Starting as an apprentice, he followed a set path to become an adviser
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
Mortgage Introducer spoke with Kane Powell (pictured), who began his career as an apprentice at Heron Financial and swiftly embraced the progression plan laid out for him.
Full name: Kane Powell
Job title: Senior mortgage adviser
Company: Heron Financial
Number of years in the industry: 5
Location: Rickmansworth
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I started giving mortgage advice in June 2021. Prior to this, I started a role as an apprentice within Heron Financial back in August 2019. It was always the path of progression that was laid out when initially taking the apprenticeship role to move into an adviser role after gaining experience in other parts of the business.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The most positive development I have seen is more depth within lender criteria enabling mortgages to be more accessible to more people, allowing for a higher percentage of home ownership.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry?
The biggest issue right now in the industry is the lack of schemes available from the government. The removal of Help to Buy (HTB) has left a large gap in the market. A potential solution of this is a return of an HTB-like scheme or a larger rollout of the First Homes scheme.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
One of the challenges I have experienced as a broker would be broadly expectation handling – with the various knockbacks that can come in a mortgage application, making the clients aware of these initially to ensure they are well aware of any potential shortfalls that we could have. Learning how to handle this has allowed for a better client journey and a stronger relationship with my clients.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
For those new to broking or aspiring to become brokers, the best advice I can give is to ensure that you always put yourself in your clients’ shoes. When handling multiple deals a week, it can be easy to become desensitised to the client’s position. For many, this will be the biggest transaction they will make in their lives, and it is known to be one of the most stressful processes that can be undertaken. Trying to eliminate as much of these worries and stresses for our clients and ensuring the best outcome for them is absolutely paramount.
Broker in Focus is a weekly Mortgage Introducer feature, spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse backgrounds and locations across the UK. Among those recently featured are Richard Jennings of Richard Jennings Mortgage Services, Barry Wise of The Mortgage Pod, Bob Singh of Chess Mortgages, Matt Davey of Peritus Private Finance, Chris Hall of 1st Call 4 Mortgages, Akhil Mair of Our Mortgage Broker, and Bola Anike of Elmgrove Financial Services.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
