Real Accounting

Are you leaving money on the table? You might be if you don’t know your numbers. As an accountant who works closely with brokers, I see this all the time—so many brokers don’t truly know their numbers. You might be great at closing deals, managing clients, and building relationships, but when it comes to understanding your financials, many brokers fall short. And here’s the hard truth: not knowing your numbers can cost you big time. Do you know your profit margins? Are you tracking your trail book properly? How much are you spending vs. earning each month? If you’re not crystal clear on these, you’re leaving money on the table—and that’s money that could be fueling your growth. I get it, though. Numbers aren’t always fun, and as a broker, your focus is often on the next deal, the next client, the next win. But that’s where I come in. At Real Accounting, we specialise in working with brokers to help you get a clear picture of your financials. From tracking your trail book performance to managing your monthly accounts and even handling payroll, we take the stress out of your numbers so you can focus on doing what you do best—growing your business. It’s time to stop guessing and start knowing. Let’s get your financials in order and make 2025 the year you really take control of your business. Are you ready? Let’s talk.

What’s the secret sauce for client loyalty? Spoiler alert: It’s not a fancy CRM or a flashy campaign. It’s the little things that make your clients feel valued—and keep them coming back. Here are 3 simple ways to boost client retention and grow your trail income: 1️⃣ Check In Without a Hidden Agenda 💬 Why It Works: Clients can spot a sales pitch a mile away. A quick call or email just to check in shows you care about them, not just their loan. ✅ Try This: Schedule an annual “client health check” to review their financial needs and goals. 2️⃣ Celebrate Their Wins 💬 Why It Works: Buying a home is a huge milestone, but how often do we follow up after settlement? ✅ Try This: Send a handwritten note or small gift on their loan anniversary. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact. 3️⃣ Be Their Go-To Advisor 💬 Why It Works: When clients see you as their trusted expert, they’ll never think about going elsewhere. ✅ Try This: Share helpful tips, like refinancing advice or market updates. Stay relevant and top-of-mind. Client loyalty isn’t rocket science—it’s about showing up, staying connected, and being human. The result? Happier clients and a healthier trail book. What’s one thing you do to keep clients coming back? Share your best tips below! 👇

Let’s talk about the sneaky costs that eat into your profits as a broker. You’re busy closing deals, managing clients, and keeping things moving. But ever wonder where all your money goes? Some costs hide in plain sight—and they can add up fast. Here are 3 hidden expenses brokers often overlook (and how to keep them in check): 1️⃣ Marketing That Misses the Mark 💬 The Problem: Running ads or campaigns without tracking ROI is like throwing cash into the wind. ✅ The Fix: Focus on what works. Track where your leads come from and double down on the channels that convert. (Hint: That expensive campaign might not be pulling its weight.) 2️⃣ Operational Overload 💬 The Problem: Too many tools, systems, or subscriptions that don’t actually save you time or money. ✅ The Fix: Audit your expenses. Are you paying for tools you don’t use? Consolidate and streamline where you can. --- 3️⃣ Compliance Costs That Creep Up 💬 The Problem: Staying compliant is non-negotiable, but the associated fees (or penalties) can surprise you. ✅ The Fix: Build compliance costs into your budget upfront. And if you’re unsure, ask for expert advice before mistakes get expensive. Every dollar counts in your brokerage. By keeping these costs in check, you’ll free up cash to reinvest in growth—or take that well-deserved holiday. 🌴 Which of these hidden costs have you spotted in your business? Or is there another one draining your budget? Let’s chat below! 💬

Do you know which numbers hold the key to your brokerage’s success? Most brokers are great at closing deals. But tracking the numbers that really drive growth? That’s where things can get murky. Let’s fix that. Here are 3 metrics every broker should track—and why they’re game-changers: 1️⃣ Client Retention Rate 💬 Why It Matters: Happy clients stick around. When they don’t, you lose revenue (and maybe get hit with a clawback). ✅ How to Track It: Measure how many clients stay with you year-over-year. Simple check-ins and reviews can work wonders to keep them loyal. 2️⃣ Trail Income Growth 💬 Why It Matters: Your trail book is your long game. If it’s not growing, something’s off—like client churn or missed opportunities. ✅ How to Track It: Look at month-over-month or yearly growth. Regular checks will help you spot trends before they become problems. 3️⃣ Loan Application Conversion Rate 💬 Why It Matters: Are your efforts turning into results? This shows how well you’re converting applications into settlements. ✅ How to Track It: Divide settled loans by total applications. If it’s low, tweak your process to fix bottlenecks. These metrics may seem basic, but they’re the heartbeat of your business. Track them, and you’ll know exactly where to focus your energy (and what to fix). Which one of these are you tracking already? Or is there one you’ve been avoiding? Let me know in the comments, or DM me to chat more. 📊

Broker, does it ever feel like the numbers just don’t add up? As a mortgage broker, you work tirelessly to close deals, guide clients, and keep your business running smoothly. But the financial side of things? That can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Let’s talk about some of the biggest financial challenges brokers face—and, more importantly, how to tackle them: 1️⃣ Cash Flow That Feels More Like a Rollercoaster 💬 The Challenge: Commissions and trail income don’t always arrive when you need them most. Some months are flush, others… not so much. ✅ The Solution: A solid budgeting plan and consistent cash flow forecasting can smooth out the highs and lows. Start by categorising essential expenses and creating a reserve fund for leaner months. Need help? That’s what we’re here for. 2️⃣ Trail Book Mysteries 💬 The Challenge: Your trail book is supposed to be a reliable revenue stream, but without visibility, it’s hard to know where your income stands—or where it’s going. ✅ The Solution: Regular trail book analysis gives you clarity on client retention rates, at-risk loans, and potential clawbacks. Think of it as unlocking a map to your financial future. 3️⃣ The Clawback Surprise 💬 The Challenge: You’re celebrating a successful settlement, and then—boom—a clawback hits because the client refinanced early. It’s frustrating and eats into your income. ✅ The Solution: Proactive client retention strategies are key. Schedule regular check-ins, offer refinancing reviews, and stay top-of-mind. Happy clients rarely jump ship. 4️⃣ Expense Black Holes 💬 The Challenge: Operational costs, marketing expenses, and compliance fees can add up fast, often without you realising it. ✅ The Solution: Track every dollar. Use financial reporting tools to identify where your money is going—and whether those expenses are pulling their weight. (Hint: We can help with that.) 5️⃣ Benchmarking Blind Spots 💬 The Challenge: Are you performing as well as your peers? Without benchmarking data, it’s hard to know where you stand—or how to improve. ✅ The Solution: Compare your metrics (loan volume, trail income growth, retention rates) against industry averages to spot gaps and opportunities. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead. The truth is, managing finances as a broker can be tricky. But it’s not impossible. With the right strategies and support, you can take control of your numbers and make them work for you. Which of these challenges do you relate to the most? Let me know in the comments, or DM me if you’re ready to start solving them! 👇 #mortgagebrokers

Brokers, your trail income is like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... unless it’s leaking. Ever feel like your trail income isn’t quite trailing as well as it should? You’re not alone. Many brokers overlook small but powerful ways to squeeze more value out of their trail book. Let me spill the secrets: 1️⃣ Know Your Numbers – If you don’t know who your high-value clients are, you might as well be throwing darts in the dark. 2️⃣ Keep Your Clients Close – And by close, I mean engaged. A quick check-in or refinance conversation can work wonders. 3️⃣ Watch for Early Payoffs – Clawbacks love to crash your party. Knowing where they’re likely to hit can save your bottom line. 4️⃣ Benchmark, Benchmark, Benchmark – Are you performing better than the broker next door? If not, let’s fix that. 5️⃣ Plan for Tomorrow – Trail income isn’t just today’s coffee fund; it’s your business growth rocket fuel. Your trail income deserves a little TLC, don’t you think? What’s one thing you’re doing to maximise yours? Drop your thoughts below! Or message me if you want to dig into this together.

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