Helping people with more than mortgages
Inspired by her own experience buying a home, Jessika Ahlgren decided to become a mortgage broker to help educate clients and give them a better understanding of their finances.
Tell us about your journey in business.
When I was looking to buy my first home, I was so overwhelmed by the process. A friend of mine recommend me to a mortgage broker. At the time I had no idea what a mortgage broker did. My mortgage broker explained the grants and concessions available to me, my borrowing capacity, and assisted me with budgeting. They did so much more than just assist in getting a home loan and their services helped ease my anxiety throughout the process. After the incredible experience I had buying my first home, I decided that I wanted to become a mortgage broker and help people in that same way.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry?
When I first became a mortgage broker, I was a single mum and struggled with the work-life balance of juggling my two young children, their after-school activities, as well as my after-hours client appointments. I was lucky to work in a supportive environment, but I still felt I wasn’t able to give 100 per cent to my children or to work. I never got the balance right.
In February this year, my partner and I opened a new office in Belconnen, closer to home, and I have become fully self-employed.
I am working just as many hours as before, but I can structure my days to suit my family and clients’ needs. We have employed new staff and have a small team of amazing people. This allows us to have work-life balance and provide a fantastic customer experience backed by more than 30 years of combined industry experience.
How do you stay up to date with developments in your industry?
Continuous learning is extremely important in this industry as regulations and policies are constantly changing to suit the dynamic economic environment. In order to be on top of my game as a mortgage broker, I need to constantly educate, update and refresh my knowledge on the industry and ongoing policies. I actively take part in regular training sessions and networking programs to keep myself up to date with developments in the industry.
How does your business contribute to your local community?
I come from a community services background and I love working with and helping people.
While I assist customers with a range of different requirements from investment loans, refinances, first home purchase, separations or bridging loans, I am extremely passionate about spending a little extra time in educating my customers. I want them to feel empowered and have a better understanding of their finances when they leave our office.
My main goal is to help people have an incredible buying experience and to educate them in the process. I will soon be implementing one-on-one and small group information nights, starting with first home buyers. Early next year I want to start running information nights for parents going through separations.
To learn more about these information sessions or for general brokerage advice, email [email protected]
