Meet Gino.

Benefit From Extensive Residential Finance Knowledge.

Gino Lugto

Gino Lugto.

Senior Finance Executive.

Gino is an integral member of the Specialist Mortgage team with more than 8 years of experience in the Finance industry. Holding a bachelor’s degree and a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking, clients benefit from his extensive residential finance knowledge.

Gino’s strengths lie in his diligence and commitment to achieving client outcomes and ensuring smooth and transparent communication throughout the process. He has demonstrated skills in attention to detail, working under pressure and responding quickly. He works hard to ensure clients experience a stress-free loan application journey and is always ready to attend to any concerns that may arise.

Gino focuses on making sure clients feel supported throughout the life of their mortgage and as such as formed many lasting relationships.

Testimonials.

Tom L.

Helen was invaluable in enabling me to secure my first investment property from Dubai. She matched me with a lender that was suited and could accommodate my personal circumstances, guided me throughout the application process and proactively liaised with the lender to make the process as smooth as possible over the holiday period.

July 13, 2022 Dubai

Greg

Helen has helped us with multiple loans and refinancing and has made the process so simple and easy. With Helen’s advice we have always felt like we have been able to find the best product in the market for us.

July 1, 2020 Queensland

Jacqui

We have now used Helen Avis twice in procuring suitable Home Loans for our two investment properties. Helen and the team at SMATS have a deep understanding of the nuances of being an Australian Expat and we have always had great advice, high value offers and top notch service from her and the team.

November 13, 2019 UAE

James

Helen is completely client focused, she was able to take our exact requirements and circumstances into account when searching for and procuring a lender to suit us.

November 19, 2021 Singapore

Elisabeth

Thank you to Bridget, Fanny and the SMATS team for helping us secure the loan for our dream home They clearly know what they are doing and are well versed in every stage of the process. We just provided information, they took care of the rest. I definitely recommend SMATS for expats wanting a mortgage in Australia.

December 19, 2019 UAE

Naden

I have now gone through the arduous process of purchasing an Australian property four times. On the last three occasions, Helen Avis has been my first and most important point of contact in the process.

April 9, 2021 Taiwan

Shiree M.

Specialist Mortgage/SMATS was recommended to us by other expats and we are very glad we took the advice. Highly recommend to all.

October 20, 2021 Saudi Arabia

Dorothy N.

Carolyn went above and beyond to assist me in finding the perfect mortgage for my needs. Carolyn had extensive knowledge and understanding of the mortgage industry, and she took the time to comprehend my financial goals and personal circumstances.

June 23, 2023 Sydney

Tom L.

Even after the loan was approved, Helen worked with my conveyancer to ensure that final settlement was achieved without delay. I recommend Helen without hesitation and look forward to working with her again in the future. Thank you again for all your help!

July 13, 2022 Dubai

I. Bayeh

Bridget made it easy for me to choose a bank and she arranged special finance packages, pre-approval and final loan approval.

February 12, 2021 Bahrain

Mark

Everyone I worked with on this purchase was fantastic. Helen helped me to find a mortgage when my existing bank said no.

May 14, 2020 Perth

Naden

Helen and her team absorb so much of the difficulty and tediousness of organizing a home loan, thanks to her meticulous nature and her prompt and effective communication.

April 9, 2021 Taiwan

C. Tuimaka

We used Specialist Mortgage for several investment house loans as expats. They were easy to work with, responded promptly and made it a stress-free process.

March 18, 2021 Victoria

Johanna D.

Bridget Bowman recently helped me lower the interest rate on my variable rate mortgage in Australia. The result was an over $100 reduction per month! As an existing customer with an ongoing relationship with SMATS, all it took was one email to Bridget and she was on the case, about 7 days later she sends me an email with the good news.

July 9, 2021 Dubai

James

During the Covid-19 pandemic our purchase and settlement process was handled remotely via phone and emails, Helen and Fanny were very responsive to our questions, the process and acquisition of all the paperwork was very clear.

November 19, 2021 Singapore

Greg

Helen’s intimate knowledge of the market and pricing of various loans (investment, owner occupier, interest only etc) has made loan selection a breeze and enabled us to have confidence in our decision making.

July 1, 2020 Queensland

Tarek

Bridget made sure that I had the best rate and promptly provided me with clear answers for all my questions. She supported me through every single step in a professional and efficient manner.

January 17, 2019 UAE

T. Nick

Bridget has been an amazing mortgage broker, she is always very accessible, follows through and thinks outside the box!

July 18, 2019 Dubai & AU

Angela R.

Helen delivers. She is practical, responsive, efficient and caring.
Helen has helped us many times with our finance over the years. If something can’t be done, Helen will tell you straight – but she will always offer alternatives and solutions.
We trust her completely.

October 30, 2022 Dubai

Shiree M.

Bridget and Norliana were instrumental in securing us our forever home as Expats. Communication was excellent, answers prompt, feedback was incredible.

October 20, 2021 Saudi Arabia

Dom & Yvette

Helen Avis did a really outstanding job pushing our formal approval through in 4 days. She was also very helpful in advising me of the risks around unconditional vs conditional exchange which was much appreciated.

October 20, 2023 Singapore

Naden

I would have long been deterred from property investment in Australia had it not been for the hard work and high standard of service Helen offers.

April 9, 2021 Taiwan

Alex

Bridget’s tireless work to finally find a lender for me with competitive terms was exceptional.

May 14, 2020 Doha, Qatar

David & Rhian

Through Bridget Bowman we were able to structure our home loan in order to secure a second property. Bridget was excellent in her service and advice rapidly securing loan approvals.

March 12, 2020 UK

James

We required quite a complicated loan including land and a new build which was handled so smoothly that we then decided to go with Helen for our next purchase and the refinancing of an existing loan away from a bank I had been unhappy with for years.

November 19, 2021 Singapore

Johanna D.

There was no gain for SMATS in doing this, Bridget just wanted to do what is best for their customer, and we are so grateful for their help and support over the years. I would 100% recommend SMATS for their excellent service offering and customer service, always putting their customers first.

July 9, 2021 Dubai

Dorothy N.

I had the pleasure of working with Carolyn. She explained all the intricate mortgage details in a manner that was easy for me to grasp. Carolyn conducted herself in a professional manner and was always available to address any questions or concerns I had. Thanks to her, the entire process was effortless and free of stress!

June 23, 2023 Sydney

Dom

We’ve been using Specialist Mortgage for mortgage approvals and renewals for the past 2.5 years and they have dealt with my endless questions very quickly, professionally and tirelessly which is super impressive.

September 17, 2019 Singapore

Matt H.

I used the Specialist Mortgage broking team to secure lending in Australia at a time when Australian banks were imposing tight controls on expat lending.
The team were impressively responsive and helpful throughout the whole process and able to secure me a great outcome. I would highly recommend using their services.

August 18, 2022 Brisbane

Mic S.W.

Debbie provided continual professional care and attention as we worked through some of the challenges faced when remotely purchasing and financing property investments in Australia.

December 4, 2019 USA

Zac G.

Helen and John made buying our first property a dream, so seamless and professional. Will definitely be taking up their services again.

September 18, 2023 South Australia

Camilo P.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Grace over the last 2 years. Grace has the ability to build strong customer relationships as she genuinely cares for her customers, she is a very experienced, who is selfless with her time and is always willing to assist her peers.

July 22, 2023 Melbourne

Dean Lane

It’s been such a relief and pleasure having Grace as our personal banker for the past few years. She’s helped us to navigate a number of complex lending related issues, always providing professional, timely and friendly service.

July 13, 2023 Melbourne

Professor Aaron Russell

Grace is authentic, honest, and responsive. Grace makes it a priority to understand her client’s needs and her friendly and relaxed nature makes it a pleasure to liase with her.

July 6, 2023 Melbourne

Mark Delaney

Grace took the time to understand our needs and our capabilities and tailored a loan that suited us and our requirements. I thank you Grace for your commitment to client satisfaction over a long period.

July 27, 2023 Melbourne

Rob G.

Helen and Katherine were awesome, assisting with a new property purchase and re-finance of existing loans in record time, all with improved overall pricing. Very professional and highly recommended.

January 4, 2024 Queensland

J. Pou

It’s a pleasure to work with Helen and John from SMATS. They are extremely efficient and helpful. I strongly recommend them.

December 14, 2023 Singapore

W. Beattie

Highly recommended! As returning expats with self-employed income, traditional lenders just aren’t interested. After a failed attempt with another broker we had pretty much given up. Carolyn and her team’s tenacity got us across the line and we were able to borrow more at a better interest rate.

January 17, 2024 Queensland

W. Beattie

I would highly recommend this service to any expats thinking of returning. My advice would be to start the process as early as possible.

January 17, 2024 Queensland

P. Callow

The help that we received from Specialist Mortgage services was superb. Their guidance and support was spot on through the entire process. I have no hesitation in recommending them very highly.

January 19, 2024 Dubai

Janet and Navesh P.

Thank you, Simon, Helen, and John, for supporting us on this investment and being an integral part in completing the purchase of our new home. We highly recommend and look forward to working with SMATS again.

February 9, 2024

A. Bereza

Both Bridget and Fanny are incredibly hard workers and generate value for their clients. They achieved the given deadlines and always strive to enhance their service.
I would highly recommend them.

March 22, 2024 Dubai

A. Davies

If you are living in Singapore and want to buy a property in Australia then you’ll need a top notch mortgage broker. Helen and John at Specialist Mortgage did a fantastic job for me when they helped me secure a mortgage in Australia. The service, follow ups and general support were very good.

March 12, 2024 Singapore

A. Robinson

We had a great experience getting a new construction loan and mortgage with Grace and Gino at SMATS Group. We received excellent advice and communication at every step.

Victoria

L. Rosoux

Grace and Gino were amazing! They were able to answer all my questions and so accommodating when I requested to have calls or meetings. It took me a bit longer then I thought to purchase my property, but they were with me every step of the way. I look forward to working with them in the future.

April 4, 2024 NSW

J. Hughes

We decided to return to Australia from Dubai and needed sound tax and financial advice. We approached the Specialist Mortgage team and they came up with realistic solutions to purchase a property back in Australia. It did not take long to get loan approval and we were able to buy in a subdivision.

April 11, 2024 Australia

P. Dick

We are overseas expats with good incomes and found challenges qualifying for home loans in Australia.
Grace and her team made the bank application painless.
I highly recommend using Specialist Mortgage to broker your Australian home loans.

April 14, 2024 Singapore

P. Broadhurst

Great support from Helen and Gino throughout the process of buying my first home. I would be comfortable recommending them to anyone.

May 10, 2024 United Kingdom

S. Cosgrave

Bridget’s knowledge and experience in the refinancing and lending field was second to none. Utilising the best expat packages available she has saved me thousands of dollars per month with the refinancing and lending options she provided.

May 17, 2024 Victoria

S. Cosgrave

Fanny was a delight to work with and no issue was too difficult for her. Fanny was so helpful in the difficulties of borrowing as an expat, enabling me to send multiple documents at different stages and always responding with positive results.

June 28, 2024 Victoria

Professor Aaron Russell

Grace continually maintains communication, ensuring her clients have the latest financial information and that they are receiving the best possible service.

July 6, 2023 Melbourne

Mark Delaney

The loan Grace provided was a unique package that I have never seen before but was perfect in challenging times. This would not have been possible if Grace had not understood us and pushed, challenged, and changed internal process’, standards and procedures.

July 27, 2023 Melbourne

Professor Aaron Russell

Grace has played a major role in supporting my financial investments over the past 16 years. She is a true professional and a wonderful person to work with. I will contribute to work with Grace and cannot recommend her highly enough.

July 6, 2023 Melbourne

F. Monceaux

Our broker Carolyn, and her assistant, Michelle, were excellent from day one. No fuss approach and knowledgeable, they understood our needs and got us the best deal possible. Who knew that refinancing your home loan could actually be enjoyable!

August 2, 2024 NSW

D. Whyte

Bridget and Gino at Specialist Mortgage have been fantastic to deal with these past three months. Highly recommended and exceptional communication throughout.

August 22, 2024 Dubai

M. Kredner

Exceptional service! We’re based overseas and Grace and Katherine have made our Australian home purchase journey a breeze. Professional, thorough and supportive. We are happy to endorse them for anyone considering them for mortgage services.

September 1, 2024 Hong Kong

F. Alarcon

We are very happy with the service provided particularly from Grace and Katherine. They were very helpful with our loan application, keeping us updated and always available on short notice.

October 5, 2024 Hong Kong

Bruce Harrison

Highly recommend Specialist Mortgage and their hard working team. They were very professional and supportive, and persevered to prepare preapprovals and finalise finance over what was a very long and complex (French renumeration structure) and ultimately successful house search.

October 17, 2024 France

Bruce Harrison

A big thank you to Bridget and Gino. Getting back into the very difficult Australian real estate market would not have been possible without their support.

October 17, 2024 France

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