A pram encounter steered Leigh Passfield (pictured above) to mortgage broking, a field where she skillfully manages technology, mental health, and self-discipline.
Passfield, a home loan consultant at Lendi with more than 18 years of mortgage experience, entered mortgage broking somewhat serendipitously. After “retiring” from a career in financial planning, her path took an unexpected turn.
“An ex-work colleague who had started one of the first RAMS franchises in Queensland saw me pushing a pram and said, 'I have something you can do that is going to keep you out of trouble,’” she says. Passfield, a home loan consultant at Lendi with more than 18 years of mortgage experience, entered mortgage broking somewhat serendipitously.
This suggestion proved to be a perfect fit, allowing her to balance her career with personal interests.
“I have only ever viewed it as a part-time job as I have other interests that I have been lucky enough to be able to do,” Passfield says.
The advent of digital technology has significantly reshaped the landscape of mortgage broking. For Passfield, the most positive development has been the ability to conduct appointments via video.
“This has changed the broker world on the ground,” she says. “Having so much more time and opportunities to do lending throughout Australia is brilliant.”
This shift has not only expanded her reach but also enhanced the efficiency of her operations.
While technology offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges, especially for those accustomed to traditional methods.
“Technology change is challenging particularly for someone like me who likes to keep things simple,” Passfield says.
However, she finds solace in her association with Lendi, which supports her through these transitions.
“I am with Lendi, which is the biggest online brokerage organisation, and I can leave it to them to do the research into the technology I will need going forward, and I just keep working with the system as they plan and implement the adaptations for me,” Passfield says.
About a year ago, Passfield faced a slump in her motivation and direction, leading her to take a temporary break from mortgage broking.
“I just said I am going missing for a month from mortgage broking and for the first two weeks or so had no plans to come back,” she says.
This period of reflection proved to be a turning point.
“Then as the month progressed, my attitude improved, and I wrote over $6 million in the first month back. The break was the right thing to do, and I would not hesitate to do it again” Passfield says, highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being in maintaining professional enthusiasm and success.
For those looking to enter the field of mortgage broking, Passfield highlights the importance of self-discipline.
“This is a great role, but self-discipline is the key,” she says. “Time and time again it comes back to doing the basics and the remuneration system is also a challenge – writebacks and delay from settlement to payment.”
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