National champion broker in running for Women in Finance Award

In what has been a rewarding and productive 2022 for Helen Avis, the Specialist Mortgage Director has added a finalist shortlisting for the Women in Finance Awards 2022 to her list of accolades.

Helen Avis, Director, Specialist Mortgage, has been shortlisted as a finalist for Mortgage Broker of the Year in the Women in Finance Awards 2022.

The highly anticipated Women in Finance Awards 2022 shines a light on every highly skilled and talented woman propelling the finance industry forward.

Considered the pinnacle of innovation and excellence, the awards program was created to highlight the impressive achievements of top leading women in the sector, recognising them for their remarkable contribution and expertise.

The finalist list, which was announced on Friday, 7 October, features 249 high-achieving professionals across 29 submission-based categories.

The August winner of the prestigious MFAA Residential Finance Broker Award, Helen Avis, said the award was particularly rewarding in such a turbulent time for the property market.

Maja Garaca Djurdjevic, editor of Wealth at Momentum Media, commented: “This year we have been absolutely inundated by submissions and we’re just so excited to see so many of you take time out of your busy schedules to nominate your friends, colleagues, and peers for this coveted accolade.

“As usual, we would like to congratulate all the finalists of the sixth annual Women in Finance Awards and extend our congratulations to everyone who lodged a submission.

“We thank you for the support you’ve shown women in this space — support that is key for growing women’s presence in our financial services sector.”

Expat specialists

Specialist Mortgage is part of the SMATS Group, which provides property and tax services.

Ms Avis said she aims to respond to client enquiries within 24 hours with the aim of booking an initial consult within the first week of an enquiry.

“Often Australian expatriate clients residing overseas seek information on the property market and tax implications,” she said.

“Through SMATS Group, we offer a unique comprehensive service where clients can obtain a free initial consult with a qualified buyer’s agent and tax accountant to assist them in making the best-informed decisions.

“Six out of ten Australian expats had returned home since the onset of the pandemic, with many looking at purchasing a home before their return.

“In an already fiercely competitive property market this has proved to be difficult for expats, not only from a logistical position but also from a financial position, as many expats don’t fit traditional lending options.

Having experienced the trials and tribulations as an expat herself, Ms Avis has established a trusted position within the expatriate community.

She understands securing attractive Australian finance options for expats is not only difficult but often a complicated process while residing overseas.