10 Years of Quickfire
Once upon a time there was a dedicated guy that had been working tirelessly in the food and beverage industry and needed a change. He saw an opportunity to bring his expertise in client care (think fine dining) to a new industry – an industry that was lacking in top-notch service. A decade ago Stefan Cherwoniak ventured into the mortgage industry confident that he could make change. He prided himself in ensuring his clients, in whatever industry, were well looked after. In the Fall of 2010 the newly minted Quickfire Mortgage Solutions was launched in Edmonton, Alberta. In the small borough of Wolf Willow Stefan Cherwoniak’s first clients started getting their mortgage financing.
Once Upon a Time – oh so young
Its hard to believe that ten years has passed and the industry has shifted as drastically as it has. A decade ago, many things were a lot simpler – document verification was glazed over – the banks were willing to give money to just about anyone with a heartbeat. Rates in 2010 were a lot higher (average of 5% on 5 year fixed) – seemingly unfathomable now with how our markets have come down. Since then we have seen markets affected by war, an oil crash, wild fires, world economics and a fluctuating Canadian dollar. Our economy had continuously seemed to decrease year over year putting downward pressure on lending rates – making purchasing power higher and higher. Historical all-time lows were reached with sub 2% mortgage rates. Fearing the over extension of our pocket books, the government got involved putting measures in place to curb expenditures and therefore debt. Firstly, the government lowered amortizations (now max 25 years on insured mortgages), and then introduced the ‘Stress Test’ to confirm Canadians could afford their mortgages upon the rising of rates. By comparison these changes decreased the average Canadians purchasing power by 20% - - - it’s not all bad – at least today you know you can afford your house still. Today a mortgage broker’s value has exponentially increased – along with their required expertise to best be able to educate, navigate and advise on the Canadian mortgage industry.
Over the years Quickfire Mortgage Solutions has been involved with many charitable initiatives and community events. The community of Edmonton and the surrounding areas supports them so they are proud to continue to provide support in turn. Quickfire loves grass-roots community organizations like Kids Kottage – and the established Ronald McDonald House – as well as the ever-amazing (and growing) JCI Hamper Program. This year, in addition to their regular community works, Quickfire is choosing a NEW charity to care for each quarter of 2020. Stefan says they are so grateful to be able to support these community organizations and can’t wait to do even MORE moving forward.
Today the Quickfire Team consists of three amazing people and is looking to grow. Stefan Cherwoniak is the principal mortgage broker, battling daily for his clients to ensure that the best possible mortgage products are available. Sherisse White is Quickfire’s amazing client care specialist, ensuring no beat is ever skipped. Tracy Hall is the teams dedicated licensed underwriter, valiantly conversing with the lenders, appraisers, and lawyers to make sure all conditions are met on time (or early 😊).
Servicing clients in the Alberta markets as well as across all of Canada, the Quickfire Team works seamlessly to make sure their clients and partners alike are looked after just like in Stefan’s original vision – to have the client come first; just like the experience one has in a fine dining restaurant.
The team at Quickfire Mortgage Solutions are exceedingly grateful for the first TEN YEARS, and cannot wait to provide more opportunities for even more buyers and sellers in Edmonton and the communities in which we live. Cheers to many more years – and bigger things going forward!