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Atrina Kouroshnia

Mortgage Professional, Thinking Outside The Branch

Atrina is an independently licensed mortgage broker in Vancouver, BC. She specializes in helping residents invest in their future through the purchase of their first home. She has a degree in Human Relations and Commerce, as well as past work experiences in HR and Real Estate Development. Atrina brings a holistic approach to the table when finding her clients the best mortgage available. She believes in complete transparency and ensures that her clients understand every detail of the process and all of their options. You can contact Atrina and get access to her blog on her website, mortgagebyatrina.com.
Buying A Home In Vancouver? Here's What Newcomers Should

Buying A Home In Vancouver? Here's What Newcomers Should Know

One of the most beautiful times of year here on the west coast, spring has traditionally been a season that ushers new homebuyers into the Vancouver real-estate market. Whether you're new to Canada or making the leap to home ownership for the first time this season, here are some considerations.
05/30/2017 12:47 EDT
Understanding No Debt Payouts For B.C. Mortgage

Understanding No Debt Payouts For B.C. Mortgage Brokers

By license, mortgage brokers are legally entitled to lend money secured by a mortgage; regardless of whether it is their own or comes from another party. As a result, during a refinance/renewal, if there is enough equity a mortgage broker typically looks into whether their client has any outstanding debts and, if so, will pay them off and include the debt into the borrower's mortgage.
04/07/2017 12:38 EDT
Will Canada's Real Estate Market Get

Will Canada's Real Estate Market Get Trumped?

I think I speak for (almost) all Canadians when I say that Donald Trump's win came as a wee surprise. Now that the shock has worn off, just weeks before he takes office, Canadians everywhere are asking what this means for us. While the rumour mill churns, I'm left wondering what Trump's presidency means for Canada and our real estate market. Will Vancouver too, get trumped?
01/04/2017 07:18 EST
How The B.C. Foreign Buyer Tax Changed My

How The B.C. Foreign Buyer Tax Changed My Business

As a mortgage broker working almost exclusively in B.C. for the last five years, I was curious to see how B.C.'s new foreign buyer tax and new mortgage qualifications would change my business. While some of the impact was predictable, I've been wholly surprised by its effect on other aspects.
01/04/2017 06:23 EST
Buying Instead Of Renting Can Lift You Out Of

Buying Instead Of Renting Can Lift You Out Of Vulnerability

There is no shortage of people out there talking about why you shouldn't put your money into a home. But in my opinion, particularly for women and minorities who have traditionally been disenfranchised, owning your own home can be nothing short of an awakening.
11/15/2016 04:07 EST
Vancouver School Closures Stick Families With Impossible

Vancouver School Closures Stick Families With Impossible Choice

As many as 21 in total have the potential to be shut down. If residents of the east side are forced to move into more expensive neighbourhoods just in order to find a school for their children, homeowners may be forced to turn into renters as they arrive outside the comfort zone of their financial capabilities.
09/28/2016 08:05 EDT
Are Our Emotions Running The Real Estate

Are Our Emotions Running The Real Estate Market?

Today the cost of a home in Metro Vancouver is more than triple what it was between 1976-1980. B.C. has seen a greater drop in earnings than any other province between the same period, with full-time earnings down $9,000 for 25 to 34 year-olds compared to 1976-1980. What is happening here?
08/10/2016 09:42 EDT
Introducing Micro Units: The Future Of Vancouver Real

Introducing Micro Units: The Future Of Vancouver Real Estate

Are micro units, small condos and bachelor suites the way of the future; able to douse our city's precariously overheated housing market in a cool shower of affordable, convenient rental units? It seems the question is still up for debate here in the third least affordable housing market on the globe.
06/10/2016 11:37 EDT
Are Women Rising To The Real Estate

Are Women Rising To The Real Estate Challenge?

With the numbers of women purchasing real estate at an all-time high, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. The message then, at least when it comes to real estate, seems pretty clear: Prince Charming can keep the horse; his damsel in distress already owns the house (and decorated it too).
03/08/2016 10:03 EST
5 Ways To Ensure You Can Afford Your

5 Ways To Ensure You Can Afford Your Mortgage

Before you opt out of the real estate game entirely, give some thought to the following considerations. Sound financial planning, a realistic budget and a few good habits will go a long way to ensuring your mortgage is affordable.
02/23/2016 11:32 EST
Plan For The Worst Before Purchasing A Home

Plan For The Worst Before Purchasing A Home Together

Owning a home with someone also comes with some strings attached, so it is very important to know exactly how it can change your life both as a primary residence and also as an investment property. Being stuck on a mortgage that you no longer want can have a great impact on your financial freedom.
12/09/2015 02:15 EST
Porting a Mortgage is Harder Than You'd

Porting a Mortgage is Harder Than You'd Think

Mortgage portability allows you to move an existing mortgage to a new home and keep the same interest rate without incurring prepayment penalties on the sale of your previous home. Not all mortgages allow for porting, but if yours does, this sounds like a great way to right avoid penalties, right? Not necessarily.
08/24/2015 04:50 EDT
When it Makes Sense to Consider a 35-Year

When it Makes Sense to Consider a 35-Year Mortgage

With high prices and many potential buyers struggling to enter the market, some buyers are considering stretching out their payments with a 35-year amortization rather than the typical 25-year amortization that most Canadian homebuyers use.
06/09/2015 03:57 EDT
Is Now the Time To Refinance? Run The Numbers

Is Now the Time To Refinance? Run The Numbers First

With talk about interest rates lowering even further after the Bank of Canada's surprise announcement several weeks ago, many homeowners across B.C. are likely wondering if it's time to refinance their mortgage and take advantage of lower rates.
02/12/2015 04:19 EST