Common Mistakes When Taking Out a Mortgage
Avoid Mistakes and Secure the Best Terms

The is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your life. It involves large sums of money and often long-term commitments.

If you know the most common mistakes and the most important tips, you can save a lot of money and make better decisions.

Mortgage Tips and Tricks

Mistake #1 When Comparing Mortgages
Comparing Apples to Oranges

  • Compare quotes with different terms

    A common mistake: are obtained on different days—and compared directly.

    The Problem

    Interest rates change daily and can fluctuate significantly depending on market conditions.

    As a result, you may end up choosing a mortgage offer that is no longer the best option by the time you sign the contract.

    Tip

    Compare only quotes generated on the same day. Because this tip is so important, quotes on HYPOTHEKE.ch are calculated in real time. This allows you to transparently compare different offers at any time. Interest rates are recalculated hourly. We’re convinced this is the best way to

  • Ignore interest rates and fees

    It’s not just the that matters: interest payment dates, and additional fees can significantly affect the effective costs—a may end up being more expensive. That’s why HYPOTHEKE.ch always shows you all costs and terms in a direct comparison of offers.

  • Compare different mortgage loan models

    A common mistake: Comparing models that aren't identical.

    Examples

    versus
    Starter Mortgage versus Standard Mortgage
    Bank-Specific Models vs. Transparent Models

    That’s not a fair comparison. Not every offer that seems appealing at first glance is actually beneficial for you in the long run.

    Tip

    First, —then compare. Always opt for transparent, easily comparable Mortgage loan models, such as a traditional Fixed-rate mortgage or a SARON mortgage. So-called “starter mortgages” or can be appealing, but they are often nothing more than bait-and-switch offers.

Mortgage Webinar

How do I find the best Mortgage?

“A one-hour webinar packed with useful tips and information to help you choose the right Mortgage loan model and get the best interest rates.”

A profile of Florian Schubiger, co-founder of HYPOTHEKE.ch

SPEAKER

Florian Schubiger

Founder of HYPOTHEKE.ch

Are online mortgage platforms better than banks?

A common mistake: Only banks are compared. However, mortgage platforms often offer access to more lenders, better comparability, and more competition. They also ensure efficient processes—documents need to be uploaded only once, and you can track the status of your application online at any time. Learn more here: Mortgage platforms

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Mistakes

Even small differences in interest rates can add up to large amounts. Comparing rates can often save you several thousand francs a year. Comparing rates is easy these days and usually takes only a few minutes or a few hours. like HYPOTHEKE.ch help with this and streamline the process.

At least 5 quotes. It’s also important to get quotes from various providers such as banks, investment foundations, and .

Even better: a digital that lets you compare multiple providers at once

Compare quotes right now

It really depends on the specific offer. There are some genuinely good offers that may look like bait-and-switch deals at first glance but actually come with excellent overall terms. But: Trust your gut. If something sounds too good to be true, there’s often a catch.

Examples

“Valid only today” 
unrealistically low interest rates (at first glance)
Non-transparent Mortgage loan models
One-time incentives upon signing
Discounts that everyone gets (even without negotiating)

What appears to be the best interest rate may actually end up costing you more. Fees can sometimes be “negotiated away,” but generally only before signing the contract. That’s why it’s important to know the fees up front. At HYPOTHEKE.ch, you can see any applicable fees clearly and transparently in the comparison. For many providers, however, we’ve already “negotiated away” the fees for you.

These fees may apply

Closing costs
Transfer costs
Other additional costs

If you want to negotiate better, you should know the market, get multiple offers, and always have alternatives—mortgage platforms can help with that. After all, competition is the best tool.

Watch this video: How to Negotiate a Great Mortgage

Typical statements

“This interest rate is valid only today”
“You must decide immediately”

This creates artificial pressure. Furthermore, interest rates are often advertised in this context that aren’t actually very good.

The advisor's goal

Because you have to make a decision right away, you can’t get all the information you need.

Tip

Don’t let yourself be pressured, and insist on transparent, clear offers. Some offers are only valid for one day, and it can be worth making a quick decision. But don’t let yourself be pressured.

Mistake #2
An unstructured approach to taking out a Mortgage

  • Not getting enough offers

    Many people obtain too few offers and compare only their primary bank and one or two other providers. Often, they compare only .

    That's not enough

    The mortgage market is large and opaque.

  • Launching without a clear strategy

    Anyone who launches without a clear strategy and doesn’t know which model, which , and which goals are important to them is unlikely to receive the best offers.

    Tip

    First, use the to define your needs—then get and compare quotes.

  • Consider only one scenario

    Many people assume that their personal situation will remain stable, that life will unfold exactly as expected, that mortgage rates will stay the same, and that the world won’t change.

    The reality is often different

    Your personal circumstances and external factors can change quickly.

    That’s why you should think in terms of scenarios—such as rising interest rates, changes in income, a possible sale of the property, or changes in your personal circumstances.

Save money and time

The Best Mortgage for You
Only with us is it this easy

  • Your regular bank rarely offers you the best interest rate

  • Comparing offers on your own is complicated and time-consuming

  • Thanks to our platform, anyone can easily find the best Mortgage

Find the Best Mortgage for You

The quote is free and non-binding

Mistake #3
Poor advice and weak negotiation

  • Underestimating Conflicts of Interest

    Not every is independent: Banks sell their own products and, depending on the situation, have an interest in short or long terms for mortgages, while often have different , often receive different .

    This situation can lead to recommendations that are disadvantageous to the customer.

    At HYPOTHEKE.ch, independence is a central element in the way we interact with customers. For example, we guarantee that we always earn exactly the same amount, regardless of which Mortgage lender you choose for your Mortgage. This is a first among mortgage brokers.

    Learn more here: Cashback

  • Prioritizing rapport over price

    A good rapport is important—but an interest rate difference of 0.3% or more can quickly cost tens of thousands of francs.

    are crucial in the long term, along with service quality. It’s also important to negotiate effectively—especially with banks. The bank advisor is usually not your friend; instead, they’re trying to get the best possible deal for their employer. They’re well-trained, and their bonus depends on how many Mortgages they close and under what terms. Learn more here: How to Negotiate a Mortgage Effectively

  • Compare only locally

    Many people stick to providers in their own region—the problem with this is that the providers know each other, which limits competition. Pension funds and insurance companies often operate nationwide, yet many people still overlook them.

    Better terms are often available outside your local area or online. To diversify their , certain providers deliberately seek out mortgages from other regions where they have granted few or no mortgages yet. Because they do not have their own sales network there, they are willing to offer mortgages with particularly favorable terms. What applies to banks in this regard applies even more so to pension funds and insurance companies.

Profile of Niklaus Gempp

Comparing options is essential when searching for the best Mortgage. If you don’t compare, you’ll pay too much. HYPOTHEKE.ch solves exactly this problem. With just a few clicks, you can see nearly the entire market.

Niklaus Gempp
Head of Partner Management