Donna Marks, Mortgage Adviser, Mortgage Express

Donna Marks, Mortgage Adviser, Mortgage Express With over 30 years’ experience as a Mortgage Adviser, I help people across Lower Hutt and Wellington navigate home loans.

My focus is on clear explanations, honest guidance and supporting you as you work towards your dream home.

17/06/2026

Winter is actually one of the best times to view a home.

The heating gets tested. The insulation shows its worth. You can see how the light sits in the shorter days, how the rooms feel when it is cold outside.

If you love it in winter, you will love it even more in summer.

A lot of buyers wait for spring, thinking that is when the market picks up. But the ones who move in winter often find less competition, more time with the bank, and sellers who are genuinely ready to move.

If you are watching the market and something catches your eye right now, it is worth a conversation.

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

One of the most common questions I get asked is which lenders I work with.I'm accredited with all of New Zealand's major...
16/06/2026

One of the most common questions I get asked is which lenders I work with.

I'm accredited with all of New Zealand's major banks, including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac and TSB. I also work with a wide range of non-bank lenders, which means more options for clients who may not fit the standard bank criteria.

Having access to this many lenders means I can compare options across the market and find the right fit for your situation, whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or investing.

If you'd like to know which lender might work best for you, feel free to get in touch.

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

Paige and Paul had been happily renting in Whitby for four years. Good landlords, a home they'd made their own, even the...
15/06/2026

Paige and Paul had been happily renting in Whitby for four years. Good landlords, a home they'd made their own, even the dogs and cats settled in.

Then their landlords said they wanted to sell, and suddenly everything felt uncertain.

They came to me not knowing if they were weeks, months or years away from buying. With no traditional savings but their KiwiSaver, we looked at what was possible.

I walked them through low-equity borrowing, we worked through the numbers, and when a home caught their eye, we moved quickly.

Their story was featured in The Post recently. Paige's advice to other buyers says it all: reach out and see where you fit, you might be closer than you think.

Paige and Paul, thank you for letting us share your story. I loved working with you both and I hope it gives someone else the confidence to take that first step.

You can read their full story on The Post below (subscription required), in the printed edition from June 6th, or get in touch and I can send you a copy.

👉 https://www.thepost.co.nz/home-property/361015998/rental-scare-sparks-homeownership-dream-young-family

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

There's nothing like a Wellington winter to make you think hard about where you live.Cold house? Damp walls? Heating bil...
10/06/2026

There's nothing like a Wellington winter to make you think hard about where you live.

Cold house? Damp walls? Heating bill that hurts every month? That is your sign that something needs to change.

If buying is on your mind for this year, winter is actually the smartest time to get your pre-approval sorted. The market is quieter, there is less pressure and you'll be ready to move when spring picks up.

Let's get you prepared, and out of that cold home!

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

If I could go back, this is what I'd tell myself.The truth is, most of us figure this stuff out as we go. But a few simp...
09/06/2026

If I could go back, this is what I'd tell myself.

The truth is, most of us figure this stuff out as we go. But a few simple habits early on, saving regularly, investing a little, finding work you love, and understanding how money works, can make a huge difference by the time you're ready to buy a home.

Swipe through for the advice I wish someone had given me sooner.

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

Mac was in the middle of selling and buying at the same time. Her real estate agent referred her to me, and I could see ...
07/06/2026

Mac was in the middle of selling and buying at the same time. Her real estate agent referred her to me, and I could see straight away she needed clarity, not more confusion.

We worked through the numbers together, until it all made sense. Then we put together a five year plan to keep their finances on track well beyond settlement day.

That follow through matters to me. Getting the loan is one part of it, setting people up for what comes next is the other.

If you are navigating buying and selling at the same time, I can help make the process feel less overwhelming.

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

After years of volatility, the property market has finally found some balance in 2026. Less "boom or bust", and a lot le...
03/06/2026

After years of volatility, the property market has finally found some balance in 2026. Less "boom or bust", and a lot less pressure to rush into a decision.

But that doesn't mean any property will do. Buying well still takes preparation, and I'm seeing more investors come unstuck on the basics.

This article walks through five essential things to look for in today’s market. If you want to talk through your own situation, I'm happy to help.

You can read the full article here: https://www.mortgage-express.co.nz/resources/property-investment/what-makes-a-good-investment-property-in-2026

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

03/06/2026

Your deposit size changes everything.

🏡 $700,000 home.
10% deposit = $70,000
versus 20% deposit = $140,000.

When you can’t get to the “magic” 20% the bank lending criteria is different, interest rates are different, the amount you can borrow is different.

KiwiSaver counts toward your deposit, a gift from family and savings can all count towards your deposit.

For a lot of first home buyers that's the gap right there.

It's worth knowing your numbers before you decide when to make your move, and that's exactly what I'm here to support you with.

– Donna Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

Renting vs buying in Wellington right now.There is no right answer as it depends on your situation, but here's a quick l...
01/06/2026

Renting vs buying in Wellington right now.

There is no right answer as it depends on your situation, but here's a quick look at the two.

Renting gives you flexibility, no maintenance costs and no long term commitment.

Buying builds something over time. Each repayment works toward ownership rather than someone else's asset.

What surprises a lot of people is how close the numbers can be. Rent vs mortgage repayments are sometimes closer than you think, especially right now.

If you have a deposit and stable income, it may be worth a conversation before assuming buying is out of reach. If not, let's look at where you are now and what it would take to get there.

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

Yesterday the Reserve Bank held the OCR at 2.25%, so no change for now, which will be a relief for many people.That said...
28/05/2026

Yesterday the Reserve Bank held the OCR at 2.25%, so no change for now, which will be a relief for many people.

That said, they have been pretty clear that rates will likely need to rise soon and by more than originally planned. Inflation is sitting at 3.1% and there's quite a bit of uncertainty globally at the moment.

So while nothing has changed, it's a good reminder to keep an eye on where your lending is sitting.

If you're unsure where to start or just want to talk through what this means for your mortgage, feel free to get in touch.

You can read the full announcement here: https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/news-and-events/news/2026/05/ocr-held-at-2-25-percent

– Donna
Mortgage Adviser | 027 330 6623

Address

516 High Street
Lower Hutt City
5049

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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