Originally Published by Matters Magazine.
You’ve done everything right. Saved. Budgeted. Researched. You’re finally ready to buy a home, but something doesn’t add up. The bank says no. You feel overlooked, overwhelmed— and alone.
That’s the moment when Viking Mortgages steps in. Not just as brokers, but as people who care about the person behind the paperwork. Founded by Ditte Moller in 2014, Viking Mortgages is more than a brokerage. It’s a family business driven by empathy, resilience and a deep belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. She chose the name Viking Mortgages not only to honour her Danish heritage, but to represent the values she brings into every client relationship.
‘I love the Viking ethos—tenacity, teamwork, getting the job done. I really wanted the name to reflect who I am and how we work. There’s a part of me that’s always wanted to help people,’ Ditte says. ‘And through this, I am able to do just that.’
Ditte—pronounced Dee-tah in Australia—didn’t come into the finance world through traditional means. Originally from Denmark, she spent years running Italian restaurants, then transitioned into mining. When she landed a role as a lead generator for financial planners and brokers, a bold idea took hold.
‘I was booking appointments for mortgage brokers and thought— why am I not taking these calls myself?’ she recalls. ‘I had no idea what it actually meant to be a mortgage broker, but I just jumped in with both feet.’
While still flying in and out of the mines, Ditte began laying the groundwork for Viking Mortgages—attending trainings, finding a mentor and absorbing everything she could about the industry. ‘I wasn’t busy with loans at first, but I was busy learning,’ she says. ‘There are so many policies and regulations. You must immerse yourself to be good.’
GIVING PEOPLE A FRESH START
Ditte quickly found her place serving clients that others often overlooked— those with difficult credit histories, unique circumstances or complex borrowing needs. ‘A lot of my first loans were what we call specialist loans,’ she explains. ‘People who’d gone through a divorce or had some financial hardship. I wasn’t shying away from them.’
She saw something others didn’t: potential. ‘Those clients are the most loyal,’ she says. ‘They refer their friends and family, and that’s how the business grew.’
It wasn’t just about securing loans—it was about restoring hope. ‘It humbles you,’ Ditte adds. ‘You realise this isn’t just about money. It’s about giving people a fresh start, a future, a place to build their lives.’
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
In March 2025, the Viking Mortgages story entered its next phase when Ditte’s daughter, Lea de Groot, officially joined the business. With over a decade in banking and two young children of her own, Lea was looking for more than a career shift. ‘I needed flexibility and balance,’ she says. ‘But it was also about working with Mum. We’re very close, and I knew we could make it work.’
The transition from corporate life to small business ownership wasn’t without its challenges. ‘I’d been in a structured environment with guaranteed pay and clear systems,’ Lea explains. ‘Going self-employed was scary. But I’ve never looked back.’
Together, they bring complementary strengths to the business. Ditte focuses on local families and first-home buyers, while Lea handles high- net-worth clients and complex self-employed lending scenarios.
‘We naturally fell into different portfolios,’ Lea says. ‘Mum has a big local following. My experience is with doctors, professionals and more technical lending. We help each other fill the gaps.’
REAL CONVERSATIONS, REAL RESULTS
At Viking Mortgages, the focus isn’t just on loans—it’s on relationships. Every client interaction begins with a conversation, not a sales pitch.
‘We want people to feel lighter after speaking with us,’ Lea says. ‘To walk away knowing they’re not alone and that there’s a clear plan forward.’
This philosophy extends to people who aren’t yet ready to buy. ‘Even if you’re two or three years away from purchasing, we’re happy to chat,’
Lea adds. ‘We’ll work backwards from your goal. What do you need to save? What needs to change? Let’s map it out.’
That long-term approach has created clients who return again and again. ‘Some of my clients I saw three years ago—they followed the plan, improved their situation, and now they’re ready,’ Ditte says. ‘It’s incredibly rewarding.’
GROWING WITH CHANGE
The mortgage industry has evolved significantly over the last decade, and Viking Mortgages has kept pace—without losing its personal touch. ‘When I started, everything was on paper,’ Ditte recalls. ‘Now it’s all digital. Thankfully, Lea brought fresh eyes and a new perspective on how things are done.’
Ditte introduced a secure digital portal where clients can submit documents and complete identity checks safely. ‘It’s not just about making it easier for us—it’s about keeping clients secure,’ she explains.
That said, technology is only part of the picture. ‘AI can help with admin,’ Lea says, ‘but it can’t replace human conversations. Relationships are everything.’
And while change can be daunting, Ditte embraces it. ‘We can’t afford to stay the same. If we don’t evolve, we become irrelevant. I love the challenge of growth—it keeps things exciting.’
WARRIOR WOMEN LEADING WITH HEART
Both Ditte and Lea are passionate about showing what’s possible for women in finance—an industry still largely dominated by men.
‘I think women make great brokers,’ Ditte says with a grin. ‘We’re empathetic. We care. It’s not about the money—it’s about the people.’
Lea experienced the gender gap firsthand in her corporate banking role. ‘After having kids, I saw how women were overlooked,’ she says. ‘That was a huge motivator for me—to create a different kind of career, one where I could thrive without compromising who I am.’ They hope to inspire the next generation of women to lead with confidence, compassion and conviction. ‘We want young women to see they can do this too,’ Lea adds. ‘That you can build something meaningful, with family at the centre.’
A LEGACY OF TRUST
For Ditte, watching her daughter step into the business has been profoundly emotional. ‘It makes me so proud,’ she says. ‘It’s hard to put into words. But knowing the business is in good hands—it means everything.’
Their clients benefit from that same sense of family. Whether they’re ready to buy, or just beginning to dream, they’re met with warmth, guidance and deep care.
‘We’re not here to sell,’ Lea says. ‘We’re here to help. No question is too silly, and you don’t need to know everything before calling us.’
That’s the Viking way home. Honest advice. Real people. A legacy of strength, service and heart.
Ready to start your home ownership journey—or just looking for answers?
Visit the website to book your free phone consultation with Ditte or Lea.
No pressure, no judgment. Just support, every step of the way.