Saltbox Mortgage Agent | Amanda Walczyk Artwork

At Home In Waterloo Region with Cheryl Goetz

Welcome to At Home In Waterloo Region, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the heart and soul of this incredible community — the people! Hosted by Cheryl Goetz, this show features inspiring locals and passionate business owners, sharing their stories, motivations and challenges. Whether you're a long-time resident, new to the area, or somewhere in between, join in and explore what makes Waterloo Region such a special place to live, work and grow.

Each episode dives into the journeys behind local businesses, from the moments of inspiration to the hurdles they've faced, and the joys of running a business in this vibrant region. Hear firsthand what makes these businesses unique, what they’re excited for in the future, and what keeps them grounded in the community.

Tune in for inspiring stories, practical insights, and a few laughs along the way — all from the people who make Waterloo Region a fantastic place to call home.

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At Home In Waterloo Region with Cheryl Goetz

Saltbox Mortgage Agent | Amanda Walczyk

September 04, 2025 • Cher Goetz • Episode 15

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with returning guest and sponsor Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent at Saltbox Mortgage, for a cozy conversation full of laughs, mortgage insight, and real talk. Between bites of chocolate chip cookies, the two dive into unique mortgage products, lessons learned in their careers, and their personal lives—from irrational fears to guilty pleasure TV shows. Amanda shares some eye-opening mortgage strategies and shines a light on why working with a broker can provide options and support you won’t find at a bank.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

[01:58] Amanda introduces Fraction, a unique mortgage product with no payments for up to five years and explains scenarios where it's especially helpful—like spousal buyouts or funding a new business.
[06:49] The importance of having an exit strategy with any mortgage product and how brokers help guide clients through it.
[07:38] Amanda outlines home warranty mortgage products offered by certain broker-partnered banks—covering everything from HVAC to plumbing, often free the first year.
[10:04] Post-closing support: Amanda’s 12-month email campaign teaching clients how to shave years off their mortgage.
[12:25] Why mortgage rate isn’t everything—real-world example of a client almost breaking their term within three months.
[15:35] Amanda shares her surprising background in psychology, forensics, and wrestling!
[24:19] Fun, personal reflections on being Aquarius, irrational fears (needles and manhole covers!), and peaceful Sunday routines.
[42:53] What’s lighting Amanda up in life and business—finally settling into her forever home, seeing client systems click, and feeling reconnected to her work and life balance.

This episode is both informative and delightfully relatable, covering everything from financial empowerment to failed basil plants and hidden talents. Whether you're mortgage-curious or just in for a good conversation, this one is packed with gems.

Connect with Amanda:

Instagram: saltboxmortgage_agent

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

People on this episode

Cheryl Goetz

Host