Streetwise Mortgages founder on why robust foundations matter

Long-term success hinges on getting the fundamentals right

Streetwise Mortgages founder on why robust foundations matter

Streetwise Mortgages founder Dalia Barsoum is a firm believer in getting the fundamentals right, as these would help ensure long-term success in the industry.

“Hard work, building your name, adding value, mastering your craft — these are all things that are foundational regardless of [how] the market [evolves],” Barsoum told Canadian Mortgage Professional upon the launch of its Rising Stars report for 2023.

This core robustness crafts the most valuable tools that any mortgage professional could hope to have: resilience amidst adversity, an flawless work ethic, and a continuous hunger to learn.

“I always see a more challenging environment as an opportunity to solve problems and add value,” Barsoum said. “There is an opportunity to help clients navigate this more challenging environment we’re in and find solutions … and to differentiate [yourself] by being of value, by solving problems.”

Strong foundations also help a mortgage professional excel in whatever specializations they end up choosing.

“It’s a matter of deciding what are you passionate about, who do you want to help, and mastering the craft of helping them through really understanding what they’re looking for, what are their hopes, what are their dreams, what solutions are you going to bring to the table,” Barsoum said.

A dash of good old-fashioned grit is what separates the good professionals from the truly great service providers, Barsoum added.

“Going above and beyond, and delivering, is everything. Because that’s how you establish trust: showing results and doing what’s right for the client. We all want to earn money here, don’t get me wrong … but if you do what’s right for the client, and you add value, the money will flow. The money is going to be the by-product of doing so.”

For more insights on how to make it big in the Canadian mortgage industry, click here.