Meet

Michael Garland

How long have you been working at Lendfirst Home Loans?

I've been working at Lendfirst since 2014.

 

What solutions do you deliver at Lendfirst?

Home loans, personal loans, business loans and equipment finance.

 

How would you describe your approach to work?

I have a results-focused, never give up attitude.

 

What did you do before you started at Lendfirst?

I spent 25 years in various roles in the industry from mobile lending to branch and senior management.

 

What is your greatest source of enjoyment in your job?

When a first home buyer settles on their first home and gets the keys to their house. It’s so rewarding.

 

Can you tell us about the most memorable moment of your career?

I once worked with a client who had a unique security, but no lenders or other brokers would touch him. At Lendfirst, after nine months of continuous research with banks, I found a solution that genuinely saved his business from closure. The client now has a thriving company and is able to pass the business on to his children when the time comes.

 

Is there a client or project that stands out?

Another business client who was refused help from every bank and other brokers who couldn’t help came to see me. The client’s bank was about to close down his business and put 68 employees out of work. I found a quick solution that solved the immediate problem then followed up by a longer-term strategy. The business is now extremely successful and 68 jobs were saved.

 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I am usually thinking about how I can be a better mortgage broker, preferably whilst out fishing ????

 

Tell us something surprising about yourself.

As much as I pretend to like cats, I don't like it when they decide to join in on the interview at clients’ homes and strut all over the paperwork we are trying to sign. Dogs don’t do that, they just slobber all over my trousers.

 

What’s the most unusual or interesting loan request you’ve had?

Interviewing an exotic dancer for a home loan with a three-metre-long carpet python sitting next to me on the kitchen table whilst we discussed finance.

 

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about purchasing their first home and why?

Get advice from as many people as possible including banks, family and Google but ALWAYS follow the advice your Mortgage Broker gives you. Buying a first home can be very complicated and if your broker is not up to date with this segment of the market, find someone who is. It could cost you your dream home if you don’t.

 

Imagine you are at a BBQ with strangers, what surprising fact would you tell them about mortgage broking or mortgages?

In Latin, the term “Mort” signifies death, and the term “Gage” signifies commitment.  So, a Mortgage may also be known as a Death Commitment????