Making your dream home a reality doesn't start with that attractive ad on Funda, but with your finances. Buying a house: It's most likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make in your life.
You open Funda and your heart races for that 1930s house with a cozy bay window, or that sleek and sustainable new-build. You can picture yourself, but then the inevitable question arises: "Can I actually afford this?".
Welcome to the world of mortgages—a world full of jargon, financial risks, and unfortunately, a mountain of paperwork, where a small mistake or the wrong choice can cost you tens of thousands of euros
Why do you actually need mortgage advice?
Many potential buyers think they can fill out an online tool that shows how much they can borrow. Of course, this tool offers a rough estimate of the amount you can borrow, but you should always keep in mind that it doesn't consider your unique situation, your future plans, or the fine print. A mortgage advisor does!
- 1. A mortgage is more than just a loan; it's a complex financial product with different types:
Annuity mortgage: This is the most common mortgage type. Your monthly payments remain the same, but the ratio between the interest and principal portion changes.
Linear mortgage: With this mortgage type, you repay the same amount each month, which quickly reduces your monthly payments (and your debt).
(Partially) interest-only mortgage: With this mortgage type, you don't repay the mortgage, but only pay interest. Keep in mind that there are currently several conditions attached to this type of mortgage.
What's the best option? Which mortgage type is right for you? And what are the tax implications (think mortgage interest deduction)? A mortgage advisor will calculate this for you and explain it in plain language, so everyone can understand it.
- 2. Your mortgage advisor looks at the complete picture.
An advisor asks questions. Do you have student debt? Are you self-employed? Do you want to work less in five years because you want children? What if your partner becomes unemployed or disabled? A home is often bought emotionally, but you need to approach financing rationally. An advisor will help you choose a mortgage that remains affordable even if life takes a different turn. - 3. A mortgage advisor saves you money.
In principle, we agree with you: yes, getting advice costs money. But ultimately, a good advisor pays for itself because they compare interest rates and terms at different banks. An independent advisor (like the ones ADOMU Real Estate Agents works with) isn't tied to a single bank and therefore truly finds the best deal for you.
Our insider tip: Explore the possibilities first, then view.
This is perhaps the most important tip we can give you. Most home seekers do it the other way: they find their dream home, make an offer, and then rush to secure financing. This creates unnecessary stress.
Avoid disappointment
Imagine: you've spent days dreaming about that beautiful house with the wonderfully spacious garden. You've already made an offer, which the sellers have accepted. Then the bank discovers you just can't borrow the required amount because of that one credit card debt or because your income as a self-employed person is calculated differently. You have to withdraw your offer, and you're back to square one. By talking to an advisor first, you'll know exactly what your maximum mortgage is and what your monthly payments will be. This allows you to search for homes that fit your budget and avoid disappointment.
Stay ahead of the competition
The housing market is overheated, and competition is fierce. Sellers (and their agents) want certainty. If you've already had an exploratory meeting with a mortgage advisor, you often already know how much you can borrow and there's even a chance you can offer without reservation. This gives you a huge advantage over other bidders who aren't sure yet.
How ADOMU Real Estate Agents helps you with the right advice
At ADOMU Real Estate Agents, we want you to get a good, smooth start in the housing market. We're not mortgage advisors, but we know the ropes and the importance of independent and reliable advice.
You might already have a good advisor in mind, recommended by family or friends. That's perfect! You're completely free to choose who you work with.
Can't see the forest for the trees? ADOMU Real Estate Agents collaborates with a select network of independent and certified mortgage advisors. If desired, we can connect you, without obligation, with two different advisors who are a good fit for your personal situation.
Why do we recommend two advisors? Because you need to have a good connection with a mortgage advisor—you need to feel comfortable sharing everything you own. By having an introductory meeting with two parties (often free of charge), you can discover who you feel most comfortable with.
Are you ready to take the first step?
Buying a home doesn't start with bricks or a nice ad on Funda, but with numbers. A good mortgage advisor translates those numbers into a clear story, so you can confidently say "yes" to your dream home.
Take the first step today!