Joseph Daoud (pictured), economist, mortgage broker and founder of It’s Simple Finance, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the current challenges facing the industry, and his advice for those just starting out.
Daoud began his finance career at Macquarie Bank, where a fascination with the loan writing process first took hold.
“As my passion and knowledge grew, I made the leap to start my own company,” he says.
In the beginning, Daoud focused strictly on business strategy, taking a hands-off approach to loan writing as he built the brand.
But 2024 marked a turning point. Daoud stepped back into the role that first ignited his love for finance – working directly on deals.
“I made a conscious decision to return to the core of what I love: working directly on deals. Getting back behind the screen has been both nostalgic and rewarding,” he says.
For Daoud, the most powerful development in modern broking hasn’t come from product innovation or regulatory change – but from digital transformation.
“The widespread adoption of social media by brokers… transformed how we connect with each other and, more importantly, how we educate the public,” he says.
Daoud believes that visibility and transparency through online platforms have elevated the role of brokers.
“Property is one of the most significant purchases anyone will make, and social media has given brokers a platform to demystify the process and add real value beyond the transactional side of our work,” he says.
Daoud doesn’t shy away from highlighting the pressing supply issues affecting buyers – especially first-timers.
“The biggest challenge right now is the imbalance between housing supply and demand,” he says. “Quite simply, there aren’t enough properties to meet the needs of our growing population.”
Daoud notes the increasing competition from foreign investors and calls for systemic solutions.
“First-home buyers, in particular, are facing an uphill battle competing not only with existing homeowners but also foreign investors. The solution isn’t simple, but it starts with being honest about the issue,” he says. “We need to prioritise the construction of more dwellings.
“The opportunity is certainly there for existing homeowners to leverage their position, but broader, systemic change is essential to level the playing field.”
Shifting back into hands-on broking while leading a company wasn’t without its challenges. Daoud says the biggest lesson came from learning how to delegate.
“One of the most defining moments was realising I needed to transition back into loan writing while still steering the company as a director,” he says.
“The challenge wasn’t in writing the loans themselves, but in balancing growth with day-to-day operations. It taught me the value of having a capable team.”
With a trusted team in place, Daoud’s been able to focus on the types of deals that energise him.
“Delegating effectively allows me to focus on high-value commercial and complex deals, while still networking and building the business strategically,” he says.
For newcomers to the industry, Daoud’s message is clear: commit fully and love the craft.
“My advice is simple: fall in love with the process. Really commit to understanding policy and learning how to structure deals creatively. This is what sets great brokers apart,” he says.
Daoud adds that success is about more than technical skill – it’s also about your network.
“Don’t just chase deals, workshop them, refine them, and always seek the best outcomes for your clients,” he says. “Equally important is building your network. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and hold you accountable.
“Success in this field comes from mastering both the technical and relational sides of the business.”
