Login

Placeholder

Close

Crystal Culshaw

I grew up in beautiful Port Stephens NSW and moved  to Cairns when I was 12. After I finished high school I went straight into the banking industry, working for one of the majors for the past 16 years.  I worked in nearly every role in the bank from telling, to  management. I discovered my love of home loans and assisting clients with their home buying dreams.

After returning to work earlier this year from maternity leave,  I found my focus shifted and I wanted a role focused on customer service rather than sales.  I wanted to help my clients and I also wanted a better work/life balance. As cliché as it sounds, having kids really does change your priorities.

I jumped at the opportunity to work with Astute after having dealt with them on a professional level through the bank for many years. I am very excited to be part of a fun team, getting back into home loans and most of all, helping my clients on their exciting journey of purchasing a home.

our-team

What Our Clients Have To Say

Being newbies to town & the housing market, it was reassuring to have the guidance of Liam from Astute. We felt like one of his family by the extent of his efforts. His honesty, calming persona, knowledge & ability to explain the scary & unknown house buying process in our ‘speak’ was invaluable. Not to mention the fantastic custom home loan we have secured. I would highly recommend, and already have recommended, his services. Thank you again Liam and the Astute Team.

Raine and Scott, Cairns

We have been using John since we bought our first house in 2008 and taken sound advice from him in all our finance dealing ever since; which has included, opening a business, building our second house and now purchasing an investment property. We trust the advice given to us and not understanding the finance world hugely rely on the knowledge given to us in making decisions. We thank Verena very much with her patience throughout each deal and her simple way of explaining the overwhelming fluff that the banks put on paper. Johns stickmen and drawings helped us immensely 🙂 We really feel like we have actually made some good friends when dealing with Astute.

Scott, Cairns

My husband and I went to Astute today, firstly met with Shae at the front reception and had a chat with her. It was lovely to chat with such a friendly happy lady who made us feel welcome.

We went upstairs and met with John Watts for some financial advice. We have known John Watts for over 10 years now, and truly admire his honesty and ‘no beating around the bush business eiquette’. We would highly recommend anyone requiring financial advice and/or a financial bank loan to not look any further than that of the ASTUTE team. J Thanks Astute….

Kymmie Corbell, Cairns

Gus was incredibly helpful and went above and beyond his job requirements. My partner and I were blown away with the high level of customer service and extra assistance he gave us throughout the process making the purchase of our first home a lot less stressful. Gus was prompt, professional yet down to earth and always contactable. Dan and I have already recommended his services to friends and can’t speak highly enough of Gus.

Rosanna and Dan, Cairns

The staff in the Cairns office were amazing. The receptionist was the best I have ever encountered in a business and any staff that walked past us said hello. The entire office appears to be a very friendly, happy and vibrant workplace!

Kate G, Cairns

We were recommended from friends to see Fei Chan to discuss buying investment property. He was very polite, friendly, sincere and honest. But most importantly, he has made it clearer for us on how to build our property portfolio for a better future. For that, I too highly recommend his service to others.

David Lo, Cairns

Prompt efficient service from the 1st phone call to make an appointment through to the loan contract. Excellent service all round. Well informed and kept up to date throughout the process . Highly recommended. Thank you.

Donna G, Cairns