A BRIEF BACKGROUND

I am privileged to have been a part of the relatively new mortgage origination industry in South Africa from the outset. It all started with a handful of home loan consultants, as we were then called, when Seeff Residential Properties launched their own in-house mortgage division in the early nineties. What later became the giant MortgageSA, one of the county's largest mortgage originators owned by the real estate industry employing hundreds of consultants around the country, developed and morphed from the phenomenal success of Seeff Home Loans.

As a founding consultant of MortgageSA, my responsibilities included simultaneously servicing two of the property industry's great rivals: Pam Golding Properties and Seeff Residential Properties. These were exciting and challenging times. The turn of the century saw a significant fragmentation in the mortgage origination industry and in 2004 I took that leap of faith that only those who have started their own businesses will fully understand. Around this time, with the industry dominated by a few huge players and the advent of nameless, faceless call centers, it became clear that a niche existed for a small mortgage company that retained the personal touch. The Bond Man was born!

Significantly, what sets The Bond Man apart from the "big boys" in the industry is that whereas they have built-in lead generators by way of contractual arrangements with real estate companies, we have none. Our success depends entirely on our own marketing efforts and that slightly old-fashioned phenomenon, "word of mouth". Unlike other originators, we have no contractual arrangements with any real estate companies and we are truly independent in the sense that the business is owner-run. The fact that no real estate company or bank has an equity stake in The Bond Man means that we can approach the lenders without fear or favour. It's not uncommon in the industry for an originator to receive different commission structures from various lenders, making it impossible for them to be truly impartial in the placing of their business. The Bond Man works off a level playing field in this regard and we have no vested interest in placing a bond with any particular bank. We pride ourselves on shopping the market aggressively on behalf of our clients and have no qualms about playing one bank up against another, if necessary, to secure the most competitive deal.

Although my business is focused primarily in Cape Town, I am not restricted to any specific area and would welcome the opportunity to source the best deal for you, no matter where in the country your property is located.

Whether you´re purchasing a property and require a bond, or wish to refinance your existing bond for whatever reason, I´d welcome the chance to assist you. The mortgage industry is highly competitive and securing the best deal often involves protracted negotiations with the banks.

Non-Resident clients who may be considering purchasing property in South Africa, or refinancing their properties here, should contact The Bond Man for up to date Exchange Control information.

Pictured clockwise from left: Neil Swanepoel, Cathy van der Weele, Esmi Nomana, Gary Peterson - The Bond Man and Jenni Warrington

The Bond Man is the official representative of Omega Financial Services Limited, a UK mortgage company. More

• You should be called "The Miracle Man" and not "The Bond Man!" Kim Faclier - Auction Alliance, Cape Town
• The service we received from The Bond Man was extremely professional. It was prompt and very client focused as well as being very clear and articulate about the process and the achievement of our bond requirements. I have no hesitation in recommending The Bond Man and Gary Peterson to any prospective home buyers and bond applicants. Nick Webb, Sun International, Cape Town
• “Your stunning service knocks spots off the average bond originator! Your speed is admirable, as well as your efficiency.”Dennis Randell – formerly of Sotheby´s International Realty, Cape Town

More client comments...