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As a finalist for the prestigious Australian Broking Awards 2024 - Residential Broker of the Year, Andrew Hadjidemetri has established himself as a leading expert in the mortgage industry. In this Q&A, Andrew shares insights into his journey, the values that drive his success, and his vision for the future.
- How did you start down this career path?
I began my career as a financial planner at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where I developed a strong foundation in helping clients achieve their financial goals. During my time at CBA, I discovered a particular passion for property investment and realised that helping clients build wealth through property was where I truly wanted to make an impact. This passion led me to transition from financial planning to mortgage broking, as I wanted to specialise in providing clients with the best possible solutions for their property-related needs.
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I then moved to Westpac, where I further honed my skills in the mortgage industry. However, I soon realised that to be a true expert, I needed to offer my clients more than just one bank’s products. This realisation drove me to become a mortgage broker, allowing me to provide a wider range of options tailored to each client’s unique situation. By stepping into the role of a mortgage broker, I could fully commit to helping clients navigate the complexities of the property market, free from the limitations of a single bank's offerings.
- What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
What inspires me the most is the opportunity to help Australians achieve their financial goals through property ownership. Whether it’s guiding a first-time homebuyer through the process of purchasing their first home or assisting seasoned investors in expanding their portfolios, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I’ve played a role in someone’s financial success.
The Australian property market is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, and being able to make a tangible difference in my clients’ lives by helping them secure their future is incredibly fulfilling. My inspiration comes from seeing the positive impact that property ownership can have on a person’s financial well-being and knowing that my expertise can help them navigate this journey with confidence.
- What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
My approach to customer service is built on one simple yet powerful principle: responsiveness. I guarantee that all client inquiries will be acknowledged within 4 hours. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a complex issue will be resolved within that timeframe, but clients can expect a prompt response, setting the stage for a clear timeline on when they can expect a resolution.
This commitment to responsiveness is something that sets me apart in an industry where clients often feel left in the dark. By ensuring that my clients are always kept in the loop, I build trust and foster strong, lasting relationships. My goal is to provide a seamless and stress-free experience, and being highly responsive is a key component of achieving that.
- How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
Innovation and staying ahead of industry trends are critical in the fast-paced world of mortgage broking. To remain at the forefront, I make it a point to stay well-informed by consistently reading industry newsletters from banks and broker memberships. This keeps me updated on the latest developments, especially in areas such as automation, which is transforming the way we work.
I am particularly focused on leveraging technology to streamline the mortgage process for my clients. From bank submissions to approval timelines and post-approval processes, I am always looking for ways to make the journey smoother and more efficient. By embracing new tools and strategies, I can provide my clients with a more responsive and efficient service, ensuring that they always have a competitive edge in the market.
- What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the toughest challenges I’ve faced in my role was during a period of significant market volatility. Interest rates were fluctuating rapidly, and there was widespread uncertainty among clients. Many were unsure about whether to fix their rates or opt for variable, and others were hesitant to enter the market altogether.
To overcome this challenge, I focused on education and communication. I took the time to provide my clients with detailed insights into the market, explaining the potential risks and benefits of each option in a way that was easy to understand. By empowering my clients with knowledge, I was able to alleviate their concerns and help them make informed decisions that aligned with their long-term financial goals. This experience reinforced the importance of being not just a service provider, but also a trusted advisor.
- What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, my primary goal is to become one of the top 10 residential brokers in Australia. This goal isn’t just about increasing settlement volumes or market share; it’s about continuing to deliver exceptional service that sets a new standard in the industry. I want to be recognised not only for the numbers but for the positive impact I have on my clients’ lives.
Additionally, I aim to further integrate cutting-edge technology into my practice to enhance the client experience and continue adapting to the evolving needs of the market. By staying ahead of trends and consistently improving my service offerings, I am confident that I can achieve this goal while helping more Australians realise their property dreams.
Learn more here www.afmsgroup.com.au and get your free assessment here https://refinance.afmsgroup.com.au/refinancing
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