Mortgage Adviser - Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese Speaking) - Hong Kong Native
This week, we sat down with Cedar Crest mortgage adviser, Monica Leung. Monica is a UK-based, Hong Kong native, who provides UK mortgage and property solutions to clients and investors around the world.
She partners with Asset Management companies, Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs), and Real Estate (RE) agents/brokers to build clients' portfolios though the power of UK property. Specialising in Buy To Let property, she helps generate passive income and investment growth to clients in the UK and Asia.
On a personal level, she enjoys cooking and trying different foods as well as putting her fun and creative side to good use.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ROLE
I am a UK-based mortgage adviser who provides mortgage and property advice to clients in Asia and the UK. I spend a lot of time trying to find the best mortgage products for my clients and get so much satisfaction when I find one that meets (or exceeds) their expectations. On a regular basis, you will find me communicating with clients, trying to understand their needs and circumstances with the sole aim of finding the best mortgage solution whilst building a relationship with them.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Buying property is one of the biggest purchases anyone will make in their lifetime and the process can be long, intimidating, and confusing. Through my help and services, I can provide peace of mind for clients through their purchase journey, simplifying the mortgage process and finding a product that's right for them no matter where they're located in the world.
Oftentimes, I will be working with a client for 2-3 months, speaking to them on a regular basis and creating a bond with them so when they complete on a property and they're happy with my service and the product they received, it can be very rewarding. That brings me a great deal of satisfaction.
WHAT LED YOU TO CHOOSING THIS PROFESSION?
I was inspired by the influx of Hongkongers coming to the UK. From a cultural perspective, property is very important for Asians, as we always say "it is important to have a roof above your head and to be grateful for it."
I spent a few years in design/advertising roles but finance and property were industries I had more drive for due to the growing need so I decided to shift industries. Being in this role of helping clients get the best mortgage solutions allows me to assist other Hong Kong natives, Asians and UK residents in making their dreams of purchasing property a reality which is very gratifying.
IF YOU WEREN'T DOING THIS JOB, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Definitely something finance related that's client facing because I am a people person and I believe in the power of good money management. Your financial circumstances are so critical to your overall wellbeing that I would want to be helping others with their finances in some shape or form.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Since I was in the creative industry, I like to find ways to express my creative side and one form I do so is through cooking. I am very fond of eating and cooking, not necessarily at a professional level, but I like to experiment in the kitchen. I enjoy mixing different ingredients and trying different spices to "spice up my life." I enjoy a variety of flavours and I am always up for trying something new because oftentimes eating out at restaurant can be disappointing. I lived in Hong Kong all my life and the restaurants over there are simply amazing, you'll find something for every budget too. I feel that in the UK, to get quality food you have to be willing to pay the price.
I also enjoy playing badminton, squash, table tennis and catching up with friends (or meeting new ones). I enjoy watching movies too and just generic girly things.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
I used to work in advertising as a Creative Director and have won international awards, I then moved over to insurance where I focused on protection and investment funds. Over four consecutive years I was at a Million-Dollar Round Table and I am hoping to achieve similar goals in the mortgage industry.
I would also like to continue to gain more confidence in my role, meet more clients, increase my client base, and work with high-net worth individuals who own various properties that I can help them with.
BEST ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN YOU
I like everything happens for a reason, but my favourite one is live life with no regrets. You can avoid this if you do your best in everything you do because you can say you've tried hard no matter the outcome. Give it your all and then you cannot be disappointed with yourself.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WORKING IN THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY
Transmitting confidence to clients is everything. When you are professional and truly listen to the clients' needs and take a genuine interest in them, that gives clients peace of mind that they are working with someone they can trust. Also, working hard and doing your best in everything you do is important for your own job satisfaction.
>> NEED HELP WITH YOUR MORTGAGE OPTIONS? <<
To find out more:
Cedar Crest Ltd – telephone UK T: +44 (0) 203 883 1017,
HK T: +852 6645 4462 – email info@cedar-crest.co.uk
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