[Definitive Guide] How to Avoid Regrets with Your Mortgage | Explained by a Current Mortgage Plaza Manager with Over 20 Years of Banking Experience
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Self-Introduction
3. Why I am sharing this information
1. Introduction
If you choose a mortgage based solely on "who has the lowest interest rate," you may end up regretting it.
In reality,
Guarantee fees
Handling fees
Group Credit Life Insurance (GCLL)
Interest rates after the fixed-rate period ends
Ease of making early repayments
These factors can cause the total repayment amount to vary by millions of yen.
Especially in 2026, as we have entered a phase of rising interest rates, the era of simply thinking "a variable rate is fine for now" has come to an end.
However, many people struggle with choosing a mortgage because:
"I don't know what I should be comparing."
"The differences between banks are complicated."
"I feel like I might just decide based on what the sales representative recommends."
"I'm worried that I won't be able to make payments in the future."
Many people struggle with this concern.
A mortgage is a contract involving tens of millions of yen over a 35-year period. That is precisely why choosing one "just because" often leads to regret.
In this article, I will explain how to choose a mortgage that even beginners can use to avoid failure, covering:
How to think about interest rates
The differences between fixed and variable rates
The points you really need to compare
How to think about a reasonable borrowing amount
I will explain these as clearly as possible.
What you will gain from this article
By reading this article, you will understand:
The danger of choosing a mortgage based solely on the interest rate
The differences between fixed and variable interest rates and who each is suited for
The points you should truly compare
The difference between the "amount you can borrow" and the "amount you can safely repay"
How to think about a mortgage that you won't regret in the future
You will be able to figure these out.
Additionally, you will learn:
"Which type is right for me?"
"How much is a safe monthly repayment amount?"
“What should I pay attention to when comparing banks?”
You will be able to organize the parts where beginners often stumble, such as this.
A mortgage is said to be the “biggest purchase of your life.”
That is precisely why the goal of this article is to help you reach a state where you can make a convinced choice, rather than deciding “just because.”
2. Self-Introduction
Nice to meet you. I have been involved in mortgage operations at a bank for over 20 years, and I am currently an active Loan Plaza Manager, involved daily in the home purchases and financial planning of various customers.
The cases I have seen so far include:
Families purchasing their first home
People who are anxious about mortgage screening
Complex cases such as those who have just changed jobs, are self-employed, or are using a joint loan
People struggling with refinancing or repayment
and many others, truly a wide variety.
Furthermore, in addition to bank operations,
Administrative Scrivener
Real Estate Notary
Condominium Management Specialist
Condominium Management Consultant
Financial Planner Level 2
I also hold these qualifications, and
“Banking,” “Law,” “Real Estate,” and “Household/Life Planning.”
I explain mortgages from a practical, hands-on perspective.
3. Why I am sharing this information
Having been on the front lines of mortgage lending for over 20 years, there is something I have felt very strongly.
That is,
"There are so many people who end up making disadvantageous choices simply because they don't know better."
This is the reality.
A mortgage is a major contract involving tens of millions of yen over a 35-year period.
However, in reality,
"Because the interest rate is low"
"Because it was recommended by a real estate company"
"Because it seems safe for some reason"
It is not uncommon for people to make decisions based solely on these reasons.
As a result,
Unrealistic repayment plans
Unexpected interest rate hikes
Lack of understanding regarding group credit life insurance
Overlooking incidental expenses
Loan application rejection
I have seen many such regrets that could have been prevented if only they had known sooner.
On the other hand, the inner workings of bank screenings and practical operations are almost unknown to the general public.
What are banks looking for? Why do some people get approved while others are rejected? What kind of people are likely to struggle in the future?
Even knowledge that is considered 'common sense' in the field is often difficult for the general public to understand.
That is precisely why, in this note,
'Making mortgages easier to understand'
is the theme, and I will share:
The inside story of the screening process
Key points to avoid rejection
How to choose a loan you won't regret
How to think about interest rates and group credit life insurance
The points banks are really looking at
from as practical a perspective as possible.
My goal is not just a simple 'loan comparison,' but
a 'Mortgage Bible'
that provides long-lasting, practical information.
For those considering buying a home or feeling anxious about their mortgage,
'material for making decisions without regrets'
is what I hope to deliver.