First Foundation Spring Newsletter

Spring is officially here! With a generally mild winter past us – it seems everyone is waiting with anticipation to see what spring weather will Alberta see this year!
In this quarterly installment of our Spring newsletter, we’ll touch on the following:

• Spring Market Update
• First Foundation Insurance
• Things to Watch For
• Meet Our Newest Licensed Mortgage Broker – Jennifer Huynh
• Box, Docusign, Apps – Oh My! Technology Prevails!
• Recognition Where It’s Due

Spring Market Update

Sheri Grier, a local REALTOR provides some fantastic insight to the Edmonton real estate market: “Every spring the market picks up its pace and spring 2012 is no different. What’s especially positive about this year is the strong economic indicators and increased consumer confidence. Buyers of all types are gladly stepping into the market and are enjoying good selection, affordable prices and great interest rates! When it comes time to put pen to paper it’s vital that buyers and sellers alike gather detailed data on their specific market (ie neighbourhood, property type and price range). For instance, right now we’re seeing single family homes under $400,000 in some areas generating multiple offers! In other areas, it might take a significantly lower price to create that kind of intense buyer activity. The bottom line? If a seller wants to sell today, they can. And if a buyer wants to buy, it makes sense to do so now! And whichever side of the table you’re on, get professional advice from your lender and your REALTOR.”

First Foundation Insurance

Here at First Foundation, a key component in carrying out our mission is to help financially responsible Canadians protect themselves, their loved ones, and their assets. As a result, we are very proud to introduce our new division, First Foundation Insurance to offer just that. Not only can First Foundation’s mortgage customers benefit from bundled savings on home and auto insurance, but small to medium-sized businesses across Alberta can benefit from over thirty years of commercial insurance experience with our Managing Partner, Kathy Anders. Her passion, skill and natural effervescence makes working with her both positive and memorable. We’re excited to welcome her to our team! Contact First Foundation Insurance today to chat with Kathy or get an online quote!

Things to Watch For

First Foundation is getting a new look! In celebration of our 10th year in business, First Foundation is getting a ‘makeover’! We’ll still continue to stand for the same values that have made us who we are over the last 10 years, but our new look will reflect the direction that First Foundation is moving towards. Keep your eyes peeled for our refreshed logo and updated website. We look forward to seeing what you think! And because all new looks deserve a little extra attention, watch out for our 10 year anniversary announcement! We’re having a party and we want you there! Stay tuned for dates and details!

Meet Our Newest Licensed Mortgage Broker – Jennifer Huynh

Jennifer Huynh is blazing new trails at First Foundation! Jenn came to us after nearly five years of personal banking services to take on a completely new role with the First Foundation team, an Unlicensed Mortgage Assistant. Since joining us in October, She has been a completely invaluable addition to the team. Jenn has recently completed the Mortgage Brokerage exam under the Real Estate Council of Alberta – and will soon be licensed. You can learn more about Jennifer on her profile page. Send her a note of congratulations and say hi!

Box, Docusign, Apps – Oh My! Technology Prevails!

First Foundation is always looking at ways to provide our clients with the best service possible. Recently, we’ve introduced new technology, Box and Docusign, that helps manage our client’s entire mortgage process more efficiently and the feedback from our clients has been phenomenal! Box is a online file-sharing system that is much more secure for our clients. Docusign allows our clients to sign documents electronically; saving our clients’ time, reducing paperwork, and reducing overall signing errors. Clients love it-We love it too!

First Foundation is also proud to announce the release of our very first ever Canadian Mortgage Calculator App for iPhone is now available for free download in the iTunes App Store. Now you can check out MLS listings on your phone or calculate how much it would cost to own the home of your dreams! As always, we’d love your feedback!

Recognition Where It’s Due

Earlier this month, the REALTORS Association of Edmonton presented Kathy Schmidt, of Schmidt Realty Group, with the REALTOR of the Year Award. This award is one of the highest honours in the industry which reflects an industry member who has earned the respect of his or her colleagues and works to enhance the industry and the community in which they live and work. As a partner in the industry, First Foundation couldn’t agree more with the Award Committee’s decision – Congratulations Kathy!

More locally, our own Senior Licensed Mortgage Broker, Lisa Last hit a milestone of her own. In early March, Lisa successfully funded over $100 million in mortgages since starting with First Foundation in 2008. Her strong underwriting abilities partnered with her natural tendencies to always act in her client’s best interests have definitely contributed to her success. Beyond her sales abilities, Lisa brings many ideas to the business that has made the entire team more successful and efficient! Yay Lisa!