The Mortgage Broker Credit Skill That Gets More Deals Approved
Beyond The Numbers With Christian StevensShow Notes
Avalon Bevan is the Founder and Mortgage Broker of Five Islands Finance, helping clients across Shellharbour, the South Coast and beyond navigate lending with a practical, relationship-first approach. After nearly ten years in loan processing, support and writing loans, Avalon launched her own business in December 2024 while raising three young boys — building around profitability, lifestyle and long-term client trust.
But this conversation goes well beyond starting a brokerage.
Avalon breaks down what it takes to go from support role to self-employed broker, why word of mouth is not enough, and why brokers need to build a brand to stay resilient through market changes. She also talks about self-employed clients, referral partners, credit policy, and running a business with three kids under four — showing that you can build a sustainable brokerage without doing everything the old way.
If you're a mortgage broker trying to grow your brand, work smarter and build a business that fits your life — this one's for you.
2:08 — Starting In Broking — From Admin Trainee To Mortgage Broker
4:56 — The First 18 Months — Salary Replacement, Profit & Freedom
7:48 — Solo Operator Reality — Bottlenecks, Marketing & First Hires
12:17 — FY27 Growth Plan — Marketing, Content & Brand Building
13:01 — Word Of Mouth Isn’t Enough — Why Brokers Need Visibility
20:52 — Advice For New Brokers — Find A Mentor Who Actually Helps
22:14 — The Industry Debate — Part-Time Brokers, Deal Quality & Standards
24:46 — Policy Isn’t Black And White — Exceptions, Credit Papers & Common Sense
Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/
Connect with Christian Stevens:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/
Connect with Avalon Bevan:
LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/fiveislandsfinance/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avalon-bevan-72430a133/
More from Beyond The Numbers With Christian Stevens
Corey Goldby is the Managing Partner of Source Financial and the founder of the Fat Profits Podcast. In just three years, he’s grown his broking and accounting businesses to a team of 35 — and is now preparing for the next major stage of that growth.
Damien Roylance and Vincent Moore have spent the last decade growing Entourage from a small brokerage into a five-office business with more than 50 people and a multi-billion-dollar loan book.
Mackenzie Jones is a finance broker at Flint and one of the newest faces in the industry. After starting at CBA, she made the jump into broking at just 22, bringing the same discipline, competitiveness and consistency that made her a two-time martial arts world champion.
Ryan Sweeney is the Founder and CEO of Front Financial, and at just 25 he’s already gone from broker to running a fast-growing finance business.
*Content warning: This episode includes an open conversation around suicide and mental health, including personal experiences with loss. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a support service.