Preconceived ideas are hard to shake off. But that was before atHomeFinance got involved and decided to launch the "loans judged by atHomeFinance" to clarify certain points and make your prejudices about real estate brokerage a distant memory. During the whole month of September, our brokers took the floor to answer all your questions.

Loan judgement no. 1: The mortgage rate would be set at the customer's discretion

It is sometimes difficult to understand why one person's rate is not the same as another's and why it is more advantageous. It seems unfair and you think that it has been set at the customer's head.

This is a common misconception that is rather simplistic since the rate depends more on your project and your profile than on your head. The bank generally takes three criteria into account. The duration of the loan, the contribution made and the client's level of indebtedness.

Judgement call 2: The free services offered by a real estate broker may be hiding something

We all dream of one day buying a property that will finally be our own. But it's not always easy to put money aside each month to make the purchase a reality. You tell yourself that without a nest egg, the bank will refuse your loan application and so there's no point in going ahead. This is not entirely true... You can borrow without a down payment on condition that you use a state guarantee by proving three years of savings at 290€ per year, blocking an investment in favour of the bank or even taking out a guarantee on another property. The solutions exist, so all you have to do is go through the process.

Judged Loan #3: Without a down payment, borrowing would be impossible

We often assume that nothing is free and that if we get a service, we will pay for it in some way. So when you hear that using a broker doesn't cost you anything, you are skeptical and assume that your rate will be higher than going directly through a bank.

But don't be fooled, with atHomeFinance, there are no nasty surprises: it is actually the banks that pay the broker in the form of commissions. On your side, you will sign a mandate at 0€ when you meet with a broker. So when do you make an appointment?

Judgement call 4: The home loan broker would have the same role as the banker

The mortgage broker and the bank advisor have two very different roles. The broker is the intermediary between you and the banks. He advises you and then negotiates the best conditions for your project. In total, atHomeFinance can present your project and then negotiate with 8 banks. This saves you a lot of time. Afterwards, it is up to you to choose among the offers proposed.

The broker makes your life simple, efficient and stress-free. Trust atHomeFinance, the brokers take care of everything.

Judgement call 5: A fixed rate would be safer than a variable rate

When we take out a mortgage, we want to get the best rate. Automatically, we tend to be interested in the fixed rate, which is a symbol of stability, and we do not want to hear about variable rates. However, the best rate is not the one that seems safest but the one that best suits your project.

It will be a matter of determining whether a fixed rate, a variable rate or an adjustable rate is preferable for your situation. But rest assured, the broker is there to guide you.

And don't forget, the mortgage brokerage at atHomeFinance, it's free !