Jacob Williams (pictured left), a former VicPol officer turned mortgage broker, has carved a unique path in the mortgage industry with his firm, Nude Home Loans.
After a successful career in law enforcement and a stint in the military, Williams transitioned to mortgage broking in 2021, driven by his passion for property and a desire to start a new chapter.
Williams’ journey into mortgage broking began out of a genuine interest in property investment, nurtured through personal experiences with mortgage brokers during his property purchases.
“I always loved property and had purchased a few investment properties using the services of a broker,” he said.
Williams’ transition was a calculated leap, fueled by a desire for a fresh challenge after his tenure at VicPol.
In 2023, he joined forces with his business partner, Matthew Vassallo (pictured right), who brought extensive real estate experience to the table. This partnership marked the beginning of Nude Home Loans.
“We have been running Nude Home Loans for almost two years now,” Williams said.
At Nude Home Loans, Williams and his team focus primarily on aiding first-home buyers, a group that often faces significant barriers in the property market.
He highlighted the positive impact of governmental initiatives on his clients, particularly the First Home Guarantee Scheme.
“It has allowed a lot of our clients to get into the property market utilizing the 5% deposit and no lender’s mortgage insurance, where they might not have been able to otherwise,” Williams said.
This scheme has been pivotal in enabling many first-home buyers to overcome the substantial financial hurdles that typically prevent them from entering the housing market.
Despite the successes, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Williams pointed out the significant impact of the current economic climate on potential homeowners.
“The cost of living is crushing people and really hurting bank accounts,” he said, detailing the difficulties clients face in securing loans due to stringent lending criteria exacerbated by economic pressures.
Williams suggested a revision of the current lending buffer, which he believes is restrictive.
“Currently, there is a 3% buffer on servicing rates... this could be reduced to 1.5 or 2% and it would allow a lot more first-home buyers to get into the market, while still being a safety measure,” he said.
This adjustment could potentially make homeownership more accessible to a broader segment of Australians, balancing risk with opportunity.
Reflecting on his decision to start Nude Home Loans with a partner, Williams considered it one of his best career moves.
“It was a challenge … but when you get fully aligned with a business partner, the world is your oyster,” he said.
This collaboration has not only enhanced their business operations but has also significantly improved their client service.
For those looking to enter the mortgage broking industry, Williams offered sage advice: start early and establish yourself as a knowledgeable broker within your community.
“The longer you are in the industry, the more tips and tricks you will pick up,” he said.
Being a recognisable face in the community as a mortgage expert has helped Williams build a robust client base through personal connections and referrals.
