The Five Minute Interview with Donna Louise House, Head of Underwriting, Falcon Bridging Finance

By Tony Sanchez 13th July 2018

Falcon Bridging Finance, member of an award-winning multi-billion pound global group, offers financing solutions for individuals, businesses and property investors, secured against residential and commercial property.

Providing certainty from a solid group balance sheet – whether embarking on a refurbishment, purchasing a property at auction or simply to finance or refinance new and previously purchased properties – Falcon Bridging Finance offers competitive and innovative solutions, with loan values ranging from £1 million to £10 million.

We speak to head of underwriting, Donna Louise House:

What is the best thing about being in the bridging finance business?

I like the fast-paced nature of the business and the fact that each deal is different so there is never a dull day.

What keeps you focused?

Falcon Bridging Finance has only recently launched, and the desire to be one of the leading real estate lenders in the market is certainly keeping me focused.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

People who embrace change are the best to work with, particularly in this environment where you have to constantly evolve and improve to be ahead of the competition. I also don’t like repeating myself, so good listeners are a must!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m a realist, with a positive outlook! I do also believe that you should prepare for the worst in any event.

What did you want to be as a child?

As a very little girl I wanted to own a shoe shop – my love of shoes has been with me for as long as I can remember.

As a teenager I wanted to be a famous actor and went to a performing arts college, but I fell into a finance job at the age of 17 and here I am today… Not famous, but I do have a great shoe collection!

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging finance industry in the coming months?

Brexit uncertainty is having a negative impact on the sales market, particularly at the high-value property level. Therefore, I believe exit risk to be the greatest challenge currently facing the industry.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My two boys! My eldest, Harvey, is six and does the craziest things and makes the most random comments! My youngest, Jack, is one and is just the happiest baby – his laugh is enough to set me off!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

With two young boys at home with me all weekend I look forward to Monday mornings!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would be taller!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

The Queen. I am a royalist – but I also think she would have some great stories to tell when you look at who she has met over the years (I imagine the dinner and service would be pretty good too!)