Meet the Team

Karen Le Comte - Personal Mortgage Adviser

Karen Le Comte prides herself on the highly personalised mortgage advisory service she, business partner Jillian Pearson and their team provide to clients.

“Being a Mortgage Adviser, rather than simply a broker managing a one-off transaction, means we take a much more holistic view of our clients’ finances,” Karen said.

"Each of our clients has very individual needs and circumstances, but in all instances our focus is on demystifying the process of managing money and putting people in control of their finances – whether that’s a first home buyer, an experienced property investor or a family looking to refinance."

"Our advice and approach with each client is very much tailored based on their individual situation.”

Karen’s knowledge, passion and client focus has seen her become one of the most highly respected and recognised mortgage brokers in Australia, with a string of industry and business awards.

In addition to more than 25 years’ banking and broking experience, Karen is able to meet the needs of clients by working closely with a strong network of local and respected business partners who provide valuable expertise in the areas of real estate, financial planning, property law, building/developing and risk insurance.

More than 90 per cent of Karen’s business comes as a result of referral from clients or business partners and her customers give her a customer service rating of 9.7 out of 10.

"Our focus is on adding real value for our clients and providing a service that meets their needs and goals,” Karen said.

"I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with a large group of great clients and to be able to provide a personalised mortgage advisory service that assists them and their families to achieve financial security,” Karen said.

Jillian Clifford (nee Pearson) - Personal Mortgage Adviser

For Jillian Clifford, her role as a Mortgage Adviser is just as much about relationships as it is finances.

Jillian’s highly successful 25-year career with one of Australia’s largest banks prior to joining Smartline – which saw her named a top 100 employee nationally on 10 occasions and a lifetime member of the bank’s Masters Club – is testament to this philosophy.

"My view has always been that I am in the business of relationships first and foremost,” Jillian said. “I’ve always believed that in providing quality advice and service to my clients, the end result will be great outcomes for all."

"Clients are obviously looking for someone who is well across the lending market and knows the ins and outs of the various products, but my experience is they want to work with someone who they can easily access and who they can trust.”

Jillian joined Smartline early in 2011, going into partnership with one of the group’s most successful mortgage advisers, Karen Le Comte.

"In working as a Smartline adviser in partnership with Karen, our clients have access to home loan products from more than 25 lenders and benefit from the services of a highly experienced and results-orientated team,” Jillian said.

"I’ve always loved what I do and I’m now hugely excited about the fact that I can add even more value to clients as a Smartline adviser – whether that’s a first home buyer, an experienced property investor or a family looking to refinance.”

Jacqueline Klees - Loans Administrator

Jacqueline Klees is the newest member of the Smartline Cleveland team and brings with her an enthusiasm for the very best customer service. She takes great pride in her friendly, personalised approach to servicing Smartline’s clients.

With more than 30 years broad finance industry experience, Jacqueline has a solid pool of knowledge and understanding of lending systems and processes from which to draw.

Her experience includes work as a teller, personal and home loans officer, and as a business banking account manager, before moving into third-party banking.

“Having both industry knowledge and personal experience enables you to truly empathise with a customer’s situation,” she explains.

“The lending process can be a really daunting experience for many, so it helps to have a team of people on your side, with know-how and personal experience, keeping you informed at every step along the way. I think that can be really comforting.”

Marisa Dixon - Loans Administrator

Marisa Dixon

With a career spanning 15 years in lending, Marisa joined the team at Smartline Cleveland in April 2011.

In her role, Marisa prepares client applications, follows them through to settlement and looks after all post settlement client care.

"I strive to deal with any client issues in a timely manner and make the lending process as smooth as possible in what can be a stressful time."

Readily available for clients, Karen, Jillian and their team are based in modern offices in Cleveland with easy access and parking. Fully mobile, Karen and Jillian services all the bayside suburbs including but not limited to Wynnum, Capalaba, Wellington Point, Birkdale, Shelldon and Redland Bay.