Irina Akel, LHV home loan manager: ‘Keep looking for balance’

Taking out a home loan is like the first ‘adult’ decision for many young people. While in the past there has been parental support or flexibility in rented apartments, then now one has to make choices that will affect life for years to come. Irina Akel, LHV home loan manager, seems to be on a daily journey to help clients make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

The commitment must really be convenient

When communicating with young people who are considering buying their first home, Irina recommends that they start by saving money. ‘We all need a place to hide from our worries and share our joys, a home that is warm and cosy,’ Irina explains. A financial buffer is one of the biggest prerequisites for this.

Irina emphasizes that the top priority is to think about what kind of commitment is really convenient for you, because it is a commitment that lasts for years: ‘Secondly, several contingency plans must also be considered: what happens if income is lost or the partnership ends, but the joint home loan and payment obligation remain.’ Once these scenarios are considered, life will be much calmer as a borrower, says Irina, who has been working at LHV since 2017.

In the case of the dilemma ‘to rent or buy’, Irina’s recommendation is clear: ‘Purchasing a home with a home loan is definitely (money) wiser, but you have to be prepared for it. It’s easier to get out of a rental contract, but you just are simply paying for living. With a home loan, you are silently contributing to your own property.’

Dreams change the world

Helping others achieve their dreams is much more than just a job for Irina. ‘One couple’s dream of a house to be repaired with their own hands came true only because they came to me and we discussed different solutions together,’ recalls Irina. Regardless of the expensive location, the purchase of a house in need of extensive additional investments and in a rather poor condition seemed like a project that every bank would rather say no to, and the more amazed the young people were by LHV’s quick administration and result-oriented mindset.

Irina recommends that you visit a home loan manager early on. You can also contact the bank if there is no specific apartment yet or stable income. People need to ask boldly and openly; by doing so, they will get realistic and valuable information on how to help set their goals. ‘I am most happy when the client first comes with general questions and after a few months returns with a specific property,’ says Irina.

Balance-seeker and supporter on the LHV home loan team

Coming mainly from a native Russian-speaking family, Irina mastered Estonian by playing in the courtyard and at school, and today she supports clients on their journey to their dream home in both Estonian and Russian.

Irina, who already has experience working in the banking sector, joined the LHV home loan team at the invitation of her colleague: ‘I knew right away that this was where I belonged – novel, cool, different.’ Speaking about LHV’s creed, Irina highlights the principle of finding solutions and personalisation.

Irina admits that she is still looking for a balance between her own desires, her children’s needs, and her financial well-being. ‘This is a lifelong learning process. Every purchase should be considered critically – we need emotions, such as travelling, but we need to do it wisely and also think about tomorrow.’

In her spare time, Irina can be found with her family or at BodyCombat group trainings. A group of friends has grown out of the initial joint training sessions, who also go on training trips to major sporting events around the world. Irina enjoys hosting guests, and her specialty is baked salmon, which she loves to offer along with great snacks. Good food and pleasant company are the key to perfect leisure.