May 25, 2013
Articles
VERICO TV: Colin's two tips for success and VERICO LifeCycle Mortgage
VERICO is delighted to welcome Robert and Melanie McLister, Tim Mezik and their team to the network. Robert, Melanie and Tim are the broker owners of intelliMortgage Inc., based in Vancouver and Toronto.
Claude Sullivan and his team at VERICO East Coast Mortgage Brokers contributed over $19,000 last year in charities! These donations benefited charities including: Janeway Children’s Hospital (Children’s miracle Network), Rotary Club of St. John’s Northwest, CIBC Run for the Cure and 15 other charities.
Earn extra .25% until March 31!.
Rodney Greenlaw's son, Kyle, is a high school student in Nova Scotia who is fighting bullies in his own way! Tina and Rodney say they are extremely proud of what their son has accomplished.
Nominate VERICO for Best Mortgage Network of the year, Best Advertising and Best Branding!
VERICO is delighted to congratulate our award recipients on being recognized with CAAMP awards at the Sunday night gala! Mortgage Depot - VERICO - AMP Corporate Excellence Award, Bob Hanscom, AMP - CAAMP-AMBA Award and Art Appelberg, AMP - CAAMP-IMBA Award
VERICO was pleased to host over 400 guests to kick off the 2012 CAAMP Forum! The evening was a huge success! Check out the photos!
VERICO Premiere Mortgage Centre’s Scott Bentley danced the Argentine Tango to raise much needed funds for children with learning disabilities. Dancing for our Stars, a ballroom dancing competition which took place on September 22nd at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, was a tremendous success. This single event raised over $465,000.00 for Bridgeway Academy to assist children with learning disabilities.
The reports are in…VERICO is #1 in volume nationally for the first 6 months of 2012.

You are the best mortgage brokers in the industry and it shows! Congratulations on your individual success and thank you for contributing to our collaborative success.
Canadian housing markets thus appear destined to correct, but we think the correction will remain relatively mild, thanks to decent employment growth and continued low interest rates. Calgary, Ottawa, and Québec City look set to fare best. Conditions are weak in both major British Columbia markets. In Vancouver, slowing Chinese demand probably represents a larger threat to housing prices than poor affordability. In Toronto, the condominium market is slowing, but this will be gradual, not disorderly.
According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity edged lower on a month-over-month basis in June 2012. Price gains remained strong in Toronto, continued slowing in Greater Vancouver, and accelerated in Calgary.
Hear from the Pro's Series featuring: Bernadette Laxamana of M&B Mortgage Solutions in Burnaby BC.

Bernadette offers her tips and tells us what's worked for her mortgage business in today's marketplace.

Hosted by: Jared Dreyer of Dreyer Group Mortgages Inc.
As a man, we never think that breast cancer can touch us, but my my experience with my sister opened my eyes. She was young and misdiagnosed twice before they caught it and by then it was too late.
With the spring market upon us, it’s a busy time at head office with lots of initiatives on the way! Colin offers his thoughts on the economy and gives you a preview of upcoming announcements.
Major Canadian real estate markets continued to show exceptional resiliency throughout the first quarter of the year, with strong demand and diminished supply setting the stage for a heated spring 2012, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
VERICO Vivid Mortgage Inc., situated in beautiful downtown Vancouver, is owned by two time Canadian Mortgage Award finalist, Michael Sjerven. Michael has a passion for the mortgage business and plans to grow his business by offering great compensation to like-minded sub-brokers.
Welcome to 2012, another year has begun and we are well under way to an exciting, prosperous year.
Watch this VERICO TV episode for Colin Dreyer's year end thoughts as we near the close of 2011.
This year's BC Children's Hospital Dream Lotto raised $2.2 million dollars.
See the latest episode of VERICO TV here. In this month's VERICO TV, Colin Dreyer comments on the importance of business planning and encourages you to create the best customer experience for every one of your clients and taking advantage of all the opportunities in our marketplace.
VERICO K-W Mortgage is pleased to announce that Jeff Attwooll, one of this year’s CMP top mortgage brokers in Canada, and Teresa Bujouves, a broker with many years of experience in the financial industry, have joined the company.

Housing investment edged up 0.2%, a much slower pace than the 1.8% advance in the first quarter. After two consecutive quarterly gains, ownership transfer costs related to housing resale activity declined 7.8%. In contrast, new housing construction rose 4.1%. Renovation activity was flat this quarter.
See the latest episode of VERICO TV here. In this month's VERICO TV, Colin Dreyer comments on what the recent US credit rating could mean for our interest rates and encourages members take advantage of the opportunities ahead by doing what VERICO members do best.
See the latest episode of VERICO TV here. Some exciting cutting edge technology was introduced at the VERICO Business Forum and you can expect to see more details on Verico Dynamics and Verico Payroll coming soon.
The Canadian housing market is becoming highly segmented and multi-dimensional which is making traditional measures, like average prices, increasingly irrelevant in gauging the health and state of the sector, finds a new report from CIBC World Markets Inc. "Glancing at popular metrics such as the price-to-income ratio or the price-to-rent ratio, it is tempting to conclude that the housing market is already in clear bubble territory and a huge crash is inevitable," writes Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, in his latest Consumer Watch Canada report.
Build your social media presence with your own blog, daily news feeds and links to YouTube and Twitter! We will show you where to find content and what topics you can talk about to demonstrate your mortgage expertise. Find out how you can strengthen your online presence in 5 easy minuets.
VERICO Canada was recognized with the CMP Best Branding Award last Friday in front of 500 industry members at the annual CMP Mortgage Award Gala. VERICO Canada also congratulates Brian Matthey and VERICO The Mortgage Professionals in Kingston, ON on winning the CMP Mortgage Brokerage of the Year Award.
This is going to be the biggest event VERICO has ever hosted and we hope you will join us! Find out where the corporate strategic direction is headed in 2012; take a sneak peek at brand new VERICO tools, learn tactics from VERICO top brokers; hear from top executives of major lenders and much more!
Colin Dreyer, John Kelly and Sean Widdess will be at the CMP Award Gala Friday night to congratulate all VERICO nominees. Look for a special announcement on Monday morning when we announce the winners!
Trish Pigott, Broker Owner of VERICO Primex Mortgages Inc., has been recognized with two nominations in the annual CMP Awards. Nominated for Best newcomer Mortgage Broker Firm and Broker of the Year (less than 25 employees), Trish says that this is a tremendously exciting time for her.
Jessi Johnson, President of VERICO Jessi Johnson Mortgage Team, is relatively new to the industry having only opened the doors to his business for a year and a half ago but already, this up and comer has developed a reputation as one of the biggest brokers in the virtual world and appears regularly in the media. Nominated for four CMP awards, Jessi says that it’s all about creating the best experience for his clients.
VERICO The Mortgage Professionals in Kingston, ON was recently nominated for the upcoming CMP Mortgage Brokerage of the Year Award. Company President Brian Matthey also personally received a nomination for Mortgage Broker of the year. With over 21 years of experience in the industry and as one of the original founders of CAAMP, Matthey has built not only a distinguished career personally, but also a brokerage operation that includes six offices, 19 agents and 10 support staff.
The VERICO network received 20 nominations for the upcoming CMP awards! “Each of these nominees and their staff have demonstrated an unsurpassed commitment to the industry and dedication to their clients. I look forward to congratulating them personally on April 29,” says Colin Dreyer, President of Verico Financial Group Inc.
The Canadian Credit Center (CCC) spoke with Jared Dreyer, Accredited Mortgage Professional and President of VERICO Dreyer Group Mortgages Vancouver. He says "I have been getting numerous emails and calls regarding the new mortgage regulations coming into effect March 18th, 2011. While they don't effect everyone, a short conversation and getting pre-approved should protect you against the changes". Dreyer adds, "Anyone considering Refinancing, Purchasing a New Property, or Making ANY Changes to their mortgage should call their mortgage broker now".
The VERICO National Advisory Council provides invaluable guidance and information in charting the strategic direction of the network as well as providing feedback to VERICO Canada useful in the shaping of day to day administrative decisions and longer term strategies.

".. I felt that it was time for me to take that next step in my career, and I think that VERICO is a great fit for what I want to do with my own brokerage..."
For Brian Matthey – Verico-The Mortgage Professionals – the name says it all. CMP finds out how this industry advocate and pioneer has grown his business over the past 20 years
We were excited to launch the first annual VERICO Christmas Colouring Contest for all our lender partners from VERICO members.
Gary Siegle, one of three recipients of the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame award, says he attributes three things to his accomplished career. He takes some time to talk to JAC News about the career he has enjoyed over the past 38 years.
Troy Alexander, a mortgage broker with VERICO Select Mortgage in Victoria, BC, recently returned from a two week aid mission to help children with cleft-lips in the Philippines. Mr. Alexander was one of three Canadians on the twenty-seven member team that participated in a medical mission with Rotaplast International, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that offers cleft-lip surgery to children in need. “My thought on day one when I landed in Cebu was one of awe. I have never been to a developing or third world country so had no idea what to expect..."
Jan Rice is one of three inductees to the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame. Canada Real Estate Magazine talks to Ms. Rice about her serendipitous start to an accomplished career in the mortgage industry as well as her current position as CMHC National Manager of Insurance Business Development and the services that CMHC provides to mortgage brokers.
JAC News speaks to Hali Strandlund, Chair of CAAMP, as her term comes to an end.
Pierre Martel is one of three inductees to the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame. Canada Real Estate Magazine talks to Mr. Martel about his passion for the industry and what's truly at the core of his business.
Mary Carey, Broker of VERICO Personal Choice Mortgage Services Inc., talks to VERICO Magazine about staying competitive and aiming for intelligent growth. Carey, a long time professional in the financial and mortgage industry says that as cliché as it may seem, the old adages hold true when it comes to differentiation from competitors.

"I joined VERICO for more independence and I chose VERICO as they are innovative and have excellent broker support."
"The power of a national brokerage with the focus of an independent, VERICO is the perfect combination!"
"...VERICO was the best fit for our business model. We looked at all of our options and decided that VERICO had the tools that we needed to take us to the next level..."
The Bank of Canada forecasts that, as a result of the crisis, cumulative foregone economic output from 2009 to 2012 will be 16 per cent of GDP in Europe and 9 per cent of GDP in Canada (see Appendix, Chart 1). Over the longer term, we estimate that these shortfalls could grow to about 40 per cent and 30 per cent of respective GDP. Given the synchronous nature of this global crisis, there are reasons to fear such severe outcomes.
Jessi Johnson, President of VERICO Jessi Johnson Mortgage Team, has one of the strongest social media presences in the mortgage brokerage industry. Mr. Johnson takes some time to talk to JAC News about the role of social media in this industry and his unique experience thus far in his career.
"Operating for 27 years in the Mortgage Business doesn't come easy," states Wayne Sudsbury, President of VERICO Homeguard Funding Ltd, on the company’s website. With over three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Mr. Sudsbury has truly seen it all. Read about Mr. Sudsbury observations on how the industry has evolved since the 1980s and his advice to those just starting out in their careers.
Roslyn Goldmintz, founder of VERICO RBG Realty Mortgage Brokerage, says that there were more industry changes in the past year than in the past 20 years combined. And she expects more to come. “…I think there will be a lot more changes coming forward and they are going to happen a lot faster. It is really important that as brokers we learn to adjust and adapt if we want to continue to provide the level of service that we should be to our client base…”
Pat Dell, Owner of VERICO Crown Mortgage Services, says she enjoys helping clients achieve the Canadian dream of home ownership and that there are many opportunities for mortgage brokers in the new home owner market and also those who need a second mortgage.
John Ribalkin, Owner of VERICO Nova Financial Services in North Vancouver, talks about his role as one of the founders of the Mortgage Brokers Association of BC.
Mortgage brokers are getting bigger, faster and stronger says Garth Ellis, owner of VERICO Ellis Mortgages Canada. He says that the opportunity for brokers in today’s market lies in the sophisticated level of industry knowledge, association services and business tools offered by organizations such as VERICO. “Consumers are looking for a second opinion and when they get that second opinion, they go to an independent mortgage broker. We have the opportunity to demonstrate how much we offer before, during and after the mortgage process…”
Don MacVicar , President of VERICO Premiere Mortgage Centre, talks about the important role of mortgage brokers in today’s marketplace and offers his views on the mortgage landscape. With locations in Altantic Canada and GTA, Don has carved out the organization’s niche with a full service relocation business in addition to providing consumers with mortgage and financial expertise.
"...I'm very proud to be a VERICO broker and know that the company I'm working with has my company's best interest at heart."
"I have worked with Sean Widdess for many years and known Colin Dreyer for a long time. I liked the concept that VERICO is an association of independent mortgage brokerage firms and is not a franchise."
"We have decided to join VERICO because of their reputation throughout the industry and the independence they encourage. They offer excellent tools and support to help grow my business, while maintaining a hands-off approach."
Person to Person with Garth Ellis, recipient of the National Bank Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent CMP Awards Gala.
WHY VERICO?
"After reviewing and meeting many companies, we chose VERICO because we believe them to be our best advocate in the industry, and a great provider of information and services that complement our business moving forward. With the challenges we are facing in this industry today, we felt that VERICO will be working on our behalf to make sure we are protected, because quite frankly, our single voice is not as loud as a collective cohesive group voice. Volume Bonuses were not a big enticement to us, as most of the lenders we use are individually geared. We felt the other services that VERICO provided had value for our company."
WHY VERICO?
"On a business/financial level, it's very simple: it just makes good business sense. However, on a more personal level, it's exciting to be associated with some of the top mortgage professionals in the business and to be working with Colin, who is the master negotiator in the mortgage industry.
JAC News Corp. one-on-one with Margo Wynhofen, incoming President of The Independent Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario (IMBA) and her thoughts about The Association and Industry in general.
There's nothing inherently wrong with rate sites, says top-performer Calum Ross, but they may obscure the other, arguably better ways a professional brokers can save clients money.
VERICO launches eStore, Consumer Top 10 Tip Sheets
Webinars happening this week!
VERICO Lending Partner Kid’s Colouring Contest WINNERS!

We are delighted to announce the winners of VERICO’s 3rd annual Lending Partner’s Kids Colouring Contest!
True to our reputation for quality, VERICO is delighted to welcome six top producing companies and originators to the network. When asked why they decided to join VERICO, the resounding answer was VERICO’s irrefutable reputation, industry leading tools and the opportunity to have new conversation to recruit top agents.

“We are delighted to welcome our new members to the VERICO Network. The entire VERICO Canada team is looking forward to creating new relationships and supporting our member’s businesses for the next level of success,” says Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada.
The VERICO AGF Mortgage Program continues to reach new heights. Today, we are proud to announce a new milestone in our partnership, having achieved $500 Million in closed mortgage volume under the VERICO AGF Mortgage Program in 2012.
VERICO Boomerang Financial Inc., operating as Boomerang Financial, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Stewart as Manager, Alternative Markets. Chris will be responsible for launching the Boomerang BOLD, Alternative Mortgage Lending Program.
“The phone is ringing off the hook from clients who are being turned down at chartered banks.” Garth Ellis - Mortgage broker, Verico Ellis Mortgage.
It's not just longer days and high temperatures that peak during the Canadian summer, it's also when immigration numbers peak. July, August and September are the peak immigration months when permanent residents and foreign students go through the chaotic process of moving everything from home to family to finances to Canada. Scotiabank offers advice on how Canadian newcomers can make the financial part of their move both simpler and successful.
Jessi Johnson will be back on Oprah's reality show Million Dollar Neighbourhood for Season 2! The first season proved to be such a success it picked up North American syndication right away and they launched Season 2 almost immediately.
Calum Ross and Jared Dreyer on the Mortgage Rule changes.
OSFI released its final Underwriting Guidelines as a result of the B20 Discussion Paper. CAAMP was pleased that it was successful in ensuring no requalification at time of renewal.
Julie Isaac, VERICO Custom Mortgages, offers advice to consumers.
30 year Mortgage brokerage operation joins VERICO - #1 Mortgage Broker Network! VERICO Canada is pleased to welcome Bayfield Mortgage Professionals, based in Langley BC, to the VERICO network. The long time Mortgage Brokerage firm has been in operation for 30 years and is headed by Gord Wintrup, President and Inder Matharu, Vice President.
Matt Daniels and Christa Tessier are the latest business owners to join Canada’s #1 Mortgage Broker Network – VERICO!
With the Canadian housing market expected to cool in the coming year, the Bank of Montreal has lowered its five-year fixed mortgage rate to a record low. While the rate was slashed to 2.99 per cent Thursday, down half a point, it does come with a few hitches.
"Richmond mortgage broker Chris Pughe said just one of the lenders she deals with, AGF, is offering 2.99 for a five-year fixed mortgage, but several are close. 'There are some with a four-year at 2.99 and a lot of the lenders are at 3.19 or 3.29 right now [for five years]," Pughe said."
For the past number of years, John Ribalkin, owner of VERICO Nova in North Vancouver, and his family have spent up to 7 weekend prior to Christmas to create a 40,000 plus light display. All in an effort to fund raise for the Harvest Project, a great charity that helps people cope with difficult circumstances such as illness, job loss, addiction and mental health issues.
OTTAWA, Oct. 17, 2011 /CNW/ - According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity picked up in September 2011. Sales activity rose 2.7 per cent in September from the previous month. Holding in line with the ten-year average, activity during the first nine months of this year pulled ahead of sales over the same period last year.
VERICO Canada is pleased to welcome VERICO Market Mortgages Inc. to Canada’s #1 Network. John Bowes and John Hope, co-owners of the brokerage company, along with mortgage brokers Mike Moroney and Lynda Riddell look forward to serving the city of Peterborough and surrounding communities.
Join us in welcoming Céline Guy and her team in Laval Quebec!
TORONTO, Aug. 25, 2011 /CNW/ - Canadian banks are expected to continue doing well relative to their global peers but aren't necessarily shielded from the challenges plaguing the world's financial institutions, including concerns about growth, capital, data and regulatory issues, says Ernst & Young. "As third-quarter reporting season gets under way, we're likely to see that Canadian banks are holding up comparatively well despite the volatility at home and tumult abroad," explains Paul Battista, Ernst & Young's Canadian Financial Services Advisory Leader. "But the burning question for Canadian banks right now is: how do we grow from here?"
The Fed acknowledged that the economy was growing more slowly than it anticipated and that downside risks have increased. It is customary for the Fed statement to refrain from providing a specific forecast outside its scheduled release, which occurred at the last meeting; however, the tone of the statement was decidedly more downbeat than in June.
A new PwC report found Canadian deal-making was surprising strong amidst a backdrop of confused capital markets and global financial turmoil, especially in the United States and Europe. The second quarter saw 836 Canadian mergers and acquisitions (M&A) announcements worth close to US$57 billion—the strongest deal quarter in Canada since the credit crisis.
Congratulations to all VERICO winners of the CMP top 50!
Robb Nelson and Kim O'Rourke Nelson, owners of FamilyLending.ca, say that their decision to partner with VERICO has proved to be the right investment for their business.
VERICO Canada welcomes Clear Trust Mortgages Inc. to the VERICO network! The vancouver based company is headed by Carissa Sly, Robert Afan and Carlos Sy.
Canada's residential real estate market saw sizable year-over-year price increases in the second quarter of 2011, but high house prices are concealing early signs of a moderating market, according to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released today. The market has seen its near-term peak in house price appreciation, and a slower second half of the year is expected. Still, by the end of 2011, the national average house price is expected to be 7.7 per cent higher than it was at the end of 2010.
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the June episode of VERICO TV.
This is going to be the biggest event VERICO has ever hosted and we hope you will join us! Find out where the corporate strategic direction is headed in 2012; take a sneak peek at brand new VERICO tools, learn tactics from VERICO top brokers; hear from top executives of major lenders and much more!
VERICO Canada welcomes Marjan Watt and AM Financial Services Ltd. to the network!
Kevin Boucher, Jason McKittrick and Heather Paterson, the three owners of Service First Mortgages, had a tough but necessary decision to make at the end of 2010. After working for a nationally branded mortgage company that underwent 18 months of organizational changes, Boucher and his partners decided it was time to take their business to the next level.
Early this year, CAAMP commissioned a survey of its members and the borrowing public regarding their perceptions about the Canada Mortgage Broker Channel.
Mortgagebrokernews.ca interviews John Ribalkin, President of VERICO Nova Financial Services, North Vancouver on the recent controversial statements from an RBC mortgage specialist.
VERICO Canada welcomes Daryl Marsden and Maximum Mortgages Inc. to the network!
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the April episode of VERICO TV.
As the official sponsor of the Mortgage Clinic at the Canadian Real Estate Investors Forum on March 25 and 26, members of the VERICO Network were out in full force reinforcing our position as Canada’s #1 Mortgage Network. VERICO was the only mortgage company strongly represented at the well-attended event; making it a great opportunity for VERICO members to be in front of potential clients
Scotiabank's Commodity Price Index, which measures price trends for 32 of Canada's major exports, rose by 1.1 per cent month over month (m/m) in February - the eighth consecutive monthly gain - to a level 49 per cent above the April 2009 cyclical low. While the tragic March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japantook a toll on some commodity prices in mid-March, the negative fallout is likely to prove temporary, with Japan quickly gearing up its economy again.
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the February episode of VERICO TV.
There is no better place to work hard and play hard than Las Vegas, and this will once again be the host city for the 2011 VERICO Business Forum, from June 26 to June 29.
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the February episode of VERICO TV.
When Troy Alexander landed in Cebu City in the Philippines, it was the first time he ever travelled to that part of the world. “It was definitely a life-changing experience,” says Alexander, a mortgage broker with Verico Select Mortgage Corp. in Victoria, B.C.
What do the mortgage changes mean for you and your clients? Read comments from Merix, MCAP, VERICO Canada and others.
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the December episode of VERICO TV.
VANCOUVER, December 9, 2010 - VERICO is pleased to announce that it has entered into a new alliance with AGF Trust to offer borrowers a co-branded mortgage program to be launched early 2011.

VERICO Canada celebrates its 5th year anniversary! Colin Dreyer reflects back on the meteoric rise of VERICO, it's unique place in the marketplace and the future of the company.
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the third episode of VERICO TV.
VERICO Ottawa-Carleton Mortgage Inc. recently hosted an open house in their brand new location. “We are very proud of the new office. It’s a store front which competes with bank retail locations and we’re also in a great part of the city; our doors are open and we are ready to serve clients,” says company president, Grant King.
JAC News talks to Wayne Proctor, MC of the Fraud Summit in Vancouver. Mr. Proctor is a Mortgage Fraud Consultant and talks about the incidence of fraud in Canada and how brokers and lenders can protect themselves and their clients.
Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the second episode of VERICO TV.
Canada Real Estate Magazine talks to Jim Murphy, President and CEO of CAMMP at the Fraud Summit in Vancouver last week. With the CAAMP Mortgage Forum is just a few short weeks away, Mr. Murphy gives us a glimpse of what to expect. He also offers an overview of the changes to the AMP designation that will go into effect next year.
Ajay Soni, CAMMP Director of BC and Yukon, talks to JAC News during the Fraud Summit in Vancouver on October 8. Mr. Soni discusses the unique conditions of the BC and Vancouver real estate market, the effect of HST and his forecast of 2011.
MCAP, a leading Canadian mortgage company, together with Habitat for Humanity Canada, have launched the Key to Hope program where consumers can make an ongoing charitable donation to Habitat for Humanity Canada by adding any amount to a MCAP mortgage.
Paradigm Quest Inc. President and CEO, Kathy Gregory, talks to VERICO Magazine about the launch of RUBI systems, the organization’s new technology platform that aims to streamline the application and underwriting process.
Gabe Hoffart from VERICO Gibbard Hoffart Financial Group has been training all summer to participate in the annual charity event, Canuck Place Adventure Challenge!
Mark Squire, National Bank’s Director of Broker Services and Virtual Banking, expects the rest of 2010 slow down. “Talking with other lenders and what we have experienced ourselves, we went into 2010 very strong and ahead of where we thought we were going to be. We are noticing a slow down in our pipeline. 2010 is going to be a bit slower, there is still a lot of business out there, we just need to work a little harder to get it. For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, I think it will be balanced and level off”

Mark also talked about the impressive growth gained by National Bank over the past two years. From ranking 22nd in broker market share in 2008 to its current 10th position, National Bank will continue to optimize their relationship with independent mortgage brokers.
Ron Swift, President of MCAP Service Corporation, believes that competition will be fierce in the second half of 2010. The combination of factors including the beginning of a market slow down, new rules from insurers, new qualifying rules from the Department of Finance, HST and taxation issues will result in aggressive campaigns from major banks and its sales forces.
In an effort to help brokers stay competitive, Ron also discusses the various tools that MCAP offer independent brokers to help them stay competitive.
His best tip to mortgage brokers? Be knowledgeable about your local marketplace and also the domestic and international financial markets. The ability to interpret this knowledge will help your clients select a product that right for them.
Ellen Watt, Vice President of Broker Distribution at Macquarie, discusses the lender’s strategy to further develop relationships with independent brokers. Macquarie utilizes the 80/20 rule as part of its growth strategy and focuses on brokers who consistently work with Macquarie. Ellen also introduces us to Macquarie’s new Bridge product, which will be launched this summer.
Brian Matthey, VERICO Mortgage Professionals and Chair of our National Advisory Council, gives his thoughts on the recent VERICO Licensee Retreat.
VERICO hosted our first VERICO Licensee Retreat in Las Vegas on June 21-23. It was a great few days of networking, National Advisory Council meetings, industry speakers, a key note session from Joe Stumpf and of course lots of laughs over dinner and golf.
After 15 years as a mortgage broker, CMA lifetime achievement winner Garth Ellis still has lots of business ideas and a passion to elevate the status of the industry. Erin Letson talks to him about his path to success. Garth Ellis says the biggest risk he ever took was becoming a mortgage broker 15 years ago. He was 25 at the time, fresh out of university and enrolled in a securities course when he bumped into an old school friend who had started a mortgage business six months earlier.

Knowing someone in the industry made him change his mind about becoming a stockbroker, but what he didn't realize then was how foreign the concept of using a mortgage broker was.

"It was a totally new word in the vocabulary of Canadian finance," says Ellis, who lives and works in Vancouver. "So becoming a mortgage broker in the first place was a very blind decision. A lot of people thought I was crazy."

It turns out his risk-taking wasn't so crazy. Despite the many challenges Ellis faced as a mortgage broker in the mid-90s, he remained patient and confident in his career choice and now he's one of the most respected brokers in the industry, often sought after for advice and speaking engagements.
Victoria, BC - The Victoria Seals are proud announce that they will be supporting a pair of local charities at every game this season. Partnering with Alex Burns & Associates and Verico Select Mortgages, Home Runs for the Homeless returns for its second year in 2010.
After almost five years in business, VERICO has stuck to its original mandate while expanding its list of services and recruiting top brokers to its network. CMP talks to president Colin Dreyer about the company’s progress and future plans.

On the eve of VERICO’s fifth anniversary – it’s coming up in June – president Colin Dreyer is keeping busy expanding the national network’s business-building services to brokers. It’s another way he hopes to keep growing the network while sticking to the same model that has made the company a success.

“The basic premise of VERICO is a network that provides tools and services to help brokers build their businesses and that has stayed the same since the beginning,” says Dreyer, who is based in Vancouver. “We haven’t tried to redefine ourselves – our model still stands and we’ve had that ability to also deliver what’s needed to our members as changes in the industry happen.”
Remarks by Superintendent Julie Dickson, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI), to the Financial Services Invitational Forum, Cambridge, Ontario, May 6, 2010.
(1888PressRelease) - Dreyer Group Vancouver Mortgage brokers hands a cheque to Major Brian Venables of the Salvation Army.

Dreyer Group mortgage brokers raised over $4000 through personal donations as well as selling stuffies in 2009. Dreyer Group's corporate charity, Dreyer Group Smiles gives a portion of every mortgage funded to Salvation Army shelters for kids.
Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada, 24 March 2010 -

It is either brave or foolhardy of the Ottawa Economics Association to organize another conference around Canada's perennial challenges of demographics, productivity, and potential growth. The cognoscenti wearily deride these shortcomings even while they acknowledge their importance. After all, who really wants to talk about getting old? Similarly, the subject of productivity is described as too dull, or worse, too threatening for Canadians. It is said to imply working harder, not smarter, or to promote job losses rather than income gains. These debates are thus thought best confined to the policy wonks, in order that our diagnoses and prescriptions can occur in a parallel, forgotten universe.
Washington, DC, April 24, 2010 - The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Thanks to the extraordinary and highly coordinated policy actions of governments and multilateral financial institutions over the past 20 months, the global economy has stabilized and modest growth has emerged. This recovery remains fragile, however, particularly in advanced economies, and many shared global challenges remain.