Broker in Focus: Natalie Hines, of Premier One Mortgages, carves out a niche in the TV and film industry and grows her business built on referrals
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
For this week, Mortgage Introducer is featuring Natalie Hines (pictured top), of Premier One Mortgages, who carved out a distinctive niche in the mortgage broking world by turning an industry connection into a specialism.
After taking voluntary redundancy from a 23-year career at NatWest Bank, Hines launched her own brokerage in August 2021 — and quickly found her footing serving clients in the TV and film industry, where her husband worked as a cameraman. Five years on, she operates out of Birmingham with referrals flowing in from across the sector, and has since been joined by her husband, who now serves as a full-time director at Premier One Mortgages.
Full name: Natalie Hines
Job title: Mortgage broker
Company: Premier One Mortgages
Number of years in the industry: 5
Location: Birmingham
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I became a self-employed broker in August 2021 after taking voluntary redundancy from 23 years at NatWest Bank. At the time, my husband was a cameraman in the TV and film industry, so I started looking after friends and colleagues in the industry, which turned into a niche. Now I have referrals from all departments within the TV and film world.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The most positive development in the broking industry for me has been lenders' flexibility when looking at fixed-term contractors. Over the last five years, many lenders have been willing to take a more positive view of contracting income.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry?
A challenge I see facing the industry currently is the valuation process. I would personally like to see a similar valuation process to Scotland's, whereby the seller gets a home report before the property is marketed, allowing buyers to see it before making an offer. This would mean fewer down-valuations and would speed up the homebuying journey.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
A memorable experience for me as a broker was being able to help my husband pass his mortgage exams and become a full-time director of Premier One Mortgages, allowing us both to concentrate on helping his colleagues in the TV and film industry.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
The advice I would give to any aspiring or new broker is to find a niche and make sure you know every lender's criteria relating to that niche, allowing you to become an expert in your field of choice.
Broker in Focus is a weekly Mortgage Introducer feature, spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse backgrounds and locations across the UK. Among those recently featured are Joe Stallard of House and Holiday Home Mortgages, Sam Ewen of Rosehill Financial Services, Stuart Mosley of SJ Financial Solutions, Andrew Watson of Echo Finance, Tracie Selley of Approved Mortgage Solutions, Craig Chavez of Three Keys Mortgages, Bryan Brett of Just Mortgages, Joanne Pay of Elysian Trust Financial, and Geraldine Williams of Bubble Financial.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
