From running a drilling company to advising mortgage borrowers, mentorship made the difference for this broker
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
MPA interviewed Ditte Moller (pictured top), founder and senior mortgage broker at Viking Mortgages, who swapped a FIFO mining career and business ownership for life in broking after spotting an opportunity from the other side of the industry – running a lead generation firm that supplied enquiries to mortgage brokers.
Since launching her business in late 2014, Moller has built her reputation by leaning into complex and non-standard lending, underpinned by a commitment to continuous learning and the kind of mentorship she now says is critical for any broker hoping to succeed.
- Full name: Ditte Moller
- Job title: Founder and senior mortgage broker
- Company: Viking Mortgages
- Number of years in the industry: 11
- Location: Noosa, Queensland
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I became a broker in late 2014, when I started Viking Mortgages. I didn’t come from a banking and finance background – I came from running a drilling company in the mines. In between, I also ran a lead generation firm that generated leads for mortgage brokers, which gave me the idea to become a broker myself. During my time FIFO in mining, I completed my Cert IV and Diploma and started the business. Little did I know how hard it was going to be.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the best and most exciting change because it enables us to do our job better, more compliantly, and more quickly, so we can spend more time looking after our clients. I also think COVID made it more acceptable to work from home and to have virtual meetings with clients, which has enabled us to be much more efficient.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
Rate rises are always a bit of a challenge because they can slow the industry down and create fear in the market. There’s also a lot of chatter about AI making brokers less important, but I don’t agree. I think, more and more, we’re a very important part of the puzzle because we can explain things to clients and look outside the square for solutions based on our knowledge of their situation.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
A defining experience early in my career was realising just how much there was to learn about being a broker. When I first started, I didn’t fully understand what the role truly involved, so I made a conscious decision to immerse myself in the industry. I read every article on broking I could find, attended professional development days, and went to every broker information session available to me. I wanted to deeply understand not just the mechanics of lending, but what it really meant to be a trusted adviser to clients.
One of the most valuable parts of that journey was having a strong mentor. They guided me through complex scenarios, helped me understand how to build a sustainable business, and showed me how to support clients through challenging situations. That experience reinforced how critical mentorship is in developing a successful and ethical broker.
Early on, I positioned myself as a specialist in complex and non-standard lending, and that proved to be a pivotal decision. By helping clients navigate difficult, often stressful circumstances, I built strong, lasting relationships based on trust. Those early challenges shaped my approach to broking and taught me that genuine expertise—combined with empathy and persistence—is what truly sets a broker apart.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
My strongest advice for anyone aspiring to become a broker, or those early in their broking career, is to find a truly committed mentor. Not someone who helps occasionally, but someone you can call when you’re unsure, need guidance, or want a second opinion. Having consistent support and access to experience makes an enormous difference, particularly in the early years.
It’s also important to connect with other brokers and build relationships within the industry. No one expects you to know everything, especially when you’re starting out. What is expected is honesty and professionalism. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’ll find out and get back to you” or “I’ll do some research and come back to you with the right answer.” Clients respect transparency.
Ultimately, being a good broker isn’t about having every answer off the top of your head—it’s about knowing where to find the right information and being committed to getting the best outcome for your client.
Broker in Focus is a weekly MPA feature spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse firms and locations across Australia. Among those recently featured are Chandelle Lord of Mortgage Lane, Jason Cuerel of Mortgage Innovations , Talissa Bailey of Bai Mortgage, Dan Pertot of Pertot & Co. Mortgage Brokers, Leo Cagliolo of Professional Mortgage Manager, Raj Ladher of Mortgage Wealth, Chris van Rijswijk of Northern Beaches Wealth Home Loans, Ajay Krishnan of Home Loans Fast, Fae Kett of Tembo Money, and Tanya Seth of Simpl Home Loans.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
