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The network broking a better future Mortgage Choice takes aim at the top franchising spot with new technology, expanding opportunities and winning levels of franchisee support THE INTEGRATION of Mortgage Choice and Smartline has created Australia’s second-largest franchiser in the mortgage broking space, with almost 1,000 brokers across the country. Two experienced brokers, Mortgage Choice’s Scott Partridge and Smartline’s Deb Smith, talked to MPA about the support the expanded broker network provides. Scott Partridge had a glimpse of his own future when a Mortgage Choice franchisee helped him secure his first home loan.
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“I’d always wanted my own business, and I really liked the idea of helping people with the homebuying process,” he says. His main concern was that his skill set might be too limited for the role. “I’m not good at IT or building a brand at a corporate level, and I’m not a fan of managing the human resources side,” Partridge says. “I was very happy to discover that the Mortgage Choice support system was set up to provide help in all of these areas, leaving me free to do what I do best.”
The industry has transformed in the 24 years since Partridge bought his first franchise. “Things are still changing fast, particularly in terms of IT, so support is as important as ever,” he says. “Being able to pick up the phone and have someone resolve any IT issues results in far less downtime and greater efficiency for my staff and I. Mortgage Choice also serves as a conduit of information about changes in lender and legislative requirements, so we can be confident about staying up to date.” Partridge was just 26 when he opened a
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09/03/2022 8:22:11 am
