Rima Zino is a licensed mortgage broker and the founder of Rima Zino Mortgages Inc., operating under Dominion Lending Centres Valley Financial Specialists in Langley, BC. She specializes in self-employed mortgages, investor financing, and private lending across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley — designing mortgage strategies that go beyond rate-shopping to restructure debt, improve cash flow, unlock equity, and convert non-deductible interest into tax-deductible investment expenses.

Most Canadians treat their mortgage as a liability — a debt to pay off as fast as possible. I help homeowners, landlords, and investors think beyond that. With the right structure, a mortgage becomes a financial tool: a way to reduce debt, improve cash flow, lower taxes, and build long-term wealth — without increasing what you spend each month.

Think Beyond Liability

The Think Beyond Liability philosophy means asking different questions when you’re financing or refinancing a property. Instead of “what’s the lowest rate,” we ask:

  • Does the structure of this mortgage create tax-deductible interest?
  • Does it free up cash flow you can redirect to investments or emergency reserves?
  • Does it position you to pay off non-deductible debt years faster?
  • Does it work with your CPA’s tax strategy, or against it?
  • Will it still serve you in five and ten years, not just at closing?

These questions identify thousands of dollars per year in tax savings, debt acceleration, and wealth-building opportunities that a standard pre-approval conversation never surfaces.

Who I Serve

I work primarily with three groups across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley:

Homeowners refinancing for better cash flow, consolidating higher-interest debt, planning a renovation, or restructuring at renewal. Many come to me wondering whether to stay with their current lender or move — the answer depends entirely on the structure, not just the rate.

Landlords ready to implement Cash Damming, optimize their HELOCs, or restructure their portfolio for better tax efficiency. I work directly with your CPA to make sure the structure supports your tax strategy, not the other way around.

Investors building portfolios with DSCR loans, layered rental income, and equity-leveraging strategies like the Smith Manoeuvre. The Greater Vancouver investment market rewards investors with the right financing structure and limits the ones without.

I also work with first-time homebuyers navigating BC, federal, and CMHC programs, and with retirees aged 55+ exploring reverse mortgages — but the strategist work is most concentrated with homeowners, landlords, and investors.

Service Area

I serve homeowners, landlords, and investors across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with most clients in:

Greater Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Tsawwassen, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, White Rock.

Fraser Valley: Langley, Aldergrove, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack.

All client meetings can be done in person at the Langley office or virtually via video call. The application, document collection, and signing can all be completed remotely — particularly helpful for clients in Mission, Chilliwack, or the eastern Fraser Valley who don’t need to travel to make their mortgage happen.

My Three Specialty Areas

Self-Employed Mortgages

Self-employed Canadians are one of the most underserved groups in mortgage lending. The same tax write-offs that save you money each April reduce the income banks count for qualifying. I work with lenders who specialize in self-employed income — bank statement programs, stated income programs, and alternative documentation pathways — for sole proprietors, incorporated business owners, contractors, and gig workers across BC.

Investor & Equity Strategies

Cash Damming, the Smith Manoeuvre, equity restructuring, debt consolidation, and DSCR investor loans. These are CRA-recognized, well-documented Canadian strategies that most banks won’t surface in a standard mortgage conversation. They can save tens of thousands of dollars in interest and tax over the life of a mortgage when implemented correctly.

Private & Alternative Lending

Not every file fits a major bank, and not every solution requires one. I have access to alternative lenders (B-lenders) and private lenders for complex files, bridge financing, business-purpose mortgages, and short-term solutions — getting clients into the home or refinance they need today, then transitioning them to traditional lenders as their file strengthens.

Services

  • Home Purchase — first-time buyer, move-up buyer, investor purchase, vacation home, new construction.
  • Refinancing — debt consolidation, equity unlock, lower payment, shorter amortization, change of structure.
  • Debt Consolidation Mortgages — combine higher-interest payments into one manageable monthly payment, often freeing $500-$2,500 per month.
  • Equity Strategies — HELOCs, readvanceable mortgages, second mortgages, reverse mortgages, and the Smith Manoeuvre.
  • Mortgage Renewal — full review of current structure, market comparison, and renewal negotiation.
  • Self-Employed Mortgages — bank statement, stated income, and alternative programs for business owners.
  • Investor Mortgages — DSCR loans, multi-property structures, Cash Damming setup.
  • Private & Bridge Mortgages — short-term solutions, complex files, business-purpose loans.
  • Reverse Mortgages (CHIP and Equitable Bank) — for homeowners 55+ accessing equity without monthly payments.
  • Construction & Renovation Mortgages — draw schedules, completion financing, Purchase Plus Improvements.

Credentials & Compliance

  • Licensed Sub-Mortgage Broker — British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA).
  • Brokerage: Dominion Lending Centres Valley Financial Specialists.
  • Office: 302 – 19978 72nd Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 1R7.
  • Lender access: more than 50 Canadian lenders — banks, credit unions, monoline lenders, alternative lenders, and private lenders.
  • 30+ years of financial strategy and negotiation experience.

Who I Partner With

I work closely with realtors, CPAs, financial planners, and estate lawyers across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. If you’re a professional looking for a mortgage broker who handles complex files — self-employed, investor, separation, newcomer, credit-impaired, or strategic equity unlock — I’d welcome the conversation. The strongest referral relationships are built when both sides bring real expertise.

Outside of Work

I treasure time with my granddaughter Lilah and dedicate significant time to financial education — hosting workshops, creating content, and partnering with other professionals to share strategies most Canadians are never taught. Financial literacy changes lives, and the more people who understand how a well-structured mortgage can build wealth instead of just paying interest, the better.

Ready to Think Beyond Liability?

Every conversation starts with understanding your goals — not quoting a rate. No obligation, no pressure.

📞 Phone: 604-725-4960 📧 Email: rz@rimazino.com 🗓️ Book a no-pressure call: calendly.com/rz- 📝 Start an application: velocity-client.newton.ca

 Instagram @rima_zino_mortgages      🔗 LinkedIn: Connect with me.

All mortgages are subject to approval. Each office is independently owned and operated.