This week, Specialist Lending Solutions is speaking to Renae Moran, mortgage administrator at Visionary Finance.
What does your role entail and how long have you been doing it?
I am a mortgage administrator and have been in this role for just over two years. My responsibilities include handling incoming phone calls, assisting new clients, and reviewing onboarding documents to ensure they are complete and ready for an application. I also make sure all necessary questions are addressed in advance. Once an application is submitted, I liaise with the lender and progress the case through to offer. Additionally, I help coordinate with solicitors and lenders and support clients throughout the completion process. Over time, I have progressed in my role and now assist with researching lender criteria and submitting applications under the supervision of my adviser, for both UK and international clients.
What attracted you to working in the mortgage/property/finance sector?
My mum was my initial inspiration, as she had been working as a mortgage adviser for two years before I joined Visionary Finance. She encouraged me to explore the sector, and it quickly became something I wanted to pursue. I did my work experience at a mortgage advice and financial advice firm and knew this was something I wanted to do. I originally hoped to study a finance course at college, but none were offered locally. I then enrolled in a business course, but it was cancelled, which led me to securing my role here. Since joining, I’ve also begun studying for my CeMAP qualification as part of my career development.
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What were you doing in the five years before starting here?
In the five years before starting here, I was in full-time education. I completed my secondary school studies and then began a college course. Although the original course I enrolled in was later discontinued, my time in education helped me develop strong organisational and communication skills, which supported my transition into my current role.
What personal talent/skill is most valuable in doing your job?
Communication is the most valuable skill in my role. I regularly speak with clients, lenders, and solicitors, so being clear, approachable, and responsive is essential. Strong communication helps me manage expectations, resolve issues quickly, and guide clients smoothly through each stage of the mortgage process.
What personal talent/skill would you most like to improve on?
I would like to improve my technical knowledge, particularly around mortgage products and lender criteria. Although I have a solid foundation, developing a deeper understanding will help me support clients more effectively, answer their questions with greater confidence, and progress applications even more efficiently.
How has the pandemic changed the way you approach your job?
When the pandemic hit, I was still in school, so I didn’t experience the changes in the workplace first-hand. However, it did influence the way I approach my work today. I became very comfortable with digital tools, remote collaboration, and managing my time independently because much of my education shifted online.
What is the most interesting/memorable property deal/case you’ve been involved in?
I worked on a case where a client was buying a new-build residential property for £900,000 and needed an 85% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. To raise the deposit, she needed to release equity from her current home, which was going to be let out on completion. We were also arranging a buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage on that existing property for around £480,000.
The new property was a high-rise flat in Manchester city centre with a ground rent of £500, reviewed every five years in line with RPI. This exceeded many lenders’ criteria, so it limited our options. The rental income alone wasn’t enough for affordability, so we had to use her personal income as well and find a lender that would accept this approach.
Her income structure was quite complex, so we had to break it down carefully and go through it in detail with the lenders during our research.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years’ time, I see myself having completed my CeMAP qualification and working as a fully competent mortgage adviser. My goal is to build on the experience I’ve gained so far, take on more responsibility, and support clients throughout the full advice process with confidence and expertise.
If present-day you could go back in time and tell yourself something five years ago, what would it be?
I would tell myself to trust the process and not to worry so much about having everything figured out straight away. Opportunities will come even if the path isn’t perfectly clear! Be confident in your abilities and take every experience as a chance to learn.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve tackled so far in your career?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far has been working towards my CeMAP qualification and experiencing setbacks along the way. Failing was difficult and it did cause me to take a little break from it and figure out a better way to approach it, but it taught me resilience, and the importance of not giving up. It motivated me to approach my studies differently and work out what was best for me.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation both for fun and practicality. I’d never be late, I could save hours of commuting time, and I could see the world without the travel hassles.
And finally, what’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
The strangest question I’ve been asked was when someone I sent an application form to sign, clearly showing the lender’s name, Molo. They then came back and asked: “What is Molo’s role in this?”
