About Evolve Loans

About Evolve Loans

Life is a journey, full of problems to solve, lessons to learn, and experiences to enjoy. As you evolve through it, your needs and circumstances change. We embrace that change and thrive on the opportunity to help you with your financial needs, no matter what stage you are at.

Our team brings real experience in property, business, and finance, with an outstanding ability to connect and relate on a personal level with a diverse range of people - including you. We are passionate about what we do and genuinely care about the outcomes we achieve for our clients.

When you call Evolve, you will speak to a real person, not an operator. We will guide you through the process in a simple, step-by-step manner and won't rest until we find the right solution for you.

We exist to make finance simple and accessible while saving our clients time and money. We focus on solutions and embrace challenges as opportunities to serve. The extra mile is not something we occasionally offer - it is simply the norm for us. If we can't find a way, we make one.

We build lifelong relationships with our clients, always with their best interests at heart and never chasing the quick sale. Trust is everything - we work hard to earn it and never take it for granted. We are always seeking to learn, grow, and improve so we can deliver more, while remembering to enjoy the journey, celebrate the successes, and learn from every opportunity.

Did you know Evolve Loans founders also authored a financial literacy handbook?

It’s a comprehensive reference guide designed to help people feel more financially confident as they navigate the different stages of life.

Did you know Evolve Loans founders also authored a financial literacy handbook?

Our Team at Evolve Loans

Jai Hobbs Evolve Loans
Jai Hobbs

Director | Senior Mortgage Broker

Jai is a lending specialist with a focus on residential and commercial property finance. As the founder and Director of Evolve Loans, he is also responsible for providing direction and leadership to the team. He lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife, Marlies, and their two boys.

Jai began his career in finance in 2004 with CapitalCorp, specialising in business and equipment finance. In 2007, he launched his own brokerage, Hobbs Financial Services, in Cairns, offering property, business, and equipment loans. In 2012, he and his wife co-founded Paleo Café, which rapidly grew to 17 franchisees across Australia and internationally.

Hobbs Financial Services was sold in 2014, and after a short break from the industry, Jai realised that finance and property remained his true passion.

In 2016, he established Evolve Loans in Cairns, and by 2018 the business expanded to a second office on the Sunshine Coast. Jai is committed to delivering not only the best financial outcomes for his clients but also the best possible experience. He is a multi-award-winning mortgage broker (#1 in Qld, NT & Nth NSW and Top 10 in Australia – AFG Awards) with extensive experience in both the finance industry and property development. He is also the co-author of FLY: A Handbook for Financially Literate Youth (www.financiallyliterateyouth.com.au).

Outside of work, Jai loves his life on the Sunshine Coast and enjoys everything it has to offer. He is known for giving just about anything a go, with rugby league, mountain biking, and surfing among his favourite pastimes.

Marlies Hobbs Evolve Loans
Marlies Hobbs

Co-Founder | Marketing | HR

Marlies brings a unique blend of legal, business and entrepreneurial experience to Evolve Loans. After beginning her career as a property development lawyer, she co-founded Paleo Café, which grew into an international franchise and earned her the title of Australian Franchise Woman of the Year in 2015. She is also the co-author of FLY: A Handbook for Financially Literate Youth, originally published by Penguin Random House.

Since 2019, Marlies has dedicated her focus to Evolve Loans, where she leads marketing, HR, and business development, as well as undertaking property projects and managing the daily operations for FLY. Property has been a constant for Marlies since age 21, with 13 builds and 3 renovations to date. She is a true property enthusiast with a strong interest and studies in both design and feng shui.

Outside of work, Marlies enjoys life on the Sunshine Coast with her husband, Jai, and their two boys. She loves horse-riding, Pilates, yoga, and beach time, and treasures being part of the supportive and inspiring “Evolve Loans work family.”

Karen Hall Evolve Loans
Karen Hall

Credit Specialist

Karen Hall is a seasoned lending specialist with more than 18 years of experience helping clients navigate the journey of purchasing both residential and investment properties. Her deep understanding of the lending landscape, combined with a genuine passion for customer service, has made her a trusted advisor to countless individuals and families.

Recently, Karen and her husband, Greg, relocated from Mackay to the beautiful Sunshine Coast with their beloved dog, Barry. Having holidayed in the region for more than three decades, they are delighted to now call the Coast home.

Karen is particularly well known for her dedication to assisting first home buyers. She takes pride in sharing her extensive industry knowledge to educate and guide clients through one of life’s most significant milestones. Her approachable nature and commitment to clear, open communication make her an invaluable resource for those new to the property market.

After successfully building and selling her own broking business in Mackay, Karen has embraced a new chapter as part of the Evolve Loans team in a credit specialist role. Drawing on her wealth of experience, she delivers well-researched, thoughtful lending solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Karen’s move into the credit specialist space reflects her commitment to excellence and her desire to support both clients and colleagues with integrity, insight, and care. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, Pilates, and spending time with family.

Maggie McAllister Evolve Loans
Maggie McAllister

Operations Manager

Originally from Victoria, Maggie has called Queensland home since 2007. She has enjoyed living in a variety of locations, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, before settling in the beautiful town of Woodford with her husband and daughter—a place she now can’t imagine leaving.

Maggie began her career in the finance industry in 2010 with National Mortgage Company on the Gold Coast. In her post-settlement roles, she focused on supporting customers and ensuring their loans were well-managed after settlement.

After moving further north to the Sunshine Coast, Maggie broadened her experience by working in a sales role within the automotive industry. She later discovered her true passion in the finance sector, taking on a role overseeing the smooth operations of the regional state office for Aussie. This position gave her valuable insight into the client and broker journey throughout the home loan process.

Evolve Loans was fortunate to welcome Maggie to the team in January 2021. She quickly established herself as someone who understands the importance of high-quality customer service and takes pride in supporting clients on their journey toward achieving their goals. Thanks to her dedication, attention to detail, and excellent organisational skills, Maggie now serves as Operations Manager at Evolve Loans. In this role, she oversees workflow, business systems, and processes, ensuring an exceptional experience for both clients and the growing team.

Chelsea Dear Evolve Loans
Chelsea Dear

Senior Client Relationship Manager

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Chelsea brings local knowledge, a passion for finance, and a genuine commitment to helping people achieve their property goals. Since entering the finance industry in 2021, she has focused on making the home loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible for her clients.

Chelsea holds a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking and combines her technical expertise with a warm, client-first approach. She loves being a consistent point of contact throughout the lending journey — ensuring clients feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.

Whether it’s a first home, refinance, investment or commercial purchase, Chelsea takes pride in building strong relationships and delivering a seamless experience from start to finish.

Melissa Hitchen Evolve Loans
Melissa Hitchen

Senior Client Relationship Manager

Based in Southeast Queensland for the last 20 years, Mel has discovered her slice of paradise on the Sunshine Coast, where she has lived for the past six years. As a mum to two gorgeous & energetic teenage girls, she’s often out exploring with her family and their little canine sidekick, Pablo, always on the lookout for new adventures.

Mel entered the finance industry shortly after moving to Queensland and now brings many years of experience to her clients. She has completed both her Diploma and Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, equipping her with strong practical knowledge of the broking industry.

Whether it’s buying a first home, expanding an investment portfolio, or securing a more competitive mortgage rate, Mel’s mission remains the same: to help clients achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Our Latest Reviews

Leroy McAvoy

Jai and the whole team at Evolve are amazing to work with, they all go above and beyond to get everything sorted and they explain everything perfectly throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Mitch McDonald

We've been using Elvolve for many finance deals over many years. Jai & his team are professional, honest & provide great communication throughout the process. We highly recommend Elvolve for any loan requirements. As they say, The best complimentyou can give is a referral. We were referred & we now refer people to Jai. Thanks, Mitch & Alison

Thwe Thwe

Service is really helpful and provided me with stress less process with my first home buyer

Alfred Mariano

Open and honest conversation listened to what we needed and delivered what was required.

Clint Smith

Jai and the team at Evolve are brilliant to deal with. Always available, very efficient and guided us every step of the way. Whether borrowing for investment of home loan, these guys are fantastic! highly recommend :-)

Dale Lockhard

I have used Jai and the team at Evolve Loans 2 times now and have nothing praise for all of the team’s professionalism and knowledge for all aspects of my loan application process. 5 STARS

We work with Australia's biggest lenders

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to use Evolve Loans' services?

Evolve Loans receives commission payments from lenders when we successfully arrange a loan on your behalf. This means that in most cases, our service comes at no direct cost to you as the borrower. The lender pays us for bringing them your business, so you can access our professional expertise and guidance without additional fees. In some specific situations, such as commercial lending or particularly complex finance arrangements, we may discuss a fee structure with you upfront. However, we always maintain complete transparency about any costs involved before you proceed. Our business model is designed to make professional mortgage broking accessible to all Australians, regardless of whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor.

What does a mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders. Rather than approaching banks and financial institutions yourself, a broker from Evolve Loans works on your behalf to find suitable loan options that align with your financial circumstances and goals. We handle the research, paperwork, and communication with lenders, saving you considerable time and effort. Our role includes assessing your financial position, explaining different loan products available in the Australian market, and guiding you through the application process from start to finish. Because we work with multiple lenders, we can present you with various options and help you understand the differences between them, allowing you to make informed decisions about your borrowing needs.

Can Evolve Loans help me if I'm self-employed?

Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers often face additional scrutiny when applying for finance, as traditional employment income verification doesn't apply in the same way. At Evolve Loans, we have extensive experience working with business owners, sole traders, contractors, and self-employed professionals across Australia. We understand the documentation requirements that different lenders expect and can guide you in preparing your application accordingly. This might include providing business financial statements, tax returns, and evidence of consistent income over time. Some lenders are more accommodating of self-employed applicants than others, and our knowledge of the lending landscape allows us to connect you with institutions that understand your employment situation. We'll work with you to present your financial position in the strongest possible light.

How long does the mortgage application process take?

The timeline for a mortgage application can vary considerably depending on several factors, including the lender you choose, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly you can provide required documentation. In straightforward cases, pre-approval can sometimes be obtained within a few business days. Full approval and settlement typically take anywhere from two to six weeks, though this can extend longer in complex situations. At Evolve Loans, we work to keep the process moving efficiently by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission, which helps avoid delays caused by missing information. We'll give you a realistic timeframe based on your specific circumstances and keep you informed throughout the process. Our experience with different lenders also helps us choose institutions known for processing applications within timeframes that suit your needs.

What documents will I need to provide when applying for a home loan?

Document requirements vary depending on your employment type and financial situation, but generally, you'll need to provide proof of identity such as a driver's licence or passport, evidence of income including recent payslips or tax returns, and details of your assets and liabilities. If you're employed, lenders typically want to see your two most recent payslips and may request a letter from your employer. Self-employed applicants usually need to provide two years of tax returns and financial statements. You'll also need to show your savings history, bank statements covering several months, and details of any existing debts or financial commitments. For property purchases, a copy of the contract of sale is required. At Evolve Loans, we'll provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your situation, so you know exactly what to gather. We can also review your documents before submission to ensure everything is in order.

Can Evolve Loans assist with investment property loans?

Investment property lending is a significant part of what we do at Evolve Loans. Purchasing property for investment purposes involves different considerations than buying a home to live in, and lenders assess these applications differently. We can help you structure your investment loan in a way that aligns with your wealth creation strategy, whether you're purchasing your first investment property or building a substantial portfolio. Investment lending requires careful consideration of factors like rental income, negative gearing implications, and your overall tax position. We work with lenders who are supportive of property investors and understand the nuances of investment lending across Australia. Our role includes helping you understand the borrowing capacity you have for investment purposes and discussing loan features that might benefit investors, such as offset accounts or interest-only payment options during the initial period of ownership.

Can Evolve Loans help me refinance my existing home loan?

Refinancing is one of our core services at Evolve Loans. Many Australian homeowners can benefit from reviewing their current loan arrangements, whether you're looking to reduce your ongoing repayments, access equity in your property, or consolidate other debts. The refinancing process involves assessing your current loan against what's available in the market today, considering factors like your changed financial circumstances since you took out your original loan. We'll evaluate whether refinancing makes financial sense for you, taking into account any break costs or fees associated with leaving your current loan. Our access to multiple lenders means we can find options that genuinely improve your position. We handle all the paperwork and liaise with both your current and new lender, making the transition as smooth as possible for you.

Do I need to have a large deposit saved to buy a property?

While a larger deposit generally provides more options, you don't necessarily need 20% saved to purchase property in Australia. Various lending solutions exist for borrowers with smaller deposits, though these often come with additional requirements such as Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Some borrowers may have access to guarantor loans, where a family member uses their property equity to support your application, potentially allowing you to borrow with little to no deposit. First home buyers may also be eligible for government schemes that can assist with smaller deposits. At Evolve Loans, we'll assess your individual circumstances and explain what's realistically achievable based on your savings and financial position. We can also provide guidance on building your deposit if you're not quite ready to purchase yet, helping you understand what lenders look for in savings history and patterns.

What is pre-approval and why is it important?

Pre-approval, also called conditional approval, is when a lender assesses your financial situation and agrees in principle to lend you a specified amount, subject to certain conditions. This approval is based on the financial information you provide and is conditional upon factors like a satisfactory property valuation and your circumstances remaining unchanged. Having pre-approval is valuable because it gives you confidence about your borrowing capacity before you start seriously looking at properties or attending auctions. It demonstrates to real estate agents and vendors that you're a serious buyer with finance already arranged. Pre-approval typically lasts between three to six months, depending on the lender. At Evolve Loans, we can help you obtain pre-approval and explain any conditions attached to it, ensuring you understand exactly where you stand financially before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

What's the difference between using a mortgage broker and going directly to a bank?

When you approach a bank directly, you only have access to that institution's loan products and criteria. A mortgage broker from Evolve Loans works with numerous lenders across Australia, giving you access to a much broader range of options. This wider scope increases your chances of finding a loan product that genuinely suits your circumstances. Additionally, we understand the lending policies and appetite of different institutions, which means we can direct your application to lenders more likely to approve it. This knowledge can save you from multiple rejected applications, which can negatively impact your credit file. We also provide ongoing support throughout the settlement process and beyond, acting as your advocate if any issues arise. Our industry relationships and experience mean we can often resolve problems more quickly than individual borrowers navigating the system alone.