Julius Abraham holds the position of Managing Director at Direct Mortgages South Coast and is also an accredited Mortgage Broker.
Julius has a comprehensive corporate background in finance and compliance and personal experience in purchasing, selling, and renovating properties. Although he had been interested in real estate for some time, it was not until his first renovation project proved successful that he realized the significant rewards that property investment could bring.
Julius developed a passion for research and problem-solving during his corporate tenure, which he now applies as a Mortgage Broker. The role demands extensive analysis and interpretation of data to ensure each home loan application is written in an attractive manner for the lender. While each application is unique and can pose challenges, Julius finds it immensely rewarding when clients express joy and satisfaction, knowing that he has provided a financial solution for them. His regular community work also fuels his passion for serving others.
Julius prioritizes establishing an honest and transparent relationship with his clients as a Mortgage Broker. His primary objective is to assist, educate, and motivate individuals seeking to initiate or expand their property portfolio to achieve their objectives expeditiously. Julius firmly believes that property investment is a means to attain financial freedom.
MoneyCentral magazine recently caught up with Julius to discuss his journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:
What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?
My primary focus was to partner up with as many reputable key professionals in the Finance and Real Estate Industry and to maintain consistency through networking. This has allowed me to partner with local Buyers Agents, Real Estate Agents, Accountants, Conveyancers, and Financial Planners. Doing so has allowed my business to present at various events and has increased exposure to a wider audience.
What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?
Facebook and Instagram have been the main social media platforms to promote my business. My brand focuses on providing education and general advice about property and finance. This ranges from helpful tips and strategies for achieving goals and raising awareness.
What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns? Does it work?
Paid advertising can be helpful; however, “word of mouth” has created the most leads for my business. A stranger will likely engage with you after an introduction or referral from a mutual contact. We are drawn to connection.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision was taking that “leap” of starting my own business and becoming my own boss. Not knowing where a journey can lead is very scary. Uncertainty is a scary mindset. I had to accept that this journey was going to be challenging, not just emotionally but also financially. However, knowing I had the support of family, friends, and members of the finance and property industry ie mentor, other mortgage brokers, business owners, and other key professionals, their guidance and advice has helped ease a lot of the stress that one would succumb starting a new business.
What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?
Marketing your brand doesn’t have to come at a cost. Free social media and graphic design platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Canva have been very effective for my business. Fortunately for me, through educational articles and advice from others, I have not made any significant money mistakes.
What new business would you love to start?
From here, I would like to expand my knowledge and experience within property and finance and progress into property development. What I am learning from this experience and the people I continuously meet throughout this journey as a Mortgage Broker I know will help me transition into this field.
If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?
I had big aspirations and goals to dive into this field at 110% and give up my day job. Initially, I took unpaid leave from my day job to primarily focus on Mortgage Broking. It wasn’t long until I realized that not having a consistent income was detrimental to starting a new business. Receiving consistent income alleviated the stress of the cost of living and other financial commitments and allowed me to focus on the day-to-day running of the business. I admit it is challenging to juggle a day job and manage a business, however, I have learned to handle my time effectively to avoid burnout.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
“Your rewards in life will always be in direct proportion to your contribution or service” – Earl Nightingale.
“Any person who contributes to prosperity must prosper in turn.” ― Earl Nightingale.
What advice would you give someone who wants to enter your field?
Focus on helping others and being of ‘value’ to others. Mortgage Broking is rewarding as the role allows you to provide a service, to not only write up home loans but also improve the quality of life for an individual. Maintaining this mindset will enable you to overcome challenges and have that edge to propel you further in your Broking journey.
