Mortgage Business Accelerator – Rachel Dixon, mortgage adviser – Mortgage Strategy

I love mortgages. I love them so much, in fact, I’ve been in the industry since October 1988, having started my career as a fresh-faced 16-year-old.

I’ve learned a lot along the way and seen the industry change for the better.

When I set up my own business 17 years ago after leaving a large corporate organisation, I found a small office space and set up a website, selling my service wherever I could.

Determination

At times it was tough — especially during the 2008 crash. However, I was determined, I had fire in my belly and I wanted to succeed. Nothing was going to stop me.

Working on your own can be a lonely place, so it is always good to get in touch with other advisers

I made some mistakes along the way but I learned and I grew, ensuring I never made them again.

When I took the leap I was a mum to two small boys. It was challenging to juggle motherhood and a full-time career, but determination and getting very little sleep got me through.

In 2006 there weren’t many female advisers in this industry. I went to many events and was mistaken multiple times for someone’s personal assistant.

These days I have a WhatsApp group with other mortgage advisers in my area

Roll on to 2023 and it’s great to see more equality in the industry — women forging successful careers in this field.

Simple advice

For any newbies looking to enter this world, my words of advice are simple:

• When meeting a client for the first time, engage, make eye contact and shake hands. Smile and listen. Listening is the most important thing; it shows you are interested in your client and this will separate you from other advisers, trust me.
• Be active. Read industry news to make sure you’re fully aware of the market you’re in.
• Make sure you’re with your clients through the whole process and be there for them in the future. But never over-promise, and always be honest with clients.

These days I have a WhatsApp group with other mortgage advisers in my area. If I’m having a bad day or I’m stuck on one of the criteria, it’s great to have someone to chat it through with.

It’s great to see more equality in the industry — women forging successful careers in this field

Sometimes, working on your own can be a lonely place, so it is always good to get in touch with other advisers.

I think, to be a successful adviser, you need to allow time for yourself each day. This, for me, is a balance of life and it’s non-negotiable.

Repeat business

Today I run a very successful mortgage advice firm with a lot of repeat business, where my new clients, on the whole, are recommended by others.

Read industry news to make sure you’re fully aware of the market you’re in

After 35 years, I’m still passionate about helping people, and I still love the challenges I face each day.

This article featured in the February 2023 edition of MS.

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