FEATURES
COVER STORY: YOUNG GUNS SARAH SPEARN
ADIL MAWJI
Underwriter, residential underwriting
Mortgage broker
First National Financial Age: 27
Invis Age: 32
Winner of the award for Best Newcomer, Lender Underwriter at this year’s Canadian Mortgage Awards, Sarah Spearn began her mortgage career after university when she moved to Sydney, Australia, and took on a role as the client services assistant for mortgage brokerage MortgagePort. In 2013, she returned home to Toronto and continued to pursue her interest in mortgage financing, eventually developing an interest in the lending side of the business. Today, Spearn works directly with underwriters and brokers in documentation review, and she continues to learn and expand her skills on a daily basis. Spearn recognizes that the mortgage industry offers a wealth of opportunities for young professionals. “I was working in customer service when I developed an interest in mortgages, but strived to learn more,” she says. “There were so many areas to explore: lender underwriting, brokering, mortgage sales, etc. I think young professionals are attracted to the industry because of its fast-paced, challenging and fun nature. That said, it can be difficult – regulations, rates and processes can change on a weekly basis. In order to succeed, you need to be adaptable and open to learning.” Outside of the industry, Spearn spends her time volunteering with the Good Shepherd Mission in Toronto, an organization that helps feed and shelter the homeless, as well as Yes! Toronto.
MELANIE ANTAYA Mortgage professional Neighbourhood Dominion Lending Centres/ VanderDuim Mortgage Team Age: 31
Melanie Antaya’s passion for the mortgage industry began 14 years ago after she completed university. Since that time, she has gained experience in a range of situations, from first-time homebuyers to restructuring situations. Her diligence in following up and retaining charts and graphs have resulted a funding ratio in the mid-90s for her office. In addition to her mortgage work, for the past 11 years, Antaya has helped organize an annual charity client event supporting a local community cause.
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Regarded as a hard-working broker by his peers, Adil Mawji has won numerous awards for his service to the industry and his community. Mawji is an AMBA and MPC board member, and sits on both the Real Estate Council of Alberta’s Mortgage Broker Advisory Committee and the Economic Planning Board for the Ismaili Community of the Prairie region.
HARMAN SIDHU Mortgage broker Blue Pearl Mortgage Group Age: 31
A top broker at Blue Pearl Mortgage Group, Harman Sidhu has been recognized as Broker of the Year at the firm for the past two years. From 2015 to 2016, he doubled his client growth, and he recently expanded his market to Ontario. A mentor for junior brokers at Blue Pearl Mortgage Group, Sidhu also devotes time to mentoring young students at Senator Reid Elementary School. “I am very passionate about helping my clients achieve their financial goals,” he says. “The freedom and satisfaction of helping others can be a rewarding motivator for young professionals wanting to be in the mortgage industry.”
www.mortgagebrokernews.ca
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13/07/2017 7:29:57 AM