Helping clients through the Canterbury earthquakes was a very challenging and desperate time
NZ Adviser talks to Christchurch-broker Lisa Perring about what she loves about the job, and how to get mum & dad investors onto the investment property ladder.
Who or what has inspired you to become a mortgage broker? What led you into this industry?
After 15 years in a sales-based role, an injury prompted a career change. I was approached by a local mortgage broker to join their team in 2005. Despite some tough times along with the good, it was the best move I ever made.
What is the best part of the job?
I love the feeling when I have managed to assist my clients with their dream of owning a home. It’s quite a process, especially for first home buyers, but it’s really rewarding once they realise they can have that Kiwi dream of owning their own home.
What’s the hardest, most challenging part?
The Canterbury earthquakes were the most challenging time. I had to be there to help clients in a desperate time of need – it was a real learning curve waiting on the insurance embargo to be lifted for properties to settle.
What do you think has been the secret to your professional success?
Helping every client that walks into the office even if it’s a difficult situation and having the ability to look outside the square. Keeping in touch with my clients on a regular basis and being available to help in every situation that I can.
What was your most memorable client experience?
Helping a client work through a devastating build when the builder fled with a large amount if their funds. I helped them through the process over a couple of years. After a lot of tears, they finally got a successful outcome and the house of their dreams.
How would you sum up brokers in a few words?
Solution finder, counsellor
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for brokers in 2018?
There’s a huge opportunity for advisers to provide clarity, advising in an area that has become very complex for the client when approaching a bank directly.
An adviser needs to provide industry knowledge and demonstrate value. By knowing their lenders and best way forward for each individual client situation, they will have more work and opportunity in this ever-changing environment.
What do you think of RBNZ’s LVR changes?
I would like to have seen first home buyers being exempt from the LVR restrictions with over 80% lending as I feel first home buyers have been the most affect (by the changes).
I agree with the LVR restrictions of no more than 65% lending for property investors with more than one investment property. But it would be nice to see mum & dad investors wanting to purchase an investment property for their retirement being able to do so.
Outside of being a broker, what else do you enjoy doing?
Spending quality time with my two boys, family and friends.
If you were the Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?
I would ease off on the Responsible Lending Code. I find it really hard when I have to tell a client I can’t help as lending does not service anymore due to age. A lot of elderly people are on low incomes (pensions only) and sometimes need to use the equity in their properties to consolidate their bills.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would you invite and why?
Helen Clark and Jacinda Arden, and Richard Branson – all are very inspiring leaders.
Complete this sentence – if I wasn’t a mortgage broker, I would be…
That’s a hard one. I can’t think of anything I would rather do. I love being a mortgage broker, and I get great satisfaction from a job well done.
Related stories:
60% of the work we do is new builds, broker
When you meet a new client listen, broker
Who or what has inspired you to become a mortgage broker? What led you into this industry?
After 15 years in a sales-based role, an injury prompted a career change. I was approached by a local mortgage broker to join their team in 2005. Despite some tough times along with the good, it was the best move I ever made.
What is the best part of the job?
I love the feeling when I have managed to assist my clients with their dream of owning a home. It’s quite a process, especially for first home buyers, but it’s really rewarding once they realise they can have that Kiwi dream of owning their own home.
What’s the hardest, most challenging part?
The Canterbury earthquakes were the most challenging time. I had to be there to help clients in a desperate time of need – it was a real learning curve waiting on the insurance embargo to be lifted for properties to settle.
What do you think has been the secret to your professional success?
Helping every client that walks into the office even if it’s a difficult situation and having the ability to look outside the square. Keeping in touch with my clients on a regular basis and being available to help in every situation that I can.
What was your most memorable client experience?
Helping a client work through a devastating build when the builder fled with a large amount if their funds. I helped them through the process over a couple of years. After a lot of tears, they finally got a successful outcome and the house of their dreams.
How would you sum up brokers in a few words?
Solution finder, counsellor
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for brokers in 2018?
There’s a huge opportunity for advisers to provide clarity, advising in an area that has become very complex for the client when approaching a bank directly.
An adviser needs to provide industry knowledge and demonstrate value. By knowing their lenders and best way forward for each individual client situation, they will have more work and opportunity in this ever-changing environment.
What do you think of RBNZ’s LVR changes?
I would like to have seen first home buyers being exempt from the LVR restrictions with over 80% lending as I feel first home buyers have been the most affect (by the changes).
I agree with the LVR restrictions of no more than 65% lending for property investors with more than one investment property. But it would be nice to see mum & dad investors wanting to purchase an investment property for their retirement being able to do so.
Outside of being a broker, what else do you enjoy doing?
Spending quality time with my two boys, family and friends.
If you were the Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?
I would ease off on the Responsible Lending Code. I find it really hard when I have to tell a client I can’t help as lending does not service anymore due to age. A lot of elderly people are on low incomes (pensions only) and sometimes need to use the equity in their properties to consolidate their bills.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would you invite and why?
Helen Clark and Jacinda Arden, and Richard Branson – all are very inspiring leaders.
Complete this sentence – if I wasn’t a mortgage broker, I would be…
That’s a hard one. I can’t think of anything I would rather do. I love being a mortgage broker, and I get great satisfaction from a job well done.
Related stories:
60% of the work we do is new builds, broker
When you meet a new client listen, broker
