Meet Helen.

Benefit From Market Leading Expertise And Trusted Advice.

Helen Avis

Helen Avis.

Director.

Helen Avis has held the position of Director of Finance for Specialist Mortgage since 2003.

She is one of Australia’s leading Finance Brokers, having been recognised as National Broker of Year – Specialist Lending in the Australian Mortgage Awards 2023, the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia’s Residential Finance Broker National Winner and State Winner for 2022, in addition to numerous state and national awards.

Helen is responsible for managing her own client portfolio, in addition to supervising her mortgage broking and processing team and managing Specialist Mortgage’s international business operations.

Helen has successfully completed her Diploma of Financial Services (Finance/ Mortgage Broking Management) and is a member of the MFAA as well as being the Licence Holder under the ASIC Australian Credit Licence for Specialist Mortgage.

Helen holds formal accreditation with most of Australia’s leading lending institutions in addition to specialist lenders providing mortgage solutions for expatriates and non-residents.

Helen has extensive lending experience and has been involved in the Mortgage industry since 1989 when she became licenced under the UK FSA, as a Mortgage Broker and Financial Planner. Prior to this she was a Fund Manager for UK Equities for John Hancock International.

She successfully operated her own business working throughout Europe, advising clients on Finance and Mortgages, until 2002 when she was recruited to relocate to Singapore. Soon after, she decided to concentrate on the mortgage aspect of her profession and took up a position with Specialist Mortgage where she remains today.

Testimonials.

Tom L.

Helen was invaluable in enabling me to secure my first investment property from Dubai. She matched me with a lender that was suited and could accommodate my personal circumstances, guided me throughout the application process and proactively liaised with the lender to make the process as smooth as possible over the holiday period.

July 13, 2022 Dubai

Greg

Helen has helped us with multiple loans and refinancing and has made the process so simple and easy. With Helen’s advice we have always felt like we have been able to find the best product in the market for us.

July 1, 2020 Queensland

Jacqui

We have now used Helen Avis twice in procuring suitable Home Loans for our two investment properties. Helen and the team at SMATS have a deep understanding of the nuances of being an Australian Expat and we have always had great advice, high value offers and top notch service from her and the team.

November 13, 2019 UAE

James

Helen is completely client focused, she was able to take our exact requirements and circumstances into account when searching for and procuring a lender to suit us.

November 19, 2021 Singapore

Elisabeth

Thank you to Bridget, Fanny and the SMATS team for helping us secure the loan for our dream home They clearly know what they are doing and are well versed in every stage of the process. We just provided information, they took care of the rest. I definitely recommend SMATS for expats wanting a mortgage in Australia.

December 19, 2019 UAE

Naden

I have now gone through the arduous process of purchasing an Australian property four times. On the last three occasions, Helen Avis has been my first and most important point of contact in the process.

April 9, 2021 Taiwan

Shiree M.

Specialist Mortgage/SMATS was recommended to us by other expats and we are very glad we took the advice. Highly recommend to all.

October 20, 2021 Saudi Arabia

Dorothy N.

Carolyn went above and beyond to assist me in finding the perfect mortgage for my needs. Carolyn had extensive knowledge and understanding of the mortgage industry, and she took the time to comprehend my financial goals and personal circumstances.

June 23, 2023 Sydney

Tom L.

Even after the loan was approved, Helen worked with my conveyancer to ensure that final settlement was achieved without delay. I recommend Helen without hesitation and look forward to working with her again in the future. Thank you again for all your help!

July 13, 2022 Dubai

I. Bayeh

Bridget made it easy for me to choose a bank and she arranged special finance packages, pre-approval and final loan approval.

February 12, 2021 Bahrain

Mark

Everyone I worked with on this purchase was fantastic. Helen helped me to find a mortgage when my existing bank said no.

May 14, 2020 Perth

Naden

Helen and her team absorb so much of the difficulty and tediousness of organizing a home loan, thanks to her meticulous nature and her prompt and effective communication.

April 9, 2021 Taiwan

C. Tuimaka

We used Specialist Mortgage for several investment house loans as expats. They were easy to work with, responded promptly and made it a stress-free process.

March 18, 2021 Victoria

Johanna D.

Bridget Bowman recently helped me lower the interest rate on my variable rate mortgage in Australia. The result was an over $100 reduction per month! As an existing customer with an ongoing relationship with SMATS, all it took was one email to Bridget and she was on the case, about 7 days later she sends me an email with the good news.

July 9, 2021 Dubai

James

During the Covid-19 pandemic our purchase and settlement process was handled remotely via phone and emails, Helen and Fanny were very responsive to our questions, the process and acquisition of all the paperwork was very clear.

November 19, 2021 Singapore

Greg

Helen’s intimate knowledge of the market and pricing of various loans (investment, owner occupier, interest only etc) has made loan selection a breeze and enabled us to have confidence in our decision making.

July 1, 2020 Queensland

Tarek

Bridget made sure that I had the best rate and promptly provided me with clear answers for all my questions. She supported me through every single step in a professional and efficient manner.

January 17, 2019 UAE

T. Nick

Bridget has been an amazing mortgage broker, she is always very accessible, follows through and thinks outside the box!

July 18, 2019 Dubai & AU

Angela R.

Helen delivers. She is practical, responsive, efficient and caring.
Helen has helped us many times with our finance over the years. If something can’t be done, Helen will tell you straight – but she will always offer alternatives and solutions.
We trust her completely.

October 30, 2022 Dubai

Shiree M.

Bridget and Norliana were instrumental in securing us our forever home as Expats. Communication was excellent, answers prompt, feedback was incredible.

October 20, 2021 Saudi Arabia

Dom & Yvette

Helen Avis did a really outstanding job pushing our formal approval through in 4 days. She was also very helpful in advising me of the risks around unconditional vs conditional exchange which was much appreciated.

October 20, 2023 Singapore

Naden

I would have long been deterred from property investment in Australia had it not been for the hard work and high standard of service Helen offers.

April 9, 2021 Taiwan

Alex

Bridget’s tireless work to finally find a lender for me with competitive terms was exceptional.

May 14, 2020 Doha, Qatar

David & Rhian

Through Bridget Bowman we were able to structure our home loan in order to secure a second property. Bridget was excellent in her service and advice rapidly securing loan approvals.

March 12, 2020 UK

James

We required quite a complicated loan including land and a new build which was handled so smoothly that we then decided to go with Helen for our next purchase and the refinancing of an existing loan away from a bank I had been unhappy with for years.

November 19, 2021 Singapore

Johanna D.

There was no gain for SMATS in doing this, Bridget just wanted to do what is best for their customer, and we are so grateful for their help and support over the years. I would 100% recommend SMATS for their excellent service offering and customer service, always putting their customers first.

July 9, 2021 Dubai

Dorothy N.

I had the pleasure of working with Carolyn. She explained all the intricate mortgage details in a manner that was easy for me to grasp. Carolyn conducted herself in a professional manner and was always available to address any questions or concerns I had. Thanks to her, the entire process was effortless and free of stress!

June 23, 2023 Sydney

Dom

We’ve been using Specialist Mortgage for mortgage approvals and renewals for the past 2.5 years and they have dealt with my endless questions very quickly, professionally and tirelessly which is super impressive.

September 17, 2019 Singapore

Matt H.

I used the Specialist Mortgage broking team to secure lending in Australia at a time when Australian banks were imposing tight controls on expat lending.
The team were impressively responsive and helpful throughout the whole process and able to secure me a great outcome. I would highly recommend using their services.

August 18, 2022 Brisbane

Mic S.W.

Debbie provided continual professional care and attention as we worked through some of the challenges faced when remotely purchasing and financing property investments in Australia.

December 4, 2019 USA

Zac G.

Helen and John made buying our first property a dream, so seamless and professional. Will definitely be taking up their services again.

September 18, 2023 South Australia

Camilo P.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Grace over the last 2 years. Grace has the ability to build strong customer relationships as she genuinely cares for her customers, she is a very experienced, who is selfless with her time and is always willing to assist her peers.

July 22, 2023 Melbourne

Dean Lane

It’s been such a relief and pleasure having Grace as our personal banker for the past few years. She’s helped us to navigate a number of complex lending related issues, always providing professional, timely and friendly service.

July 13, 2023 Melbourne

Professor Aaron Russell

Grace is authentic, honest, and responsive. Grace makes it a priority to understand her client’s needs and her friendly and relaxed nature makes it a pleasure to liaise with her. She continually maintains communication, ensuring her clients have the latest financial information and that they are receiving the best possible service.

Grace has played a major role in supporting my financial investments over the past 16 years. She is a true professional and a wonderful person to work with. I will continue to work with Grace and cannot recommend her highly enough.

July 6, 2023 Melbourne

Mark Delaney

Grace took the time to understand our needs and our capabilities and tailored a loan that suited us and our requirements. The loan Grace provided was a unique package that I have never seen before but was perfect in challenging times. This would not have been possible if Grace had not understood us and pushed, challenged and changed internal process’, standards and procedures.

I thank you Grace for your commitment to client satisfaction over a long period.

July 27, 2023 Melbourne

Rob G.

Helen and Katherine were awesome, assisting with a new property purchase and re-finance of existing loans in record time, all with improved overall pricing. Very professional and highly recommended.

January 4, 2024 Queensland

J. Pou

It’s a pleasure to work with Helen and John from SMATS. They are extremely efficient and helpful. I strongly recommend them.

December 14, 2023 Singapore

W. Beattie

Highly recommended! As returning expats with self-employed income traditional lenders aren’t interested so the options are limited. After a failed attempt with another broker we had pretty much given up all hope. Carolyn and her team’s tenacity got us across the line and we ended up borrowing more than we expected at a better interest rate.

January 17, 2024 Queensland

W. Beattie

I would highly recommend this service to any expats thinking of returning. My advice would be to start the process as early as possible.

January 17, 2024 Queensland

P. Callow

The help that we received from Specialist Mortgage services was superb. Their guidance and support was spot on through the entire process. I have no hesitation in recommending them very highly.

January 19, 2024 Dubai

Awards and accolades.

  • 2023 National Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending
  • 2023 Mortgage Broker of the Year Finalist – Women In Finance Awards
  • 2023 Elite Women – Mortgage Professional Australia
  • 2023 National Residential Broker of the Year Finalist – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2023 WA Broker of the Year Finalist – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2023 Finance Broker Business Award National Finalist – MFAA Excellence Awards
  • 2023 Finance Broker Business Award WA Winner – MFAA Excellence Awards
  • 2023 Best Customer Service (Individual) WA Finalist – MFAA Excellence Awards
  • 2023 Best Customer Service (Individual) WA – The Advisor Better Business Awards
  • 2022 Broker of the Year Awardee – Australian Mortgage Awards
  • 2022 Residential Finance Broker National Winner –Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia
  • 2022 Residential Finance Broker State Winner – Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia
  • 2022 Top 100 Mortgage Broker Award – Mortgage Professionals Australia Awards
  • 2022 WA Broker of the Year Winner – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2022 Best Residential Broker Finalist – The Advisor Better Business Awards
  • 2022 Mortgage Broker of the Year Finalist – Women in Finance Awards
  • 2021 Top 100 Mortgage Broker Award – Mortgage Professionals Australia Awards
  • 2021 WA Broker of the Year Winner – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2021 National Broker of the Year for Residential Lending – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2019 International Broker of the Year – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2018 International Broker of the Year – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2017 International Broker of the Year – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2016 International Broker of the Year – Specialist Finance Group Awards
  • 2014 Top Flame Broker St George Bank
  • 2013 Top Flame Broker St George Bank
  • Flame Foundation Member St George Bank
  • ANZ Premium Broker
Specialist Finance Group 2016 International Broker of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2016 International Brokerage of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2017 International Broker of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2017 International Brokerage of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2018 International Broker of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2018 International Brokerage of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2019 International Broker of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2019 International Brokerage of the Year
MPA 2021 Top 100 Broker
Specialist Finance Group 2021 National Residential Broker of the year Winner
Specialist Finance Group 2021 WA Broker of the year Winner
Specialist Finance Group 2021 WA Brokerage of the year Finalist
The Adviser Australian Broking Awards 2022 Finance Broker of the Year Finalist
MFAA 2022 - Finance Broker Business Award - State Finalist
MFAA 2022 - Residential Finance Broker Award - National Winner
MFAA 2022 - Residential Finance Broker Award - State Winner
Specialist Finance Group 2022 Finalist - WA Broker of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2022 Winner - WA Broker of the Year
Specialist Finance Group 2022 Finalist - WA Brokerage of the Year
The Adviser Better Business Awards Finalist 2022 - WA Best Residential Broker
Women in Finance Awards 2022 Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
The Adviser Better Business Awards Winner 2023 - WA Best Customer Service (Individual)
The Adviser Better Business Awards Finalist 2023 - WA Best Customer Service (Office)
2023 MFAA - Customer Service Individual Award - State Finalist
2023 MFAA - Finance Broker Business Award - State Winner
2023 MFAA - Finance Broker Business Award - National Finalist
2023 SFG National Residential Broker Of The Year Finalist
2023 SFG WA Brokerage Of The Year Finalist
2023 SFG WA Broker Of The Year Finalist
2023 SFG Group Excellence Award Finalist
2023-MPA-EliteWomen2023
2023_WIFA_Mortgage-Broker-of-the-Year_Finalist
2023 AMA Resimac Brokerage Of The Year (6-20 Staff)
2023 AMA Broker Of The Year Specialist Lending - Helen Avis
2023 SFG WA Broker Of The Year Winner
The Advisor Better Business Awards 2024 - Best Finance Broker Winner
2024 Residential Finance Broker WA Finalist – Helen Avis

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