The decision made by one of SAs major banks to establish and work exclusively with a brand new origination company which deals directly with estate agencies will adversely affect bond originators and could, in fact, also reduce the amount of mortgage bond business that the bank itself does, says Rob Lawrence, national manager of Rawson Finance.
'There have over the years been various attempts to cut back on the number of bonds handled by originators,' said Lawrence, 'but in the end they have all been abandoned because clients appreciate the fact that bond originators will approach all the banks to get them the best possible deal. Any arrangement which limits this flexibility and choice and tries to channel the bond applications to one bank only is likely to be seen as suspect even if, as is the case here, the bank has promised to stick to the current lending policies and criteria'
The popularity of bond origination, said Lawrence, is shown by the fact that Rawson Finance has this year increased its turnover by 60%.
'October was our best month ever,' said Lawrence.
The connection through the Rawson group is, he said, proving valuable and working to the benefit of both Rawson Finance and the agents themselves (who receive a commission on all referrals).
Lawrence said that if the double dip in the global economy can be avoided, good trading conditions in property could be seen again within 12 to 18 months.
For further information contact Rob Lawrence on 021 658 7100 or email rob@rawsonfinance.co.za.
