Interview with a local

Karolina Vilar

Mascot NSW

Hi! I’m Karolina — mum to a spirited 3-year-old and proud stepmum to an amazing 11-year-old, lover of good coffee, and a mortgage broker passionate about helping families feel confident and empowered on their home ownership journey.

I’ve lived in the Eastern Suburbs for over a decade and absolutely love being part of this vibrant and supportive community. My career in finance began after years in the corporate world, and I now run my own mortgage broking business from home in Mascot — helping everyone from first-home buyers to self-employed business owners find the right lending solutions.

You’ll often find me at local parks chasing after my daughter, cheering on my stepson at sports, replying to emails with a coffee in hand, or meeting clients for a relaxed catch-up. Being a parent and step-parent has given me an even deeper understanding of how important it is to make smart, secure financial decisions — especially when juggling work, family, and future plans.

Where do you live and how long have you lived there?

I was born in Poland and moved to Australia over 20 years ago, building my life here from the ground up. I’ve spent most of that time living in the Eastern Suburbs, with a short two-year adventure down the South Coast. We’re now settled in Mascot — close to our friends, community, and all the kids’ activities, which makes life a little easier and a lot more fun!

Describe your local area in 3 words

Family-friendly, vibrant, welcoming

What do you love most about your local area?

What I love most about my local area is the strong sense of community and how family-oriented it is. There are always friendly faces at the park, great local cafés to catch up in, and everything we need — from kids’ activities to essential services — is right on our doorstep. It’s a place that truly supports busy families while still offering a relaxed lifestyle.

If you had a magic wand and could improve one thing about your local area what would it be?

I’d wave my wand and add more free parking and dog‑friendly nature walks or off‑leash beaches. It would make our outdoor family time even more inclusive (and guilt‑free!), especially when our dog Shaggy wants to come along.

How many children?

1 girl (4) and 1 boy (11)

 

Favourite coffee shop?

My favourite coffee spot is at home in the early morning hours when everyone else is still sleeping. I enjoy making it myself and savouring a quiet moment of ‘me time’ before the world wakes up.

Typical after-school routine?

We’re not quite in the full after-school routine yet, as our daughter is starting preschool next year. For now, my husband and I juggle work and caring for her between us. She’s already a busy little one—she does swimming and gymnastics, and we go to a local community playgroup each week, which she absolutely loves. My stepson keeps us on our toes too—he’s a big soccer fan and trains three times a week, with matches on the weekends. So while our routine isn’t the typical school run just yet, our afternoons are definitely full!

Favourite school holiday activities in the local area?

During the school holidays, we love to embrace the outdoors and stay active as a family. We often head to Sydney Park or Centennial Park, where the kids ride their bikes, play soccer, and explore the playgrounds—perfect for keeping them entertained and letting everyone burn off some energy together.When it’s warm, we switch it up to beach mode — Congwong Beach, Little Bay, or Malabar are our top picks for calm, splash-friendly shores where the whole family loves to dip toes in the water and build sandcastles. When holidays line up, you’ll find us hitting the skies—we’re travel fanatics! Whether it’s a road trip interstate or flying overseas, exploring new places together is our favourite way to make memories.

Favourite date night place?

With life as busy as it is, my husband and I have come to really enjoy a relaxed date night at home — ordering our favourite takeaway and spending some quiet time together once the kids are asleep.

Before we had children, we used to love strolling from Bellevue Hill to Bondi Beach, picking a restaurant on a whim. I’ve always had a soft spot for Japanese food, but a delicious bowl of Italian pasta is definitely one of my weaknesses!

Favourite long weekend destination?

Our favourite long weekend getaways really depend on the season. In winter, we take any opportunity we can to escape to the Snowy Mountains — we love the fresh mountain air, the snow, and spending time as a family on the slopes. When summer rolls around, we usually head to Jervis Bay or the Sunshine Coast. The beaches are stunning, and it’s the perfect way to unwind, soak up the sun, and make the most of the warmer weather.

What tips would you have for people moving to the area?

If you’re moving to the area, my biggest tip would be to get out and explore. There are so many hidden gems tucked into each neighbourhood, from coastal walks and playgrounds to great little cafés and local shops.

Joining a local playgroup or community centre is a great way to meet other families, especially if you’ve got young kids. The Eastern Suburbs have such a welcoming community vibe once you settle in.

Also — don’t stress about doing it all at once. Take your time, chat to neighbours, support local businesses, and you’ll feel at home in no time.

Tell us about what you do for work?

After spending the past few years focused on family life—cherishing time with my daughter and supporting my husband in his business—I recently took an exciting step into my own professional journey.

This year, I launched Welcome Home Finance, a mortgage broking business dedicated to helping families navigate the property market. Whether it’s buying a first home or expanding an investment portfolio, I support my clients every step of the way to help them achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.

Being part of such meaningful milestones in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding—and there’s nothing better than hearing a heartfelt “thank you” when we reach that finish line together.

What is the name of your business?

Welcome Home Finance

Describe your business in one line

Welcome Home Finance helps families and individuals secure the right home loan with personalised, step-by-step mortgage guidance.

Business Contact Details

https://www.welcomehomefinance.com.au/

 
 

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Last updated: September 16, 2025
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