Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team » Education

How One Simple Question Can Save You Over $100,000 on Your First Home

jsavusa2018@gmail.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:32:21 +0000

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But what if you could save over $100,000 just by asking one simple question when getting pre-approved for a mortgage?

The Question That Can Save You Thousands

Before you commit to a lender, ask:
“Can you provide me with a closing cost estimate?”

This one question puts you in control and gives you a clear breakdown of all the fees, interest rates, and costs associated with your loan. Too often, homebuyers accept the first mortgage offer they receive, not realizing they could be paying thousands more in unnecessary fees and higher interest rates.

The Smart Move: Compare Offers from Multiple Lenders

Once you get your first closing cost estimate, don’t stop there. Within 14 days, apply with one or two other local lenders and request the same Loan Estimate. This comparison process will help you:

Identify hidden fees some lenders may charge.
Compare interest rates and loan terms to find the best deal.
Negotiate with lenders to secure better rates and lower costs.

How Much Can You Really Save?

According to research, buyers who shop around for mortgage quotes save an average of $76,000 over the life of their loan. And in high-cost areas, that number can jump to $100,000 or more. That’s money you could use for renovations, investments, or simply keeping more cash in your pocket.

3 More Ways to Save Big on Your Mortgage

Besides shopping around for the best loan offer, here are three additional strategies that can help you maximize your savings:

1️⃣ Boost Your Credit Score for the Lowest Rates

Your credit score plays a huge role in determining your mortgage rate. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate will be. Aim for a score of 780 or higher to qualify for the best rates possible. Here’s how you can improve your score:

Pay down credit card balances to lower your credit utilization.
Make on-time payments for all bills and loans.
Avoid opening new credit lines before applying for a mortgage.

2️⃣ Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) often starts with a lower interest rate compared to a fixed-rate mortgage. This can be a great option if you plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts. However, make sure you understand the risks, as rates can increase after the initial fixed period.

3️⃣ Negotiate a Seller-Paid Rate Buy-Down

In today’s market, buyers have more leverage than they think. You can ask the seller to cover a rate buy-down, which means they pay upfront to lower your mortgage interest rate for the first few years. This strategy can significantly reduce your monthly payments and make homeownership more affordable.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

The homebuying process can feel overwhelming, but doing your homework pays off—literally. Asking for a closing cost estimate and comparing multiple lenders can save you tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars over time. And with a few extra strategies, you can cut even more costs on your mortgage.

Ready to start your home search? Make sure to ask the right questions and shop around for the best deal. Know someone who needs to see this? Share this with them now!

The post How One Simple Question Can Save You Over $100,000 on Your First Home appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Home Buying Zoominar

jsavusa2018@gmail.com — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 06:41:27 +0000

Owning a home is a powerful strategy for accumulating wealth over time and fostering improved financial behaviors.

Join me on August 6th, 2024 to launch your path to financial prosperity.

CLICK HERE to REGISTER

The post Home Buying Zoominar appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Graduated Payment Mortgage Program

jsavusa2018@gmail.com — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:23:55 +0000

Calling all Realtors, I am hosting a Zoominar for you!

Are current interest rates keeping your clients from their real estate goals?

Sign up for my upcoming Zoominar on 12/15/2023 or schedule a 121 call with me today! If you prefer coffee talks let’s do it (808)276-6855!

Let me help you achieve your real estate dreams in this current market.

CLICK here to schedule a 121 with me

CLICK here to reserve your spot for the December 15th Zoominar, space is limited.

The post Graduated Payment Mortgage Program appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Homebuying Success Series

cmitsumura@masonmac.com — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 01:15:23 +0000

Joining this series will give you priceless information you need to reach your goal of homeownership. I will be sharing with you from start to finish of the homebuying process, to ensure you will know what to expect, and help you prepare to secure the best future for you and your family.

There are 6 quick zooms that are part of this series:

Part 1: The homebuying process before getting a real estate agent- knowing where you stand and how much home you can buy is KEY to success

Part 2: Building and understanding credit- Learn do’s and don’t to have a strong credit profile

Part 3: Understanding closing cost- Know what to expect in addition to down payment, avoid surprises

Part 4: Understanding title and escrow- Guest speaker- What do they do…

Part 5: Renters to Owners- This zoom will teach you about special programs and products for first time homebuyers – A MUST if you are a first time homebuyer

Part 6: Get a certified pre-approval and find a trusted real estate agent- CONGRATULATIONS, you are half way there.

Can’t make it to all? No problem, there will be other offering of this series, stay tuned.

I strive to provide you the knowledge to move you through this process with ease.

Please REGISTER to attend. SEE YOU THERE!

The post Homebuying Success Series appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Land and Construction – Mar 2023

jsavusa@masonmac.com — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 20:31:13 +0000

ALOHA!

Featuring our Land & Construction Zoominar on Wednesday, March 22, 2022 @ 6:30pm (registration required)

Attending will give you the “What you need to know” about:

Land Loans
Construction Loans
Timeline
Preparation
Seats are limited, SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY ←click to register

Is this ZOOMINAR for you?

Dreams of building your DREAM HOME?
Plans to expand or upgrade?
Interested in learning how these loans work?

We look forward to seeing you there!

The post Land and Construction – Mar 2023 appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

March Renters to Owners Zoominar

jsavusa@masonmac.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:55:02 +0000

Click Image to enlarge

Who should attend?

Anyone who…

is tired of RENTING…
has thought of purchasing a home in Hawaii
would like to learn homebuying preparations
would like to learn about down payment assistance & our EXCLUSIVE buyer advantage programs

Join me as I share information about the process and programs with First Time Homebuyers.

I provide more than an “Approval”, “Denial”, or “Button” service. I work with you to SUCCESS. Taking you from Renters to Owners!

Servicing all of Hawaii for over 23 years, “Making a difference in the lives of others”

TAKE THE FIRST STEP – REGISTER HERE TODAY⇐

The post March Renters to Owners Zoominar appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Renters to Owners Zoominar

jsavusa@masonmac.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:12:31 +0000

Click Image to enlarge

Who should attend?

Anyone who…

is tired of RENTING…
has thought of purchasing a home in Hawaii
would like to learn homebuying preparations
would like to learn about down payment assistance & our EXCLUSIVE buyer advantage programs

Join me as I share information about the process and programs with First Time Homebuyers.

I provide more than an “Approval”, “Denial”, or “Button” service. I work with you to SUCCESS. Taking you from Renters to Owners!

Servicing all of Hawaii for over 23 years, “Making a difference in the lives of others”

TAKE THE FIRST STEP – REGISTER HERE TODAY⇐

The post Renters to Owners Zoominar appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Renters to Owners Zoominar – Jan 2023

jsavusa@masonmac.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:09:44 +0000

Click on image to enlarge

Who should attend?

Anyone who…

is tired of RENTING…
has thought of purchasing a home in Hawaii
would like to learn homebuying preparations
would like to learn about down payment assistance & our EXCLUSIVE buyer advantage programs

Join me as I share information about the process and programs with First Time Homebuyers.

I provide more than an “Approval”, “Denial”, or “Button” service. I work with you to SUCCESS. Taking you from Renters to Owners!

Servicing all of Hawaii for over 23 years, “Making a difference in the lives of others”

TAKE THE FIRST STEP – REGISTER HERE TODAY⇐

The post Renters to Owners Zoominar – Jan 2023 appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

Renters to Owners Zoominar 12/16/2022 @ 7p

jsavusa@masonmac.com — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:15:11 +0000

Click picture to enlarge

Who should attend?

Anyone who…

is tired of RENTING…
has thought of purchasing a home in Hawaii
would like to learn homebuying preparations
would like to learn about down payment assistance & our EXCLUSIVE buyer advantage programs

Join me as I share information about the process and programs with First Time Homebuyers.

I provide more than an “Approval”, “Denial”, or “Button” service. I work with you to SUCCESS. Taking you from Renters to Owners!

Servicing all of Hawaii for over 23 years, “Making a difference in the lives of others”

TAKE THE FIRST STEP – REGISTER HERE TODAY⇐

The post Renters to Owners Zoominar 12/16/2022 @ 7p appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.

First-time Homebuyers Zoominar 11/15/2022

jsavusa@masonmac.com — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 08:14:42 +0000

Click image to enlarge.

Join me for my First-time homebuyer Zoominar

Learn about:

Down Payment Assistance programs
No or low down payment options
Buyers Advantage program
Homebuying tips
BONUS: closing cost e-coupon just for attending (some restrictions apply)

When: November 15, 2022

Time: 7p

Place: Zoom (registration required)

The post First-time Homebuyers Zoominar 11/15/2022 appeared first on Christie Mitsumura Blue Seas Team.