ANNUAL ADDRESS 2025
Summary
Brokerage Performance & Growth
Lender Partnerships
- The top 10 lenders remained consistent, with new additions of Envision and RFA to the rankings.
- BDM of the Year: Awarded to Brian from RFA, highlighting RFA’s growing presence.
- Access to lenders at all levels (BDMs and executives) is crucial for broker success.
Production & National Rankings
- A Better Way Mortgage Group ranked as the #1 franchise in Mortgage Architects (MA) nationwide.
- On the DLC side, the brokerage ranked top 4 in revenue, and when combined, it places top 3 within DLCG at the national level.
Volume Growth
- Mortgage Architects: $1.14B → $1.632B
- DLC: $974M → $1.153B
- Total Growth: $2.1B → $2.785B (+32.5%)
- Notable growth despite a slow Q1 and Q2, with the majority of production accelerating in Q3 and Q4.
- Trend continues into early 2025, indicating sustained momentum.
Broker Productivity
- A Better Way brokers outperform the industry average, funding an average of $9.1M annually vs. the national broker average of $6.8M.
- Training attendance and skill development are contributing factors to this success.
2024 Year in Review
Key Achievements & Initiatives
- Head office expansion with the addition of Chief Compliance Officer Daniel Spears.
- 60 training events:
- 40 lender sessions
- 20 educational sessions
- Notable training highlights:
- Equitable Bank Reverse Mortgage Seminar (first event allowing brokers to invite industry partners)
- Sales Seminar with Perry Shaun
- Working with Financial Planners Training by Vy Tri
- Major Events
- Inaugural Ascend Conference: Featured an economist, broker panels, and expert guest speakers.
- Speed Dating Events: Grew significantly, leading to larger venues to accommodate attendance.
- DLCG University (BC): A Better Way had the highest franchise attendance, demonstrating commitment to professional growth.
Charitable Support
- Backpack Buddies Partnership:
- Two full-day charity events.
- Over $15,000 raised.
- 3,400+ bags of food packed for children facing food scarcity.
- New Community Champion Award to recognize brokers with outstanding charitable contributions.
Technology & Compliance Updates
- Compliance & FINTRAC (AML-ATF Regulations)
- Since October 11, 2024, over 350 inquiries received, indicating strong due diligence.
- Upcoming Borrower Risk Assessment Scorecard:
- A drop-down tool that helps brokers determine client risk levels.
- Expected to launch in Q2 2025.
- DLCG & Velocity Enhancements:
- Significant investment to improve compliance processes and broker efficiencies.
Technology Tools
- Velocity:
- Brokers encouraged to use its full potential (CRM, online applications, automated workflows).
- More Velocity-focused training coming in 2025.
- Gold Rush:
- CRM automation tool helping brokers re-engage past clients.
- Brokers using it report positive results.
- Canadian Mortgage App:
- Free tool for DLCG brokers featuring refinance analyzers, reports, and client engagement tools.
- Blue Mortgage CRM:
- A Better Way brokers get a discount.
- Offers advanced customization beyond Velocity’s CRM.
- Mortgage Logic News Subscription:
- Discount available for brokers.
- Provides weekly mortgage market updates.
- CLICK HERE
Podcast & Media Expansion
The Mortgage Broker Podcast & Behind the Broker Series
- Purpose: Provide insightful strategies and expert discussions to help brokers grow their businesses.
- Behind the Broker: Features top brokers sharing their stories and business tactics.
- Upcoming Podcast Guests:
- Dr. Sherry Cooper (DLCG Economist) – Discussion on tariffs & economic volatility.
- John Webster (Scotiabank)
- Mike De Eyre - President of Mortgage Architects
- Ben Sammut – Deep dives into lending and private lending strategies.
New ‘Behind the Lender’ Series
- Goes deeper into lender operations, processes, and underwriting decision-making.
- Upcoming Episode: Featured Canada’s largest private lender, breaking down their three-tiered funding model.
CHECK OUT THE PODCAST HERE → CLICK HERE
Market Outlook & 2025 Focus Areas
Key Broker Strategies for 2025
- Renewals
- Massive renewal opportunities due to mortgage term expirations.
- Brokers must leverage CRM & social media to capture these deals.
- Porting Limitations
- Many lenders don’t allow porting within six months of renewal—an opportunity for brokers to assist clients.
- Alternative & Private Lending
- Huge market where brokers have less competition from banks.
- Reverse mortgages & stated income should be core knowledge areas.
- Refinances & Variable Rate Uptick
- With rates stabilizing, expect more refinancing opportunities.
- Variable rates are becoming more competitive.
New ‘Preferred Partner’ Program
Introducing Our Preferred Lender Program – More Support, More Value for You
We’re excited to introduce our Preferred Lender Program, a new initiative designed to enhance the value we bring to you by strengthening our partnerships with the top lenders and suppliers in the industry. This program is about delivering more opportunities, better resources, and increased support to help you succeed.
What This Means for You
With a more structured approach to partnerships, we can now focus on bringing you even more high-value events, training, and educational opportunities throughout the year. Our Preferred Partners are not only supporting our major networking events, but they are also investing in workshops, market insights, and exclusive training sessions to help you stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Who Are Our Preferred Partners?
The lenders and suppliers in this program weren’t just selected randomly—they are already among your top choices based on funded volume. These are the partners that you trust and work with the most, and now they are stepping up to provide even greater value through education, business development support, and industry-leading expertise.
How This Benefits You
- More Educational Opportunities – Expect a wider range of training sessions, workshops, and exclusive learning experiences, directly supported and hosted by our Preferred Partners.
- Enhanced Networking & Collaboration – With committed, year-round partnerships, we can provide stronger networking opportunities and deeper engagement with lenders who want to help you grow your business.
- No Restrictions on Your Choices – While these lenders are now considered Preferred Partners, this does not mean you are required to use them. You always have full control over which lenders you work with based on what’s best for your clients.
At the core of this program is our commitment to enhancing your experience, supporting your success, and ensuring you have access to the best industry resources and partnerships.
We’re excited about the opportunities this will create for you, and we look forward to seeing the benefits unfold. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Awards & Recognition
Award Program Enhancements
- Expanded ‘Top 50 Agents’ list from 40 to 50 brokers.
- New Hall of Fame inductees annually.
- Dedicated ‘Winners Circle’ Event in Langley, BC for top performers.
Major Events Calendar (2025)
- Ascend Mortgage Summit: May 8, 2025
- Summer Social (New Venue & Special Activity): August 21st, 2025
- Holiday Soirée: November 27, 2025 at The Commodore Ballroom (Vancouver)
- DLCG National Conference: September 21, 2025 (Canada-based this year)
- Annual Awards (now in January): January 22, 2026
A Better Way Foundation
- New charitable giving committee launching in 2025.
- Expanding support beyond Backpack Buddies to national causes.
- More details coming soon.
Agent Intranet Updates
- Top 50 Agents & Awards Page: CLICK HERE
- Tuesday Mortgage Memo: Subscribe here → CLICK HERE
- A Better Way Swag Shop: CLICK HERE.
Final Notes & Q&A
- Brokers are encouraged to get licensed in Alberta and Ontario to control their files.
- BMO expansion into Alberta and BC is expected in 2025.
- If you have any questions, reach out to head office.