Diversification has now firmly established itself as best practicein mortgage broking. But while the industry increasingly embraces the new normal, brokers are being encouraged to shop around first to find the best solution for their business. The Adviser’s Jessica Darnbrough reports.

Putting your energy into the growing market of domestic and foreign property investors is the key to many happy returns.

The global financial crisis almost sunk the wholesale funding market, but there is a beacon of light on the horizon.

While tighter lending policies have made it harder for self-employed borrowers to secure loans, this segment represents a hot market for brokers.

Strong market fundamentals are paving the way for the return of the property investor.

It may be the year of the ox for the Chinese but for brokers, 2009 is the year of the first home buyer.

Characterised by big deals and decent-sized commissions, the commercial mortgage market is offering brokers – specialised or diversified – solid income potential.

Refinancing activity is expected to pick up in the next six months as nervous borrowers review their financial situation. But while there’s good potential for business in this sector brokers expecting easy pickings should think again.

It’s early days, but the first signs of recovery for Australian securitisation are emerging.