Birt brokers bright new beginning

29 June, 2015

Former Australian T20 batsman Travis Birt has gone from breaking bats to brokering deals as an accredited Mortgage Broker.

The 33 year-old, who played for the Hobart Hurricanes (Big Bash League) and Northern Districts (New Zealand's domestic T20 competition) last season, is still keen to ply his trade bludgeoning cricket balls but has made great inroads to his transition out of the game.

Travis said he was enjoying the new challenge.

"I have been extremely fortunate to be able to pursue a cricket career throughout my life, and I'm now transitioning into another career that I'm very passionate about, by assisting clients in reaching their financial goals and objectives.

"There are quite a few similarities between cricket and mortgage broking. In both areas, once you've established your key goal, it's about building the right framework and strategy to achieve it.

"Financially a lot has changed over the past year or so. For example, fixed interest rates are at record lows and have been very popular lately for property buyers, while variable rates continue to drop.

"One of the changes I've noticed is that the changing financial landscape has meant people are more open to exploring whether they can get a better rate, greater certainty or a better deal overall with either a different structure to their loan or by securing a different lender.

"Even working out how much you should borrow is an important first step that will help guide your approach."

Having spent time playing for Western Australia, Travis continues to be based in Perth with his young family including, wife Anthea and sons Samson and Crusoe.

His cricket journey started in Gippsland in country Victoria, took him to Richmond Cricket Club at Victoria Premier Cricket level before his time in WA and Tasmania. He was part of the Tigers' historic Pura Cup-winning team in 2006-07, when he made 736 first-class runs. Travis also had stints with the Delhi Daredevils and Derbyshire, and still believes he has the ability to play quality T20 cricket.

"I'm feeling strong and injury-free and my current set-up is offering me the best of both worlds. I can remain committed to playing cricket while building my career in broking.

Travis was supported by the ACA as he prepared for his new (or parallel) career.

"The ACA were terrific in meeting the cost of becoming qualified through the Education Grants and I also did work with Matt Gaffney from Endindico. Matt was a tremendous help in working through the various challenges of transitioning from a full-time cricketer to one with a business role as well. He was able to help me understand myself better and to identify the stepping stones that will help me achieve my goals. It's an exciting new challenge."

Travis' Top Tips when considering a mortgage broker

  • With hundreds of loan products available, brokers are experts who can find the ideal lending solution for you;
  • They have the ability to negotiate great rates on your behalf;
  • Brokers deal with the lender directly and will manage the application process for you;
  • A broker works for you! Not the bank;
  • Many broking services (such as those I provide) are delivered at no cost to the client.

ACA Members can contact Travis Birt on 0405 189 349 or email travis@loanmonster.com.au.

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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