Fox Marin Featured in Toronto Star: How AI Is Changing the Mortgage Pre-Approval Process

Publication: Toronto Star
Date: May 21 2026
Topic: AI mortgage approvals, real estate technology, and the evolving homebuying experience

Ralph Fox, Broker of Record at Fox Marin, and Kori Marin, Co-Founder, were featured in the Toronto Star discussing how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the mortgage pre-approval process and influence the broader homebuying experience in Toronto.

The article explored how new AI-powered tools being introduced by major financial institutions, including TD Bank, are helping accelerate mortgage pre-approvals and streamline parts of the lending process. It also examined the opportunities and limitations of automation within a real estate market where speed, confidence, and informed decision-making remain critically important.

Quotes from the Toronto Star

“Technology can absolutely help improve efficiency and reduce friction during the financing process, but real estate decisions are still deeply personal and emotional.”

— Ralph Fox, Broker of Record, Fox Marin

“Speed matters in today’s market, especially in competitive situations, but buyers still need guidance, education, and confidence when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.”

— Kori Marin, Co-Founder, Fox Marin

Fox Marin’s Perspective on the Market

Fox Marin emphasized that while artificial intelligence and automation are helping modernize parts of the mortgage approval process, the human side of real estate remains just as important as ever. Faster pre-approvals and streamlined underwriting may improve efficiency for buyers, but purchasing a home still involves emotional, financial, and lifestyle considerations that technology alone cannot fully replace.

The article highlighted how lenders are increasingly using AI to accelerate mortgage and HELOC pre-approvals, with some systems capable of delivering decisions within seconds for straightforward applications. These innovations are helping reduce wait times and allowing underwriters to focus on more complex financing scenarios.

Fox Marin noted that in fast-moving real estate environments, quicker financing decisions can provide buyers with greater confidence and flexibility when competing for properties. However, the article also underscored the importance of balancing speed with thoughtful planning and professional guidance. Understanding affordability, long-term financial goals, neighbourhood dynamics, and market timing remains essential regardless of how quickly financing approvals are generated.

From Fox Marin’s perspective, technology should enhance the client experience — not replace the trusted relationships, strategic advice, and local expertise that buyers and sellers rely on throughout the real estate process.

Why This Matters

Technology is rapidly transforming many aspects of the real estate industry, from property searches and digital marketing to mortgage approvals and underwriting. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the lending process, buyers may benefit from faster decisions, greater convenience, and a more streamlined financing experience.

At the same time, today’s market remains highly nuanced and emotionally driven. While AI may improve efficiency, buyers still need expert guidance to navigate affordability challenges, market conditions, negotiation strategies, and long-term real estate decisions.

The article reflects a broader evolution occurring across the industry: the combination of advanced technology with personalized, strategy-driven service. In an increasingly digital market, working with an experienced real estate team that understands both the technology and the human side of real estate can provide buyers and sellers with a meaningful advantage.

Read the full article in the Toronto Star.