2007
I bought my first home. Parts of the experience were great; other parts showed me how much better the process could be.
Get to know
Steve Toome
A little about me
I'm a man in finance - and I found my calling in lending back in 2011.
I love solving problems, building relationships and earning people's trust by helping them achieve life-changing results. I'm also a proud husband and dad, a passionate Port Lincoln local and someone who believes in giving back to the community.
My friends and family might describe me as workaholic, fishing-mad and genuine. And despite the adventures I love, I'm actually not much of a risk-taker. They call me “Safety Steve”!
Why Port Lincoln feels like home
My early years were spent around Alice Springs, where the desert heat was relentless. I still can't handle the heat! These days, I appreciate Port Lincoln's beautiful coastline, ocean views and more forgiving climate.
What I love most is seeing the difference my work makes in a community I care about. Driving around town, I can point to homes I've helped people buy, build, renovate or keep through difficult times.
“Behind every loan is a person, a family and a story. That's what makes this work so rewarding.”
My journey into finance
I've been on both sides of the lending desk - and that experience shapes how I look after my clients today.
2010-2011
I started in banking, learning everything from cash handling and policy to personal lending, before moving into home lending in 2011.
2015
I moved into training home loan lenders across SA and NT, specialising in onboarding, upskilling and complex lending.
2018
I returned to Port Lincoln as a Senior Home Lending Specialist. The community backed me from day one, but I knew clients could sometimes benefit from options beyond a single bank.
2021
I backed myself and opened Port Lincoln Home Loans as a mortgage brokerage. The name made some people think I only did home loans in Port Lincoln - when I could actually help with so much more!
2025
I rebranded to Loan Market Link - a nod to Port Lincoln and my role in linking people with lending solutions that help them achieve their goals.
Why I became a broker
After years working in banking, I couldn't ignore the fact that a different lender might offer a better fit for someone's circumstances. I wanted the freedom to explore more policies, products and options.
So I took the leap into broking. It meant leaving behind the security of a salary and paid leave, but it remains one of my proudest career decisions. Since then, I've been fortunate to become a multi-award-winning broker from a small country town.
My favourite words?
“APPROVED!” and “SETTLED!”
I love seeing a client move forward with their life. And I want the process to feel approachable, with someone available to answer questions along the way.
How I help my clients
More than just home loans
Every client's situation is different. I enjoy helping first-home buyers, growing families, investors and business owners - including those with complex company or trust structures.
Depending on your needs, we can explore home and investment loans, refinancing, commercial finance, SMSF lending, personal loans and finance for cars, boats, caravans, machinery and equipment.
What makes my approach different?
I'm thinking about the long term. I want to earn the trust that means you'll come back - and feel confident referring your friends and family. That means listening, doing the work and exploring suitable lending options rather than assuming one bank has the answer.
My advice if you're thinking about buying?
Call me yesterday! Let's sit down and hatch a plan. You might be in a better position than you think; and if you're not quite ready, we can work towards achievable goals together.
Family comes first
I'm lucky to have a wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters. I try not to miss school sports days or assemblies, and I love doing school drop-offs and as many pick-ups as I can.
Life is about sharing experiences, learning and being there for the people you love. I just wish there were more hours in the day to spend together.
Weekends often involve kids' sport, birthday parties, helping clients, or getting out fishing and boating. When I really switch off, you'll find me off-grid with the caravan, around a fire or out on the water.
Giving back to the community
One of my biggest passions outside work is helping run the Port Lincoln Tuna Classic Inc., a not-for-profit fishing event that supports Variety - the Children's Charity.
It brings people together, supports the local economy and promotes catch-and-release fishing and environmental sustainability, while encouraging more women and children into the sport.
It's a year-round commitment that takes a lot of time and energy - but contributing to the community makes it worthwhile.
And yes, I love fishing.
Put me on a boat with a line in the water, and I'm happy. I also make time for exercise, because feeling fitter and stronger helps me show up at my best for work and family.
The lighter side of Steve
A few quick answers to get to know me beyond the lending desk.
Three words about meWorkaholic, fishing-mad, genuine
Favourite getawayFiji
Dream destinationMaldives
Beach, country or city?Beach, every time
Coffee orderLatte
Favourite local caféL'Anse
Sweet or savoury?L'Anse almond croissant - both!
Dogs or cats?Dogs
Early bird or night owl?Both!
AFL or NRL?Fishing!
Favourite live eventBig Day Out
If I wasn't a broker…I'd be a restaurateur
My bucket listPlenty of trophy fish
Perfect SundayMaking breakfast with my girls
Favourite local spotAnywhere I can go fishing or boating
