Brad's Mortgage Agent Journey

Brad, a licensed mortgage agent in the GTA, shared his background, including being born in England and moving to Canada at age 4. He grew up in Scarborough and Markham, attended the University of Western Ontario, lived in Las Vegas for five years, and worked at a Big Five bank for 18 years before branching out on his own. Brad discussed his experience in the banking system and noted that the early years in any business are crucial for learning and making mistakes.

Mortgage Market Challenges and Opportunities

Brad discussed the current mortgage market, noting that while purchase and new construction activity has softened, there is significant demand for refinancing and renewal options due to rising interest rates. He highlighted that two-thirds of Canadians have mortgages coming up for renewal between 2025 and 2026, creating opportunities for brokers despite market challenges. Paul emphasized the importance of problem-solving skills and adaptability in the mortgage industry, sharing an example of requesting a 7-day condition period to expedite complex deals, which he noted is still met with resistance despite the evolving market conditions.

Real Estate Transaction Timeline Management

Brad and Paul discussed the challenges of managing real estate transactions in a buyer's market, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic timelines for condition assessments. Brad shared an example of requesting a 10-day period for a refinancing deal, highlighting the benefits of overestimating rather than underestimating the time needed. Paul agreed, stressing the need to avoid last-minute requests for extensions, as it causes unnecessary stress for sellers. Both agreed on the importance of clear communication and preparation to ensure smooth transactions.

Real Estate Pre-Approval Strategies

Brad and Paul discussed the importance of pre-approval and early introductions of parties involved in real estate transactions to ensure a smoother process. They also talked about the current and future state of mortgage financing, including the potential impact of AI and blockchain technology, with Brad expressing optimism about the human element remaining crucial in their industry. Paul shared his vision for keeping conversations human through his podcast, and they agreed to promote the podcast and follow up on potential collaborations.

Paul and Tara discussed the format and approach for their upcoming podcast episode, emphasizing a natural and authentic conversation style similar to a casual coffee chat. Paul explained that the goal is to create an unscripted and relatable discussion, focusing on getting to know each other and sharing stories. They agreed to start with introductions and basic topics like background and profession before delving into business-related discussions. Paul confirmed that the recording would begin shortly, and he introduced himself as the host of the podcast series featuring small business owners.

Tech Leader's Small Business Journey

Paul welcomed Tara to his show, discussing her background in tech leadership and her current ventures, including consulting and helping her father's demolition business expand. Tara shared her experience traveling to over half the countries in the world and her passion for working in the small business world. Paul emphasized the importance of sharing small business stories through podcasts, noting the growing popularity of podcasts in Canada. They briefly discussed Paul's background in construction and his transition to podcasting.

Empowering Women Through Podcast Stories

Tara discussed her podcast "The Women's Spotlight," which aims to empower women by sharing diverse stories and experiences. She highlighted the commonalities among women, regardless of their background or profession, and the importance of overcoming internal and external barriers. Paul expressed his support for the podcast's mission and shared his own experiences as a podcaster, emphasizing the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on listeners. The conversation concluded with Paul inquiring about Tara's current work with her father's company, but no specific details were provided in the transcript.

Eddy's Demolition: Family Business Story

Tara discussed her family's demolition business, Eddy's Demolition, which has been operating for over 45 years in Toronto. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the company's core values of integrity, hard work, and customer relationships, despite the evolving nature of the industry. Paul and Tara explored the role of storytelling in business, particularly in the context of podcasting, and discussed how sharing authentic stories can resonate with audiences. Tara invited listeners to connect with Eddy's Demolition for any demolition or construction needs.

Podcast Completion and Future Plans

Paul and Tara discussed the completion of a podcast recording, with Paul expressing satisfaction and emphasizing his goal of generating leads and fostering connections through the podcast. Tara agreed to review the podcast once it's released and shared her interest in discussing topics related to home ownership, contracting, and tenancy in future episodes. Paul mentioned his intention to share the podcast on his real estate podcast platform, which has a large audience, and expressed interest in exploring home safety and rental experiences further.

Join me as I meet with one of the exhibitors here at Small Business Forum 2025.