Team Member Ready for Placement

Ara is a driven and resourceful professional with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, equipped with strong analytical and problem-solving skills that align seamlessly with the demands of mortgage broking. Her meticulous attention to detail and adaptability enable her to navigate complex administrative tasks with precision and efficiency. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and engaging in creative pursuits—activities that sharpen her critical thinking and strategic problem-solving abilities, both of which are essential in the fast-paced mortgage broking environment.

Onboarding Training and Assessment

At Affordable Staff, we ensure that every team member not only masters administrative tasks but also gains a deep understanding of Australian business practices and cultural nuances. This preparation is vital for effective client support. Our training starts with real estate, providing a comprehensive overview of general administrative competencies, ensuring our trainees are versatile and capable of handling a wide range of administrative tasks.

The second phase of our training program focuses on Mortgage Broker Assessment. This intensive two-week course immerses trainees in document processing modules, where they learn to understand various types of documents and their roles in the loan application process. Trainees are trained in following naming conventions and editing standards, with their skills assessed through quizzes and individual tasks. They are also introduced to fundamental mortgage concepts and familiarised with commonly used tools such as CRM systems. Tasks include data entry and loan application management, offering a complete view of preparing a loan application.

We also emphasise communication skills, enhancing them through grammar checks, situational chats, and lender call simulations. By the end of this phase, our trainees will be proficient in handling mortgage-related tasks, meeting the high standards expected by our clients.

Affordable Staff Tools Training

Tools Training is a crucial part of our training program, ensuring our team members gain proficiency in essential software used in daily operations. Our team members are introduced to LastPass for password management, Outlook for email and calendar organisation, TechSmith for capturing and recording, Hubstaff for time tracking, Zoom and Teams for virtual communication, OneDrive for file management, and Trello for project management.

For those completing our Mortgage Broking Foundations course, we place a significant emphasis on Nexus CRM and BrokerEngine. Mortgage broking VAs spend considerable time honing their skills through practice and repetition using these tools, ensuring they become highly adept and efficient. Team members undertaking the additional two-week, high-intensity Mortgage Broking course will gain expertise in the following areas:

• Introduction to Mortgage Broking
• Document Processing Basics
• Hands-on Document Processing
• Document Editing Standards and Advanced Processing
• Broker/VA Communication
• Nexus CRM Training
• BrokerEngine Project Management
• Introduction to ApplyOnline
• Scenario-Based Training

This comprehensive approach ensures she is well-equipped to handle a variety of tools and tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in mortgage broking support roles. The extensive practice with Nexus CRM and BrokerEngine guarantees that our VAs are not only knowledgeable but also highly proficient in using these essential tools.

Additional Tools Proficiency

Before our onboarding training, Ara was identified as proficient with the following tools and software:

• Advanced – Canva
• Practical – Photoshop, AutoCAD, PowerPoint, Outlook

Additional Skills and Notable Experience

Ara’s diverse professional background has equipped her with valuable skills in data processing, client engagement, and administrative support, making her a strong candidate for mortgage broking roles. During her internship, she conducted routine inspections at stations, collecting and processing data critical for ensuring airplane safe landings. This role required her to use Excel extensively, sharpening her attention to detail and technical precision—skills that are directly transferable to mortgage documentation and compliance tasks. Additionally, her experience as a sales and marketing assistant for over a year helped her cultivate strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for effectively managing client relationships and liaising with financial institutions in the mortgage broking space.

She has been working with Affordable Staff since December 2024 within the Mortgage Broking space where she assisted her clients. Her tasks include:

• Loan Application and Client Setup
  • Creating new applications for clients in the system
  • Adding client and loan details to the online platform
  • Setting up new client records and filling out loan forms
  • Preparing forms for loan changes or cancellations
  • Asking lenders for better rates when needed
• Document Handling and Data Entry
  • Uploading and renaming documents to keep records organised
  • Preparing and submitting forms and other required files
  • Saving and properly naming documents in the online drive
  • Entering important details into forms to make sure records are correct
• Communication with Banks and Third Parties
  • Calling banks to follow up on client applications
  • Requesting property value checks through online tools
  • Following up on documents and updates from outside contacts
• Report Preparation and Loan Calculations
  • Comparing loan offers and preparing simple reports
  • Using calculators to check how much a client can borrow
  • Creating calculation results and saving them for future reference

Learning Ability and Work Proficiency

She is a highly organised and analytical professional who approaches tasks with structure and precision. She quickly adapts to new systems and processes, demonstrating a sharp ability to learn and apply new concepts effectively. While she may initially require clarification on complex mortgage-specific terms, her eagerness to learn enables her to integrate new information seamlessly into her workflow. She is capable of working independently with minimal supervision, consistently completing tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Interpersonal Skills and Personal Characteristics

Her approachable and composed demeanor makes her an effective team player in dynamic, high-pressure environments. She is attentive, systematic, and detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in documentation and administrative workflows. Her proactive nature, combined with her strong organisational skills, allows her to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients, making her a reliable asset in any mortgage broking team. She is resourceful, responsible, and diligent, demonstrating a readiness to take initiative and handle responsibilities with professionalism and precision.

Suitability

She is greatly suitable for any general mortgage broking or general administrative position. She is also well-suited for roles involving voice communication and basic social media management.

Why Ara is Suitable for the Role

Her strong analytical background, combined with her attention to detail and structured approach, makes her exceptionally well-suited for a mortgage broking administrative role. Her hands-on experience in document processing, client engagement, and technical data management aligns seamlessly with the demands of mortgage administration. She possesses a solid understanding of mortgage processes and demonstrates the ability to adapt quickly to complex workflows. Her eagerness to learn, strong organisational skills, and proactive mindset ensure she can provide valuable support to mortgage professionals. Ara’s dedication to accuracy, compliance, and efficient task management makes her a highly valuable asset to any mortgage broking team.