“To be honest, at the time, I didn’t really know what being a mortgage broker involved.”
That is how Preeti Kowshik (pictured), senior mortgage broker at Home Loan Experts, describes her entry into the industry after migrating to Australia. Speaking to Australian Broker in 2026, she said the challenges of those early days still shape how she approaches clients whose finance seems out of reach.
Kowshik, one of Australian Broker’s 5-Star Brokers for 2025, has worked with borrowers whose circumstances ruled out a straightforward application. Finding a way forward took patience and persistence. At times that meant approaching multiple lenders, understanding how their policies differed, and working closely with clients to put their case as strongly as possible.
For Kowshik, good broking is about more than knowing which lender has the lowest rate.
“Sometimes, the difference between a ‘no’ and a ‘yes’ comes down to understanding the situation properly, asking the right questions and finding the right lending solution,” she said. “The most rewarding part is seeing the relief and happiness on a client’s face when you help them achieve something they thought might not be possible.”
Kowshik’s own path demanded the same persistence.
“We had only recently migrated to Australia, and having come from a banking background in my home country, I was keen to find my way back into the financial industry,” she said.
Kowshik went on to complete her certification and take her first steps into the profession. Leaving a salaried role raised early concerns about income uncertainty, but the steeper learning curve was adjusting to a new environment.
“As a migrant, I also had to overcome the challenge of understanding different accents and communication styles while simultaneously learning the policies and requirements of different lenders,” she said.
“Looking back, those challenges became some of the most valuable parts of my journey. They pushed me to learn, adapt and grow both professionally and personally.”
Kowshik has no regrets.
“Today, I can confidently say that becoming a mortgage broker was one of the best career decisions I have ever made,” she said.
Kowshik, who first spoke to Australian Broker in a 2018 Hot Seat interview about broker relationships, sees keeping pace with constant change in lender policy, regulation, technology, and consumer expectations as one of the industry’s key challenges. Her answer combines ongoing education, embracing technology, and a strong focus on the client, with systems that support the human side of broking rather than replace it.
For newcomers, her message reflects her own beginnings.
“There is a lot to understand, from lender policies and credit requirements to different client circumstances, and you cannot learn everything overnight,” Kowshik said. “Ask questions, learn from experienced brokers and never be afraid to seek guidance.”
Get the hottest and freshest property and mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter.
