Kevin Humelhans, a seasoned player with over two decades of experience in real estate financing, spoke to Delano about his transition from Athomefinance to Mortgage.lu and the subsequent vision that fuelled its inception.
Humelhans, who became a mortgage broker in the grand duchy in 2016, and Stephane Profit, who joined their ranks in 2019, co-founded Mortgage.lu last year, with the service starting this week.
The concept behind Mortgage.lu, as Humelhans put it, stemmed from the desire to rejuvenate the market and address a growing need within the real estate agent network--assistance with managing their clients’ financial matters.
We take the time to understand our clients’ goals, budgetary constraints and individual preferences, in order to personalise our recommendations and guide them towards the best solutions.
When queried about the distinguishing features of Mortgage.lu in comparison to other brokerages and advisories in Luxembourg, Humelhans noted that the firm’s edge lay in its in-depth understanding of market dynamics and client needs. Over two decades, their combined experience has led to the construction of a formidable network with real estate professionals and financial institutions in Luxembourg and in neighbouring countries. This foundation, Humelhans said, enables the company to offer clients a unique, tailor-made approach, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the mortgage process.
Rising mortgage rates
A current challenge that the sector faces is the recent surge in mortgage rates. Humelhans conceded that these fluctuations pose challenges for the industry at large, including Mortgage.lu. However, he elaborated on strategies employed to counteract this shift. He said the firm would consistentlymonitor interest rate movements, offer a diverse range of mortgage products and source optimal deals for clients.
Regarding client experience, Humelhans drew from his longstanding background as a mortgage broker. He emphasised that their primary objective has always been to simplify and de-stress the home loan process for their clients.
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Local banks
Partnerships with Luxembourg-based banks are central to Mortgage.lu’s modus operandi. Highlighting the significance of these collaborations, Humelhans stated that they have meticulous criteria, focusing on banks that not only offer a plethora of mortgage products and share their perspective on client service.
Turning the spotlight towards potential future collaborations, Humelhans mentioned their openness to partnerships with banks from neighbouring countries. While their primary focus remains on Luxembourg, owing to their profound understanding and network in the region, they are attuned to clients’ needs and emerging opportunities.
In the past, the idea of cross-border financing solutions had been broached by potential clients, especially concerning properties near Luxembourg’s borders. Despite the complexities posed by varying regulations and market differences, Humelhans stated that they remain adaptable, ever-ready to explore cross-border options that align with the best interests of their clientele.
Mortgage.lu received authorisation to operate in the grand duchy from the Luxembourg Financial Sector Supervisory Commission (CSSF) on 26 September 2023, according to the regulator’s database. The site launched on 30 October.