Helping Locals Feel at Home – Jade Bywaters

As a Home Lending Specialist, Jade has the opportunity to be part of some significant milestones in people’s lives. Photo supplied.

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For Jade Bywaters, some of the most rewarding moments in her role at Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr come when months – and sometimes years – of planning finally become a reality for a local customer.

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As a Home Lending Specialist, Jade has the opportunity to be part of some significant milestones in people’s lives, from helping first home buyers take their first steps towards home ownership to supporting local families as their needs and circumstances change.

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“The absolute best part of my role is getting to help our locals bring their property dreams to life,” Jade said.

“It is a true privilege to walk alongside our community members through every stage of their journey.”

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Jade joined the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr team in 2019, bringing with her a strong connection to the region. Born in Portland, Victoria, she moved to Ayr when she was eight and has embraced the Burdekin as home.

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It is that local connection that Jade believes is particularly important when working with customers during what can sometimes be an exciting, but also overwhelming, period of their lives.

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For first-home buyers especially, Jade understands that there can be plenty of questions along the way.

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“My priority is to turn that worry into excitement and confidence,” she said.

“It all starts with a friendly, open chat. I always make sure our customers know that there is no such thing as a silly question and that my door is always open.”

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Rather than simply focusing on the financial details, Jade says one of the most important lessons she has learnt is the value of genuinely listening to the person sitting across from her.

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“Our customers have taught me that real listening goes so much deeper than just looking at the financial details; it is about understanding the heart, the family and the dreams behind the numbers,” she said.

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“A home loan application can show us someone's income, but it cannot capture their dream of hosting backyard family barbecues or building a secure foundation for their kids.”

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For Jade, those conversations are what allow genuine relationships to develop. Keeping in regular contact, explaining each stage clearly and being a familiar local point of contact are all part of helping customers feel comfortable and supported.

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And when the hard work eventually pays off, Jade gets to share in the celebration.

“Buying a home often represents years of hard work, saving and careful planning,” she said.

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“To stand at the finish line with them and see the relief and joy on their faces is a wonderful privilege. When they finally hold those keys, it truly feels like a shared celebration.”

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Outside the branch, Jade enjoys life in the Burdekin with her partner Shaun and daughters Kayley and Larah, along with the family’s much-loved collection of animals.

For Jade, being part of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is ultimately about people – getting to know local customers, understanding what matters to them and being there for some of the biggest moments in their lives.

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Contributed by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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