lawton. Dean is a Partner at A Better Way Mortgage Group within the DLCG Network from Vancouver, BC, and has been in the industry since 2013. A Better Way Mortgages is one of the largest brokerages in Western Canada, producing over $3 billion in mortgage volume annually, and is also the only brokerage in Canada giving brokers the choice of aligning with 2 of Canada's largest networks: Dominion Lending Centres or Mortgage Architects. Dean is also a Partner at Thrive Mortgage Co., which specializes in business-owner relationships and investment portfolios.
In this episode we cover: → Dean's journey in the mortgage industry, the change in mindset in going from Broker to Partner, and how to support individual agents at an agnostic brokerage. → If mortgage conferences are worth the ROI, implementing process changes in your business, and the human touch in building client relationships. → AI & becoming advanced with mortgage tech, the Canada/US tech divide, and the increase in industry regulations & AML.
ABW Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca ABW Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages ABW Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages Dean Lawton's Instagram: @thedeanlawton Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: @DeanLawton The Mortgage Broker Podcast: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork ***
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| 49: Journey from Broker to Dominant Tech Player with Newton's Geoff Willis | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:37:19 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Geoff Willis. Geoff is the President & CEO at Newton Connectivity Systems from Vancouver, BC, who's been in the mortgage business for 35 years, with the past 10 focused on Fintech. Newton Connectivity Systems delivers flexible and innovative mortgage technology solutions to some of Canada’s most successful lenders and Mortgage Brokers, including popular products like Velocity, Discovery, and Link.
In this episode we cover: → Geoff's journey from Broker to fintech platforms, how necessity driving change, the notion of independence in the mortgage industry, and playing to your strengths. → The next big thing in mortgage tech, it's optimization, and how it will become industry standard in the next few years. → Velocity's "TSN Turning Point" in 2020, how it became an all-in-one tool, if it's a stand-alone tech company or DLC service provider, and drawing a line with your product options.
Newton's Website: www.newton.ca Newton's Instagram: @velocity.newton Newton's LinkedIn: @NewtonConnectivitySystems Geoff Willis's LinkedIn: @GeoffWillis ***
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| 48: Inflation is Dropping, Amortization Simulator, National Mortgage Conference | 25 Oct 2024 | 00:14:55 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → The new tool from Mortgage Logic News, an amortization simulator and term calculator, if it's worth the ROI, and if I think it will become mass adopted among Brokers. → The drop in inflation, what this means for rates moving forward, and building back consumer trust with variable rates. → The upcoming National Mortgage Conference in Montreal, how keep from getting overwhelmed with information, and what you should be focused on. ***
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| 47: Deep Dive on AML Solutions | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:19:18 | |
In this episode, I deep dive into 3 different deal submission platforms, Scarlett, Finmo, and Velocity, and how they stack up against each other in regards to tools for the new AML (anti-money laundering) regulations.
In this episode I cover: → What platforms are being featured and why. → 3 criteria of assessment for each platform - risk assessment, know your client, and PEP, politically exposed persons. → What more regulations mean for the industry in the long run. ***
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| 46: New Stress Test Rules, AI Panel at CMS, Top Growing Companies, & Executive Moves at Tech Companies | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:13:21 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → Being a part of a technology & AI panel at the recent Canadian Mortgage Summit (CMS), and how the shine of AI is coming off. → BluRoot being on the recent Globe & Mail list of the top growing companies in Canada, and what those in the mortgage space on that list have in common. → More shake up at the executive level of top mortgage tech companies in Canada, this time at Lendesk, what I think think this means, and new stress test rules. ***
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| 45: Market Update - AML Implications & Using Tech with New Mortgage Rules | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:12:42 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → Geoff Willis' article about the possible effects of the new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements on tech, and it's impact on Agent independence. → The new mortgage rules from CMHC that will affect first time home buyers and new builds, and how you need to be prepared for continuing regulation changes to find deals. → The hiring of Jerry Lo as CIO, Chief Information Officer, at M3 Tech, signalling an increased focus on tech investment. ***
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| 44: How to Respond to the Shifts in the Mortgage Industry with Thought Leader Adrian Schulz | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:37:24 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Adrian Schulz. Adrian is the EVP of Centum Financial Group from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is also the President of Imperial Properties Corp. Adrian has nearly 20 years of real estate industry experience with a focus on property management, finance and technology. He is an Associate of the Canadian Condominium Institute and serves as a Director with MREA Services. He is also a member of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) and the Institute of Corporate Directors.
In this episode we cover: → Adrian's journey into the mortgage industry and how he's worked up the ranks, where he's going in the future with tech, and what he thinks of AI. → Solving big problems with inexpensive tools, the process vs the system and the million dollar machine, and giving clients a holistic financial approach. → How Mortgage Monitor is different than other free tech tools, where Mortgage Monitor fits in a tech stack, and cutting through the noise of too many tools and what borrowers actually want.
CENTUM Financial Group Website: www.joincentum.ca Adrian Schulz's LinkedIn: @AdrianSchulz ***
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| 43: How Sales is Actually About Building Trust with BrokerBot's Scott Larter | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:36:36 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Scott Larter. Scott is the VP of Business Development at OPTA Information Intelligence, and is also the VP of Data Solution Sales at FCT (First Canadian Title) from the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario. OPTA and FCT entered a partnership in 2020 to focus on building data products for the mortgage industry, amassing a database of 18 million residential and 7 million commercial properties across Canada. In 2024, Scott became the Co-Founder and CEO of BrokerBot, a lead conversion and customer engagement solution with monthly real estate market values sent directly to a customer's email, putting a spotlight on the Broker.
In this episode we cover: → Scott's background, his history in sales, and the difference in selling tangible things like Blackberries for Rogers, and intangible ideas and services like data for OPTA and BrokerBot. → How BrokerBot came to exist and found it's client niche, what makes it different from it's competitors, and how it helps find opportunities in your book of business. → Leveraging insurance data for the mortgage industry, why data is an important element in building that trust, and current market dynamics.
BrokerBot Website: www.thebrokerbot.ca BrokerBot LinkedIn: @BrokerBot BrokerBot Instagram: @brokerbot_canada Scott Larter's Email: scott@thebrokerbot.ca Scott Larter's LinkedIn: @ScottLarter ***
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| 42: The Keys to Success in Starting a Mortgage Tech Business with OwnWell's Dan MacDonald | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:32:53 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Dan MacDonald. Dan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ownwell from Vancouver, BC, who formerly worked his way up at Lendesk through product management to be the CPO. Ownwell drives repeat and referral business for Canadian mortgage pros by helping their clients build wealth through homeownership. Using data, Ownwell sends highly relevant personalized content to your clients every month which allows you to increase engagement and stay top of mind.
In this episode we cover: → Dan's background and what led him to develop Ownwell, what Ownwell is, and the problem's that Ownwell solves. → The importance of having the right data, making sure you add context to that data, and putting products in the correct frame for clients to accept them. → Integrating Ownwell with CRMs, the Canada & US differences with mortgage tech, and how Canada can become more competitive with the US.
Ownwell Website: www.ownwell.ca Dan MacDonald's LinkedIn: @DanMacDonald ***
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| 41: How to Solve the Mortgage Industry's Biggest Problems with Industry Leader Jason Henneberry | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:38:36 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Jason Henneberry. Jason is an entrepreneurial junkie from Duncan, BC, with a passion for helping real estate and mortgage pros attract and convert more clients. He’s the creator and co-founder of several widely implemented tech and finance solutions including LenderSpotlight, The VIP Club, Strategy Hub, Fundible, and BrokerHQ, while also being the co-founder and COO of Tango Financial, which funds $4.5 billion annually in mortgages. His newest tech venture is Nrture, an all-in-one database marketing service to nurture your client list.
In this episode we cover: → How to transition from being a solo Broker to other projects, how to find and keep talented people, and your most valuable asset. → How LenderSpotlight was developed, marketed, and why it was given away for free, the difficulties of launching a product, and why you need to figure out who your customer is. → The end of tech euphoria in the real estate industry, and how Jason is building tools and services to address new industry gaps with Strategy Hub and The VIP Club, and the launch of the new database marketing service, Nrture.
Strategy Hub Website: www.strategyhub.ca VIP Club Website: www.thevipclub.io Nrture Website: www.nrture.io Tango Website: www.tangofinancial.ca Jason Henneberry's LinkedIn: @JasonHenneberry Jason Henneberry's Instagram: @jasonhenneberry Jason Henneberry's Facebook: @JasonHenneberry ***
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| 40: Practical AI Tips, Build Your Brand, and Find Focus with Marketing Guru Nathan Yeung | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:30:49 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Nathan Yeung. Nathan is the Vice President, CMO Services at Find Your Audience Marketing Partner from Vancouver, BC, a fractional marketing team for B2B SaaS businesses. Nathan leads teams of marketing managers, graphic designers, media buyers, coordinators, and freelancers to develop and implement marketing strategies for organizations across various industries. With experiences in finance, management consulting, and marketing, he's designed a marketing service that solves businesses most common marketing problems.
In this episode we cover: → Nathan's career and Find Your Audience, how to know when to switch priorities in your business, and the intersection of skill, success, and fulfilment in finding your path. → How he's using generative AI and how you should be thinking of it, how to distinguish which tech tools are useful for your business, and the Broker advantage with tech. → What Brokers should look to do with their marketing, focusing/niching down and targeted marketing, and the importance of building trust.
Find Your Audience Website: www.findyouraudience.online Find Your Audience LinkedIn: @FindYourAudience Nathan Yeung's LinkedIn: @NathanYeung Nathan Yeung's Instagram: @fya.marketingbytes ***
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| 39: Market Update - Major Network Drops a Cool New Product | Finmo Feature Updates | 23 Aug 2024 | 00:13:31 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → Centum's Mortgage Monitor, home auto-valuation models or AVMs, and the difference between Canada and the US when it comes to AVMs. → How networks are playing in technology in how they're using it, and the increase in value-add services to Agents that are agnostic to deal submission platforms. → A new update in Finmo, what it says about their possibly changing methodology, and the all-in-one tool vs. best in class. ***
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| 38: Why Focus is So Important with Massimo (Where Did He Go?) | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:26:26 | |
In this episode, Massimo and I discuss where he's been the past few weeks, what led to his shift in focus, and what's next for him and Cloven CRM.
In this episode we cover: → The benefits of a single focus, when you've hit the point to stop splitting your focus, and how you can narrow your focus. → What to think about in personal vs company branding, what works better, and how it can benefit you. → Massimo shifting his focus to solely be on the Cloven CRM for Financial Advisors, and the importance of having good team members.
Cloven CRM Website: www.cloven.ca Massimo Ianniruberto's LinkedIn: @MassimoIanniruberto Massimo Ianniruberto's Instagram: @masslovescrm ***
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| 37: How the Broker Chanel Has a HUGE Tech Advantage with Compare My Offers' Jeff Ingram | 09 Aug 2024 | 00:32:01 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Jeff Ingram. Jeff is a Co-Founder & Mortgage Broker at Ingram Mortgage Team from Surrey, BC, and has been in the mortgage industry for 15 years. Jeff is also a Co-Owner of Compare My Offers, the first tool of its kind where Brokers can educate clients on the differences between lenders and products and show them the value of using a Mortgage Broker. He is also a Co-Founder of both Co-Brokr Investments Ltd., and BrokerSquared, a collaborative brokerage that prioritizes the growth and success of its brokers.
In this episode we cover: → Jeff's experience being a beta user for multiple tech tools, balancing the Broker and client experience with tech, and trusting client feedback on what he adapts permanently to his business. → The huge competitive advantage the Broker channel has over the banks when it comes to tech feedback loops and speed of implementation, how this has led to the growth of their company Compare My Offer, and the next steps for the business. → His in-person co-brokering space Co-Brokr, which has been a huge advantage to his team and fostered collaboration among Brokers from multiple brokerages, and the importance of having the right partners for all his teams and business ventures.
Ingram Mortgage Team Website: www.ingrammortgageteam.com Ingram Mortgage Team Instagram: @ingram.mortgage.team Ingram Mortgage Team Facebook: @Ingram.Mortgage.Team Compare My Offers Website: www.comparemyoffers.ca BrokerSquared Website: www.brokersquared.ca BrokerSquared Instagram: @broker.squared ***
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| 36: Broker, Lender AND Technologist - How This Rising Star Does it All with Lendwire's Shawn-Marc Melo | 02 Aug 2024 | 00:38:24 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Shawn-Marc Melo. Shawn-Marc is the Founder & Principal Broker at Lendwire Inc. from Ontario, a leader in Canada's new FinTech initiative in the mortgage space. Lendwire combines multiple branches of a brokerage, a lender, and they are also moving into the tech space. This model allows them to use capital from the brokerage and lending branches to fund their tech, as it's becoming increasingly difficult to get funding.
In this episode we cover: → How the Lendwire branches function together, why he felt it was necessary to have multiple branches, and why this is a unique model in Canada. → Predictions for the next decade and taking advantage of tech trends, differentiating from the competition, and what's gone into the Lendwire App. → His mindset about tech and why execution is the key to success.
Lendwire Website: www.lendwire.com Lendwire Instagram: @lendwire Lendwire LinkedIn: @lendwire Shawn-Marc Melo's Email: shawn@lendwire.com Shawn-Marc Melo's LinkedIn: @smarcmelo ***
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| 35: Market Update - Exciting Innovation and Practical Tips | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:13:25 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → MCAP & RMG Mortgage being direct document transfer in Velocity and why more companies are doing this. → Finmo adding more integrations and what you can try out today. → How challenging market conditions can create new innovations, which is highlighted with OwnWell and BrokerBot creating new ways to engage with clients. ***
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| 34: Market Update - Rocket Mortgage/BRX, CMLS/Nesto, & Axess Law/Velocity | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:13:46 | |
In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada.
In this episode I cover: → The Rocket Mortgage & BRX partnership and what it could mean for Brokers. → Nesto's acquisition of CMLS, which includes Intellifi, and what this could mean for Nesto Mortgage Cloud. → The Axess Law & Velocity partnership and what this could mean for mortgage regulation with solicitors. ***
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