There's nothing inherently wrong with rate sites, says top-performer Calum Ross, but they may obscure the other, arguably better ways a professional brokers can save clients money.

VERICO launches eStore, Consumer Top 10 Tip Sheets

Webinars happening this week!

VERICO Lending Partner Kid’s Colouring Contest WINNERS!

We are delighted to announce the winners of VERICO’s 3rd annual Lending Partner’s Kids Colouring Contest!

True to our reputation for quality, VERICO is delighted to welcome six top producing companies and originators to the network. When asked why they decided to join VERICO, the resounding answer was VERICO’s irrefutable reputation, industry leading tools and the opportunity to have new conversation to recruit top agents.

“We are delighted to welcome our new members to the VERICO Network. The entire VERICO Canada team is looking forward to creating new relationships and supporting our member’s businesses for the next level of success,” says Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada.

The VERICO AGF Mortgage Program continues to reach new heights. Today, we are proud to announce a new milestone in our partnership, having achieved $500 Million in closed mortgage volume under the VERICO AGF Mortgage Program in 2012.

VERICO Boomerang Financial Inc., operating as Boomerang Financial, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Stewart as Manager, Alternative Markets. Chris will be responsible for launching the Boomerang BOLD, Alternative Mortgage Lending Program.

“The phone is ringing off the hook from clients who are being turned down at chartered banks.” Garth Ellis - Mortgage broker, Verico Ellis Mortgage.

It's not just longer days and high temperatures that peak during the Canadian summer, it's also when immigration numbers peak. July, August and September are the peak immigration months when permanent residents and foreign students go through the chaotic process of moving everything from home to family to finances to Canada. Scotiabank offers advice on how Canadian newcomers can make the financial part of their move both simpler and successful.

Jessi Johnson will be back on Oprah's reality show Million Dollar Neighbourhood for Season 2! The first season proved to be such a success it picked up North American syndication right away and they launched Season 2 almost immediately.

Calum Ross and Jared Dreyer on the Mortgage Rule changes.

OSFI released its final Underwriting Guidelines as a result of the B20 Discussion Paper. CAAMP was pleased that it was successful in ensuring no requalification at time of renewal.

Julie Isaac, VERICO Custom Mortgages, offers advice to consumers.

30 year Mortgage brokerage operation joins VERICO - #1 Mortgage Broker Network! VERICO Canada is pleased to welcome Bayfield Mortgage Professionals, based in Langley BC, to the VERICO network. The long time Mortgage Brokerage firm has been in operation for 30 years and is headed by Gord Wintrup, President and Inder Matharu, Vice President.

Matt Daniels and Christa Tessier are the latest business owners to join Canada’s #1 Mortgage Broker Network – VERICO!

With the Canadian housing market expected to cool in the coming year, the Bank of Montreal has lowered its five-year fixed mortgage rate to a record low. While the rate was slashed to 2.99 per cent Thursday, down half a point, it does come with a few hitches.

"Richmond mortgage broker Chris Pughe said just one of the lenders she deals with, AGF, is offering 2.99 for a five-year fixed mortgage, but several are close. 'There are some with a four-year at 2.99 and a lot of the lenders are at 3.19 or 3.29 right now [for five years]," Pughe said."

For the past number of years, John Ribalkin, owner of VERICO Nova in North Vancouver, and his family have spent up to 7 weekend prior to Christmas to create a 40,000 plus light display. All in an effort to fund raise for the Harvest Project, a great charity that helps people cope with difficult circumstances such as illness, job loss, addiction and mental health issues.

OTTAWA, Oct. 17, 2011 /CNW/ - According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity picked up in September 2011. Sales activity rose 2.7 per cent in September from the previous month. Holding in line with the ten-year average, activity during the first nine months of this year pulled ahead of sales over the same period last year.

VERICO Canada is pleased to welcome VERICO Market Mortgages Inc. to Canada’s #1 Network. John Bowes and John Hope, co-owners of the brokerage company, along with mortgage brokers Mike Moroney and Lynda Riddell look forward to serving the city of Peterborough and surrounding communities.

Join us in welcoming Céline Guy and her team in Laval Quebec!

TORONTO, Aug. 25, 2011 /CNW/ - Canadian banks are expected to continue doing well relative to their global peers but aren't necessarily shielded from the challenges plaguing the world's financial institutions, including concerns about growth, capital, data and regulatory issues, says Ernst & Young. "As third-quarter reporting season gets under way, we're likely to see that Canadian banks are holding up comparatively well despite the volatility at home and tumult abroad," explains Paul Battista, Ernst & Young's Canadian Financial Services Advisory Leader. "But the burning question for Canadian banks right now is: how do we grow from here?"

The Fed acknowledged that the economy was growing more slowly than it anticipated and that downside risks have increased. It is customary for the Fed statement to refrain from providing a specific forecast outside its scheduled release, which occurred at the last meeting; however, the tone of the statement was decidedly more downbeat than in June.

A new PwC report found Canadian deal-making was surprising strong amidst a backdrop of confused capital markets and global financial turmoil, especially in the United States and Europe. The second quarter saw 836 Canadian mergers and acquisitions (M&A) announcements worth close to US$57 billion—the strongest deal quarter in Canada since the credit crisis.

Congratulations to all VERICO winners of the CMP top 50!

Robb Nelson and Kim O'Rourke Nelson, owners of FamilyLending.ca, say that their decision to partner with VERICO has proved to be the right investment for their business.

VERICO Canada welcomes Clear Trust Mortgages Inc. to the VERICO network! The vancouver based company is headed by Carissa Sly, Robert Afan and Carlos Sy.

Canada's residential real estate market saw sizable year-over-year price increases in the second quarter of 2011, but high house prices are concealing early signs of a moderating market, according to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released today. The market has seen its near-term peak in house price appreciation, and a slower second half of the year is expected. Still, by the end of 2011, the national average house price is expected to be 7.7 per cent higher than it was at the end of 2010.

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the June episode of VERICO TV.

This is going to be the biggest event VERICO has ever hosted and we hope you will join us! Find out where the corporate strategic direction is headed in 2012; take a sneak peek at brand new VERICO tools, learn tactics from VERICO top brokers; hear from top executives of major lenders and much more!

VERICO Canada welcomes Marjan Watt and AM Financial Services Ltd. to the network!

Kevin Boucher, Jason McKittrick and Heather Paterson, the three owners of Service First Mortgages, had a tough but necessary decision to make at the end of 2010. After working for a nationally branded mortgage company that underwent 18 months of organizational changes, Boucher and his partners decided it was time to take their business to the next level.

Early this year, CAAMP commissioned a survey of its members and the borrowing public regarding their perceptions about the Canada Mortgage Broker Channel.

Mortgagebrokernews.ca interviews John Ribalkin, President of VERICO Nova Financial Services, North Vancouver on the recent controversial statements from an RBC mortgage specialist.

VERICO Canada welcomes Daryl Marsden and Maximum Mortgages Inc. to the network!

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the April episode of VERICO TV.

As the official sponsor of the Mortgage Clinic at the Canadian Real Estate Investors Forum on March 25 and 26, members of the VERICO Network were out in full force reinforcing our position as Canada’s #1 Mortgage Network. VERICO was the only mortgage company strongly represented at the well-attended event; making it a great opportunity for VERICO members to be in front of potential clients

Scotiabank's Commodity Price Index, which measures price trends for 32 of Canada's major exports, rose by 1.1 per cent month over month (m/m) in February - the eighth consecutive monthly gain - to a level 49 per cent above the April 2009 cyclical low. While the tragic March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japantook a toll on some commodity prices in mid-March, the negative fallout is likely to prove temporary, with Japan quickly gearing up its economy again.

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the February episode of VERICO TV.

There is no better place to work hard and play hard than Las Vegas, and this will once again be the host city for the 2011 VERICO Business Forum, from June 26 to June 29.

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the February episode of VERICO TV.

When Troy Alexander landed in Cebu City in the Philippines, it was the first time he ever travelled to that part of the world. “It was definitely a life-changing experience,” says Alexander, a mortgage broker with Verico Select Mortgage Corp. in Victoria, B.C.

What do the mortgage changes mean for you and your clients? Read comments from Merix, MCAP, VERICO Canada and others.

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the December episode of VERICO TV.

VANCOUVER, December 9, 2010 - VERICO is pleased to announce that it has entered into a new alliance with AGF Trust to offer borrowers a co-branded mortgage program to be launched early 2011.

VERICO Canada celebrates its 5th year anniversary! Colin Dreyer reflects back on the meteoric rise of VERICO, it's unique place in the marketplace and the future of the company.

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the third episode of VERICO TV.

VERICO Ottawa-Carleton Mortgage Inc. recently hosted an open house in their brand new location. “We are very proud of the new office. It’s a store front which competes with bank retail locations and we’re also in a great part of the city; our doors are open and we are ready to serve clients,” says company president, Grant King.

JAC News talks to Wayne Proctor, MC of the Fraud Summit in Vancouver. Mr. Proctor is a Mortgage Fraud Consultant and talks about the incidence of fraud in Canada and how brokers and lenders can protect themselves and their clients.

Colin Dreyer, President of VERICO Canada, in the second episode of VERICO TV.

Canada Real Estate Magazine talks to Jim Murphy, President and CEO of CAMMP at the Fraud Summit in Vancouver last week. With the CAAMP Mortgage Forum is just a few short weeks away, Mr. Murphy gives us a glimpse of what to expect. He also offers an overview of the changes to the AMP designation that will go into effect next year.

Ajay Soni, CAMMP Director of BC and Yukon, talks to JAC News during the Fraud Summit in Vancouver on October 8. Mr. Soni discusses the unique conditions of the BC and Vancouver real estate market, the effect of HST and his forecast of 2011.

MCAP, a leading Canadian mortgage company, together with Habitat for Humanity Canada, have launched the Key to Hope program where consumers can make an ongoing charitable donation to Habitat for Humanity Canada by adding any amount to a MCAP mortgage.

Paradigm Quest Inc. President and CEO, Kathy Gregory, talks to VERICO Magazine about the launch of RUBI systems, the organization’s new technology platform that aims to streamline the application and underwriting process.

Gabe Hoffart from VERICO Gibbard Hoffart Financial Group has been training all summer to participate in the annual charity event, Canuck Place Adventure Challenge!

Mark Squire, National Bank’s Director of Broker Services and Virtual Banking, expects the rest of 2010 slow down. “Talking with other lenders and what we have experienced ourselves, we went into 2010 very strong and ahead of where we thought we were going to be. We are noticing a slow down in our pipeline. 2010 is going to be a bit slower, there is still a lot of business out there, we just need to work a little harder to get it. For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, I think it will be balanced and level off”

Mark also talked about the impressive growth gained by National Bank over the past two years. From ranking 22nd in broker market share in 2008 to its current 10th position, National Bank will continue to optimize their relationship with independent mortgage brokers.

Ron Swift, President of MCAP Service Corporation, believes that competition will be fierce in the second half of 2010. The combination of factors including the beginning of a market slow down, new rules from insurers, new qualifying rules from the Department of Finance, HST and taxation issues will result in aggressive campaigns from major banks and its sales forces.
In an effort to help brokers stay competitive, Ron also discusses the various tools that MCAP offer independent brokers to help them stay competitive.
His best tip to mortgage brokers? Be knowledgeable about your local marketplace and also the domestic and international financial markets. The ability to interpret this knowledge will help your clients select a product that right for them.

Ellen Watt, Vice President of Broker Distribution at Macquarie, discusses the lender’s strategy to further develop relationships with independent brokers. Macquarie utilizes the 80/20 rule as part of its growth strategy and focuses on brokers who consistently work with Macquarie. Ellen also introduces us to Macquarie’s new Bridge product, which will be launched this summer.

Brian Matthey, VERICO Mortgage Professionals and Chair of our National Advisory Council, gives his thoughts on the recent VERICO Licensee Retreat.

VERICO hosted our first VERICO Licensee Retreat in Las Vegas on June 21-23. It was a great few days of networking, National Advisory Council meetings, industry speakers, a key note session from Joe Stumpf and of course lots of laughs over dinner and golf.

After 15 years as a mortgage broker, CMA lifetime achievement winner Garth Ellis still has lots of business ideas and a passion to elevate the status of the industry. Erin Letson talks to him about his path to success. Garth Ellis says the biggest risk he ever took was becoming a mortgage broker 15 years ago. He was 25 at the time, fresh out of university and enrolled in a securities course when he bumped into an old school friend who had started a mortgage business six months earlier.

Knowing someone in the industry made him change his mind about becoming a stockbroker, but what he didn't realize then was how foreign the concept of using a mortgage broker was.

"It was a totally new word in the vocabulary of Canadian finance," says Ellis, who lives and works in Vancouver. "So becoming a mortgage broker in the first place was a very blind decision. A lot of people thought I was crazy."

It turns out his risk-taking wasn't so crazy. Despite the many challenges Ellis faced as a mortgage broker in the mid-90s, he remained patient and confident in his career choice and now he's one of the most respected brokers in the industry, often sought after for advice and speaking engagements.

Victoria, BC - The Victoria Seals are proud announce that they will be supporting a pair of local charities at every game this season. Partnering with Alex Burns & Associates and Verico Select Mortgages, Home Runs for the Homeless returns for its second year in 2010.

After almost five years in business, VERICO has stuck to its original mandate while expanding its list of services and recruiting top brokers to its network. CMP talks to president Colin Dreyer about the company’s progress and future plans.

On the eve of VERICO’s fifth anniversary – it’s coming up in June – president Colin Dreyer is keeping busy expanding the national network’s business-building services to brokers. It’s another way he hopes to keep growing the network while sticking to the same model that has made the company a success.

“The basic premise of VERICO is a network that provides tools and services to help brokers build their businesses and that has stayed the same since the beginning,” says Dreyer, who is based in Vancouver. “We haven’t tried to redefine ourselves – our model still stands and we’ve had that ability to also deliver what’s needed to our members as changes in the industry happen.”

Remarks by Superintendent Julie Dickson, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI), to the Financial Services Invitational Forum, Cambridge, Ontario, May 6, 2010.

(1888PressRelease) - Dreyer Group Vancouver Mortgage brokers hands a cheque to Major Brian Venables of the Salvation Army.

Dreyer Group mortgage brokers raised over $4000 through personal donations as well as selling stuffies in 2009. Dreyer Group's corporate charity, Dreyer Group Smiles gives a portion of every mortgage funded to Salvation Army shelters for kids.

Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada, 24 March 2010 -

It is either brave or foolhardy of the Ottawa Economics Association to organize another conference around Canada's perennial challenges of demographics, productivity, and potential growth. The cognoscenti wearily deride these shortcomings even while they acknowledge their importance. After all, who really wants to talk about getting old? Similarly, the subject of productivity is described as too dull, or worse, too threatening for Canadians. It is said to imply working harder, not smarter, or to promote job losses rather than income gains. These debates are thus thought best confined to the policy wonks, in order that our diagnoses and prescriptions can occur in a parallel, forgotten universe.

Washington, DC, April 24, 2010 - The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Thanks to the extraordinary and highly coordinated policy actions of governments and multilateral financial institutions over the past 20 months, the global economy has stabilized and modest growth has emerged. This recovery remains fragile, however, particularly in advanced economies, and many shared global challenges remain.