Your Marketplace
The quality of an aggregator plays a huge part in the success of a broker's business. So when it comes to a perfect match, what are the key hallmarks of a successful partnership between broker and aggregator? Sarah Wells – solutionist and founder of redconcierge – reveals her experien... read more >
In an industry so reliant on emotional intelligence, there are a number of factors that put many women at an advantage. “Women are often perceived as gentle and good listeners, if a particular client values this approach they may seek a women mortgage consultant,” explains Chelsea Bou... read more >
The typical valuation process involves an inspection, whereby measurements and photographs are taken of the property. This information is then substantiated by market research, particularly investigation into nearby properties selling at the time. “There are many factors which contribute t... read more >
In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins identified how great US corporate CEOs were like mountaineers tackling Everest – they had to progress but they needed to be good at managing the risks of what can go wrong. This same disciplined approach has to be bolted onto the marketing goals of a ... read more >
On the cusp of a new era of professionalism in the mortgage and finance industry, debate has arisen among brokers in relation to how the new regulations will affect and mould the profession. An increased focus on education and professional development, nationwide compliance and licensing, as wel... read more >
There can be no doubt the industry contracted in the wake of the GFC with the Big Four banks, helped considerably by the federal government’s bank guarantee, consolidating their position. But as an appetite for risk returns, and credit becomes more available, competition will emerge. The A... read more >
Diversification has been on the cards for leading brokers for a number of years and is by no means anything new. Diversification, says Brendan O’Donnell, chief executive officer at Choice Aggregation Services, strategically positions their brokers to support their clients in a number of way... read more >
The broker’s role in the borrower’s property transaction isn’t as simple as ticking the box for loan approval when a valuation figure comes in. For the invested broker, it has far more to do with managing the delicate relationship between the impassioned homeowner and the method... read more >
Housing affordability: where are we at?
Housing affordability in Australia remains a major issue with the effects of the GFC still looming large. It all comes back to the supply and demand ratio where demand for dwellings is outstripping supply. “The economic environment has changed in the past 18 months from a period of... read more >
The lowdown on defaults
Mortgage defaults are a serious issue for all parties involved in a loan transaction. For brokers and lenders, communication is vital in dealing with mortgage defaults. Scott McWilliam, general manager of operations at Homeloans, says borrowers are generally reluctant to notify their broker or... read more >
Commercial broking masterclass
If you’re going to do something, do it well. It’s age-old advice, but in the days where diversification is the buzzword of choice, are professionals in the mortgage and finance industry in danger of becoming jacks of all trades, and masters of none? “Commercial broking is not... read more >
Non-bank revival
The storm that was the global financial crisis (GFC) left many non-bank lenders out in the cold. But as American poet Robert Frost penned, “a bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it rains” – so how is the non-bank sector... read more >
Brand partnerships in practice
Brand alliances have become an increasingly popular way to market a business. When brands ‘marry up’, it’s often thought that there is mutual complementarity. But it’s not just that. Lindstrom argues that the partners agree their brand missions are similar. “Brand... read more >
Reaching out to new borrowers
With the cost of living an ever-present concern, being able to reach out and provide finance and support to all market segments, particularly those with little immediate capital, is important for brokers. Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) providers are the key to accessing these borrowers.... read more >
Women in the industry
A woman’s work, it’s said, is never done. While this rhetoric may seem better placed in the days before the phrase ‘work life balance’ found its way into popular culture, in reality, it rings true for many women in the mortgage and finance industry. Here, women at the head... read more >
What brokers want
It’s been a confronting time for brokers over the past 24 months and beyond: commission restructuring, changing volume requirements, tighter lending policies, consolidation, competition concerns. It’s an era where professionalism is not only heavily advocated, but something that is... read more >
