Company: Ultimate Mortgage and Finance Solutions
Location: Ontario
Total volume: $73.82 million
Loans funded: 181
CMP: Do you think consolidation will be a significant factor in the mortgage industry this year?
Cecilia Ramos: Yes. As small brokerages struggle to keep afloat in the midst of tightened mortgage rules and lenders’ continued insistence on working with only producing and efficient agents and brokers, I think it will help the industry send a strong message to consumers that we are the most effective mortgage-originating channel of choice.
CMP: What’s your prediction for the state of the mortgage industry this year?
CR: I think more consumers are now realizing the real challenges of having to go through the current mortgage guidelines and are therefore becoming more open to other solutions that they may not have considered in the past, such as going through alternative financing companies with higher rates and fees. The most experienced and diligent brokers will continue to thrive, [but] the new and part-time agents will continue to face big challenges unless they are fully trained, mentored and supported by their brokerage.
