
Realtor Panel from The Ascend Mortgage Summit: Ally Ballam, Mike Marfori, Ty Corsie & Chase Shymkiw
In Episode 45 Realtor panel, recorded live at the 2025 Ascend Mortgage Summit, Jason Marshall sits down with four of the country’s most dynamic real estate professionals: Ally Ballam, Mike Marfori, Ty Corsie, and Chase Shymkiw.
This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and sustain a high-performance real estate business in today’s unpredictable market. From pricing strategy and social proof to negotiation tactics and the power of personal branding, this episode is an unfiltered look into the mindset and methods of agents at the top of their game.
Ally Ballam: Leading with Education and Service
Ally Ballam shares how she’s built a business rooted in trust and transparency, especially as clients grapple with affordability concerns and shifting priorities. For Ally, education isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s the foundation of every client relationship.
She breaks down why today’s buyers expect clear, data-backed insights, and how taking time to inform clients (instead of simply selling to them) has been the key to earning repeat business and referrals.
Mike Marfori: Building Influence Through Community
Mike Marfori talks about the power of local presence and community involvement as a way to differentiate in crowded markets. He shares how he balances social media visibility with in-person connections—and why consistency across all touchpoints is essential.
From hosting community events to showing up daily online, Mike emphasizes that modern clients want to work with professionals who are not only knowledgeable but relatable and accessible.
Ty Corsie: Mastering Social Media and Storytelling
For Ty Corsie, social media isn’t optional—it’s where buyers and sellers form their first impressions. Ty offers insights on how he’s used platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase listings, humanize his brand, and build massive organic reach.
He dives into why authenticity beats production value, and how simply showing up—sharing market updates, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses—can drive engagement and trust at scale.
Chase Shymkiw: Negotiation, Mindset, and Staying Resilient
Chase Shymkiw discusses the mental side of the business—especially in a market where volatility has become the norm.
He shares his approach to negotiation under pressure, the importance of mindset rituals, and how staying client-focused (even when deals get stressful) is what ultimately sets top agents apart.
Chase also offers tips for brokers looking to support agents through tough transactions and keep deals moving without compromising client experience.
The New Buyer Psychology: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t
One of the key themes across the panel is the evolution of buyer and seller expectations. Clients are more informed—and more skeptical—than ever.
Interest rates, affordability, and fear of making the “wrong” move weigh heavily on decision-making. But what hasn’t changed is the need for trusted advisors who can simplify the process, provide reassurance, and bring clarity to the chaos.
As Ally, Mike, Ty, and Chase all agree, speed matters—but empathy and patience still win loyalty.
Collaboration Over Competition: The Broker-Realtor Dynamic
Throughout the conversation, all four panelists highlight why great outcomes hinge on proactive collaboration between brokers and agents.
When brokers communicate early, anticipate issues, and keep everyone informed, the process becomes smoother for clients—and less stressful for everyone behind the scenes.
The group shares examples of how brokers can stand out by being solutions-focused partners, not just rate providers. For brokers, this is a clear reminder: if you want more referrals, start by making the realtor’s job easier.
Why Personal Branding Is Non-Negotiable
Every panelist emphasized the importance of building a brand that feels personal and authentic. In an era where consumers find you online long before they meet you in person, branding isn’t just about logos—it’s about trust signals.
Whether it’s Ty’s video walkthroughs, Mike’s community initiatives, Ally’s education-first approach, or Chase’s negotiation insights, each realtor has found ways to own their narrative and connect with clients on a human level.
The takeaway is simple: in a crowded market, clients don’t just choose your services—they choose you.
Final Thoughts
This Realtor Panel is a masterclass in mindset, marketing, and modern client service. Ally Ballam, Mike Marfori, Ty Corsie, and Chase Shymkiw each demonstrate that while the market will always change, the fundamentals of trust, consistency, and proactive communication never go out of style.
If you’re a mortgage broker, this episode is your invitation to rethink how you engage with realtors, create value, and become the kind of partner agents can’t imagine working without.
The market will reward those who adapt—and this conversation is proof that the blueprint already exists.
Why You Should Listen
This episode delivers a rare, unfiltered perspective from four of Canada’s most respected real estate professionals. You’ll hear exactly how they’re winning listings, nurturing client relationships, and driving consistent business in a volatile market.
Whether you want to strengthen your realtor partnerships, level up your personal brand, or simply understand what today’s buyers and sellers expect, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can apply right away.
If you’re serious about evolving with your clients and growing your business in any market, you won’t want to miss it.
For weekly market updates, sign up for the ABW Tuesday Mortgage Memo. If you’re a broker considering a network change or looking to grow, reach out to us to explore how we can support your success.


