For Perth-based broker Helen Avis, it’s been the niche of expatriate financing that has brought her success.
Helen is Director of Finance at SMATS Group and was winner of the 2022 Residential Finance Broker of the Year award at the MFAA National Excellence Awards after receiving the state award in Western Australia.
Originally from England, Helen was first a mortgage broker there before moving to Singapore in 2003. It was while in Singapore that Helen joined SMATS Group, gaining the qualifications required to write loans with Australian lenders and began her journey of working with clients buying into the Australian property market from overseas. She relocated to Perth this year.
“Initially, I was primarily doing loans for Singaporean residents buying property in Australia, then there was interest from Australian expats which led to the company evolving and growing,” said Helen.
SMATS Group now has clients across the world and has offices in Singapore, China, Dubai, America, Malaysia and, of course, Australia. Having Australian offices was a natural progression for the business, Helen said, as clients who moved back to the country continued to seek their assistance regarding their financing options, including when looking to purchase a home on their return.
It can be complicated for Australian citizens overseas to obtain finance, and affordable lending options are limited.
Helen explained that the number of lenders willing to provide financing to expatriates is low, and has decreased over time, and it’s even less for Australian permanent residents living overseas and foreigners.
“It’s a challenge,” she said.
“You have to go and talk to the lenders – talk to credit, talk to risk, talk to sales – to explain the customers position to show that they are a good client, and ask them to consider it.”
Despite challenges like this, Helen says it’s the fulfillment she gets from helping people achieve their dreams that has kept her in the industry.
“I do honestly really enjoy it,” she said.
Helen also said that she has seen the mortgage broking industry become more professional, particularly over the past five years, and the industry as a whole is very educated, something she supports. She is even mentoring two new brokers at the moment, an experience she is enjoying.
“Seeing somebody learn and bloom and grow, is also very fulfilling,” she said.
Helen also commented that she feels that mortgage and finance broking is a great career for women, and she hopes more women join the industry.
“It is a demanding job, but it’s flexible and you can work it around yourself unlike, for example, a corporate nine-five job,” she explained.
Groundbreakers is powered by Prospa
