As Canada's professionals plan for their futures, licensing mobility has become an issue in many industries, including finance and real estate. The Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders (CIMBL), the 5000 member organization that represents major mortgage industry stakeholders, joins the trend by promoting national certification and registration for its members.

According to CIMBL's supporter, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the results of the fifth annual CMHC survey on the shopping behaviours of Canadian mortgage consumers support this trend: “more than eighty per cent of consumers agree, when asked, that mortgage professionals in Canada should be nationally certified and registered." The survey based on a national probability sample of 1,500 active mortgage consumers, completed by CIMBL is sponsored and managed for CIMBL by CMHC.

"CMHC is pleased to be working with Canada's mortgage industry to better understand today's mortgage consumer," noted Karen Kinsley, CMHC President. "This survey provides a unique perspective on consumer perceptions, behaviours and expectations when getting, renewing, or refinancing a mortgage and will help the industry to better meet the mortgage financing needs of Canadians."

Michael Beckette, President of CIMBL added, "This key survey on emerging consumer trends in our industry enables us to respond effectively to our clients' needs. For example, 27 per cent of mortgage consumers arrange a mortgage in their home, either face-to-face with a mortgage professional or over the phone."

The 2003 survey also highlights consumer trends towards savvy comparison shopping:

Published: December 9, 2003

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.