Occupation: Manager of five EBS branches in Cork City and County.

Background: Capped 247 times for Munster, the former rugby captain now leads a team of mortgage advisors.

The important business of advising clients on the optimum method of achieving their dream home will be put on temporary hold this weekend for Billy Holland. 

Tomorrow, as Munster and Leinster rugby teams lock horns on the green sward of Croke Park, the former Munster captain will be glued to proceedings from the stands. Though his playing days are now behind him, the excitement of being there to witness his beloved province in one of the country’s greatest sporting rivalries still thrills the man who knows only too well the huge effort those hard yards require. 

“Anytime you have Munster versus Leinster, it’s a big day out for provincial rugby — but even more so when it is happening in Croke Park. Such an incredible venue for an event, it’s a match you couldn’t miss. It is always a special occasion, and we’ll be hoping that the Munster spirit will achieve something remarkable,” he adds.

In terms of the day job, Billy has taken the helm of his family’s mortgage business, EBS Cork, assisting clients secure finance for their dream home. Managing five EBS branches across Cork City and County, the business employs 25 people, more than half of whom are qualified mortgage advisors. 

Having become a qualified financial advisor subsequent to finishing his rugby career, Billy readily admits there are strong parallels between the two. 

Both jobs involve strong leadership, and certainly for me one of the aspects of the job I really enjoy is connecting with customers and guiding them through the biggest financial journey of their lives. 

"We have a superb team of mortgage advisors in EBS Cork and it is my job to ensure we are performing at a high level, constantly delivering a superior service for the customer.” 

For an individual who lined out for Munster 247 times, 37 of them as captain, the regimen of maintaining optimum match fitness was integral to his life for many years. 

Nowadays, he ensures his clients are ‘match fit’ for their task of finding and securing their dream home. “As there is huge demand and the supply of houses is low, the market moves very fast and so it is important that we get our customers as match fit as possible for when their dream home becomes available.” 

The fact that the Central Bank of Ireland last year changed its policy to allow first-time buyers to borrow up to four times their income, subject to affordability, has been a key element in the process: “That, along with the multiple schemes out there to help first-time buyers secure their home, has resulted in more young people getting their dream home. 

"The amount of information available to buyers can seem daunting, but it’s our job to sift through all the data and present to the customer how to be in the best position to secure their dream home. There is immense satisfaction on our end building strong relationships with customers and playing a part in helping them get the keys to their new home.”

Managing EBS branches in Patrick Street, Wilton, Douglas, Ballincollig and Clonakilty is a demanding occupation, but with certain similar traits to his playing days, Billy admits. “Playing professional rugby puts players under a microscope which ensures you get reviewed constantly. Everything you do is reviewed — by your coaches, by your peers, by commentators and by the public. 

"That goes with the territory, but it can be a very intense thing for players to experience every week and sometimes to a stressful degree. In its own way, there are parallels with this job I do now — it is about performing at your best for your clients every week. It is a different kind of stress getting the best that you can for clients making the biggest financial decision of their lives.” 

First-time buyers

While he agrees that the housing situation does show signs of improving with increased availability coming onto the market, much of his work revolves around the often demanding process of getting young people on the property ladder for the first time. “It can be difficult nowadays for people to get the house that they want, and what I always do is focus on how I can help by making things clear and simple for them right from day one. Helping young people in their mid-20s, including single applicants, get their mortgage approved and become homeowners through EBS delivers a tremendous sense of pride.” 

Not every day is a win, though, and helping clients deal with disappointments is part of the job: “There will be those days when you have couples and individuals that you need to sit down and break the bad news too. It is hard to say that they’re not ready now, but we always follow up with ‘these are the things you need in order to get ready’. Still, those are hard conversation to have, and are part of the job.”

For those many individuals and couples out there looking to find their first home and a place on the property ladder, Billy’s top advice is to first sit down with a mortgage advisor before going house hunting. “Clients need to be ‘mortgage ready’ and a mortgage advisor will tell them what they need to be saving, whether they are living at home or renting. 

"Knowing this figure is key, and very much a case of ‘information is power’. Understanding what you need to be saving on top of your current outgoings is vital to allowing yourself have as straight as possible a journey. Demonstrating the ability to save the necessary amount is an essential part of the journey to home ownership.”