We caught up with Kane on his background as an athlete, favourite thing about being a mortgage broker and predictions for the 2025 lending landscape.
Q: What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A: When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be a professional motorbike rider.
Q: What would your dream home look like? Can you describe it?
A: It would be somewhere right in the middle of suburbia, on a big block, and definitely an old-school federation-style home. I love the idea of wraparound balconies, old shingles, small tiles and bathrooms with character.
Being a builder in the past really made me appreciate the craftsmanship from the 1920s to 1950s, so it would absolutely be a home from that era, but of course, with a few modern upgrades when it comes to appliances.
Q: What would you love to be doing if you weren’t a mortgage broker?
If I weren’t a mortgage broker, my dream would be to become a pilot.
Q: What’s your go-to coffee order?
My coffee order is an oat mocha, though some might say it’s basically just a hot chocolate in disguise!
Q: Kane, your path to becoming a broker seems quite unique. Can you walk us through your journey, highlighting some key moments and lessons learned?
A: It all started back in Adelaide where I grew up immersed in sports, mainly AFL and then rugby union. Rugby led me to Canberra and later to Sydney, where I played for the Manly Marlins in their under-20 squad for two years and then for Gordon for three years.
At that time I took on a full-time carpentry apprenticeship as well. Juggling a demanding apprenticeship with the rigours of competitive semi-professional rugby was challenging, but it taught me valuable lessons about time management, perseverance, and pushing my limits.
While I did make representative squads including the NSW Sevens squad for a while, and training with the Australian Sevens, my rugby career was plagued by injuries. Three shoulder reconstructions, two broken legs (the same leg twice), five major concussions – it felt like I was constantly recovering from setbacks. I would get a season ending injury and then spend the whole season recovering and doing rehab, while at the same time trying to juggle being a carpenter which was really difficult when injured.
It was tough mentally and physically, but it taught me the importance of adaptability and finding new paths when one door closes.
Eventually, I decided to hang up my boots and focus on building. I started my own business, but soon realised that the construction industry wasn’t the right fit for me either. I didn’t want to be a builder for the rest of my life, the ratio of risk to reward just wasn’t compelling enough. Interestingly enough, that experience as a builder would go on to be beneficial for me down the track as a mortgage broker, especially when helping clients finance construction projects.
It was during a trip to Europe, while enjoying the scenic beauty of Positano, that a chance conversation with a friend planted the seed for a career change. He suggested I explore mortgage broking, and the idea resonated with me. It seemed like a perfect blend of my problem-solving skills, my desire to help people, and my interest in finance.
Q: How has your background as an athlete influenced your approach to being a broker?
A: Sport taught me so much about dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. When I was playing rugby, I was always striving to be the best, to outperform everyone else on the field. I was quite competitive and driven, always pushing myself to be the fittest and most dedicated player on the team.
This competitive spirit, drive and commitment, along with the discipline and resilience I developed through sports, has definitely shaped who I am today and how I approach my work. I’m dedicated to providing the best possible service to my clients and going the extra mile to help them achieve their goals.
Sport also instilled in me the importance of teamwork and supporting others. In rugby, you rely on your teammates, and you learn to work together towards a common goal. I bring that same collaborative spirit to my work as a broker. I see my clients as partners, and I’m committed to working with them to find the best solutions for their needs.
Q: You mentioned that your experience as a builder has been beneficial to your work as a broker. Can you elaborate on that?
A: Having worked on countless building projects in Sydney, I gained a deep understanding of the construction process, building codes, and common issues that can arise. This knowledge proves invaluable for clients considering construction loans. Unlike other brokers, I can review building reports and contracts with clients, understanding the ins and outs of how it all works.
I can offer clients practical advice and a realistic perspective, which helps build trust and rapport. It also allows them to have more meaningful conversations with builders and developers, ensuring smoother transactions for everyone involved.
Q: What aspects of being a broker do you find most rewarding?
A: I genuinely enjoy the challenge of finding solutions for my clients, even in complex situations. I believe there’s always a way to make things work, and I’m driven by the satisfaction of helping people achieve their homeownership dreams.
I love the problem solving part. I never tell a client something isn’t possible, I will exhaust every possible solution first. I always try to find a way for clients; that’s thrilling to me and it sets me apart from other brokers.
Whether it’s guiding first-time buyers through the market, assisting families with their growing needs, or helping investors build their property portfolios, I find immense satisfaction in empowering clients with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions.
I also appreciate the dynamic nature of the broking industry. It’s constantly evolving, requiring me to stay informed about market trends, new products, and changing regulations. This continuous learning and development keeps me engaged and motivated.
Q: Looking ahead to 2025, what are your thoughts on the lending landscape and the broader economy?
A: I’m hopeful that we’ll see some further interest rate relief in 2025. This could provide much-needed relief for borrowers and potentially stimulate the property market.
Improved serviceability could lead to more first-home buyers entering the market and create opportunities for existing homeowners to upgrade or invest. However, it’s important to remain cautious and not get carried away by overly optimistic predictions. The market can be unpredictable, and it’s crucial to have a sound financial plan in place.
I also believe that refinancing will become a more compelling option if interest rates drop. Banks will need to compete harder to retain customers, and brokers will play a vital role in helping clients navigate the options and secure the most favorable terms.
Q: Any final words for those considering using a mortgage broker for their financing needs?
A: Choosing the right broker can make a significant difference in your financial journey. At Fabe Financial, we pride ourselves on building genuine relationships with our clients, understanding their individual circumstances, and providing tailored solutions. We’re here to guide you through the entire process, from exploring your options to securing the best loan and managing your mortgage long-term.
We believe in transparency, honesty, and putting our clients’ interests first. If you’re looking for a partner who will advocate for you and provide ongoing support, we invite you to reach out and experience the Fabe Financial difference.