Determined to succeed, Camila Lewis (pictured above), of Derwent Finance, turned a fresh start in mortgage broking into a fulfilling career through persistence and a client-focused approach.
“I became a mortgage broker about three years ago,” Lewis said.
Having previously worked in banking as a lending specialist, she sought a new challenge.
“I had next to no knowledge about becoming a broker at the time, but I love a challenge and wanted to learn something new,” she said.
A serendipitous conversation with a former high school teacher led her to connect with a brokerage. What followed was a year of intense studying to earn her Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management.
“Once I received my diploma, I was straight into it! I wrote several deals within my first week, which was quite scary,” Lewis said.
Despite her lending background, adapting to new policies and systems was daunting.
“Thankfully, I picked it up pretty quickly, and I have never looked back,” Lewis said.
The evolution of client services has been a highlight.
“The best change (so far) is the way we provide services to our clients,” she said, emphasising the benefits of technology.
Remote loan interviews, ID verifications, and streamlined systems have significantly improved efficiency.
“Providing excellent customer service is key in building a decent-sized loan book,” she said.
By automating repetitive tasks, Lewis focuses more on client needs.
“You can spend more time focusing on the important things, rather than half your day being spent on data entry,” she said.
The cost-of-living crisis is a pressing concern for both mortgage brokers and clients.
“There are so many people out there struggling to afford day-to-day basics, let alone afford their mortgage,” Lewis said.
Her approach to tackling this challenge is simple but profound: “Be there for your client. Take the time to simply listen to their concerns.”
With the right knowledge and resources, she believes mortgage brokers can make a meaningful impact by addressing the specific issues their clients face.
“Ensuring we are really listening to our clients, so we fix the right problem, I think that’s most important at the moment,” Lewis said.
Even in the fast-paced world of mortgage broking, there are moments when progress feels elusive. For Lewis, these times have become opportunities for growth.
“I’m sure every broker has had those weeks where your submission count is low, deals are lagging, things aren’t going the way you had planned,” she said.
A few weeks ago, she found herself in exactly this situation.
“I had a rough week and honestly didn’t think it would change,” she said.
However, instead of succumbing to the discouragement, she took a step back to reflect. On Sunday evening, she sat down and created a comprehensive list of unfinished tasks and goals.
“I then spent the entire weekend hustling business, chasing up paperwork, smashing out everything that I missed earlier on,” she said.
By the end of Sunday, her perspective had shifted entirely. “Seeing just how much those extra two days changed my entire weeks’ results, I felt extremely proud of myself.”
For Lewis, the experience was transformative.
“It was a game-changer,” she said. “Spending time reflecting on your week and putting those extra few hard yards in can ultimately be the difference between failure and success.”
Lewis’ advice to aspiring mortgage brokers? “Don’t expect results straight away.”
The early days of her career were tough.
“It takes a solid 12-plus months to really ground yourself, start building your network, your client base, and start getting referrals,” Lewis said.
The financial strain and long hours tested her resolve.
“Many nights I spent thinking to myself, ‘Why on earth did I make this decision, I can’t do it.’ It felt like rock bottom,” she said.
But persistence and determination proved crucial.
“If you really want to be a top broker, you need to accept that you’ll face challenges, hit roadblocks, and be pushed to your limit. But persevere because the reward at the end is worth it,” she said.
Lewis’ journey into mortgage broking exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the drive to succeed. It’s a path not for the faint-hearted, but as she puts it: “If you’re determined, you will get there.”
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