Lanie Conquest

A Q&A with Lanie Conquest;

Do you charge a fee for your services?

In almost all scenarios you are not required to pay a fee for our services. Instead, we’re paid a commission by the lender you choose through. Learn more here or get in touch if you have any questions.

Why should someone choose you rather than going to a bank?

The main reason is that as a mortgage broker I am legally required to work in your best interests and explore a number of options (from different lenders) to find a solution that suits you best. Banks on the other hand are businesses with shareholders, and unfortunately they answer to those shareholders and not the customers. Everything we do is about getting the right outcome for you.  

The other reasons I would say that using a broker is preferable to a bank is choice and also service. We have over 60 lenders on our panel and have access to hundreds of products for all different types of client requirements. If you’ve previously been pushed back on by the bank, we can help find a lender that will say yes.

What was your past experience before joining the team? How many years experience do you have in the finance industry as a mortgage broker?

I have 30+ years’ experience in financial services, working at St George and Macquarie and consulting for ANZ and other smaller businesses. I also previously operated my own broking business, Surf Coast Finance.

What types of loans or clients do you work with the most? 

I work with clients from many walks of life, including:

- First home buyers getting into the market for the first time

- Families upgrading

- Small business owners

Why did you choose to become a Mortgage broker?

There are so many things I love about my job. Every day I get to help local families and small business owners make smarter financial decisions. I also love working local to where I live - it is a wonderful community.

What is your favourite thing about being a mortgage broker?

I love helping people to understand their finances and make informed decisions. There is nothing like simplifying the subject matter and empowering people to move beyond what they thought was daunting or too hard.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a mortgage broker?

No, I previously enjoyed the challenges of working with businesses to solve big-business problems. But as my own family grew, I became more passionate about helping families, especially those running small businesses, to structure their finances correctly and set themselves up effectively.

Have you always lived in Torquay?

No, I’ve lived in a number of places. I grew up in Mt Eliza (Mornington Peninsula), lived in Elwood/St Kilda for around 10 years and moved to Sydney in 2006. I moved to Torquay as a stepping stone to move “home” to Melbourne, but it quickly became my new home and I never left.

What’s your favourite thing about living in Torquay?

I love the coastal lifestyle and being able to walk along the beach every morning. It is also such a beautiful community where we support each other and build trust.

When you’re not working, what do you spend your time doing?

Most of my time is spent running around being a mum to my superstar little-man. I’m also excited to be travelling overseas again. I recently went to Italy and love exploring Europe. There are also so many beautiful local spots to visit through regional Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. I’m also a big fan of the odd music festival.