Donna Marks, Mortgage Adviser, Mortgage Express

01/11/2026

Some welcome news for homeowners last week 🙂

The Reserve Bank decided to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 2.75%, rather than increasing it as many had expected.

With household budgets already under pressure, I'm sure this came as a relief to many.

While it doesn't guarantee mortgage rates will stay the same, it's certainly welcome news.

If your mortgage is coming up for renewal, it's still worth reviewing your options. Remember, the lowest rate isn't always the best choice. How long you fix for and how your mortgage is structured matter too.

As always, I'm happy to have a chat and help you work out what suits you best.

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

29/10/2026

One last Friday Fact to finish off my 8 year celebration.

When I started my own business in 2018, I wasn’t looking to leave lending behind. I still loved helping people take that next step towards a home and a life that really mattered to them.

What I wanted was more control over how I worked, more focus on relationships, and more flexibility to spend time with my family.

This photo is me with my husband, my daughter and son, and two of my grandies, which feels like a pretty fitting way to finish the series.

Eight years later, I’m very grateful I took that step.

27/10/2026

Looking back over the past 8 years, I’ve realised just how much I’ve learnt along the way.

Not just about lending, but about trusting myself, asking for help, building relationships and understanding what really matters to the people I work with.

There have been challenges, rewarding moments and a lot of growth, both personally and professionally.

Most of all, I’m grateful for the people who have trusted me to be part of such important moments in their lives.

Thank you for following along with my 8 year celebration and for all the support over the years. It really does mean a lot.

25/10/2026

We spend so much of our time working, planning and looking ahead to the next thing that it's easy to forget to stop and appreciate what we've already achieved.

Labour Day is a lovely reminder to do just that.

For many of us buying a home is one of the biggest things we've worked towards, and there's something special about having a little extra time to enjoy it.

I hope you've had a wonderful long weekend, spending time with family and friends, getting out or simply enjoying some time at home 🙂

– Donna

22/10/2026

Another Friday Fact as I look back on 8 years in business.

Across more than 30 years in lending, I’ve worked with more than 2,000 clients.

Behind that number are people buying their very first home, families upsizing as little ones came along, parents moving closer to their children, families making room for mum or dad, and people finding a home that better suited the life they're building.

Those are the moments that stay with me. It’s never really just about the loan, it’s about what that loan helps make possible.

20/10/2026

If you’re buying your first home, it can feel like there’s a lot to work out before you even know where to start.

I’ve put together a First Home Buyers Guide on my website that walks you through the journey in plain English, from deposit options and KiwiSaver through to pre-approval, making an offer, due diligence and your home loan structure.

You can work through it from the beginning, or jump straight to the part you’re stuck on.

You’ll find the guide on my website: https://donnamortgageadviser.co.nz/first-home-buyers-guide

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

18/10/2026

Eight years in business, with more than 30 years of lending experience behind me.

Looking back, these numbers represent so much more than milestones.

They represent the clients I’ve helped, the families I’ve met, the relationships I’ve built and the trust people have placed in me along the way.

I’m incredibly grateful for every conversation, referral, review and opportunity to help someone with their property plans.

16/10/2026

A very stressing situation to be in and further evidences what impacts changes in your circumstances can have on your finances and why longer term goals should be a factor in your house buying decisions.

A couple who bought at the peak of the housing boom may face negative equity if they sell, with advisers warning their options could be limited.

15/10/2026

Another Friday Fact, with a little 8 year anniversary twist.

One of the biggest changes when I started my own business was going from working with one lender to having access to a much wider range of lenders for my clients.

That meant learning how each one worked, what they looked for and where different situations might be a better fit.

Eight years on, having that variety means I can look beyond one set of lending criteria and help clients understand more of the options available to them.

13/10/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week has had me thinking about the importance of looking after ourselves and each other.

Time with my grandchildren, pottering around the garden, getting outside and being with family are some of the things I enjoy most and help me switch off.

They might seem simple, but they make such a difference to how I feel and show up for my clients.

We all have different ways of looking after our wellbeing, and I think it's just as important to take the time to check in on the people around us too.