Real Life Mortgage Solutions

Celebrating the Journey – 4 Seasons of Real Life Mortgage Solutions

In this milestone episode, host Len Lane reflects on the incredible four-season journey of the Real Life Mortgage Solutions podcast. What began as an internal resource to support his team at Brokers for Life has grown into a platform that has welcomed over 40 industry professionals—from lenders and lawyers to advocates and agents—offering real-world insights into the mortgage and financial landscapes in Canada. Len revisits conversations with early guests like Amy Wilson and Ray Meredith, as well as industry leaders like Leanne McAllister, Sandra Landry, and Hayley Stradlin. He also highlights memorable interviews with experts like Dr. Wanda Holman of Little Warriors, Shane Parker on real estate law, and Cyndy Morin on navigating divorce and property division. Len touches on philanthropic efforts, from partnering with local charities like the Edmonton Food Bank to supporting child advocacy groups. As this season wraps, Len shares plans to temporarily pause the podcast to focus on writing two books: one on the mortgage industry, and another personal memoir titled Six Miles of Dirt Road. With the Brokers for Life team now 35 strong and licensed across Canada, Len emphasizes the continued commitment to serving clients and making an impact in the community. Resources discussed in this episode: * Little Warriors [https://littlewarriors.ca] * Edmonton Food Bank [https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com] — Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:  * BrokersForLife.ca [http://brokersforlife.ca] * Linkedin: Len Lane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-lane-b439281a/] * LinkedIn: Brokers for Life [https://www.linkedin.com/company/1410608/admin/feed/posts/] * Facebook: Brokers for Life [https://www.facebook.com/brokersforlife/] * X: @Brokers4Life [https://twitter.com/Brokers4Life]

Legacy, Leadership, and Letting Go with Hali Strandlund Noble

Len Lane welcomes industry trailblazer Hali Strandlund Noble. With deep family roots in mortgage investment corporations (MICs) and over three decades in the business, Hali shares her journey from growing up in a real estate household to becoming a leading force in Canada’s alternative lending space. They dive into the evolution of Fisgard Asset Management, the regulatory and tech pressures facing today’s mortgage lenders, and the tough but rewarding decision to merge with Neighbourhood Holdings.  Hali also discusses the founding and explosive growth of the Women in the Mortgage Industry (WIMI) group and what’s next for her post-acquisition: a slower pace, but still with a heart for mentorship and sharing industry knowledge. This candid conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, succession, and the importance of staying nimble in a rapidly changing market. About Hali Strandlund Noble Hali Strandlund Noble is President of Strandlund Investments Ltd., a Director of Fisgard Capital Corporation (now part of Neighbourhood Holdings), and a pioneering figure in Canada’s MIC industry. A former Founding Director of Fisgard Asset Management, Hali has held leadership roles including Chair of Mortgage Professionals Canada and President of the Mortgage Brokers Association of BC. She is the founder of Women in the Mortgage Industry (WIMI), a national network of 6,000+ members, and was inducted into the Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame in 2014. Hali received the Mortgage Awards of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025 and continues to advocate for mentorship and innovation in the mortgage space. — Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:  * BrokersForLife.ca [http://brokersforlife.ca] * Linkedin: Len Lane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-lane-b439281a/] * LinkedIn: Brokers for Life [https://www.linkedin.com/company/1410608/admin/feed/posts/] * Facebook: Brokers for Life [https://www.facebook.com/brokersforlife/] * X: @Brokers4Life [https://twitter.com/Brokers4Life] Contact Hali Strandlund Noble:  * Website: Fisgard Capital [https://www.fisgard.com/fisgard-capital-corporation/] * Website: Neighbourhood [https://www.neighbourhood.com/] * LinkedIn: Hali [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/halistrandlundnoble]

Navigating Co-Ownership Disputes with Gordon Kallio

In this episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane welcomes real estate lawyer Gordon Kallio for an insightful conversation about the growing challenges in co-ownership of property, particularly during a time with plenty of intergenerational wealth transfer. Gordon sheds light on Ontario’s Partition Act, legislation that enables joint property owners to force a sale or division when disputes arise. Gordon and Len walk through scenarios such as inherited cottages, parents going on title with children to help qualify for a mortgage, and the difficulties in removing a co-owner when financial circumstances or relationships change. Gordon also explains why co-ownership agreements are critical in avoiding costly legal battles. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or someone helping family get into the housing market, this episode offers invaluable legal and financial insights into avoiding and resolving co-ownership disputes. About Gordon Kallio Gordon Kallio is a real estate lawyer based in Barrie, Ontario. With extensive experience in residential and estate-related property matters, Gordon advises clients on co-ownership agreements, title transfers, and dispute resolution under the Partition Act. He regularly handles complex transactions involving family-owned properties, inherited real estate, and power of sale proceedings. Gordon is also active in community mentorship and is pursuing opportunities to advise young athletes, focusing on guiding hockey players toward education and professional development opportunities. Resources discussed in this episode: * Ontario Partition Act [https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p04] — Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:  * BrokersForLife.ca [http://brokersforlife.ca] * Linkedin: Len Lane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-lane-b439281a/] * LinkedIn: Brokers for Life [https://www.linkedin.com/company/1410608/admin/feed/posts/] * Facebook: Brokers for Life [https://www.facebook.com/brokersforlife/] * X: @Brokers4Life [https://twitter.com/Brokers4Life] Contact Gordon Kallio:   * Website: Owen & Associates Law [https://www.epsteinlawyers.com/team/gordon-kallio/] * Linkedin: Gordon Kallio [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/gkallio]

Infill, Intergenerational Living & Affordability with Jenn Dechaine

In this episode, Len sits down with Edmonton infill builder and sales coach Jennifer Dechaine to talk about Urban Brix, multi-family projects, and why she believes real estate should be built as generational wealth, not just “build it and sell it.” Jenn explains her passion for infill, intergenerational co-living, and European-style density as real solutions to affordability, loneliness, and aging in place. She and Len also dig into what it’s really like for Gen Z and young professionals trying to buy in today’s market, even in relatively affordable cities like Edmonton. Jenn also shares her work through Congruent Projects, where she coaches real estate and new-home sales professionals on what she calls “human foundations”: resilience, managing rejection, confidence vs. arrogance, and breaking free from “urgency addiction” and 10 p.m. phone panic. They wrap up with her builder–realtor bus tour, an initiative designed to get realtors, builders, and mortgage brokers collaborating instead of colliding, so clients get a smoother new-home experience from first showing to mortgage draw. About Jennifer Dechaine Jennifer Dechaine is a partner at Urban Brix, an Edmonton-based multi-family and custom home development company focused on infill, middle housing, and projects that blend generational wealth-building with strong community design. With decades of experience across sales, construction, and project management, she brings both operational discipline and a deep people-first mindset to how she plans and delivers infill and multi-family projects.  Jenn is also the founder of Congruent Projects, a sales leadership consulting and training company that serves real estate and new-home sales teams across North America. Through Congruent Projects, Jenn specializes in “human-first, high-performance” systems, helping sales professionals build resilience, confidence, emotional regulation, and ethical urgency so they can succeed without burning out. With over 20 years in the industry and experience leading large regional sales teams, she now channels that background into courses, keynotes, and coaching that align performance with well-being.  — Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:  * BrokersForLife.ca [http://brokersforlife.ca] * Linkedin: Len Lane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-lane-b439281a/] * LinkedIn: Brokers for Life [https://www.linkedin.com/company/1410608/admin/feed/posts/] * Facebook: Brokers for Life [https://www.facebook.com/brokersforlife/] * X: @Brokers4Life [https://twitter.com/Brokers4Life] Contact Jennifer Dechaine:  * Website: Urban Brix  [https://www.urbanbrix.ca/] * Website: Congruent Projects [https://www.congruentprojects.com/] * Linkedin: Jennifer Dechaine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dechaine1/] * LinkedIn: Congruent Projects [https://www.linkedin.com/company/congruent-projects/] * Facebook: Congruent Projects [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575151264694&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=aGhgKWeFrqA2YfeY&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1EsKXNggD7%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] * Instagram: Congruent Projects [http://www.instagram.com/congruentprojects] * LinkedIn: Urban Brix [https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-brix/] * Instagram: Urban Brix [https://www.instagram.com/urban_brix/] * Facebook: Urban Brix [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563384253241]

Feeding Hope through the Edmonton Food Bank with Marjorie Bencz

In this heartfelt episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane welcomes Marjorie Bencz, C.M., Executive Director of the Edmonton Food Bank, to talk about food insecurity in our community and the power of collective giving. Marjorie shares her 36-year journey with the Edmonton Food Bank, explaining how economic challenges have driven record levels of need. The Edmonton Food Bank now serves over 40,000 people every month, supplying food hampers, school programs, shelters, and community partners across the city. Len and Marjorie discuss practical ways Albertans can help, from donating food or funds online to volunteering for warehouse shifts, food drives, or special events like Candy Cane Lane and Ken “Truck Guy” Mandan’s annual Christmas campaign. Marjorie highlights the Edmonton Food Bank’s “gleaning” model, where 60% of donated food comes from reclaimed surplus items from grocery stores, farms, and food producers. This episode reminds us that small, consistent acts of giving—can by can and dollar by dollar—add up to a massive impact for families in need. About Marjorie Bencz Marjorie Bencz, C.M., is the longtime Executive Director of the Edmonton Food Bank. Joining as a volunteer in 1987 and stepping into leadership in 1989, she has dedicated more than three decades to building one of Canada’s most effective community food programs. Under her leadership, the Food Bank has expanded to serve tens of thousands monthly and supports over many other local organizations. Marjorie was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her lifelong dedication to alleviating hunger and poverty, and she continues to be a passionate advocate for community cooperation and compassion. Resources discussed in this episode: * Ken Man Dan (Can Man Dan)’s Holiday Food and Toy Drive [https://www.canmandan.org/events] * Candy Cane Lane Edmonton [https://www.crestwoodcommunityleague.ca/candycanelane] * Hope Mission Edmonton [https://hopemission.com/]— Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:  * BrokersForLife.ca [http://brokersforlife.ca] * Linkedin: Len Lane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-lane-b439281a/] * LinkedIn: Brokers for Life [https://www.linkedin.com/company/1410608/admin/feed/posts/] * Facebook: Brokers for Life [https://www.facebook.com/brokersforlife/] * X: @Brokers4Life [https://twitter.com/Brokers4Life] Contact Marjorie Bencz | Edmonton Food Bank: * Website: EdmontonsFoodBank.com [https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com] * LinkedIn: Edmonton Food Bank [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/yegfoodbank] * LinkedIn: Marjorie Bencz [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marjorie-bencz-1b525790] * Facebook: Edmonton’s  Food Bank [https://www.facebook.com/Yegfoodbank/] * Twitter/X: @yegfoodbank [https://twitter.com/yegfoodbank] * Instagram: @edmontonfoodbank [https://www.instagram.com/yegfoodbank/?hl=en]