Dinesh Shonchhatra is well renowned Independent Mortgage Broker with over 25 years’ experience. He is proprietor of Major Estates Financial Services and his Estate Agency, MAJOR ESTATES SALES & LETTINGS businesses. Dinesh’s passion, knowledge, enthusiasm for Mortgages, added to his desire of customer service and satisfaction, is valued by the countless clients who come to him mainly from referrals.
His numerous achievements in the industry include receiving the prestigious Best Mortgage Adviser award at Claridges by Mortgage Times. Mortgage Champion of the Year award (two years in a row), Diamond Award with Network Mortgage Power. He is regular guest on Zee Companion TV speaking and taking questions on mortgage related business topics.
Dinesh’s qualifications include CEMAP, DipMAP, MAQ, FRNAEA. He continues his personal development and keeps up to speed on Industry and regulatory developments.
Despite his success, Dinesh remains humble and recognises and gives back to the community by supporting local causes including being past President and on-going supporter of Lions Club, Patron of The Hare Krishna Temple and the Lohana community.
Dinesh is married to Madhu and has three sons. He enjoys sports playing cricket and is a supporter of Nottingham Forest.
1) Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I have associations with 3 continents. I was born in Bugiri, Uganda and at the age of 10 moved to Gujarat, India where I lived for 10 years. I learnt about how people struggle to make ends meet. Then I moved to London, England with only 50 pence in my pocket. I built my life and career in London where I have lived, worked and achieved my goals and this is where I feel and call my “home”.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I have worked in the Mortgage industry for over 25 years and have been fortunate to receive regular recognition and several awards including receiving the prestigious “Best Mortgage Broker” award in England South by Mortgage Times at Claridges Hotel.
3) What inspires you?
In helping people realise their dreams in terms of property ownership. Rather than just treat them as routine “mortgage cases”. I understand the importance to them and appreciate the impact upon their lives. It gives me great satisfaction to see them progress and achieve their dreams.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Let me state that I am an advocate, recognise and support Industry Rules, Regulations and processes that are necessary. However, I feel that there is somewhat ‘over regulation’ and unnecessary rules, bureaucracy and high costs of indemnity fees. I feel that these are becoming obstacles for growth and particularly for new entrants to the industry who find it difficult and either don’t join or leave the industry. Just because there are a few bad apples in the industry, doesn’t mean that all good practitioners should be penalised with red tape.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
There are many who have influenced me in my career. However, one figure that is prominent is Brian Clough. His incredible achievement of taking two unfancied clubs with little money (Nottingham Forest and Derby County) to the Football league title and European success, taught and inspired me about how to manage with little resources and overcome barriers.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Helping people realise their dreams in terms of property ownership.
7) And the worst?
None, I love everything about my job and life.
8) What are your long term goals?
To simply continue with what I do in helping people with mortgages for home ownership. To also continue with the charity and community work that I am involved with organisations such as Lions Club, Lohana Community, Hare Krishna mandir as patron amongst others. It gives me satisfaction in giving something back to society and help the less fortunate and vulnerable people.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would definitely have a second referendum and firmly believe for the UK to remain in the Europe Union. We should have a close relationship with Europe but with better controls over matters such as immigration. I feel immigration overall is good for our economy.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Sachin Tendulkar – An amazing person who’s success is outstanding yet effortlessly achieved with his cool temperament and no controversies during distinguished career.
