Playing in front of 60,000 people at the MCG is pretty cool

Travis Birt enjoyed a successful career as a cricketer and represented Australia in T20 cricket. In this Eccho Q&A Travis shares his thoughts from transitioning from the sporting arena to a career as a mortgage broker and the enjoyment he has in helping his clients with their finance

Eccho – Firstly congratulations on what you have achieved on the cricket field – it must have been a huge thrill to represent Australia?

TB – There is no higher honour for an athlete than representing their country and I’m certainly fortunate to be able to say that I did, if only for a short period. It’s not only a huge thrill for myself but everyone involved along the way, the support I received from my family and friends cannot be measured. Playing in front of 60,000 people at the M.C.G is also pretty cool!!

Eccho – So you have now moved on from cricket, what’s led you to become a mortgage broker?

TB – Unfortunately, I can’t play cricket forever and the reality of obtaining real employment struck me fairly quickly! Ever since I purchased my first property I’ve always found it interesting, but finding a career that would still allow me to continue to play cricket was more difficult, with real estate agents working most Saturday’s that wouldn’t be viable. A friend of mine suggested I look into mortgage broking, from there I completed all the necessary accreditations.

Eccho – Starting a new career is never easy – how has being a professional sports person helped you in starting your business?

TB – It has been a difficult start as with any transition of career there’s going to be bumps. Being involved in cricket has helped me to reach networks that I might not have been able to reach otherwise. It’s refreshing to see the amount of people that are willing to help and put in a good word for you, or refer you to someone who may be able to assist.

Eccho – You’ve entertained huge crowds, especially in the Big Bash League, what level of satisfaction does it bring to be able to help one of your clients with their finance?

TB – This is the reason why I’ve chosen this career path, the satisfaction you receive from helping people out of a sticky situation or the purchase of their first home is rewarding. The great Australian dream of owning your own home should be achievable for everyone, so being able to find solutions to make it a reality for your clients brings about that satisfaction.

Eccho – How challenging is it to keep up to date with lenders products, services and interest rates?

TB – Keeping up to date with policy changes, lender products and interest rates has been one of the most challenging aspects of this role, especially considering I’m learning the ropes of the finance industry. I work in an office of four brokers, which is ideal as I can bounce scenarios off the more experienced guys. As there’s four of us, there aren’t many changes that get past us without being identified, as well as excellent relationships with BDM’s, it all helps.

Eccho – How is the market in Fremantle and what type of lending do you focus on?

TB – I’m certainly no expert when it comes to the Perth property market, but compared to the eastern states, WA is certainly in a different position in the property cycle. We’re finding a lot of refinancing as people are eager to lock in competitive fixed rates, or are searching for a more competitive variable rate. First home buyers have quietened a little as the FHOG for established homes have now been abolished.

Eccho – You have come from a small country town in Victoria and represented Australia on the big stage, what advice would you give to people who dare to dream?

I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is you’re going to fail, but it’s how you respond which will make you succeed. I never thought I’d be able to play for Australia, but with some luck, hard work and enjoyment in what I was doing, I was able to.

Travis Birt is Mortgage Broker with Loan Monster in Fremantle WA