SPOTLIGHT! on Joan Cote

When did you begin your career in the mortgage industry? 

I started working in the mortgage industry in 2003 with Home Loans Canada. Time really does fly! 

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not working with your clients? 

I have a business called Smuggler’s Sea Glass Creations that I focus on in my spare time. I create a variety of decorations using sea glass I’ve collected over many years at seaside locations throughout North America. Every piece I make is unique. I enjoy selecting the right shape, colour and type of glass to bring the piece to life.  

I also enjoy decorating my home, and spending time in my yard and gardens. I view both as ongoing projects – they evolve over time as I stumble upon new and unique items to incorporate in my indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Other than that, you can find me spending time with my large Cape Breton family either at our home in the HRM or back at home in Sydney. 

What’s your favourite thing about working in the mortgage industry? 

Working with clients at exciting milestones throughout their lives.  

It’s great helping a young couple purchase their first home, and then receiving a call or email from them years later when they want to purchase a new home to accommodate their growing family. As their mortgage broker, if you’ve done your job well, you’ll be able to assist your clients at milestones in their lives for years to come.  In a way, you get to follow them through life’s journey and share in their excitement. 

Also, having worked closely with David and Susan Skinner for many years, I’ve seen first-hand how clients have become very good friends. It’s wonderful. 

Do you work with a particular clientele?  

We’re happy to help any client. Over the years, I’ve worked with everyone from first time buyers to very experienced buyers. I would say, however, that an area of specialty for us are self–employed buyers.  

I’ve also helped many clients with refinances, transfers, switches, and spousal buyouts.  

We always ask our clients to tell us about their dream home. Let’s hear about your dream home…what would it be like? 

My dream home would have a view of the water (preferably salt water), with a large, covered veranda. The home would have lots of comfy furniture, and space to welcome family & friends. It would require little maintenance and have private space for all. It would have a fireplace to warm up on a cool evening, and a white kitchen!!