This BDM developed a love of lending from an early age
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you regular insights into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.
Name: Luisa Cammarere
Years in the industry: 12
Company: AMP Bank
Location: Melbourne Victoria
What did you do before entering the industry?
I have always loved banking, especially lending. I remember giving my mum advice to fix her mortgage for five years when I was only 15 years old! So, aside from the usual post school part-time jobs, this industry has been my home for the past 12 years. My first role was as a credit card retention specialist for CBA and I made the move into my current role over six years ago. Making the decision to enter this industry has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
How often do you see mortgage brokers in a week?
In pre-COVID times, I would say 12-15 times a week. Now, I speak to a minimum of 15 brokers a day. Technology has allowed us to stay connected in a variety of ways, not just over the phone, and I would say it has actually allowed us to strengthen the service and support we provide for brokers.
What do mortgage brokers want most from you?
Mortgage brokers want honesty and transparency. They want me to tell them if it’s a deal or not for AMP. I pride myself on being transparent and open with my brokers. There is a client at the end of every transaction and if I can find a home at AMP or suggest another lender then I think I have done my job.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of the job is the amazing relationships I have built, both with my supportive colleagues and with my brokers. I have learnt so much from my brokers. They have given me so much advice and helped me develop into the person I am today. I will forever be grateful for their support and guidance.
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
I was not sure how to answer this one because I honestly believe that all brokers that I deal with are the best. My brokers help clients purchase their first home, help them build wealth and investment in property. They are all amazing to deal with and I am extremely lucky to work with them.
What’s your ideal weekend?
To perpetuate the stereotype, being Italian, family is extremely important to me, so my ideal weekend would be spending time with family and enjoying a huge Italian meal, with a very large glass of red, of course.
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
A client wanted to purchase a $3 million chicken farm via residential lending.
What’s your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
One thing I learnt early on in my career is to allocate time appropriately and not get distracted. So, if I am going to send emails, I will make sure that I block out time to only work on emails. I turn my phone on silent and then allocate time to return calls later. This is a great practice to get into as it ensures your focus and productivity is specific to certain tasks. It works well for me, stops me from getting overwhelmed and ensures that I’m productive.
What’s your favourite meal?
If cheesecake is a meal, then Mississippi cheesecake from The Cheesecake Shop. Thank me later! Or Lasagna - Nonna’s of course.
