One young broker sees her youth as a distinct advantage in an industry where change is inevitable.
Mortgage Choice broker Karli Martin came 15th in The Adviser’s Young Broker of the Year rankings for 2014, writing a staggering 211 loans in 2013-14 worth approximately $44 million.
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Ms Martin said that while people may be a hesitant to talk to a young broker at first, there are many benefits of dealing with professionals aged under 30.
“Obviously people are going to be a little bit more apprehensive when they see that you’re a little bit younger than the average broker age, but once you talk to them and show you’re quite capable of handling their finances, and show confidence, it ends up being advantageous to them,” she said.
“[Young people] are used to having a lot of change happening, not only with broking but in everyday life, so I think that works in an advantageous way for young brokers because they’re able to move with the times and adapt to all the changes. I think young people probably have the ability to take it on a bit better.”
On being a female in the industry, Ms Martin said she’s never felt disadvantaged compared to her male counterparts.
“I don’t think females should feel there’s an inequality,” she said.
“It definitely is a male-dominated industry, but sometimes when a female fills in the application they prefer to deal with another female and you can build up a different relationship than what a male broker can.
“There should definitely be more females in the industry, but the females need to want it.”
Over the next 12 months Ms Martin will continue working with Mortgage Choice and eventually hopes to purchase a franchise with the group.
The Adviser's Young Broker of the Year for 2015 – along with the top 30 brokers under 30 – will be revealed at the inaugural Rising Stars event, which will be held in Sydney next Friday 6 November.
Partnered by Citi, the event aims to bring together Australia’s best and brightest for an evening of networking, socialising and celebrating as it recognises the nation's top young brokers.
Click here to secure your spot at The Adviser's Rising Stars event.