Women In Real Estate: Camilla Baker

In a real estate world dominated by complexity, Camilla Baker has carved out a niche for herself, bringing unmatched expertise and a personal touch to property finance. As the broker and director of Outrider Finance Brokers, she thrives on navigating the intricacies of residential and commercial lending—particularly for self-employed clients. With a passion for problem-solving and an impressive career spanning nearly a decade, Camilla’s journey is one of grit, determination, and relentless growth. We spoke with Camilla about her career, lessons learned, and her advice for women entering the real estate industry...

TITLE: Broker and Director, Outrider Finance Brokers

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

I’ve been in property finance, particularly commercial property, for almost 10 years.

WHERE DID YOU START?

I started in property finance at a big four bank in 2016. A year ago, I decided I wanted to give my clients every option available to them, so I set up my own mortgage brokerage! I finance both residential and commercial property. Where I add real value is for self-employed clients. The vast majority of brokers don’t know how to read a P&L or balance sheet—I love pulling apart a juicy set of financials!

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Yes, without a doubt.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

There are so many! What I love about working with self-employed clients is that I get to become somewhat of an expert in so many industries. I’ve financed land for butchers, warehouses for boatbuilders, a blueberry farm, bloodstock, office spaces, factories, franchises, jewellery businesses, homes, and investment properties—you name it! Every week, I learn something new that helps me serve my clients better.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

When I started in banking, I had no lending experience, and understanding commercial lending was a huge learning curve. At the time, there were a fair few "old-school" bankers on my team who weren’t particularly kind about my lack of experience. It was tough, but I leaned on my interpersonal skills and the support of a few mentors to learn the ropes. That experience made me better at what I do.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

The best time to buy is when it’s right for you. And commercial property is far from boring!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

Sixteen years ago, someone close to me committed a massive financial fraud, leaving me and my children with nothing—not even a home. I had to sole parent three tiny children while building a career from scratch after a 10-year gap in work. It was overwhelming, but I didn’t just survive—I thrived. That experience taught me I have relentless grit, I don’t take no for an answer, and I bring real value to the table.

HOW HAVE WOMEN’S ROLES IN REAL ESTATE CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?

Women in real estate have been strong for a long time, and they’re only getting stronger. I’m lucky to have some wonderful connections in the industry, including a buyer’s agent who’s been a mentor to me.

IT’S BEEN A CHALLENGING YEAR. ARE THERE ANY REAL ESTATE TIPS YOU COULD SHARE?

You can’t control the market or interest rates, but a good mortgage broker can ensure you’re getting the best products and rates for your situation. Be proactive and involved in your finances.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

My mentor in banking taught me to reframe negative experiences by looking for the benefits. It ties beautifully into Nelson Mandela’s quote: “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

None. Everything that’s happened has brought me to where I am today.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO START A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?

Be relentless. If you think you’d make a great agent, put in the hard work to prove it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FASHION & BEAUTY TIPS YOU’VE LEARNT WHILE ON THE JOB?

Err on the side of being overdressed—it shows respect for the people you’re meeting. Tubing mascara is a lifesaver (I use MCo from Woolies), and Jo Malone’s Blackberry & Bay is my go-to scent—it’s subtle and well-loved, perfect for back-to-back client meetings.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

Despite all the advances in technology—social media, ChatGPT, and so on—clients still want to see you in person. Relationships and trust are everything in property and finance. So much nuance and communication are missed over Teams or the phone.

CONTACT DETAILS

: Phone: 0414 864 402 Email: outriderfinancebrokers@outlook.com Instagram: @camillabakerbroker Website: Outrider Finance Brokers