Establishing a digital presence and fostering a culture of education and community engagement are just some of the top strategies for the new brokerages making waves in the mortgage broking market.
The mortgage industry has grown steadily in recent years, with more than 2,700 mortgage brokerages established between September 30, 2020, and September 30, 2022, according to MFAA data.
Australian Broker talked to two brokerages at the pinnacle of this cohort - The Happy Finance Company and Resolve Finance - Nedlands - which both made the cut among six other excellence awardees vying for Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year at the Australian Mortgage Awards 2023 (AMAs).
One of the key themes among the top new brokerages was how they had embraced technology.
“We understand that the mortgage industry is evolving rapidly, and clients expect more than just traditional services,” said Matthew Goodyear (pictured above left), who co-founded The Happy Finance Company nearly two years ago on the Sunshine Coast.
“To enhance the mortgage experience for our clients, we've introduced a few innovative approaches,” said Goodyear, who co-directs the company with David French, Andrea Palella, and Matthew Crossley (all pictured below). 
From left, Andrea Palella, Matthew Goodyear, Matthew Crossley, and David French
Part of this innovative approach is the company’s digital platform and website, which has been designed to streamline the mortgage application process.
“Our customers can submit documents electronically, track their application's progress, and receive real-time updates. This has significantly reduced processing times and improved the overall experience,” Goodyear said.
“Our website is not just a static page but a dynamic hub of information and resources. We regularly update it with informative articles, guides, and success stories. Our active presence on social media platforms also helps us engage with clients and share valuable insights.”
Technology is also at the heart of business for Michele Jurak (pictured above right), franchise owner and one half of the husband-and-wife team at Resolve Finance in the Perth suburb of Nedlands.
Their platform also allows customers to upload documents, track their progress, and communicate with the team in real time.
“In a tech-savvy era, we've recognised the importance of integrating technology to streamline the mortgage experience,” Jurak said. “This has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced client satisfaction by providing them with real-time updates.”
Moreover, Jurak and her partner Norm Roberts (pictured in the Linkedin post below) have introduced personalised planning sessions in the mortgage consultations.
“This holistic approach helps clients align their home financing with their broader financial goals,” Jurak said. “It's this commitment to offering comprehensive financial lending solutions that has set us apart and contributed to increased client retention and referrals.”
“Ultimately, these innovations have translated into improved client experiences, shorter processing times, and increased word-of-mouth referrals, positively impacting our business outcomes and establishing us as a modern and client-focused brokerage in the competitive mortgage landscape.”
While the brokerages themselves are new, the people behind them offer decades of valuable experience and are primed to make a long-lasting impact in the industry.
Since 2004, Jurak and Roberts have helped thousands of clients with their financial needs and aspirations across various roles in the banking and finance space.
In 2021, together they establish their brokerage franchise though Resolve Finance, blending decades of experience towards assisting customers across a range of asset classes.
“Building a reputable brand quickly in the mortgage industry requires a multi-faceted approach. Our team’s diverse background in finance, real estate, and business consulting allows us to offer comprehensive solutions and insights beyond the traditional scope of brokerage services,” Jurak said.
“By showcasing our expertise through client seminars, industry talks, and content sharing, we've positioned ourselves as trusted advisors rather than just transactional brokers.”
The four directors at The Happy Finance Company also bring a wealth of experience to the new venture and use it to provide clients with educational resources, including webinars, videos, and articles, to help them understand the mortgage process better.
“Informed clients are more confident and satisfied with their decisions,” said Goodyear who has worked with the three other directors for more than five years in a previous role.
The final common thread between these two brokerages is their commitment to their communities.
Jurak said she was passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals through homeownership.
“By hosting seminars, participating in local events, and sharing valuable market insights, we've built trust and positioned ourselves as not just mortgage brokers, but as financial advisors dedicated to our clients’ long-term financial well-being,” she said.
Goodyear said his team were also active in their local community, sponsoring events and participating in charitable activities.
“This demonstrates our commitment to the wellbeing of our community and fosters good will.”
