Unsolicited Advice with Denise Laframboise

Episode 15: Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should I'm opening up about a hard truth in the mortgage industry: just because we can do a mortgage doesn't mean we should. As mortgage brokers, we don't get paid until a deal closes—but that doesn't mean every deal is the right deal. Sometimes, the best advice we can give a client is to stay with their bank. Other times, it's having the tough conversation about selling their home. Finding creative solutions is part of our job, but so is knowing when to walk away. We can't help everyone, and we shouldn't help everyone. Knowing where to draw that line—and communicating it clearly—is what sets great brokers apart. To watch the podcast, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xziVq0vvTJc&t=23s To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 14: Why Collaboration is Good for Business I'm opening up about why I choose to share my business practices, insights, and strategies — even if it might be viewed as "training the competition." People often ask me why I'm so open about how I run my business. But here's the truth: when we collaborate, we all get better. I'm diving into why collaboration in the mortgage industry isn't just good for your business — it helps everyone grow, adapt, and succeed faster. I'm sharing my experiences, lessons learned, and why I think this mindset has helped me (and others) build stronger businesses. If you want to grow and thrive in this industry — this one's for you. To watch this episode, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X58f0Lvg83Q To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 13: Choosing the Right CRM for Your Mortgage Business Once your mortgage business gets busy, keeping track of everything becomes essential. A CRM can streamline your processes, keep you organized, and help you scale—but choosing the right one at the right time is key. I've spent years coaching agents on CRM selection and strategy, and in this episode, I'm sharing my insights on when to invest, what to consider, and how to find the best fit for your business. To watch this episode, click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHRhuEYxveI To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

I can't say it enough. Read it, review it with a lawyer, ask questions, and fully understand the repercussions if you need to exit. As mortgage agents, we advise our clients to do this, so we need to practice what we preach in our own businesses. Protect yourself, know your terms and don't sign anything you don't fully understand.

One of the most common questions brokers get is: What's the best mortgage product? What's the best rate? But here's the thing—there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right mortgage isn't just about getting the lowest rate. It's about strategy. Terms, penalties, flexibility, and future plans all play a role in what's truly best for the client. A great mortgage broker doesn't just take orders—they offer guidance, thinking through every angle as if it were their own money on the line. So how do you make sure you're giving clients the best long-term value—not just the best rate? Let's talk about what really makes a mortgage 'the best.'

The mortgage industry loves to hand out awards for volume—how many deals you close, how much business you fund. But here's the problem: volume doesn't necessarily equal profitability. If you're spending massive amounts on admin, marketing and overhead, you might be making a lot less than someone funding fewer deals but keeping more of their income. So are we celebrating the wrong metric? Let's break it down.

I get asked all the time what I think about starting part-time as a mortgage agent, and here's the truth—I started that way myself. Building a mortgage business takes time, and having another job while you grow can be a smart move. There are real advantages, like financial stability, but also challenges you need to navigate. In this episode, I'm sharing my honest experience, the pros and cons, and what you should consider before diving in.

When I first started my mortgage business, I had to ask myself – where do I make the most impact? For me, it was sales. The more I focused on that, the faster my business grew – and the happier I was. This episode dives into the concept of Zone of Genius – that sweet spot where you're doing what you're best at and what lights you up. As you grow, the goal isn't to hire people like you, but to build a team with complementary skills – so they thrive in their zone, and you stay in yours. Tune in to hear how this mindset shift can elevate your business and bring more fulfillment to your day.

Episode 7: Thoughts on Safety as a Woman As women in professions like mortgage brokering, real estate or financial advising, safety has always at the forefront of our minds. The days of walking into a stranger's house or meeting clients in unfamiliar places are behind us and for good reason. I am reflecting on how safety shapes our decisions as a woman and how we navigate this so differently than men. To watch the podcast, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TUWvhs5jpE To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 6: When Should You Hire in the Mortgage Business? Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of running a mortgage business and maintaining balance? I've been there. Hiring the right support can be a game-changer, but how do you decide when and what to delegate? The strategies I've used to create space in my personal life, giving me the freedom to focus on growing my business have been extremely valuable. Whether you're considering your first hire or looking to streamline your workflow, these insights will help you take that next step with clarity. To watch the podcast, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZo84_W4jY&t=16s To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]