On May 8, AMBA welcomed its dedicated volunteers to a special Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Courtyard Calgary Airport Hotel. The event served as both a heartfelt thank-you and a celebration of the incredible contributions made by our Board, Committee, and Task Force members over the past year.
Set against the backdrop of AMBA’s 50th anniversary, the luncheon was a moment to reflect on the legacy of leadership that continues to shape Alberta’s mortgage industry. Volunteers were treated to a three-course plated meal, thoughtful gifts, and warm recognition from AMBA’s leadership. The program began with a welcome and land acknowledgement from AMBA CEO Emily St. Pierre, followed by lunch and a series of acknowledgments highlighting the incredible work of each committee:
The afternoon concluded with closing remarks and a group photo, capturing the spirit of collaboration and gratitude that defines the AMBA community. To all our volunteers: thank you. Your time, insight, and passion are the foundation of our progress—and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
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Alberta's housing market in early 2025 presents a landscape of both opportunity and complexity. The province has witnessed consistent price growth, with the average home price reaching $524,755 in March 2025, marking a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Major cities like Calgary and Edmonton have seen significant upticks, with Calgary's average home price rising to $639,458 (up 7.3%) and Edmonton’s climbing to $460,685 (up 9.4%).
This upward trajectory, while a signal of strength, also introduces challenges. The sales-to-new listings ratio (SNLR) in Alberta sits at 60%, indicating a market leaning toward sellers. These conditions can limit affordability and make traditional financing options harder to access—especially for borrowers with complex income profiles, recent credit issues, or unconventional needs. The Role of Business Development Managers (BDMs) In this evolving landscape, Business Development Managers (BDMs) are becoming essential resources for mortgage brokers. These professionals don’t just represent lenders—they help brokers uncover opportunities that may have not been seen as possible before, understand the nuances of non-traditional financing, and build smart, approvable applications. BDMs provide a bridge between broker and lender, offering valuable insights on alternative and private lending products. They break down underwriting expectations, help clarify submission requirements, and work collaboratively to structure solutions that align with lender guidelines and appetites. Strategic Deal Placement in a Rapidly Moving Market As the Alberta housing market continues to evolve, the ability to place deals strategically becomes even more critical. With inventory tightening and prices rising, brokers need to be nimble. BDMs help identify the right lending solutions for self-employed clients, investors, or borrowers with significant equity but limited provable income. They also guide brokers in crafting a borrower story that highlights strengths, addresses red flags, and resonates with underwriters—turning what could be a marginal file into an approved deal. Staying Current in a Fast-Paced Industry Alternative and private lending is a dynamic space. New products, policy changes, and lender shifts happen frequently. BDMs keep brokers informed through webinars, training sessions, and personalized support—ensuring they’re never caught off guard and always able to offer timely, accurate guidance to their clients. Conclusion Alberta’s real estate market offers real promise—but also requires a deeper level of knowledge and adaptability from mortgage professionals. Working closely with an experienced Business Development Manager can help brokers structure smarter deals, explore alternative financing solutions, and deliver real value to clients navigating an increasingly competitive market. Jennifer Peters is the British Columbia and Alberta Senior Business Development Manager at VWR Capital Corp. With deep knowledge of the private lending space and a hands-on approach, Jennifer partners with mortgage brokers to structure strong applications that meet lender expectations. All information about VWR Capital Corp. and contact details for Jennifer Peters can be found at vwrcapital.com. AMBA Members—thank you. Your votes have helped shape the future of Alberta’s mortgage industry. We’re proud to introduce the newest leaders joining AMBA’s Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term. These individuals exemplify dedication, professionalism, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community and advancing our strategic plan. We’re grateful to every candidate who stepped forward and to each Member who cast a ballot. This election reflects what AMBA is all about: a legacy of leadership. Congratulations to our new Board Directors! Congratulations to Shawn Jewers and Lisa Mackey! We're excited to welcome the successful candidates to AMBA’s 2025–2026 Board of Directors. Your passion, experience, and dedication will help shape the future of Alberta’s mortgage industry. Our returning Board of Directors are eager to collaborate with them and carry our 2024-2026 strategic plan forward. Save the Date: Celebrate with Us at the AGM
Let’s officially welcome the new Board at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 8 at the Courtyard Marriott Airport Hotel in Calgary. The swearing-in ceremony will mark the start of a new chapter—one driven by strategic vision and a deep commitment to the success of Alberta’s mortgage professionals. 🔗 Register now for AMBA’s AGM In a recent Ask the Expert segment on Global News Morning, AMBA Board Chair and Licensed Mortgage Broker Faiz Khaku joined the conversation to break down how U.S. tariffs and interest rates are influencing Canada’s housing markets and mortgages. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or thinking about selling and staying in the market, Faiz’s advice is simple: “My biggest piece of advice is work with a licensed mortgage professional. Have that partner in your corner to be able to answer your questions, to make sure you're getting the right product, and setting yourself up properly for the future.” 🎥 Watch the full interview here: House hunting amid economic uncertainty 🔍 Looking for a licensed mortgage professional? Use RECA’s search tool to find a trusted expert near you. The mortgage industry is fast-paced and full of challenges, from strict regulations to ever-changing market conditions. As a mortgage broker, you know that every transaction depends on accurate appraisal valuations, timely processing, and happy clients. But did you know that the right appraisal firm can directly impact your success? A trusted appraisal partner doesn’t just help you close deals—it strengthens your reputation, ensures compliance, and keeps your business running smoothly. By choosing a reliable appraisal firm that lenders trust, you can streamline operations, reduce headaches, and set yourself up for long-term growth.
Effective January 1, 2025, the Criminal Interest Rate has been loweredThe criminal interest rate in Canada has officially been lowered from 60% to 35%, effective January 1, 2025. This significant change impacts mortgage brokerages, private lenders, and loan arrangements, making it crucial for industry professionals to understand their obligations under the new legislation.
Sponsored Content: This article is brought to you by TeranetFraud is an ongoing concern in the mortgage industry, posing risks to lenders, brokers, and consumers alike. As a mortgage agent or broker, protecting your business from fraudulent activities is not just a legal obligation but a crucial step in maintaining your reputation, reducing financial losses, and ensuring the integrity of the mortgage process.
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Bridgewater BankAlternative lending is our specialty. With 25+ years of experience in alternative deals, we provide brokers with the expertise and support they need to succeed. Bridgewater Bank combines the reliability of a Schedule I bank with the adaptability of an alternative lender—all while keeping relationships at the forefront. In a numbers-driven industry, we focus on what matters most: people. Talk to your BDM about the flexible mortgage solutions that will fit your client’s needs. |
The tournament was packed with excitement, from long drives to precision putts. A huge congratulations to all the contest winners of the day:
- Men's Longest Drive: Jonathan Nameth
- Ladies' Longest Drive: Desiree O'Doherty
- Closest to the Pin: Tony Zhang
- Winning Team: Brett Lovegrove, Steven Gross, Bryan Baker, Greg Mills
Each of these competitors showcased remarkable skill and sportsmanship, making the event truly unforgettable! Be sure to check out the photo gallery below (stay tuned for the full gallery!) and share your favourites on social media using the hashtag #TeeOffWithAMBA.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our participants and sponsors we raised an impressive $2,381 for the Calgary Food Bank. Your contributions are helping to support families in need across the city.
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