Mortgage Tech Talks

In this episode, we're joined by Christian Amurao. Christian is the Founder and Executive Director of the Open Doors Mortgage Team from Surrey, BC, and has been in the mortgage industry for over 15 years. Christian is also a Co-Founder of the brokerage BrokerSquared, a collaborative brokerage that prioritizes the growth and success of its brokers.   In this episode we cover: → Using systems and pr...

In this episode, we're joined by Maryah Diulia. Maryah is a Sales and Marketing Lead at BluMortgage from Toronto, Ontario, who's done a little bit of everything at BluMortgage in her 2.5 years at the company.   In this episode we cover: → The new trend of social media sites as search engines and the benefits of narrowing down to a niche. → Improving your organic reach with Instagram's collaboratio...

In this episode, we're joined by Craig Vetter. Craig is the Owner of Vetter Consulting from Delta, BC, which has been helping Mortgage Brokers build better businesses with 1-on-1 coaching since 2014. In 2023, Craig's clients funded over $650 million, while also improving their client service, systems, and processes.   In this episode we cover: → Balancing tech with the human touch, having a servic...

In this episode, Massimo and I discuss quick wins you can implement into your business to be able to take a proper vacation and not have to be attached to your phone.   In this episode we cover: → Setting expectations for referral partners, clients, and co-workers for while you are away.  → Email inbox management and the bigger push from brokerages to make deal dests. → Tricks for iPhones, keeping...

In this episode, Massimo and I discuss how browser extensions can impact your web browser experience, their practical benefits, and how they could become more essential moving forward.   In this episode we cover: → Popular browser extensions we use that could benefit Brokers including screen shots and phone diallers. → How a password managing extension can greatly enhance your security. → Will the...

In this episode, we're joined by Stephen Green. Stephen is the Owner of Stephen Green Mortgages and the Leader of The Financial Collective from Kitchener, Ontario, who spent 25 years at the bank before become a Broker in January of 2023. Stephen has also hosted "The Green Effect" podcast since 2018, and is a power user of BluMortgage, integrating tech as much as possible in his process.   In this...

In this episode, we're joined by our very first guest, Ben Salami! Ben is the Founder and CEO of Bendigi Technologies and the Canadian Mortgage App (CMA). The Canadian Mortgage App is a mobile app that helps home buyers, homeowners, real estate agents, and mortgage brokers easily navigate the complexity of mortgages, and has been downloaded over a million times.   In this episode we cover: → The d...

In this episode, Massimo and I discuss building your own proprietary software, either on the brokerage, team, or individual level, and if it's something you should consider or if it's a shiny object.   In this episode we cover: → Why brokerages build their own software products and if they're successful. → Successful known software that started out build by individual teams. → And the investment n...

In this episode, Tom & Massimo discuss the strategy of email marketing to a Mortgage Broker's database, and different types of tools that you can use for this concept.   What was discussed: → The points of friction which deter Brokers from using this strategy. → The importance of email deliverability. → And the pros and cons of 4 different types of tools Mortgage Brokers can use. ***   WATCH ▶...

In this episode, Tom & Massimo discuss how deal submission platforms make their money and how this affects Mortgage Brokers and their businesses.   What was discussed: → The history of submission platforms and their economic model. → The growing of exclusive partnerships with lenders and brokerages/networks. → What they will do to keep Brokers using their platforms. ***   WATCH ▶️ Watch this e...

In this episode, Tom & Massimo discuss the importance of owning your own domain for both your website and email hosting for your business, and how setting it up is much easier than you think.   What was discussed: → How owning your domain can make you appear more professional and give you freedom for your business. → The do's and don't's for choosing a domain name. → And the simple steps to se...

In this episode, Tom & Massimo discuss the rise in use of document portals and online applications by Mortgage Brokers in the last 5 years, and how they can enhance efficiency, security, and client experience.   What was discussed: → What document portals and online applications are and their best features and practices. → They enter the debate of if they should require logins for clients to a...

In this episode, Tom & Massimo explain the differences between automation and AI, artificial intelligence, and why it's important to understand the nuances to make the most of them in your business.   What was discussed: → What automation and AI are and how they work. → Generative AI and when it makes sense to use it. → And what could be the future for automation and AI. ***   WATCH ▶️ Watch t...

It's only 1 month into 2024, and it's already been a crazy start to the year.   We are seeing a level of optimism and activity that hasn't been around for months. But is this translating to more business as a mortgage broker?   We discuss this in the episode, as well as marketing tips to A) convert leads in this environment and B) how to educate your clients and partners to make sure you're not le...

More and more of our clients are in the process of switching brokerages. And it makes sense! As the market slows down, it creates the perfect opportunity to look around. So what does this mean for tech? Should You Switch Brokerages for Better Tech? Frequently the "pitch" for a new brokerage is being "tech-enabled", and allow you to double your productivity. In practice, we don't see this as comple...

Calendar booking tools streamline the meeting scheduling process by replacing back-and-forth emails with a single link for clients or colleagues to book a time directly in your calendar. Every Calendar booking tool should be able to integrate with your calendar, and ensure accurate availability. Support for group bookings and integration with video conferencing tools are "nice-to-have" features th...

Want to take full advantage of the holiday break to optimize your mortgage business for 2024? Check out our top tips of how to best us your time off. Follow our hosts https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhall8/ https://www.instagram.com/mortgage_tech_tom/ Subscribe to our newsletter https://mortgagetechtalks.substack.com/

The surprising answer? Flexibility! The emphasis on flexibility comes from the rapid evolution of the tech landscape. We don't know where tech is going, and you need to stay in a position to fully take advantage of new innovation. Flexibility involves both software products and team dynamics. For software, a flexible product seamlessly backs up data and boasts a fully Open API. Flexibility is not...

Hey! Remember when video conferencing was a mystery? Now, it's part of daily life. But, seriously, when did you last think about the tool you're using? Quality Matters: Video feeds differ, and it's not just about internet speed. The tool matters for top-notch quality. Joining Should Be a Breeze: A great video is useless if folks can't join. It should be easy—no complicated downloads. Fit into Your...

Technical debt is the proficiency gap between your current technological capabilities and the most tech-advanced mortgage professional in Canada (who we called Sally). Interest amount in technical debt are the additional time spent on a task compared to Sally. The principle amount signifies the time required to catch up to Sally. And so the interest rate on technical debt is, of course, the intere...

Amidst COVID-19, the mortgage industry swiftly shifted online. Now, post-pandemic, a return to in-person interactions is deemed crucial. Video bridges the gap. Top Examples Used by High-Producing Brokers Introduction: Start with a personalized video showcasing common interests or connections for trust-building. Signing Package Walkthrough: Simplify complex documents, aiding compliance. Current Eve...

We hear it all the time- brokers want to focus on brokering, not tech. And we get it. Brokering is essential to your business, whereas some tech tools are not. These brokers end up outsourcing a lot of their tech, which is great in the short run, but creates some long term risk. So how to decide you're what to outsource? It's useful to follow this framework: Own It!: Keep control of essential task...

An "All-in-One System" sounds like a dream come true for brokers. And we get it, on first glance there is so much to like about this concept. However, on a deeper dive, it might not be the best choice for their business. Here's why: Doing Too Much: If a contractor tried to do a full renovation with a single tool, they wouldn't do any of them part really well, right? That's the same with an all-in-...

Data mining might sound eye-roll worthy, but it's easier than you think, and more relevant than ever. To put it simply, data mining finding hidden opportunities within the information you alredy have. It doesn't mean some fancy software, some of the best data mining can be done in Excel. Some top mortgage broker examples are: notifying variable clients on a rate changes, scoring top clients, and t...

Deal Desks are starting to gain serious traction in Canada. A Deal Desk is a central hub where agents send in live deals for underwriting while still hustling on the sales front. It's a win-win for brokerages and agents- optimizing admin work and letting agents do what they do best – connect with clients and brokers. Of course, you gotta have some slick tech to run these Deal Desks smoothly. In th...