Interview with Angelina Nikolova
Hello, Angelina! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your experience so far.
My name is Angelina Nikolova, and I have been a Mortgage Broker at Creditchoice Ltd. for more than three years. I have 25 years of professional experience in the banking sector, covering the entire spectrum of banking services and products for individuals. I am extremely pleased to be part of the Creditchoice Ltd. team because I love working with clients and can dedicate enough attention to each person to ensure they are happy and satisfied. The greatest recognition for me is a recommendation from a client who has valued what I have done for them.
Tell us about your successes in 2023.
From the beginning of 2023 until now, I have consulted over 100 clients and helped facilitate more than 60 loans. It looks like 2024 will be even more successful, allowing me to help more clients obtain bank financing. Over the past year, there has been an increased interest from clients in loans for house construction.
What types of clients turn to you?
The clients I work with typically have average incomes. Most of my clients are employees of state institutions, but there are also those from the private sector—auditors, IT specialists, marketing specialists, and so on.
How do you help a client who wants to take out a loan from a bank?
Trust is very important in our profession. When a client comes to me for assistance, they trust me completely. Most clients who come to us have not yet found or chosen a home to purchase. I advise them to first choose a bank and submit a request for pre-approval based on their income to provide them with greater security and peace of mind while searching for a property. This avoids future risks related to loan repayment. This is especially important for clients in their later years, as loan agreements typically have shorter terms for them.
How does a meeting between you and your client usually proceed?
Initially, I tell the client about the company and the service we offer. Then, I explain in detail how the lending process works so they are clear on what to expect. The client shares what they are looking for and what their capabilities are, so I can find the best solution for them. They share confidential information about themselves, which is why their trust in me, as their Mortgage Broker, is vital. I strive to build a closer relationship so they feel comfortable and not worried, because I am by their side at every stage—from gathering offers and choosing a bank to finalizing the deal, and even after that. That is why I have clients with whom I remain friends; we stay in touch and meet even after the loan is finalized.
What advice would you give to people who need financing?
Recently, clients have been asking which currency they should take a bank loan in, especially regarding the country’s upcoming entry into the eurozone. My opinion is that they should apply for a loan in the currency in which they receive their income, but every client makes their own choice.
Why should clients choose Creditchoice Ltd.?
Creditchoice Ltd. is an independent credit intermediary registered with the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and a member of the Association of Credit Intermediaries in Bulgaria. An advantage for our clients is that our company works with 16 banks, providing them with a wide choice for making an informed decision. Creditchoice Ltd. employs experienced professionals who know banking products and the process inside out, as they are former bank employees themselves. As Mortgage Brokers, we save the client valuable time; we are flexible and align entirely with the client and their wishes, which provides exceptional convenience for them.
