As the Director and Principal Broker at mortgage brokering firm Sigmamortgage.ca, Shawn Stillman knows all about the intricacies of helping real estate investors in the current market. Along with his partners at Mortgage Outlet, Stillman had accrued years of experience working for other brokerages. Then, two years ago, Stillman knew the time was right to go out alone and start an independent brokerage firm. “The problem with working for someone else is that you’re only as strong as your weakest link,” Stillman says. “By being the owners, my partners and I are in charge of quality control and that allows us to create and manage the entire mortgage experience in a way we know works best.”
One of the key drivers of Mortgage Outlet’s success over the past couple of years has been the strong links that Stillman and his partners have made with lenders across Canada. He’s in no doubt that those connections play an important role in enabling him to secure the best possible deal for his clients.
“Due to the volume or mortgages we complete with lenders, we have their ear and are able to get them to look at deals that sometimes don’t fit their guidelines,” Stillman says. “Although lenders have criteria, every deal is looked at and analysed to see if it can be made. Based on our experience and relationships, we get stuff done.
“We do a lot of business with the major banks and a lot with the non-bank lenders; it’s important to have a healthy relationships with both.”
Mortgage Outlet’s success has been forged by a philosophy that promotes putting the client first and not settling for second best when negotiating with a lender on an investor’s behalf. “We are completely focused on being efficient, securing low rates and ensuring a positive client experience,” Stillman says. “If we have the sort of client who needs some hand holding, that’s what we do.”