Helen Avis
Top Broker
2021-2022
Specialist Mortgage broker is number one in the west and a national star
Specialist Mortgage finance director Helen Avis has been recognised in numerous awards ceremonies for her outstanding feats in 2021, 2022 and 2023, further adding to a long history of achievement in the Australian finance industry. Her latest accolade is being named winner of the WA Residential Finance Broker Award at the annual Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) State Excellence Awards. Her other honours include being named in the MPA Top 100 list as one of the Top Mortgage brokers writing the highest value of loans in FY21; WA Broker of the Year and National Broker of the Year for Residential Lending in the Specialist Finance Group Awards 2022; and finalist for Best Residential Broker WA in The Adviser Better Business Awards 2022
Ms Avis settled a staggering $153 million in loans for FY21, a 67 per cent increase on the previous year. Signing 249 loans to rank in the Top 25, considerable momentum started to gather steam around September 2019. 2022 is looking to be even more successful, off the back of a personal record set in July 2021, settling more than $25 million across 29 deals.
“Over the past 12 months the market has become hugely competitive and experienced a meteoric rise in housing values. Unprecedented low-interest rates have not only attracted homebuyers but also resulted in property investors returning to the market along with high levels of refinancing,” Ms Avis said.
“A lot more buyers were acting and buying property than previously, whether as owner-occupiers, future owner-occupiers or as investors.”
“The sheer volume of people, the speed of the market and price points have been phenomenal. Economists are predicting a slowdown in the property market, however, I’m not seeing any signs of it yet.”
More than 600,000 Australians have returned home from international cities since the onset of COVID-19. The appeal of Australia being a safe haven has seen a demand for family homes gain momentum particularly in Queensland, Melbourne and Sydney.
Having experienced the trials and tribulations as an expat herself, Ms Avis has established a trusted position within the expatriate community and understands securing attractive Australian finance options for expats is not only difficult but often a complicated process while residing overseas.
“The last 12 months was not without challenges, with banks taking extended times to process applications throughout the pandemic.”
“For expats, we have limited lenders with attractive terms and often longer processing times. The market is fiercely competitive - in some circumstances buyers have had to make a choice between securing the lowest rate or the quickest loan processing time.”
Setting herself apart from other brokers as a specialist in expatriate finance with her extensive experience and knowledge of expat financial package terms and conditions, Ms Avis’ ability to successfully communicate to banks to get finance approved quickly makes her a leader in the field.
“I am very optimistic for the next few years,”
“We are likely to see more expats returning, more interstate moving, migrants finally moving to Australia, and international students coming back will help the rental market in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
“One positive is the importance of being compassionate to clients, especially those who have faced job uncertainty and financial distress or have experienced delays in getting loan documents signed and notarised through lockdown restrictions.”
Having a career spanning more than three decades, Ms Avis has built a reputation on her tenacity to respond promptly and professionally and working tirelessly to secure the best financial packages for her clients.
The lessons learnt through the pandemic are ones Ms Avis says will carry the Specialist Mortgage team in good stead for the future, understanding there is no substitute for hard work and looking forward to continued growth in 2022.
Contact Helen for award winning service
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Why Specialist Mortgage
Dedication to Service
We provide fast, friendly, seamless service. We clearly communicate everything you need to know throughout the process and will answer questions as they arise. We even help you complete all the application paperwork.
No Additional Costs
Our Specialist Mortgage service is FREE to our clients because we are paid by the banks. Even if your loan is not approved, you will not be charged.
Independent Advice
We deliver unbiased opinions across hundreds of different lending option from more than 30 banks. We clearly explain suitable loans, features, fees and charges. We offer advice on how much you can afford to borrow, to avoid putting yourself at financial risk.
Obligation Free
There is no obligation or cost to discuss your financial affairs. We offer a FREE review of your current or intended loans and provide FREE quotations and pre-approvals. If you decide not to proceed at any time during the process, we will not charge you.
Full Lender Analysis
We quickly compare hundreds of loan options from Australian and International banks, saving you time and money. We provide the most current, accurate and complete information to deliver you the most suitable loan for your individual circumstances.
Negotiating Power
As the largest Australian mortgage originator operating internationally, we have the power, volume and relationships to negotiate with lenders to obtain special conditions, including lower interest rates, longer terms and decreased establishment costs. We can sometimes offer better rates than the banks.
Expert Advice
Our staff are fully accredited and qualified, to ensure we provide the best service in the market. We are the market leaders in providing Australian Property and multi-currency loans to offshore investors – no other firm can match our history or expertise.
Free Access to SMATS Group Services
Unique to SMATS Group, we offer all our valued clients free access to our other services including Australian Property and Taxation Services, to assist you in optimising your financial position.
Trusted provider of Australian Property Finance
Specialist Mortgage has over 25 years of experience arranging finance packages tailored to our clients individual circumstances, whether it be establishing or renegotiating finance for new property investments or utilizing existing equity in your Australian property to purchase another.
We are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition from pre-approval to sale to settlement.
We can arrange funding is arranged for all forms of property acquisition including:
- New and Established Property
- Off Plan Purchases
- House & Land Packages
- First Home Buyers
- Land for Development
- Full Development Funding
- Foreign Buying
- Specialised Expatriate Loans
Awards
Specialist Finance Group Awards.
2024 Mentor of the Year Finalist - Helen Avis
2024 Best Administrator Finalist - Gino Lugto
2024 WA/NT Brokerage Of The Year Finalist
2024 National Brokerage Of The Year (Volume Based) Finalist
2023 WA Broker of the Year Winner – Helen Avis
2023 Group Excellence Award Finalist
2023 National Residential Broker of the Year Finalist
2023 WA Brokerage of the Year Finalist
2022 WA Brokerage of the Year Finalist
2022 WA Broker of the Year Winner – Helen Avis
2022 WA Broker of the Year Finalist – Bridget Bowman
2022 Top 50 Loan Writers Nationally – Bridget Bowman
2021 WA Broker of the Year Winner – Helen Avis
2021 National Broker of the Year for Residential Lending – Helen Avis
2019 International Brokerage of the Year
2019 International Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
2018 International Brokerage of the Year
2018 International Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
2017 International Brokerage of the Year
2017 International Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
2016 International Brokerage of the Year
2016 International Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
Mortgage & Finance Association Of Australia.
2024 Residential Finance Broker State Winner – Helen Avis
2023 Finance Broker Business Award National Finalist
2023 Finance Broker Business Award WA Winner
2023 Best Customer Service (Individual) WA Finalist – Helen Avis
2022 Residential Finance Broker National Winner – Helen Avis
2022 Residential Finance Broker State Winner – Helen Avis
2022 Finance Broker Business Award Finalist
Australian Mortgage Awards.
2024 Broker of the Year (Specialist Lending) – Helen Avis
2024 Brokerage of the Year (Diversification)
2023 National Brokerage of the Year (6-20 staff)
2023 National Broker of the Year, Specialist Lending – Helen Avis
2022 Brokerage of the Year (6-20 staff)
2022 Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
Mortgage Professionals Australia Awards.
2023 Elite Women – Helen Avis
2022 Top 100 Mortgage Broker Award – Helen Avis
2021 Top 100 Mortgage Broker Award – Helen Avis
The Advisor Better Business Awards.
2024 Best Finance Broker WA Winner – Helen Avis
2023 Best Residential Broker WA Finalist – Helen Avis
2023 Best Customer Service (Individual) WA – Helen Avis
2023 Best Customer Service (Office) WA Finalist
2022 Best Residential Broker WA Finalist – Helen Avis
The Advisor Australian Broking Awards.
2024 Residential Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
2022 Residential Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
2022 Finance Broker of the Year – Helen Avis
Women In Finance Awards.
2024 Mortgage Broker of the Year Finalist – Helen Avis
2023 Mortgage Broker of the Year Finalist – Helen Avis
2022 Mortgage Broker of the Year Finalist – Helen Avis
Additional Accolades.
2013 Top Flame Broker St George Bank – Helen Avis
Flame Foundation Member St George Bank – Helen Avis
ANZ Premium Broker – Helen Avis
SMATS Services (Australia) Pty Ltd - ABN 37 141 112 807 - trading as Specialist Mortgage
Australian Credit licence 385201 | MFAA Accredited Broker