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The Mortgage Broker Podcast
The Mortgage Broker Podcast
Author: A Better Way Mortgage Group
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© A Better Way Mortgage Group
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We are the partners of A Better Way Mortgage Group, Dean Lawton, Deryk Williamson, & Jason Marshall, which is one of the largest groups in the Dominion Lending Centres network.
"The Mortgage Broker Podcast" will focus on you, the mortgage broker, sharing tips, tricks, and knowledge from years of experience. We're here to help you be better brokers, do more business, and have more time to spend with your families.
"The Mortgage Broker Podcast" will focus on you, the mortgage broker, sharing tips, tricks, and knowledge from years of experience. We're here to help you be better brokers, do more business, and have more time to spend with your families.
77 Episodes
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WATCH▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube***EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Dean & Deryk are joined by Leigh Walker.Leigh is the President of Lawrenson Walker Real Estate Appraisers Ltd. from the Greater Vancouver Area in BC, who began his real estate career in 1993 and is currently a CRA designated appraiser with the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) and member of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board (GVREB).With a strong voice as an industry advocate, Leigh is the co-founder and President of the Business Association of Real Estate Appraisers (BAREA), and also volunteers as a Director of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA). He has also been an Executive Co-Chair of the Vancouver Chapter of the Appraisal Institute of Canada, and the Director of the BC Association of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. Leaders in the field of residential real estate appraisal and consulting, Lawrenson Walker Real Estate Appraisers was established in 1992, and currently service British Columbia and Alberta.Leigh is here to discuss:→ How he got into real estate, why he took the business development of LWA so seriously, and where the company is going.→ The importance of developing the appraiser-broker relationship, how a broker can make an appraisal harder, and one thing brokers misunderstand about appraisers.→ The appraiser-lender relationship: The "90/90/20" rule, if lenders ever visit properties, and why there's increased lender scrutiny of appraisals.→ Why an appraisal can come in low, the importance of KYCP (know your clients' property) and conditions, and the cost to build vs the return you'll actually get.→ The honest truth about appraisal management companies or AMCs, what they do, and how they work.→ Why there is no such thing as a "blanket appraisal", where the term came from, and the ongoing OSFI crackdown.→ How unauthorized suites impact appraisals, appraising pre-sales in this market, and how appraisers evaluate rents with no database.→ The factors that show the market will turn around in a big way and advice for new brokers.***🌎 Lawrenson Walker Appraisers Website: www.lawrensonwalker.com📸 Lawrenson Walker Appraisers Instagram: @lawrensonwalkerappraisers🔗 Leigh Walker's LinkedIn: @LeighWalker***CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:31 Today's Guest: Leigh Walker02:46 Where LWA is Today and Future Plans05:57 Sophisticated Readers vs. Homeowners07:59 The Increased Lender Scrutiny of Appraisals09:05 Why an Appraisal Can Come in Low14:15 Do Lenders Visit Properties?15:36 The Appraiser/Realtor Relationship18:19 The 90/90/20 Rule & Lender Policies21:52 The Appraiser/Lender Relationship23:47 AMCs - Appraisal Management Companies31:43 KYCP - Know Your Clients Property34:41 Appraisal Stories38:30 Appraisal Tips for Brokers44:07 How Unauthorized Suites Factor Into Appraisals45:45 Evaluating Rents46:58 Appraising Pre-Sales & Government Buy-Backs49:37 Blanket Appraisal & OSFI Crackdown52:19 The Market Will Turn Around Big54:34 Advice for New Brokers56:03 Wrap-Up***CONNECT WITH THE SHOW🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia***CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS📋 Justin Noda's LinkedIn: @JustinNoda📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: @DeanLawton📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: @DerykWilliamson📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall***CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo
WATCH▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube***EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Dean & Deryk are joined by Colin Johnston.Colin has been the Managing Director of Western Canada at Vault Mortgage since March of 2026, having been at the company since June of 2022 where he started as the SVP of Sales and Operations.A seasoned sales executive with deep experience in Canada's financial services sector, Colin has built and led high-performing for HSBC, HomEquity Bank, Manulife, and Sequence Capital since 2002. Throughout his career, he's set himself apart by combining strategic insights with a people-first leadership style.Vault Mortgage is a Canadian non-bank alternative mortgage lender offering first and second residential and commercial mortgages that are competitive, flexible, and customizable financing for purchasers, homeowners, and builders.Colin is here to discuss:→ HIs history in the mortgage industry, how he got into alternative lending, and his day-to-day.→ Why he spends so much time investing in relationships with brokers and how he can make a decision on a file in under a minute.→ Why brokers need to learn alt lending and the importance of finding creative solutions for clients.→ Alt renewals - what to expect, the current broker pitfalls, & why your client always needs an exit plan.→ What makes Vault unique from other lenders, how institutionalized capital means consistent rates and rate sheets, and their future plans for a business loan division.→ The Vault "Near B" product - it's benefits, tangible ways to position it with clients, & why it's great for the self-employed.→ The uniqueness of Vault's industry events and how they support brokers beyond just product knowledge.→ The untapped market of accountants as broker referral partners, which ones to go after, and where they are.→ Common mistakes brokers make including not understanding rate sheets and why you must stop emailing file submission and credit bureaus.→ Current market trends including the struggle of small developers and pre-sale condos, how single family homes are starting to decrease, and advice for new brokers in this tough market.***🔗 Vault Mortgage's Website: www.vaultmortgage.ca📋 Vault Mortgage's LinkedIn: @VaultMortgageCorporation📸 Vault Mortgage's Instagram: @vault.mortgage👥 Vault Mortgage's Facebook: @VaultMortgageCanada📋 Colin Johnston's LinkedIn: @ColinJohnston***CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:31 Today's Guest: Colin Johnston03:03 Finding Creative Solutions in Alt Lending08:42 Colin's Day-to-Day14:32 Institutional Capital + MIC = Vault16:05 What to Expect with Alt Renewals21:14 The Vault "Near B" Product28:57 Accountants as Referral Partners34:19 Vault's Events & Supporting Brokers37:14 Vault's Difference Between Ontario & BC39:30 The Most Common Mistake Brokers Make42:02 Stop Emailing File Submissions44:38 Optimal Vault File Submission46:46 Current Market Trends48:30 Vault's Future Plans50:57 Advice for New Brokers55:28 Wrap-Up***CONNECT WITH THE SHOW🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia***CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS📋 Justin Noda's LinkedIn: @JustinNoda📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: @DeanLawton📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: @DerykWilliamson📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall***CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo
WATCH▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube***EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, we highlighting the biggest takeaways from our 5 most popular episodes of the past year.***🎞️ Clip 1 - Ep 50: Deep Product Knowledge Always Beats Flashy Leads with Anil KumarAnil is one of the top Mortgage Brokers with Mortgage Architects from Surrey, BC, and is also Hall of Fame Member with A Better Way Mortgage Group, amassing over 25 years of sales experience, with 7 of them being in mortgages.👉 Full Episode Here: https://podcast.joinabw.ca/episode/ep-50***🎞️ Clip 2 - Ep 51: 3 Tactics to Build Strong Client Relationships with Ruby BainsRuby is a Mortgage Broker with Mortgage Architects from the Greater Vancouver Area in BC, who's been in the mortgage industry for over 30 years, and with ABW for the past 8.Full Episode Here: https://podcast.joinabw.ca/episode/ep-51***🎞️ Clip 3 - Ep 61: The AI Mortgage Ninja: Eliminating Human Limitations with Shawn KanungoAs a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author, Shawn Kanungo has emerged as one of the world's most sought-after voices on innovation and generative AI. His bestselling book, "The Bold Ones" - celebrated by McKinsey as essential reading for decision-makers - provides a thought-provoking blueprint for professionals and organizations to embrace bold innovation in an era of unprecedented change.👉 Full Episode Here: https://podcast.joinabw.ca/episode/ep-61-the-agentic-era-with-shawn-kanungo***🎞️ Clip 4 - Ep 63: How the New Brain MB AI Will Revolutionize Your Mortgage BusinessDean and Jason break down how Dean has integrated AI into their mortgage practice — from 30-second client emails, to instant lender policy search, and automated marketing content.👉 Full Episode Here: https://podcast.joinabw.ca/episode/ep-63-the-ai-revolution-in-canadian-mortgage-brokerage-from-skeptic-to-operator***🎞️ Clip 5 - Ep 67: ABW & DLC Origin Mortgages are Merging! Here's Why with Kyle GreenKyle is the Owner of both DLC Origin Mortgages and The Green Mortgage Team from Vancouver, BC, who has been a Top 25 Broker in Canada since 2017 (volume funded), a Top 10 Broker in DLC, and a member of the DLC Elite Hall of Fame over his nearly 20 years in the mortgage industry.👉 Full Episode Here: https://podcast.joinabw.ca/episode/ep-67-the-big-announcement-kyle-green-joins-a-better-way-mortgage-group***CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:22 Anil Kumar07:36 Ruby Bains14:13 Shawn Kanungo20:21 Dean & Jason33:00 Kyle Green49:00 Outro***CONNECT WITH THE SHOW🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia*** CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS📋 Justin Noda's LinkedIn: @JustinNoda📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: @DeanLawton📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: @DerykWilliamson📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall*** CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo
WATCH▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube***EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Deryk & Jason are joined by Taylor Little.Taylor is the CEO of Neighbourhood Holdings from Vancouver, BC, who has been in the mortgage industry for over 10 years.Prior to joining Neighbourhood Holdings and Conconi Growth Partners, Taylor was a lawyer in the Corporate and Securities Group of Stikeman Elliott LLP, and is still in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia. Certified with the Institute of Corporate Directors designation, Taylor has extensive experience sitting on various company boards throughout his career— including the Conconi Family Foundation, Cycling BC, and 7mesh Industries — which has equipped him with the tools to make the best and most informed strategic decisions.Neighbourhood Holdings is a Vancouver-based alternative mortgage lender born out of a single-family investment office in 2015, specializing in short-term residential financing across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.Taylor is here to discuss:→ His transition from lawyer to lender, battling imposter syndrome, and his leadership style.→ The origin of Neighbourhood Holdings, their conservative lending philosophy, and their avatar client - borrowers in transition.→ The brokers Neighbourhood works with, how they've been implementing AI, and doubling down on human connections.→ Neighbourhood's acquisition of Fisgard, how it opens up more deals for them, and how the branding will work moving forward.→ The realities of M&A and the challenges they've faced since the acquisition, how they've spread the word, and the opportunity to acquire other smaller shops.→ Advice for brokers in the alt & private space, where alt & private lending is heading in Canada, and if Canadian MICs or alt lenders would ever enter the US market.***🔗 Neighbourhood Holding's Website: www.neighbourhood.com📋 Neighbourhood Holding's LinkedIn: @NeighbourhoodHoldings📸 Neighbourhood Holding's Instagram: @neighbourhoodholdings🌲 Neighbourhood Holding's LinkTree: @neighbourhoodholdings📋 Taylor Little's LinkedIn: @TaylorLittle📸 Taylor Little's Instagram: @tjlit***CHAPTERS00:00:00 Intro00:00:31 Today's Guest: Taylor Little00:01:38 Taylor's Background & the Origin of Neighbourhood Holdings00:08:21 Transitioning from Lawyer to Lender, Battling Imposter Syndrome, & Taylor's Leadership Style00:12:56 Neighbourhood's Conservative Lending Philosophy & How Acquiring Fisgard Opens Up More Deals00:17:45 Neighbourhood's Avatar Client00:22:06 The Brokers Neighbourhood Works With00:25:08 Implementing AI & Doubling Down on Humans00:30:48 Neighbourhood's Acquisition of Fisgard & the Realities of M&A00:40:55 The Branding Moving Forward00:43:58 How Did They Spread the Word of the Merger?00:46:56 Biggest Opportunity for Neighbourhood00:52:17 Where Alt & Private Lending is Heading00:55:44 Would Canadian MICs & Alt Lenders Enter the US Market?00:57:41 Advice for Brokers on the Alt/Private Space01:02:05 Wrap-Up***CONNECT WITH THE SHOW🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia*** CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS📋 Justin Noda's LinkedIn: @JustinNoda📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: @DeanLawton📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: @DerykWilliamson📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall*** CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo
WATCH▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube***EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Dean & Deryk are joined by Elena Robinson.Elena is the VP of Residential Sales at First National from Etobicoke, Ontario, who has been in the mortgage industry for over 35 years.In 1990, she became First National's first BDM, a position she held for 3 years. After taking 20 years away to be a mortgage broker and other industry positions, she returned to First National in 2018 to help re-launch it's alternative lending division, Excalibur, and has been there ever since. A multi-award winner, Elena was recognized as CMP’s Women of Influence for 5 consecutive years from 2021 to 2025, listed as an Elite Women in the Global Best in Mortgage 2022, and the 2025 Mortgage Global 100.First National Financial is Canada's largest non-bank lender, originating, underwriting, and servicing both residential and commercial mortgages. As the leading lender of CMHC and conventional mortgages, First National currently has more than $150 billion in mortgages under administration.Elena is here to discuss:→ Her journey in the mortgage industry and always working with brokers, the difference skills needed between sales & leadership roles, and why she went back to First National.→ How first National became the largest non-bank lender in Canada and top 3 in the broker channel by offering value and consistency, why they stay committed to the broker channel, and how they measure success.→ First National's deal flow, file escalation process, and the importance for brokers to build true partnerships with lenders.→ First National's alternative lending division, Excalibur, and portal, Merlin, and how they are looking to combine AI process with the human experience.→ The growth of alternative lending in Canada and why brokers must become comfortable with these files.→ Current market trends in the Canadian mortgage industry including why volumes are down, what the science says about how many times your really need to be calling clients to get a deal, and why this is the time consumers need to be buying and not sitting still.***🔗 First National Website: www.firstnational.ca📋 First National LinkedIn: @FirstNational📋 Elena Robinson's LinkedIn: @ElenaRobinson📸 Elena Robinson's Instagram: @elenarobinson10***CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:31 Today's Guest: Elena Robinson05:24 Difference Between Sales & Leadership Roles07:11 Are More People Leaving Institutions to Become Brokers?08:28 Working with Brokers09:37 Why Elena Went Back to First National11:01 Why First National Stays Committed to the Broker Channel14:15 Building True Partnerships Between Brokers & Lenders19:23 How First National Became the Largest Non-Bank Lender in Canada23:19 Combining AI Process With the Human Experience25:53 The Growth of Alternative Lending in Canada30:03 Excalibur32:38 Merlin34:30 First National's Deal Flow37:03 First National's File Escalation Process38:53 Mortgage Volumes Are Down43:00 Don't Sit, Buy Now46:51 How First National Measures Success49:54 Advice for Brokers50:29 Wrap-Up***CONNECT WITH THE SHOW🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia*** CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS📋 Justin Noda's LinkedIn: @JustinNoda📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: @DeanLawton📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: @DerykWilliamson📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall*** CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo








