Relatively new to Victor Harbor, Rachel and her husband Ben are settling into their new way of life by the sea.

A little about you and any links to the Fleurieu and / or Kangaroo Island:

My name is Rachel and I am 40 years old, married to Ben Wolfenden, we are both Mortgage Brokers and Directors of Mortgage First. I am linked to Adelaide with my great great grandfather paying for a ticket to Australia.

You are one half of Mortgage First Brokers. Please tell us a little more about your business.

We established in Mudgee, NSW and worked with self employed farmers, couples and financed trucks, cars, farm equipment, rural properties, residential and superfund properties.

Mortgage Brokers are fabulous because we represent so many banks, we also act in your best interests, showing you which bank can save you money over the life of your loan.

Sometimes clients come to us because their bank said “you need another $30,000 or $75,000” we can look at all of our lenders and give them options to apply for grants (first home buyers & single parents) and look at which bank or lender is suitable.

We love what we do, and help debt consolidate and see people invest or find a better rate/ product to increase their cashflow is rewarding.

Have you always been into Mortgage Broking? What inspired you to start?

No, I have not always been a broker. For 17 years I have worked in national roles within neuromodulation, mostly in theatre, running a sales team. Previous to this I worked in big pharma.

After a brain tumour when I was 32 (benign) I could not chance being in theatre, I studied to become a broker and I have not looked back, it is my calling.

After purchasing my first house at 18 years of age, and investing in many properties, I also studied to obtain my Real Estate licence.

Broking takes determination, attention to detail and the knowledge of bank policy to make sure your clients fit within a product and policies.

I love to help people obtain finance for the house or their dreams, or their next investment, or to debt consolidate and help their cashflow.

On a more personal note, tell us a little about Rachel and what she loves to do out of work (OK if you prefer not too!!!):

I love to ski at Thredbo and in France, however since Covid there hasn’t been too much skiing, I think January 2020 and October 2020 I skied.

I love to travel the world, ride e-bikes, go to pilates reformer, play scrabble with my nan and I LOVE TO PLAY LAWN BOWLS.

You have moved from interstate to start your business here. What made you come to Victor to set up shop?

Family, my parents and ageing grandparents where a huge draw.

Ben had been working weekend nights running the mine and working 5 days a week in the brokerage. So when the prices started skyrocketing in NSW, he woke up and said “We should consider Adelaide”. We flew over, visited many properties and fell in love with the one in Victor Harbor – with the most amazing view.

We found a shop, purchased that and have spent six months setting up our shop. We have been working from home and taking NSW referrals.

Where did you grow up? Please tells us a little more about your background.

I was born in Fremantle, Western Australia. I left Perth and lived in Adelaide for 2 years, then moved to NSW to take a promotion, married, had my son when I was 24, took a year off on maternity leave. Returned to work and worked in a National Role in New Zealand (medical devices), returned to NSW, divorced, then I was a single mum for 6 years and bought a duplex and another property and renovated that.

Remarried Ben in 2017 and happily ever after in beautiful Victor Harbor.

What is it that makes you proud to live and work in this special part of the world?

The people have been so welcoming and we feel very at home here. It’s a beautiful part of the world.

RACHEL'S TOP TIPS :

Best place to....

• Grab a quick bite…Qahwa Coffee
• Have a more serious feed…The Elliot or Nino’s
• Get a cuppa… Caffe Primo
• Have a beer (or cold drink)…Hahndorf The German Arms or The Elliot after we ride our e bikes on the encounter bay bike track
• Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... We haven’t had a chance yet. We do love Shaw Family Wines.
• Go for a dip…Too scared of the huge sharks that are here in SA (maybe the aquatic centre)
• Explore nature…A Walk around granite island – the views are spectacular!

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

• feel…relaxed
• always make sure I visit… a new café or restaurant to try something new
• stock up on… am I meant to say toilet paper?

Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here: Nothing weird as yet

Best memory of being here: learning to lawn bowl (it's addictive) and seeing my grandparents and parents.

Most colourful character I’ve run into: Bobby from Victor Harbor Bowling club, he has bright yellow bowls, at 93 you would think he is 65 the way he dresses and how he walks around. He loves a red wine and Guinness and is always happy. Inspiration.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 1st hire an e bike, ride from Victor to Goolwa, stop take photos and try a local café/pub along the way. 2^nd Walk granite island

Find out more about Rachel & Mortgage First:

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