"Mortgages very much found me"
Lea Karasavvas (pictured), the managing director of Prolific Mortgage Finance, shares a mortgage journey that is both inspiring and unconventional. The path to becoming a leading figure in the mortgage industry was not one he had envisioned from a young age.
“In a very cliched way, mortgages very much found me,” he said.
Getting into the industry
Fresh out of university, Karasavvas’ proximity to Canada Life led him to a role within its compliance department. Here, he was introduced to the intricacies of endowments and repayment vehicles, ensuring they met compliance standards. This role, although not his calling, was a pivotal first step into the financial world.
It wasn’t long before he transitioned to John Charcol in the city, focusing again on compliance but inching closer to the sales side where his true passion lay. His career trajectory continued to ascend as he joined the compliance team at Savills, where the calibre of brokers ignited his passion for sales.
“My heart and passion was in sales, so I joined Square Mile in the city and embarked on a career in broking and never looked back,” he said.
He then moved on to spend four years at Hamptons International Mortgages before setting up his own company, Prolific Mortgage Finance, in 2010.
Motivations to continue as a broker
“Broking is a passion of mine and has been from the day I was introduced to it,” Karasavvas said. “The buzz of making dreams become reality, of being part of a journey that helps people find homes that they can fill with wonderful memories, and grow a family in, it is something that I am really passionate about.
“Home is where the heart is, home is where memories are made, where people feel safest and most secure, and to be able to help people achieve that – especially when they feel they can’t, is something that is so rewarding.”
He added that the emotional, and sometimes stressful, journey of buying a home has led to many clients becoming his personal friends, underscoring the unique and rewarding nature of the profession.
“I don’t know many jobs that give that kind of reward,” he said.
Looking to the future
Karasavvas’ goals are clear and simple. His dedication to his clients is unwavering, with a desire to support not just them but their extended families and friends, emphasising a generational approach to mortgages.
“I have never been the type of broker to fill my book with introducers, or buy leads as that type of business is not quite as personal and it is the relationship side that means so much to me,” he stressed.
“That said, I also hope to give back a little to the industry that I love, which was a driving factor when I joined the board of advisors for the Society of Mortgage Professionals, to try and help and mentor some of the younger generation coming through.”
Prolific Mortgage Finance also stands as a testament to his vision and values. The brokerage, now nestled in Sopers House in Cuffley, Hertfordshire, offers a unique environment for both clients and brokers. With facilities including a gym, sauna, restaurant, pool, and boxing rings, the focus is on well-being and fostering a supportive, learning environment.
“Prolific is a business that I am very proud of,” Karasavvas said. “Our intention is to grow the brokerage with brokers that have a similar ethos to our current ones. Caring, attentive brokers who put the client before anything else.
“We have built stronger relationships with our clients this last 12 to 18 months, and really showcased the true benefits of the broker when our clients need us most. Our intention is to capitalise on that, expand the team, and help more clients in need of that personal touch.”
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