Houses for Heroes founder and mortgage broker Dan McEntee has been recognised as a finalist in three of Australia’s most respected mortgage broking awards, highlighting the rapid growth of the Cairns-based brokerage and its commitment to helping everyday Australians achieve their property goals.
Dan has been named a finalist in the following national awards:
- Australian Broking Awards 2026 – Rising Star
- Better Business Awards 2026 – New Broker of the Year
- MFAA Excellence Awards 2026 – Community Champion
The Australian Broking Awards, run by The Adviser with principal partner NAB, are regarded as one of the highest honours in the Australian mortgage and finance industry. The awards recognise outstanding mortgage brokers, brokerages, aggregation groups and service providers who continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for Australian borrowers.
The Better Business Awards celebrate excellence across Australia’s mortgage broking industry, recognising brokers who demonstrate professionalism, innovation and outstanding client service.
The MFAA Excellence Awards acknowledge brokers who not only deliver exceptional advice but also make a meaningful contribution to their communities. Dan’s Community Champion finalist nomination reflects his passion for educating first home buyers through free resources, community events and his rapidly growing Queensland First Home and First Investment Buyers Facebook community.
The Australian Broking Awards feature more than 250 finalists across 29 categories, recognising the industry’s highest-performing professionals and businesses from across Australia. Winners will be announced at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Friday, 28 August 2026.
Dan said being recognised as a finalist across three major industry awards is something he never imagined when he left the Queensland Police Service just four years ago to start Houses for Heroes.
“To be recognised alongside some of the best mortgage brokers in Australia is incredibly humbling,” Dan said.
“When I left policing after 15 years, I honestly didn’t know whether starting my own business was the right decision. It was a huge leap of faith, but my goal was simple – to build a business that genuinely puts people first.”
“These nominations aren’t just recognition for me. They reflect the incredible support we’ve received from our clients, referral partners and the wider community who have trusted Houses for Heroes with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.”
“Helping first home buyers, families, police, nurses, teachers and other essential workers purchase their first home, next home or investment property is something our team is passionate about every single day. Seeing the difference we can make in people’s lives is the greatest reward.”
Since launching Houses for Heroes, Dan and his team have helped hundreds of Australians purchase their first home, upgrade to their next home, refinance existing home loans, purchase investment properties and build long-term wealth through property.
The business has become known for its personalised advice, straightforward explanations and strong focus on education, providing free webinars, home buyer guides and online resources to help Queenslander’s navigate the home loan process with confidence.
Dan said the recognition belongs to the entire Houses for Heroes team.
“We’ve built an amazing team that genuinely cares about every client. Everyone goes above and beyond to make what can be a stressful process feel simple and supported.”
“Whether we take home an award or not, being named a finalist in all three awards is something we’re incredibly proud of and motivates us to keep raising the standard of service for our clients.”
Houses for Heroes is based in Cairns and specialises in helping first home buyers, home upgraders, property investors, police, nurses, teachers, emergency services workers and families across Queensland secure the right home loan for their circumstances.
