NAB's Elen Veibust went from mixing cocktails to making mortgages in Sydney and, 10 years later, she's not looking back
NAB's Elen Veibust went from mixing cocktails to making mortgages in Sydney and, 10 years later, she's not looking back
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you a weekly insight into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.
What you did before entering the industry:
My background is hospitality. I have been a receptionist, waitress and bartender (Think blond female version of Tom Cruise in Cocktails&Dreams!) to name a few.
How often do you see brokers in a week?
Usually spend 3.5 days out of 5 on the road. This gives me a good mix of face to face, as well as being available on phone and email
What do brokers want most from you?
Responsiveness! Answering my phone and email in a timely manner seems to be what is most appreciated. And honesty – being upfront about what’s possible and what’s not: If I’m not confident we can do the deal I will let the broker know to place it elsewhere.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Being a trusted advisor is highly satisfactory, and I love knowing that I am helping not only brokers build their businesses but also placing people in homes and realizing the Australian dream of homeownership is still alive! (Despite numerous media articles to the contrary).
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
Brokers that provide more than just a low rate for their customers are definitely the most successful. The best brokers continuously educate themselves and stay up to date with regulatory changes and policy updates and are able to explain these and the current lending environment to their customers in layman’s terms.
Describe your ideal weekend:
Some exercise, followed by a nice brunch and some time on the beach. Also if my 13 year old can be persuaded to hang out with mum for a bit that is a bonus!
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
Had one last week where the applicant was in a stable job, earning a decent salary, good savings history and seeking an owner occupied loan at 58% to buy his first home: I didn’t know these deals existed anymore!
What's your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
If you can do something (like replying to an email or text) in 2 minutes or less, do it straight away. Planning it for later, remembering it, doing it in the future will always take longer.
How do you like your steak done?
Medium rare however I usually choose fish over steak!
Every Wednesday we’ll feature a different BDM from across Australia. If you’d like to be included, please email the editor.
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you a weekly insight into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.
What you did before entering the industry: My background is hospitality. I have been a receptionist, waitress and bartender (Think blond female version of Tom Cruise in Cocktails&Dreams!) to name a few.
How often do you see brokers in a week?
Usually spend 3.5 days out of 5 on the road. This gives me a good mix of face to face, as well as being available on phone and email
What do brokers want most from you?
Responsiveness! Answering my phone and email in a timely manner seems to be what is most appreciated. And honesty – being upfront about what’s possible and what’s not: If I’m not confident we can do the deal I will let the broker know to place it elsewhere.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Being a trusted advisor is highly satisfactory, and I love knowing that I am helping not only brokers build their businesses but also placing people in homes and realizing the Australian dream of homeownership is still alive! (Despite numerous media articles to the contrary).
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
Brokers that provide more than just a low rate for their customers are definitely the most successful. The best brokers continuously educate themselves and stay up to date with regulatory changes and policy updates and are able to explain these and the current lending environment to their customers in layman’s terms.
Describe your ideal weekend:
Some exercise, followed by a nice brunch and some time on the beach. Also if my 13 year old can be persuaded to hang out with mum for a bit that is a bonus!
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
Had one last week where the applicant was in a stable job, earning a decent salary, good savings history and seeking an owner occupied loan at 58% to buy his first home: I didn’t know these deals existed anymore!
What's your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
If you can do something (like replying to an email or text) in 2 minutes or less, do it straight away. Planning it for later, remembering it, doing it in the future will always take longer.
How do you like your steak done?
Medium rare however I usually choose fish over steak!
Every Wednesday we’ll feature a different BDM from across Australia. If you’d like to be included, please email the editor.
