Unsolicited Advice with Denise Laframboise

Episode 16: Running a Mortgage Business While Raising Kids

When I started in the mortgage industry, I hid that I was a parent, afraid clients wouldn't take me seriously. I kept my worlds separate—until I realized so many others were juggling the same chaos. Instead of hiding it, I leaned in. I took calls with kids in the background, let work and home life coexist, and built stronger connections because of it. My kids saw me working...

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...

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 ev...

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 f...

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....

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 befo...

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 skill...

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.

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