Mortgage Tech Talks

18: Should You Build Your Own Software Product?

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 needed of both time, money, and skill that is required to do this.
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***
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***

17: How to Start Email Marketing to Your Database

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.
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WATCH
▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube
***
CONNECT
▶️ Connect on YouTube (Tom)
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***
SAY THANKS
🙏 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
***

16: How Deal Submission Platforms Make Money

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.
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WATCH
▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube
***
CONNECT
▶️ Connect on YouTube (Tom)
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***
SAY THANKS
🙏 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
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***

15: Don't Get Trapped! Own Your Own Domain

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 setting up your domain for website and email hosting.
 
Learn how to set up your domain here: https://ca.godaddy.com/help/domains
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WATCH
▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube
***
CONNECT
▶️ Connect on YouTube (Tom)
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***
SAY THANKS
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***

14: Document Portals & Online Applications - Increase Your Security & Efficiency

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 access.→ And touch on platform integrations and power dynamics in the Canadian mortgage industry.
 
Check if your email has been hacked here: www.haveibeenpwned.com
***
 
WATCH
▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube
***
CONNECT
▶️ Connect on YouTube (Tom)
📸 Connect on Instagram (Tom)
📇 Connect on LinkedIn (Tom)
***
SAY THANKS
🙏 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
***

13: Automation vs AI...What's the Difference?

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 this episode on Youtube
***
CONNECT
▶️ Connect on YouTube (Tom)
📸 Connect on Instagram (Tom)
📇 Connect on LinkedIn (Tom)
***
SAY THANKS
🙏 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
***

E12: Mortgage Marketing for Spring 2024

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 left in an awkward position.
 
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E11: Switch Brokerages? What It Means For Technology

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 completely true. Between all deal submission platforms, it's probably +/-25%. So it can help, but it's not a game-changer.
Every now and then, a platform will release a new feature that gives them a temporary edge- until all the other platforms catch up!
So pick a brokerage based on flexibility so you can take advantage of these new features when they come up.
How Tech Makes Your Switch Easier
While your deal submission platform is tied to the brokerage (technically they provision the software and give agents access), all other tech doesn't have to be!
Make an effort to own all other technology. This can include eSign, CRM, Calendar Booking, Online Meetings, email inbox, website, etc.. By doing so, the switch becomes much easier.
The same concept applies to your data. In the deal submission platform, the data is technically owned by your brokerage. Make sure this data is on an external system (CRM, Excel, etc.) that you own- so you're not held hostage to your own data!
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E10: Product Deep Dive: Calendar Booking

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 that can differentiate products.
Calendly:
Market leader with top-notch integrations. High reliability but comes at a higher price.
HubSpot:
Integrates with GSuite and O365 Simple but may have limitations. Free for HubSpot users.
Zoho Bookings:
Zoho's tool with full integration within the Zoho ecosystem. Integrates with GSuite and O365, but reliability may be a concern. Free for Zoho CRM users.
If you're using Zoho or HubSpot use their booking tool. It'll save you money and reliability is generally good within the same ecosystem. In all other cases, Calendly stands out with top-notch integrations, reliability, and efficiency. It's well-worth the higher cost.
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E9: Top Tips for the Holiday Break

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.
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