How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I had worked for the major banks since 1998 and loved what I did. A few weeks after my daughter, Kyra, was born in January 2017, I came home (on a Sunday night) after seeing clients and realised, when my wife asked me to hold her while she took a shower, that I had not held my daughter for almost a week. That realisation, partnered with the internal politics that came with working for the major banks, made me realise that although I loved my job, I was not happy with how much time I was spending at home with the family.
As my last role with Westpac was a home finance manager, I reviewed all the business I had written and where it had come from and did the math. I realised I could more than likely make enough of a living to support the family, still do what I love, and work the hours I wanted. Fast forward eight years, I still do the hours; however, I have the flexibility to be available for my family and work the hours that fit.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
I think the biggest challenge in the mortgage broking industry at the moment is too many part-time or side-gig mortgage brokers, and the qualifications and continuous education requirements that allow for anyone to become accredited as a mortgage broker – though I see this as an issue with numerous industries associated with the property market.
I would impose higher entry requirements, better education around training, and a minimal business requirement to maintain industry accreditations – or at least compulsory training requirements and skills assessments when a broker does not write business for more than, say, six months.
