Broker in Focus: Ben Harris, In Financial Services Ben Harris, head of finance and client strategy at In Financial Services, reflects on his journey from electrician to mortgage broker, driven by a childhood immersed in property and his mother’s 25-year career in the industry. Based in Newcastle, Maitland, and the Central Coast of New South Wales, Harris began his broking career in 2020 at age 23, inspired by his first home purchase at 18. As an electrician completing his apprenticeship, he observed the growth of his initial property investment, which sparked his interest in leveraging real estate for financial success. This realization, combined with his mother’s guidance, led him to transition into broking, aiming to support others in achieving their financial goals through early property investment. Harris emphasizes the transformative role of technology in modern broking, citing tools like DocuSign and Quickli as critical in streamlining processes and enhancing client experiences. These innovations allow brokers to focus more on relationship-building and less on administrative tasks, fostering trust and efficiency. He also highlights the collaborative nature of the industry, where brokers share knowledge to improve systems and ensure clients receive informed, high-quality service. Despite these advancements, Harris identifies a significant challenge: the ease of entry into the broking profession. He argues that the current low barriers to entry—allowing individuals to establish businesses with minimal experience—pose risks. Brokers may lack the depth of expertise needed to guide clients through complex financial decisions, such as first-home purchases or investment property structuring.#newcastle #central_coast #ben_harris #in_financial_services #maitland
Bay Area Braces for Cool Temperatures, Rain, and Thunderstorms Cool temperatures and steady rain are expected to blanket the Bay Area and Central Coast throughout Monday, with wet conditions persisting through Wednesday. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may develop on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The advisory issued early Monday morning highlights the widespread rain forecast across the North Bay, San Francisco, the Peninsula, East Bay, South Bay, Santa Cruz County, and Monterey counties, with warnings of slick roads, ponding on streets, and potential for minor urban and nuisance flooding in some areas. Rainfall totals through Wednesday are projected to range from 1 to 2 inches in valley locations and 1.5 to 3 inches in mountainous regions of the region. Thunderstorms are most likely to occur on Tuesday, with forecasters indicating a 20% to 35% chance of thunderstorms across much of the Bay Area and Central Coast. These storms could bring lightning, brief heavy rain, gusty winds, and small hail. A slight chance of lingering thunderstorms may extend into Wednesday, though confidence in their occurrence is lower. Temperatures are expected to remain cool through midweek, with the National Weather Service noting that seasonal conditions and drier weather are anticipated to return later in the week. The prolonged wet weather could lead to challenges for commuters and residents, particularly with the risk of flooded streets and reduced visibility. Forecasters emphasize the need for caution, especially during the early morning hours when the advisory was issued, as the combination of rain and cooler temperatures may create hazardous driving conditions.#national_weather_service #bay_area #central_coast #mountainous_regions #north_bay
