About us
If you’re looking to buy your first home, invest in property, or need a personal loan – Headstart Financial Services is here. We won’t just get you the best deal on your loan; we’ll look at all aspects of your financial position to give you the best possible advice for your specific financial goals. After all, we’re experts in helping people get a Head Start.
From day one, Headstart has been all about being your ‘Personal Bank Manager.’ Today, our tight-knit team of three — plus three four-legged friends 🐾🐾🐾 — is still your single point of contact, so you’ll never need to repeat yourself.
We love helping people become more financially savvy and turning goals into action. Every client, every loan, and every application is unique, and our approach reflects that — whether you’re buying your first home, investing, renovating, or running your own business.
Our specialties include home loans, first-home buyers, investment loans, construction/renovation loans, SMSF loans, personal loans, leases, and loans for self-employed clients.
For more information on all our services, please get in touch.
About our team
You’re in safe hands when you’re with Headstart. Between our experience securing best-rate loans and raising families, we know how important it is for our clients to feel secure in their finances and empowered to make investment decisions for the future. Securing a loan can seem overwhelming, and we make it as easy as possible for aspiring homeowners to enter the market.
Lara Watt
Founder & Mortgage Broker
Using her experience, knowledge, and passion for helping people, Lara founded Headstart in 2012 after more than 25 years in the finance and banking industry. Since then, she has been guiding first-home buyers and investors on their journey to property ownership.
Lara loves seeing people realise dreams they once thought were out of reach and was drawn to mortgage broking for the opportunity to help even more people — giving clients the ability to choose the best possible deal from a wide range of lenders. Building long-term relationships, earning trust over time, and supporting families across generations is at the heart of how she works, and a big part of what makes Headstart feel so personal. This longevity is something Lara values deeply.
When she’s not babysitting her adult kids’ dogs (a German Shepherd and a Lab/Koolie/Kelpie), Lara enjoys getting creative with pottery — often found throwing clay on the wheel (and occasionally on the wall) — as well as playing tennis and catching up with family and friends.
Lara – 0411 617 006
Olivia Wilson
Mortgage Broker & Support
With a strong background in sales and customer service, Olivia is passionate about putting her clients first and supporting them every step of their home loan journey. She understands that a mortgage is more than just numbers — it’s about security, confidence and building the next chapter of someone’s life.
Olivia has a particular passion for assisting clients who are starting again after separation or divorce. She understands that this can be an emotionally and financially overwhelming time, and she provides calm, clear guidance to help her clients regain stability and move forward with confidence. Her focus is not just on securing finance, but on helping people rebuild, reset, and create a strong foundation for their future.
Whether she’s helping a first-home buyer get the keys to their very first property, guiding families through refinancing, supporting clients through a separation settlement, or assisting investors to grow their portfolios, Olivia takes the time to truly understand each client’s goals and circumstances. She focuses on finding the right loan solution while ensuring her clients feel informed, supported and genuinely cared for throughout the entire process.
When she’s not at work, Olivia is usually up before the sunrise taking part in a weight session at the gym session or pounding the pavements to get her steps done for the day.
Olivia – 0478 058 664
Tegan Watt
Mortgage Broker & Loans Processor
After completing five years of university and working as a Dietitian, Tegan made the exciting decision to pivot into the finance industry — bringing with her a strong foundation in client care, attention to detail, and clear communication.
In her role at Headstart, Tegan supports clients and brokers behind the scenes to ensure loan applications run smoothly from start to finish. She enjoys the fast-paced nature of mortgage broking and is passionate about learning every aspect of the process as she works towards becoming a qualified Mortgage Broker.
Tegan is known for being approachable, organised, and responsive, and loves being part of a local team that genuinely cares about helping clients achieve their property and financial goals. A perk of her job is that it is bring your dog to work day every day! Usually alongside her is an almost five-year-old German Shepherd, who’s a much-loved part of the office.
Tegan – 0422 326 450
Working with us
We live for the challenge and satisfaction of getting you into your new home. Right from the start, we’ll guide you on the best path to achieve your goals and unlike most banks, we continually monitor your situation against the current market.
We re-price and re-negotiate rates on your behalf, part of our commitment to reviewing the economic landscape and bank offers. We’re there for the long term, supporting you through any and all life changes. You’ll be part of our community and much more than just being on our client list.
Between our experience securing best rate loans and raising families, we know how important it is for our clients to feel secure in their finances and empowered to make investment decisions for the future.
36 collective years in the finance and banking industry
Multiple qualifications
Hundreds of settlements and counting
Three dogs
Over 100 reviews with 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviews – What people say about us
