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Real Life Mortgage Solutions

Real Life Mortgage Solutions

Written by: Len Lane
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How do mortgages brokerages actually work—and why are so many career-changers becoming mortgage brokers? Real Life Mortgage Solutions breaks down real deals, digs into industry connections and strategies, and uncovers how brokers find the perfect blend of independence and impact.©2026 Brokers For Life Economics Personal Finance Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Navigating Co-Ownership Disputes with Gordon Kallio
    Jan 20 2026


    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


    Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:

    • BrokersForLife.ca
    • Linkedin: Len Lane
    • LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
    • Facebook: Brokers for Life
    • X: @Brokers4Life

    Contact Gordon Kallio:

    • Website: Owen & Associates Law
    • Linkedin: Gordon Kallio

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    17 mins
  • Infill, Intergenerational Living & Affordability with Jenn Dechaine
    Jan 6 2026

    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
    • Linkedin: Len Lane
    • LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
    • Facebook: Brokers for Life
    • X: @Brokers4Life

    Contact Jennifer Dechaine:

    • Website: Urban Brix
    • Website: Congruent Projects
    • Linkedin: Jennifer Dechaine
    • LinkedIn: Congruent Projects
    • Facebook: Congruent Projects
    • Instagram: Congruent Projects
    • LinkedIn: Urban Brix
    • Instagram: Urban Brix
    • Facebook: Urban Brix

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    33 mins
  • Feeding Hope through the Edmonton Food Bank with Marjorie Bencz
    Dec 9 2025

    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
    • Candy Cane Lane Edmonton
    • Hope Mission Edmonton


    Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life:

    • BrokersForLife.ca
    • Linkedin: Len Lane
    • LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
    • Facebook: Brokers for Life
    • X: @Brokers4Life


    Contact Marjorie Bencz | Edmonton Food Bank:

    • Website: EdmontonsFoodBank.com
    • LinkedIn: Edmonton Food Bank
    • LinkedIn: Marjorie Bencz
    • Facebook: Edmonton’s Food Bank
    • Twitter/X: @yegfoodbank
    • Instagram: @edmontonfoodbank

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    15 mins
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